DONNA CUNNINGHAM
Coventry Township,OH
Summary
I am seeking a position that allows me to better serve our veterans and their families. A position that allows me to use my excellent communication, organizational, case management and/or nursing skills.
Professional with strong background in patient care and communication, prepared to excel in role. Skilled in navigating complex medical environments, addressing patient concerns, and fostering positive relationships. Focused on teamwork and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs, and reliable. Known for empathy, problem-solving, and effective collaboration.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Patient Liaison
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare Systems
- Mon- Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
- Duties: Liaison for Cares Tower Wards: CtA, Ct2, Ct3, Ct4, Ct 6 (if requested).
- Employee/Patient Experience Services
- Meet with patients on a daily basis
- Address issues patient's may have regarding their care and/or treatment while admitted to this facility and/or wards
- Fa
- Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare providers to ensure timely information exchange.
- Coordinated patient appointments and follow-up care, improving scheduling efficiency.
- Assisted in resolving patient inquiries and concerns, enhancing overall patient satisfaction.
- Educated patients on healthcare services available, promoting resource utilization.
- Developed informational materials to support patient understanding of treatment options.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes.
- Managed sensitive patient information with strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
- Conducted regular follow-up calls with discharged patients to monitor progress and provide additional support as needed.
- Evaluated feedback from both patients and staff members in order to identify areas requiring further attention or improvement efforts.
Detox/Ambulatory Detox Nurse
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC) Veterans Addiction Recovery Center (VARC)
12.2018 - 10.2025
- Mon – Friday 6:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Duties: Objective/Subjective Information
- 1) Prior to patient/veterans' arrival, I will review their chart and history.
- 2) Once they arrive VARC /Detox Clinic, I Obtain and document vital signs, CIWA, COWS and record in CPRS
- 3) I assess patient’s/Veteran’s current substance issues, noting and documenting; drugs of choice (alcohol, heroin, cocaine), last use/amount used, how drug used (smoked, injected, snorted, etc.) and assess, note and document any visual withdrawal symptoms, note any w/d currently experiencing, a history of overdose, previous hospitalization/treatment, length of abstinence, medication used while in treatment (methadone, suboxone, vivitrol, Subutex, sublocade, etc.) and the effectiveness of those medications.
- 4) Review documented medications prescribed by VA/Non-VA providers, making note of any new and/or over the counter medications not mentioned in medical records and/or pharmacy notes.
- 5) Obtain report from NP/Medical/Mental Health Providers/Team. Once assessed, I report my findings to Nurse Practitioner/Mental health provider/mental health team.
- 6) I will monitor patients for any additional signs of drugs and alcohol withdrawal symptoms that veteran/patient has previously experienced
- 7) Advocate for my patient, their families and/or caregivers;
- A) help patient/families/caregivers; better understand the process of detoxification, medication maintenance and health related issues to their addiction(s).
- B) Place consults and/or referrals to CRRC (homelessness), PCP (new or worsening medical/mental health issues).
- 8) Schedule follow-up appointments with providers (Primacy Care, Mental Health, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Prosthetic, etc.
- 9) Review previous/current drug screens with veteran and providers
- 10) Collaborate with patient/veterans case manager’s, social worker, volunteer services, other resources (as indicated) to ensure veteran received the best care possible.
Methadone Case Management/Nurse
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System-VARC
04.2012 - 12.2018
- Mon – Friday 5:15 am until 1:45 pm
- Case manager duties:
- 1) I met with my MAT (Methadone/Suboxone)patients from my caseload on a weekly, monthly, every three months or twice a year (based on time in the program) to review current MAT treatment.
- 2) Review current and/or past random urine drug screens with patient and without to verify program compliance.
- 3) The veteran and I would review patients’ medical compliance and/or changes, review random urine drug screens, review medications (MAT), evaluate cravings/urges, inquire and discuss any recent drug/alcohol use.
- 4) Schedule or review mental health follow up appointments and/or recommendations, review/encourage group attendance and check veteran participation/compliance with program protocols.
- 5) Address concerns/questions, review safety issues/concerns, housing issues/concerns.
- 6) Connect patients with available resources and meetings
- 7) Referral/consult (housing, clothing, food, employment, etc.) Monitor, schedule and/or reschedule all medical and mental health appointments.
Education
Licensed Practical Nurse -
Ohio Board of Nursing
Akron, OHLiberal Arts Degree -
Cuyahoga Community College
05.2012
Skills
- Data entry proficiency
- Appointment scheduling
- Assertiveness
- Healthcare
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Team collaboration
- HIPAA compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Patient education
- Electronic health records
- Phone and email etiquette
- Policy understanding
- Information collection
- Intake assessment
- Records maintenance
Section name
Licensed Practical Nurse (2000 Ohio Board of Nursing)
I have won 3 Hero Awards, and Employee of Month
For initiating documentation changes in CPRS. For outstanding patient care and organization.
Timeline
Detox/Ambulatory Detox Nurse
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (Louis Stokes Cleveland VAMC) Veterans Addiction Recovery Center (VARC)
12.2018 - 10.2025
Methadone Case Management/Nurse
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System-VARC
04.2012 - 12.2018
Patient Liaison
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare Systems
Licensed Practical Nurse -
Ohio Board of Nursing
Liberal Arts Degree -
Cuyahoga Community College