Denise Hammel

• Expanded the Palliative Care Program from inception to a current census of 425+ patients, demonstrating program growth
• Coordinated and oversaw all direct and indirect patient services provided by clinical personnel, ensuring high-quality care
• Planned, established, and implemented program elements including all policies and procedures, evaluating quality of care provided to patients
• Tracked and reported on identified quality metrics and performance improvement activities, driving continuous quality enhancement
• Developed and implemented opportunities for additional or improved services, increasing patient satisfaction and service reach
• Visited referring physician's groups and assisted in identifying patients who would benefit from palliative care services, increasing referrals
• Evaluated patients as necessary for admission to program, ensuring appropriate and timely care

• Assisted in opening a brand-new memory care facility, collaborating with interdisciplinary team and Department of Health to ensure excellence for all residents
• Implemented policies and procedures to ensure best practice for residents and staff, improving compliance and care quality
• Oversaw the care and wellbeing of 72 residents, managing quarterly care plans, move-ins, move-outs, and troubleshooting resident/family issues
• Supervised LPNs and HHAs by providing education, in-services, oversight, and monthly training, enhancing staff competency
• Conducted nursing assessments of potential residents, ensuring appropriate placement and care
• Collaborated with in-house physicians and interdisciplinary team to optimize resident outcomes
• Managed quarterly QA, staff scheduling, and on-call duties, maintaining operational efficiency
• Acted as floor nurse during nursing shortages, providing medications and wound care to residents to ensure continuity of care
• Managed facility in Executive Director's absence, maintaining leadership and operational

• Clinically assessed potential patient referrals in hospitals and private homes for short-term rehab and long-term placement using strong clinical nursing judgment, skills, and assessment, ensuring appropriate admissions
• Collaborated with physicians, case managers, physical therapists, and the admissions team to streamline patient transitions
• Enhanced continuity of patient care between the hospital and the nursing facility through excellent written and verbal communication skills
• In-serviced and educated staff in facility on Infection Control policies and procedures, improving compliance and safety
• Acted as floor nurse in facility when needed due to nursing shortage, maintaining patient care standards
• Covered the Admissions office for the Director of Admissions as needed, ensuring uninterrupted admissions processes

• Clinically managed caseload through routine home care visits, ensuring continuity and quality of patient care
• Collaborated closely with clinical team on behalf of residents' needs, improving care coordination
• Performed annual and six-month

recertifications as well as wound care and medication administration, maintaining compliance and patient health

• Oversaw Home Health Aides, providing education and training on patient care plans, as well as quarterly education to staff, enhancing care delivery