Diana V. Taft
New Braunfels,TX
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate multi-state Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced acute and ambulatory environments. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service to deliver holistic care and enhance improved outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical/Medical Telemetry Unit
Resolute Health Hospital
02.2023 - Current
- Managed patient care of 1:6 ratio from admission to discharge.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for a broad range of patients including psychiatric, post operative, heart failure, and many other conditions.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Ordered and analyzed diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient conditions.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Utilized CERNER EHR to document data related to patient care such as medications, interventions and patient responses.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Monitored hemodynamic variances to identify signs of life-threatening complications.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Oversaw delivery of care patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital
05.2022 - 02.2023
- Managed patient care of 1:5 ratio from admission to discharge.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for a broad range of patients including psychiatric, post operative, heart failure, and many other conditions.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Ordered and analyzed diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient conditions.
- Utilized EPIC EHR to document data related to patient care such as medications, interventions and patient responses.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Monitored hemodynamic variances to identify signs of life-threatening complications.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Oversaw delivery of care patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
Lead Registered Nurse COVID19 Vaccine Immunizer
Rite Aid
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Supported Rite Aid’s efforts in the pandemic by administering COVID19 vaccines and monitored patients for potential adverse reactions to such COVID19 vaccine.
- Traveled to stores and to clinics within th division to administer COVID19 vaccine.
- Reviewed, collected and filed patient information, replenished vaccine supplies, organized vaccination paperwork and reference materials, and performed any other duties required during vaccination administration.
- Assisted in organizing and facilitating workflow of COVID19 vaccine clinics.
- Performed duties in accordance with all applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
COVID-19 Registered Nurse
NRS Staffing - California Men's Colony
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Delivered outstanding care to inmates/patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Administered medication and treatment to inmates/patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented all inmate/patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Led successful 10-person team comprised of RNs, LPNs and CNAs to provide high quality care for up to 300 inmates/patients.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Documented all inmate/patient interactions and interventions in Cerner EMR, including physical and psychological assessments, care plans, treatment and observations.
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each inmate's/patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Educated inmates/patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Performed COVID-19 Screening & Testing (Swab/Specimen Collection).
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Audited CERNER EHR electronic healthcare records for accuracy.
Registered Nurse - Special Needs Coordinator
ERP International, LLC
02.2020 - 08.2020
- Served as contact point, advocate, and informational resource for patients, care team, active duty members, family/caregiver(s), payers, and community resources.
- Coordinated enrollment process and travel screening for all active duty family members; and travel screening upon request to families of DoD sponsored assignments going to another base.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Assessed patient’s unmet health and social needs.
- Developed care plans with patient, family/caregiver(s) and providers.
- Monitored adherence to care plans, evaluated effectiveness, monitored patient progress in a timely manner, and facilitated changes as needed.
- Created ongoing processes for patient and family/caregiver(s) to determine and request the level of care coordination support they desire at any given point in time.
- Facilitated patients access to appropriate medical and specialty providers.
- Educated patient and family/caregiver(s) about relevant community resources.
- Facilitated and attended meetings between patient, family/caregiver(s), care team, payers, and community resources, as needed.
- Cultivated and supported primary care and specialty provider co-management with timely communication, inquiry, follow-up, and integration of information into care plan regarding transitions-in-care and referrals.
- Assisted with identification of “high-risk” patients (chronically ill and those with special health care and education needs), and enrolled these to patient registry (EHR - Q-base) and EFMP program.
- Attended Care Coordinator training courses/webinars and meetings.
- Provided feedback for improvement of current Care Coordination Program.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Transitioned to telehealth during COVID-19. Established pathway for easy access of patient's EHR for medical providers to review.
- Established and documented proper procedures and policies regarding telehealth workflows and protocols.
- Ensured proper documentation of telehealth encounters incorporated with into patient's EHR .
- Monitored primary care needs for patients to coordinate access to appropriate providers.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
04.2017 - 02.2020
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care for patients
- Addressed disruptions in patient care including delays in discharge, postponed procedures, and discharge equipment unavailability
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals, and identifying insurance coverage limitations
- Changed out various tubes and catheters regularly to prevent infection or other problems
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, and health educations to provide optimal, comprehensive care to over 5 patients daily in high volume, acute care facility for adulthood patients
- Participated in education activities, including evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development, and nursing simulation activities
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans
- Documented all patient interactions and interventions in CERNER EHR
- Prepared and educated patients and family members on all medical procedures such as gynecological, orthopedic, and bariatric surgeries
- Tracked warehouse contents, maintained constant awareness of stock levels, and performed formal inventory review each shift
- Facilitated discharge phone calls to assist in closing gaps of healthcare, resolving problems, and improving patient satisfaction.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
Registered Nurse, Telemetry Unit
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
04.2016 - 04.2017
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings, and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
- Oversaw delivery of care for 4 patients in 46-bed, acute care, cardiac unit while supervising and delegating nursing assignments using team approach
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation, and competency development to further nursing education
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans; and documented all patient interactions and interventions in CERNER EHR
- Prepared and educated patients and family members on cardiac surgical procedures such as ablation, atherectomy, cardiac catheterization, and CABG surgeries
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and IV fluids, and oriented patients to unit to achieve optimal outcomes
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Treated patients with chronic and acute, health problems such as MI, stroke, arrhythmias, asthma, COPD and pneumonia
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Telemetry Unit
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
05.2015 - 04.2016
- Circulated assigned floor to measure and record patients' fluid and food levels, implementing measures to promote healthy intake and output as necessary
- Collaborated with RN on evaluation of care plan outcomes, implementing or adjusting interventions accordingly
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Continually improved knowledge, skill, and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs
- Coordinated with other internal departments and customers to keep operations running smoothly, and solve both routine and complex problems
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors, and conditions; and communicated concerns to supervising RN
- Managed various general office duties such as answering multiple telephone lines, and transferring calls to appropriate personnel
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Monitored cardiac rhythms for 46 patients in acute care facility, and notified RN for rhythm changes; printed and assessed cardiac strips every four hours
- Transported patients to and from different departments
Unit Clerk/EKG Monitor/Nursing Assistant
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
06.2011 - 05.2015
- Assisted with care of patients for activities of daily living
- Charted vital signs and added telemetry strips to charts
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted
- Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression
- Assisted in responding to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Monitored and communicated patient dietary plans to carry out physician orders and prevent errors
- Monitored premises, screened visitors, updated logs, and issued passes to maintain security
- Prepared and documented updates to patient information in medical charts while maintaining HIPAA compliance and protecting confidentiality of records
- Assisted in care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails and letters, to appropriate staff
- Reported changes in health condition of patient to nurse
- Supported 10-12 patients with timely and knowledgeable response to diverse requests
- Assisted with quality care to patients by updating RN of monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona 2019
Associate of Science - Nursing
Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CA2015
Skills
- Compassion
- Chronic disease management
- Culturally-sensitive
- High level of autonomy
- Holistic patient care
- Leadership
- Patient and family advocacy
- Preventative health
- Strong clinical judgment
- Team-building
Affiliations
- Member, American Nurses Association, 2019 to Current
- Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society - Nu Upsilon Chapter, 2019 to Current
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical/Medical Telemetry Unit
Resolute Health Hospital
02.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital
05.2022 - 02.2023
Lead Registered Nurse COVID19 Vaccine Immunizer
Rite Aid
04.2021 - 06.2021
COVID-19 Registered Nurse
NRS Staffing - California Men's Colony
08.2020 - 04.2021
Registered Nurse - Special Needs Coordinator
ERP International, LLC
02.2020 - 08.2020
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
04.2017 - 02.2020
Registered Nurse, Telemetry Unit
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
04.2016 - 04.2017
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Telemetry Unit
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
05.2015 - 04.2016
Unit Clerk/EKG Monitor/Nursing Assistant
Dignity Health - Marian Regional Medical Center
06.2011 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Allan Hancock College
License
Active California RN license: 95090286 - expires 3/31/2024
Active Texas RN license: 1038832 - expires 02/28/2023
License
Active California RN license: 95090286 - expires 3/31/2024
Active Texas RN license: 1038832 - expires 02/28/2023
AHA BLS: expires 04/13/2024
License
Active California RN license: 95090286 - expires 3/31/2024
Active Texas RN license: 1038832 - expires 02/28/2025
AHA BLS: expires 04/30/2024
AHA ACLS: expires 10/31/2024
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