Dorothy (Dee) Beckwith
Hanover,PA
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at University of Maryland Medical Systems, excelling in emergency triage and compassionate care. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through strong clinical judgment and effective care coordination. Adept at EKG interpretation and advocating for patients and families during critical situations, ensuring high-quality, ethical nursing practices. 2025 Daisy Foundation Award winner
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
University of Maryland Medical Systems
10.2021 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the emergency department, contributing ideas for process enhancements based on clinical experiences and patient feedback.
- Delivered culturally competent care to diverse populations, adapting communication styles as needed for optimal understanding between parties involved.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
Nursing Supervisor
St. Anne's Retirement Community
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Promoted interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering strong relationships with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Mentored new nursing staff members to promote adherence to established best practices and foster professional growth.
- Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
- Delegated tasks and provided leadership for 10-12 nurses and support personnel.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients when personnel was short-staffed.
- Managed staffing needs efficiently by creating flexible schedules that maximized coverage during peak times without exceeding budget constraints.
- Organized department in accordance with administrative guidelines in order to provide specified nursing services to meet legal, organizational and medical staff guidelines.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff by enforcing infection control measures and risk management strategies consistently across the unit.
- Maximized staff and patient protections by enforcing optimal disease prevention protocols.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations during Covid pandemic.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital
04.2018 - 10.2020
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients presenting with diverse medical conditions in the Emergency Department.
- Reduced patient wait times by efficiently triaging patients based on acuity levels and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Acted as a resource for colleagues by sharing clinical expertise, participating in educational opportunities, and serving as a preceptor for new nurses joining the Emergency Department team.
- Upheld professional nursing standards and ethical principles when advocating for patients'' rights, respecting their autonomy, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment for both patients and staff members by adhering to infection control protocols, maintaining equipment, and following safety guidelines.
- Administered emergency medications to stabilize patients, improving chances for recovery.
- Provided valuable support to families during critical situations by offering emotional support, answering questions, and assisting with decision-making processes related to their loved one''s care during Covid pandemic
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Lancaster Regional Medical Center
02.2000 - 03.2018
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Contributed to the creation of a positive work culture within the Emergency Department by actively participating in team-building activities, offering constructive feedback, celebrating successes, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues.
- Prevented potential medication errors by diligently verifying orders, double-checking dosages, and administering medications according to established protocols.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care by effectively communicating pertinent information during hand-offs and discharge planning.
- Provided valuable support to families during critical situations by offering emotional support, answering questions, and assisting with decision-making processes related to their loved one''s care.
- Contributed to improved departmental performance metrics through prompt documentation of assessments, interventions, and patient responses in electronic medical records.
- Reduced patient wait times with efficient triage processes.
- Coordinated with healthcare teams to ensure seamless patient transitions from emergency care to specialized departments.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing empathetic care and clear communication during treatment.
- Assisted in training and mentoring of new nursing staff, ensuring high standards of care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement patient care strategies.
- Reduced stress and anxiety for patients and families by offering compassionate care and support.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Education
Nursing
Harrisburg Area Community College
Lancaster, PASkills
- EKG interpretation
- Patient assessments
- Medication administration
- Compassionate care
- Ethical practice
- Emergency triage
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
- Trauma nursing core course (TNCC)
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Care coordination
Accomplishments
Received Daisy award for providing sensitive, compassionate family focused care.
Certification
- BLS
- ACLS
- PALS
- TNCC
- MARYLAND BASE STATION
Timeline
Registered Nurse
University of Maryland Medical Systems
10.2021 - Current
Nursing Supervisor
St. Anne's Retirement Community
12.2020 - 10.2021
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital
04.2018 - 10.2020
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Lancaster Regional Medical Center
02.2000 - 03.2018
Nursing
Harrisburg Area Community College
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