Elena Flanagan
Helena,MT
Summary
Experienced Surgical Quality Nurse with a strong background in infection surveillance, chart review, and quality assessment. Skilled in patient education, team collaboration, and disease prevention, with a focus on improving compliance, reducing risk, and strengthening surgical outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Quality Nurse and Infection Prevention Nu
VHA Montana
Helena, Montana
02.2013 - Current
- Reviews surgical outcomes to identify trends and guide quality improvement actions.
- Performs routine infection control audits to verify compliance with established protocols.
- Assesses infection prevention practices and recommends improvements to strengthen patient safety.
- Supports hand hygiene program for MT VA through monthly observation tracking, observer education, feedback delivery, and manager coordination to improve policy compliance.
- Keeps National Surgery Office informed on site status and works with Chief of Surgery on issues found during chart review.
RN, Medical-Surgical Floor
VHA MT
Fort Harrison, MT
02.2013 - 07.2022
- Provided compassionate bedside care for Veterans on VHA MT medical-surgical floor, enhancing patient comfort and recovery.
- Administered medications and monitored responses under provider orders.
- Assessed patient conditions and documented findings in medical records.
- Facilitated seamless coordination of care with physicians, therapists, and support staff to ensure comprehensive patient treatment.
- Educated patients and families on recovery, safety, and discharge instructions.
- Implemented infection control practices and maintained clean patient environments.
- Prioritized assignments and responded to changes in patient status.
- Educated patients on disease prevention, treatment options, and health maintenance strategies.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare team members to develop individualized care plans for each patient.
- Utilized evidence based practice guidelines when making decisions regarding patient care.
- Exhibited professionalism and leadership to peers by participating in professional activities and continuing education.
- Instituted new processes and standards for in-patient care, contributing to achievement of departmental goals and improved patient outcomes.
Student Nurse Preceptor
Carroll College
Helena, Montana
01.2016 - 05.2022
- Precepted Carroll College nursing students during clinical rotations, facilitating hands-on learning and skill development.
- Coached student nurses on assessment, documentation, and medication administration, enhancing their clinical competencies.
- Conducted formal evaluations of student nurses' clinical performance and patient care skills, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Upheld patient safety standards by supervising students during medication administration.
- Modeled safe patient care following Carroll College nursing program standards.
- Participated in interprofessional team meetings with physicians, pharmacists, therapists to discuss patient cases with students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
Carroll College
Helena, MT05-2010
Skills
- Infection control
- Infection surveillance
- Surgical quality assessment
- Hand hygiene auditing
- Patient safety reporting
- Nursing plan development
- IV therapy management
- Patient care and education
- Patient education
- Disease prevention
- Team collaboration
- Nursing licensure
Timeline
Student Nurse Preceptor
Carroll College
01.2016 - 05.2022
Surgical Quality Nurse and Infection Prevention Nu
VHA Montana
02.2013 - Current
RN, Medical-Surgical Floor
VHA MT
02.2013 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
Carroll College