Patient-oriented Nurse with 30 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff training and Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy administration. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with Hematology and Oncology specialty. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Oncology Infusion Registered Nurse
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
11.2015 - Current
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
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.
Educated patients and families about cancer treatments, side effects, and self-care strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions.
Managed complex medication regimens while monitoring for potential drug interactions or adverse reactions, mitigating risks associated with cancer treatments.
Enhanced patient safety with strict adherence to chemotherapy administration protocols and monitoring guidelines.
Developed trusting relationships with patients through active listening skills and empathetic communication style, fostering a supportive environment during challenging times in their lives.
Provided individualized patient education on chemotherapy medications, infusion procedures, and side-effect management strategies to promote self-advocacy and coping skills.
Reduced patient anxiety through clear communication and therapeutic relationship-building techniques.
Provided compassionate care for patients undergoing cancer treatment, addressing their emotional and physical needs.
Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify early signs of treatment-related complications or disease progression for prompt intervention by healthcare providers.
Acted as a liaison between patients and their support networks by providing timely updates on treatment progress and addressing concerns or questions that arose during the treatment journey.
Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating continuity of care among healthcare providers.
Streamlined the infusion process by effectively coordinating schedules with pharmacy and laboratory staff.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest advancements in oncology nursing practice.
Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
Research Nurse
Iredell Memorial Hospital
09.2013 - 10.2015
Expedited study timelines by efficiently coordinating participant scheduling, follow-up appointments, and data entry tasks.
Reduced protocol deviations by providing thorough training on study procedures to both staff members and participants alike.
Optimized patient recruitment efforts through targeted outreach strategies and clear communication of study objectives.
Ensured patient safety and adherence to ethical standards by carefully monitoring study procedures and reporting any deviations.
Streamlined data collection processes by implementing electronic health record systems, resulting in more accurate and efficient data analysis.
Maintained extensive documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and adverse reactions to ensure complete records for future reference and regulatory compliance.
Established strong working relationships with patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate seamless coordination of care throughout the research process.
Enhanced clinical trial efficiency through meticulous data collection and analysis, ensuring accurate results.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Clinical Educator Registered Nurse
Iredell Memorial Hospital
09.2011 - 09.2013
Championed a positive work environment by fostering open dialogue between educators, clinicians, involved in the delivery of patient care.
Evaluated clinical competencies of staff members, identifying areas for improvement and providing targeted training solutions.
Implemented innovative teaching techniques, such as simulation-based learning, to improve overall understanding of complex medical concepts.
Developed customized training materials tailored to the specific needs of individual new Nursing Staff members.
Optimized patient care quality by teaching policies, procedures, and protocols based on current best practices in clinical education.
Collaborated with management to assess learning needs and develop customized training plans for new Nursing Staff.
Improved patient outcomes by delivering comprehensive clinical education and training to new healthcare providers.
Enhanced staff proficiency in clinical procedures through hands-on demonstrations and interactive workshops.
Served as a clinical mentor, offering guidance and support to new hires during their onboarding process.
Provided nursing skill demonstrations for medication administration, dressing changes and clinical logs.
Delivered individualized instruction on observation, assessment, decision-making and patient health teaching.
Provided immediate and constructive feedback to new Nursing staff individually and as group.
Oncology Staff Nurse
Iredell Memorial Hospital
08.1998 - 10.2015
Reduced medication errors by developing and maintaining vigilant protocols for chemotherapy administration.
Educated patients on self-care management techniques, promoting adherence to prescribed therapies and reducing complications.
Conducted thorough assessments of each patient''s health status, identifying potential issues and advocating for appropriate interventions when necessary.
Provided emotional support to patients and their families, assisting them in navigating through the challenging journey of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Mentored new oncology nurses, sharing best practices and providing guidance as they navigated complex clinical situations.
Collaborated with physicians to optimize symptom management strategies for patients experiencing side effects from cancer treatments.
Established rapport with patients, fostering trust during difficult times and promoting a positive environment for healing.
Coordinated discharge planning process for oncology patients transitioning out of acute care settings, facilitating continuity of care at home or hospice facilities.
Assisted with bone marrow procedures, ensuring proper technique and minimizing risk of infection or complications.
Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable guidance and mentorship.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on advancements in oncology nursing practice.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Oncology Nurse
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
10.1995 - 08.1998
Administered chemotherapy and other cancer treatments, ensuring accurate dosing and proper patient education.
Administered chemotherapy, pain medications and other medicines based on physician orders and patient requirements.
Coordinated complex care plans, working closely with case managers, social workers, and financial counselors to optimize patient outcomes.
Collaborated with oncologists to develop targeted treatment plans for patients with various cancer types and stages.
Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based oncology nursing practices.
Participated in continuous learning opportunities to stay current on advancements in oncology treatments and nursing techniques.
Educated patients on such topics as nutrition, medication side effects, and proper skin treatments after radiation.
Established rapport with diverse patient populations by demonstrating empathy and understanding during difficult periods of illness or treatment.
Provided emotional support for patients and families coping with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
Maintained detailed documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes using electronic health record systems.
Counseled patients and provided listening ear and emotional support.
Assessed patients during course of treatment to identify concerning reactions.
Promoted patient safety by adhering to strict infection control protocols throughout all aspects of cancer treatment administration.
Registered Nurse
Rowan Regional Medical Center
06.1993 - 09.1995
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
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.
Managed care from admission to discharge.
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC
05.2016
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mitchell Community College
Statesville, NC
06.1993
High School Diploma -
Statesville High School
Statesville, NC
06.1990
Skills
Emotional Support
Collaboration with physicians
Oncology nursing care
Immunotherapy Administration
Biotherapy administration
Side effect monitoring
Compassionate Care
Central Line Care
Clinical Documentation
IV Insertion
Adaptability to Change
End of life care
Port-a-cath care
Venipuncture Expertise
Critical Thinking
Medication and IV administration
EMR / EHR
Community Program Referrals
Attention to Detail
Compassionate and Caring
Direct Patient Care
Patient and family advocacy
Patient Care Assessment
Certified in CPR/AED
Monitoring Vital Signs
Blood Draw and Sample Collection
Clear Patient Communication
Intravenous therapy
Medication Administration
Patient Condition Monitoring
Training staff
Certification
Oncology Certified Nurse - 1998 to 2009 and 2017 to present
Lead Stroke Coordinator at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health- Lexington Medical CenterLead Stroke Coordinator at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health- Lexington Medical Center
Registered Medical Assistant/Endocrinology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist HealthRegistered Medical Assistant/Endocrinology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Health
Insurance Verification Specialist/Patient Service Representative at SCA Health/Atrium Health- Wake Forest BaptistInsurance Verification Specialist/Patient Service Representative at SCA Health/Atrium Health- Wake Forest Baptist