Debra D. Simms, APRN, MSN
Dauphin Island,AL
Summary
Hardworking new graduate Nurse Practitioner with 17+ years of experience as an RN. Educated and trained to conduct physical examinations, order and interpret lab test and prescribe treatments or medications to address diverse conditions. Passionate about patient education and promoting sustainable wellness habits to mitigate pain and illness. In-depth knowledge of Cerner and Epic.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Charge Nurse
Mobile Infirmary Hospital
08.2016 - Current
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
- Worked with patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes or sepsis to asses needs and determine best options for care.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
RN, Critical
Care PRN, Ascension-Providence Hospital
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
Assistant Director of Nursing
Gordon Oaks
03.2015 - 01.2016
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
Case manager
Mercy Medical Home Care
03.2009 - 02.2015
- Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems using McKesson.
- Provided evidence-based therapeutic interventions and crisis management to clients to lessen negative on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
RN, Critical Care
RN, USA Children, s Hospital
11.2006 - 03.2009
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action..
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
RN, Infirmary West Hospital
05.2006 - 11.2006
- Performed assessments and treatments for patients of all ages
- Obtained and documented patient history and physicals and reported to attending MD
- Obtained labs and obtained orders per results for treatment
- Performed wound care, started and maintained iv sites, administration of medications including PO meds and IV meds
- Assisted physicians in procedures
- Worked with multiple disciplines in care of patients with multiple diagnosis
Education
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner Program - Family Nurse Practitioner
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL12.2023
University of South Alabama College of Nursing
2009
Skills
- Patient Care Planning
- Patient Care Assignment
- Staff Supervision
- Care Quality Evaluation
Accomplishments
- BLS/ACLS for healthcare providers
- Oasis C Certified
- IV Certified
- Volunteer for Homeless Shelters
- Organized and assisted with providing food, cleaning, and care for the underprivileged within home care environments.
Certification
Alabama Registered Nurse – Active ACLS
MSCRN
Timeline
RN, Critical
Care PRN, Ascension-Providence Hospital
11.2021 - 08.2022
Charge Nurse
Mobile Infirmary Hospital
08.2016 - Current
Assistant Director of Nursing
Gordon Oaks
03.2015 - 01.2016
Case manager
Mercy Medical Home Care
03.2009 - 02.2015
RN, Critical Care
RN, USA Children, s Hospital
11.2006 - 03.2009
RN, Infirmary West Hospital
05.2006 - 11.2006
MSN, Family Nurse Practitioner Program - Family Nurse Practitioner
University of West Florida
University of South Alabama College of Nursing