Highly trained Psychiatric Staff Nurse offering well-developed interpersonal, acute care treatment and relationship-building skills. Promoting pleasant personality and skills helping patients stay calm and communicative. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EMERGENCY PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Cheshire Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
Assisting clinical management with development of protocols for consistent safe practices for psychiatric patients boarding in the Emergency Room.
Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
Deescalated agitated patients using verbal interventions before resorting to physical or chemical restraints when necessary.
Documented clinical observations in electronic medical records, ensuring accuracy while maintaining confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
Advocated for patients'' rights and best interests during treatment team meetings, collaborating effectively with medical professionals from diverse disciplines.
Conducted suicide risk assessments for at-risk individuals promptly addressing any concerns identified throughout the evaluation process.
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Windham Center
10.2023 - Current
Per diem position providing inpatient psychiatric care to adult population
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for effective treatment planning and optimal patient outcomes.
Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
CORRECTIONAL NURSE
Southern State Correctional Facility
03.2023 - 12.2023
Provided medical care for incarcerated individual
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
Safeguarded medication administration process by adhering to stringent security procedures and regulations specific to correctional facilities.
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
Complied with all security regulations within prison system and administered care in safest possible environment.
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
ADMISSIONS BED PLACEMENT NURSE
Brattleboro Retreat
03.2020 - 01.2023
Nursing role responsible for reviewing psychiatric and medical referrals to determine level of acuity, medical appropriateness, and level of care for admission to psychiatric facility
Participated in the admission process by performing nurse to nurse report, skin assessments upon arrival, performing detox protocol assessment, and placing medical/psychiatric orders for patient
Provided team support by engaging in the roles of 'House Supervisor', 'Employee Health', and 'Infection Control' when needed
Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.
Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
EMERGENCY PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Ben Taub
09.2019 - 03.2020
Provided both emergency medical and emergency psychiatric care in the emergency department setting of a community-based hospital
Deescalated agitated patients using verbal interventions before resorting to physical restraints or seclusion when necessary.
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Enhanced therapeutic communication skills through active listening and empathetic responses, fostering trust and rapport with patients.
Performed thorough physical assessments on each patient upon arrival to the emergency department, identifying urgent medical concerns and initiating appropriate interventions.
ACUTE CARE PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Yale New Haven Psychiatric Hospital
03.2019 - 06.2019
Psychiatric care provided in an adult mood disorder unit in an acute care hospital setting
Cared for patients receiving ECT treatments and Ketamine treatments
Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
Administered psychotropic medications as prescribed, monitoring side effects and adjusting dosages as needed under physician guidance.
Reduced incidents of self-harm by providing appropriate supervision and timely intervention during crisis situations.
Developed successful discharge plans to help continuity of care upon patient release.
Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
DUAL DIAGNOSIS PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Appalachian Regional Health Care
09.2018 - 01.2019
Provided psychiatric care for adult patients in an acute hospital setting with both traditional psychiatric diagnoses as well as dual diagnoses
Enhanced patient recovery by implementing evidence-based therapy techniques and individualized treatment plans.
Evaluated patient progress through regular assessments, adjusting treatment approaches as needed for optimal outcomes.
Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
EMERGENCY PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATION NURSE
Mercy Hospital
04.2018 - 07.2018
Conducting behavioral health assessments, collaborating with on-call psychiatrists, and facilitating transition of patients to inpatient psychiatric facilities
Provided timely assistance to individuals in crisis, utilizing active listening skills and empathy to establish rapport quickly.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Delivered psychiatric care for children and adolescent populations in a residential treatment facility that specialized in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Maintained caring, supportive and safe environment for patients through careful monitoring and continuous oversight.
Reduced medication errors through diligent administration of medications and accurate documentation.
Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Oregon State Hospital
08.2017 - 12.2017
Provided care for psychiatric forensic patients in the state hospital system. Patients ranged from civilly committed, those awaiting psychiatric clearance for trial, and patients who are guilty except for insanity
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients in easy-to-understand terms.
MEDICAL SURGICAL PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center
04.2017 - 08.2017
Provided psychiatric care for adult and geriatric populations with complex medical comorbidities
Provided emotional support for patients facing serious diagnoses, fostering trusting relationships with both patients and their families.
Performed nursing assessments and developed patient-specific treatment plans to deliver comprehensive care.
ASSISTANT DIRECTIOR OF NURSING/ PRECEPTOR / ADOLESCENT UNIT CHARGE NURSE
Palms Behavioral Health
07.2016 - 04.2017
Assisted in the start-up of new psychiatric hospital by providing support with compliance and CMS readiness
Administered psychiatric care of the adolescent unit utilizing the 'Why Try' approach
Provided mentorship to novice psychiatric nurses fostering professional growth and development.
Organized and led skill-building workshops, focusing on topics like medication administration, wound care, and patient assessment techniques.
Contributed to the accreditation process by maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations for nursing standards.
HOUSE SUPERVISOR / PRECEPTOR / RISK MANAGEMENT / RAPID RESPONSE TEAM MEMBER / CHILDREN'S UNIT CHARGE NURSE / CHAIRMAN FOR SHARED GOVERNANCE
Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance Behavioral Health
06.2009 - 06.2016
Provided care for children with psychiatric and behavioral health disorders utilizing Team Nursing techniques
Reviewed documentation practices related to ordering of medications and treatment modalities, provided an action plan, and disseminated/educated psychiatric staff of importance of certain documentation practice
Assisted hospital in its journey towards Magnet status by being chairman for Psychiatric hospital department as well as sat on several committees
Provided emergency response during shifts and when on-call.
Monitored patient acuity levels closely, adjusting staffing assignments as needed for optimal care delivery.
Fostered an inclusive work environment that valued diversity among staff members and encouraged collaboration across disciplines.
Contributed to a positive work culture by serving as a mentor for new nurses and participating in shared governance initiatives within the organization.
Utilized advanced clinical skills in monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and initiating life-saving interventions when necessary.
Education
Master of Science - Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
01-2026
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX
12-2009
Skills
Charge Nurse / House Supervisor Duties: Organize staff assignments, preceptor for new employees and nursing students, collaboration with upper management, report preparation, work with staffing matrix to ensure safe patient to staff ratios
Risk Management: audit documentation, formulate action plans for dissemination of education for process improvement, governing body standards, and financial reimbursements
Electronic Medical Records Systems and Medication Administration Systems: Avatar, Epic, Cerner (super user), Meditech, CorrecTeK, CPSI, Omnicell, Pyxis
Safety Strategies Knowledge and Implementation: Handle with Care, Safe Together, Non-violent Crises Prevention Intervention, Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB)
Therapeutic communication skills: Motivational Interviewing Skills, Usage of Person First Language
Excellent documentation skills: SOAP, BIRP, CHAT and BIOP formats
Employee Health / Infection Control: Vaccinated employees with current flu/COVID vaccinations, performed N95 Fit-testing, broad spectrum COVID testing throughout hospital
Emergency Care: Licensed Paramedic in TX (lapsed), provided advanced life care to the community, educated in ACLS and PALS
Professional Involvement: Member of American Nursing Association and Psychiatric Nursing Association
Certification
VT RN License (Compact) #026.0141779
BLS Provider, American Heart Association
ACLS, PALS, RQI American Heart Association
Certificate in Management of Aggressive Behavior (MOAB)
Certificate in Crisis Intervention Prevention (CPI)
American Psychiatric Nurse Association – Recovery to Practice Facilitator