Donna Richards
Cape Coral,FL
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with 49 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Dedicated in providing high quality patient care. Offering expertise with Pediatric and Pediatric Oncology specialty. Skilled in performing accurate assessments, multitasking, and prioritizing patient needs. Collaborates well with doctors to maintain high quality healthcare practices. Have had numerous secondary jobs which have included Pediatric and Adult Home Health, Medical Personnel Pool, Lee Convalescent Center, Calusa Harbour Health and Rehabilitation, Shady Rest Nursing Home, Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation, St Joseph's Hospital (Adult Neurology) in Minot North Dakota, Pediatrics in Weirton West Virginia, and Cypress Cove Nursing Home.
Overview
48
48
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Lee Health System
Fort Myers, Florida
02.1977 - 01.2023
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values and beliefs.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Modified patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Lee Health
Fort Myers, Florida
08.1974 - 05.1992
- Performed physical assessments, including vital signs and health history documentation.
- Provided patient care in accordance with physicians' orders and nursing standards of practice.
- Assisted patients with personal hygiene activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, grooming, and toileting needs.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Observed changes in patient's condition and reported any significant changes to the registered nurse or physician.
- Monitored vital signs, fluid intake and output levels, glucose levels, and other medical tests results.
- Ensured that all clinical documentation is accurate and up-to-date in the electronic medical record system.
- Maintained a safe environment by following infection control policies and procedures.
- Provided emotional support to patients dealing with illness or injury related issues.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings for coordination of patient care plans.
- Instructed patients on proper use of equipment such as wheelchairs or walkers.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop individualized care plans for each patient.
- Facilitated referrals for specialty services when necessary.
- Coordinated scheduling of follow-up appointments with primary care providers.
- Adhered to facility policies and procedures while providing quality nursing care.
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Coordinated with doctors and registered nurses to develop care plans for patients.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Interviewed patients to obtain medical history.
- Administered prescribed medications or started intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patient charts.
- Used sterile techniques to prepare patients for procedures.
- Prevented drug interactions and contributed to correct diagnosis by recording patient health information, monitoring vitals and updating patient files.
- Collected biological specimens and packaged for laboratory transport to complete diagnostic tests.
- Charted changes in patient conditions and discussed concerns with supervising healthcare provider.
- Worked as part of healthcare team to assess patient needs, plan and modify care and implement interventions.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Education
Associate of Arts - Nursing
Edison Community College
Fort Myers, FL06-1992
Nursing
Licensed Practical
Fort Myers, FL08-1973
Skills
- Wound Care
- Data Collection
- Chart updating
- Critical Care
- Emergency Response
- Appointment Scheduling
- Care Planning
- Mobility Assistance
- ADL Assistance
- Nursing staff leadership
- Supply Restocking
- Culturally-sensitive care
- Chronic Disease Management
- Electronic Health Records Management
- Diabetes management
- Medical assessment
- IV drug therapy management
- Medication and IV administration
- Medical Screening
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Nursing Plan Development
- Documenting vitals
- Medical Laboratory Procedures
- Immunization skills
- Collecting vitals
- Patient reaction monitoring
- SBAR communication
- Family and patient support
- Hospice Care
- Palliative and Pain Management
- Tracheostomy Care
- Seizure Management
- Compassion and Empathy
- Physical assessments
- Feeding Assistance
- Procedure preparations
- Patient discharging
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Medical evaluation
- Emergency Care
- Family Education
- Infant CPR certified
- Body mechanics knowledge
- Neonatal nursing
- Treatment Planning
- Indirect Patient Care
- Pediatric nursing
- Home visits
- Direct Patient Care
- Gastrostomy tube care
- Inpatient and outpatient care
CERTIFICATIONS
Chemotherapy/Biotherapy, APHON, BLS, and PALS
LICENSE
Registered Nurse, State of Florida, RN2621122
REFERENCE
- Laura Ortiz, Director, RN, Golisano Children's Hospital, Peds Oncology 239-343-6011 Alexis Pryor, Supervisor, RN Golisano Children's Hospital, Peds Oncology239-297-0289 Heather Blain, RN 239-470-2307 Ana Regan, RN 239-848-8479
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Lee Health System
02.1977 - 01.2023
Licensed Practical Nurse
Lee Health
08.1974 - 05.1992
Associate of Arts - Nursing
Edison Community College
Nursing
Licensed Practical