Ellen Kirschbaum
Columbia Falls,MT
Summary
Results-driven healthcare professional specializing in chronic care management and diagnostic testing. Enhanced patient outcomes through innovative solutions and teamwork. Expertise in patient education and medication management, delivering high-quality care. Led diverse teams to drive performance improvements and increase patient satisfaction.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
FNP
Mountain View Care and Rehabilitation
04.2025 - Current
- Coordinated enrollment of Medicaid-eligible residents for benefits related to pressure wound care, bariatric management, and behavioral issues, which provided access to essential healthcare services.
- Ensured timely completion of routine responsibilities to maintain workflow efficiency.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
FNP
Logan Health Neurology Clinic
07.2023 - 03.2025
- FNP in the neurology clinic working with a variety of neurological disorders. The focus was mainly on post-stroke patients and patients with cognitive issues. Also saw other neurological disorders, including headaches, movement disorders, and neuromuscular issues. Created and completed all patient histories, performed review of symptoms, confirmed patient medications and allergies, and ordered diagnostics such as MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, and CT angiography. Prescribed medications appropriate for each patient’s particular needs and diagnoses. Interpreted labs and other testing results. Worked in a collaborative setting with other clinical physicians, neurologists, and advanced practice providers. Emphasized education for ongoing stroke prevention and created easy-to-understand patient information sheets. Referred patients to other specialists when indicated. Consistently read the most recent literature on neurological disorders.
- Maintained operational efficiency through consistent execution of daily responsibilities.
- Proposed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance.
- Worked closely with a varied team to meet objectives and address product-related challenges.
RN
Logan Health Breast Center
08.2022 - 07.2023
- RN in a surgical specialty clinic working directly with patients and their families who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Provide education for pre-surgical and post-surgical planning and ongoing care. Reviewed patient medications, allergies, PMH, and PSH. Performed phlebotomy for genetic testing and prepared exam rooms for the surgeon to see patients. Set up biopsy procedures, cleaned all exam and procedure rooms per the guidelines of the Logan Health Organization. Scheduled appointments and organized paperwork for the surgeon before seeing patients. Placed orders for surgeries, labs, and other diagnostics. Ordered supplies as needed. Provided post-surgical information to patients in the PACU. Obtained pre-authorization from various insurance companies before a patient’s surgery. Tracked pathology and lab results for the surgeon.
- Provided patient education on breast health and self-examinations.
- Assisted with mammography procedures and coordinated timely follow-up care for patients.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions to ensure timely interventions.
APRN
Logan Health Medical Center: Pre-Anesthesia Clinic
11.2020 - 08.2022
- APRN in new ambulatory Pre-Anesthesia Clinic serving surgical patients planning for procedures. Provide medical optimization for patients anticipating surgery, whether elective or emergent. Review the patient’s PMH, medications, previous anesthesia experiences, and discuss with patients and family members how anesthesia will be utilized. Also, provide complete physical examinations for patients before their surgery. Identify any new, unaddressed medical issues. Order labs, other diagnostic studies deemed necessary before a patient undergoes surgery. Work with all Logan Health Clinic staff and surgeons to coordinate pre/peri/post-operative care for patients. Refer patients to appropriate specialty clinics such as cardiology, pulmonology, or endocrinology, if determined to have a need for further evaluation before surgery. Develop care plans for those who do not have support at home, work closely with case management in the hospital to ensure patients will have their care needs met at home or will best be served with SNF placement (temporary or long-term).
- Performed comprehensive pre-anesthesia assessments for diverse patient populations, ensuring tailored care.
- Partnered with anesthesiologists to create and implement individualized anesthesia plans, enhancing patient safety and comfort.
- Informed patients about anesthesia procedures and associated risks, promoting understanding and informed consent.
FNP/RN
Glacier Medical Associates
03.2019 - 11.2020
- FNP/RN working in a busy urgent care setting open 7 days a week. Patients presenting with a broad range of medical issues (often emergent), including myocardial infarctions, strokes/TIAs, orthopedic injuries, cuts/burns/muscular injuries, acute pulmonary problems (COPD, acute on chronic respiratory failure, asthma, pneumonia, colds, croup, etc.), dermatological conditions such as abscesses, rashes, and medication-induced reactions. Responsible for triage of patients, taking vital signs, assessing patients who may require transport to hospital ER, setting up exam/procedure rooms for providers, assisting providers during medical procedures, cleaning/stocking all exam/procedure rooms, administering immunizations/injections as ordered by the providers, renewing patient prescriptions, and providing education to patients/families regarding the medical issue(s) currently affecting them.
- Delivered direct patient care across diverse medical settings, ensuring quality treatment and patient satisfaction.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure safety and effectiveness, facilitating timely interventions.
- Coordinated with healthcare teams to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans, enhancing continuity of care.
FNP
Coordicare
06.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided health care to residents in skilled and assisted living facilities. Managed primary care, including ordering diagnostic tests, medications, and plans of care. Oversaw wound care and managed chronic conditions such as cardiovascular issues, COPD, diabetes, stroke, seizures, physical debility, and dermatological problems.
- Executed daily operational tasks with precision to ensure seamless healthcare delivery.
- Developed and implemented innovative solutions that improved team collaboration and patient care outcomes.
- Collaborated with diverse coworkers to achieve shared objectives and resolve product and service-related challenges.
ARNP
Spokane Regional Health District: Opioid Treatment Program
04.2017 - 05.2018
- Provided managed opioid treatment for over 900 patients with chemical dependency. Initiated therapies and assessed new patients to determine eligibility for MMT for opioid addiction. Ordered and interpreted specific labs and diagnostics, including EKGs.
- Performed daily operational tasks to ensure smooth workflow.
- Developed and shared creative strategies to improve team effectiveness.
- Collaborated with a diverse team to achieve objectives and resolve product-related challenges.
Neuro-hospitalist
Providence Medical Group
03.2015 - 04.2017
- Cared for patients with acute neurological issues in ICU, formulating diagnoses, ordering tests and radiological procedures, and reviewing MRI and CT scans to inform treatment plans.
- Managed critical care situations and implemented appropriate interventions promptly.
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and developed individualized treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and outcomes.
ARNP
Providence Medical Group
08.2014 - 03.2015
- ARNP in SNF responsible for all care provided to patients transitioning from hospital to TCU. Also provide primary care for LTC residents; an independent decision-maker regarding effective patient care in those with high levels of acuity.
- Executed daily responsibilities with precision, ensuring optimal patient care and smooth transitions.
- Developed innovative strategies that improved team collaboration and enhanced patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with diverse coworkers to achieve goals and resolve issues related to patient care.
ARNP
Optum Care Delivery & Management
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Oversaw caseload of SNF residents as primary care provider for high acuity patients, ensuring comprehensive care management.
- Fulfilled everyday responsibilities to ensure smooth operations.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Clinical R.N.
Inland Neurosurgery & Spine
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by attending physicians.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Performed new patient physicals and assessments for five neurosurgeons, facilitating accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Education
Post master’s Certification -
American Association of Advanced Nurse Practitioners
02.2013
Master of Science Degree - Nursing
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA12.2012
Bachelor of Science Degree - Nursing
Gonzaga University/Intercollegiate College of Nursing
Spokane, WA05.2007
Master of Teaching -
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA01.2007
Certificate of Completion - Counseling and Prevention
Eastern Washington University
Spokane, WA01.2005
Bachelor of Arts Degree - English & Communications
Eastern Washington University
Spokane, WA01.1995
Skills
- Chronic care management
- Diagnostic testing
- Neurological evaluation
- Medication management
- Patient education
- Adaptability to change
- Effective communication
- Organizational skills
References
- Katelynn Marsden, M.D., Logan Health Medical Center, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, (206) 518-4098
- Robin Bradley, Logan Health Neurology Clinic, 200 Commons Way Suite C, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, (760) 717-3614
- Frances Papenleur, 3421 W. Northwest Blvd. Apt. C, Spokane, Washington, 99205, (509) 599-6179, papenleurf@yahoo.com
- Maren Erpelding, ACNP, Logan Health Medical Center, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, Montana, 59901, (218) 556-8422
- Kari Donahue, LPN, Providence Medical Center, St. Patrick’s, Missoula, Montana, (231) 944-9526
Nursing Licensure Professional Activities
- Certified Wound, Skin, and Ostomy Care Nurse
- Certified Dementia Professional
- Certified Rater for MoCA Assessment
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, AANP Board Certified, State of Montana
- Certification for Surgical Skills in the Operating Room
- Registered Nurse, State of Montana
- BLS certification
- American Association of Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners
Timeline
FNP
Mountain View Care and Rehabilitation
04.2025 - Current
FNP
Logan Health Neurology Clinic
07.2023 - 03.2025
RN
Logan Health Breast Center
08.2022 - 07.2023
APRN
Logan Health Medical Center: Pre-Anesthesia Clinic
11.2020 - 08.2022
FNP/RN
Glacier Medical Associates
03.2019 - 11.2020
FNP
Coordicare
06.2018 - 01.2019
ARNP
Spokane Regional Health District: Opioid Treatment Program
04.2017 - 05.2018
Neuro-hospitalist
Providence Medical Group
03.2015 - 04.2017
ARNP
Providence Medical Group
08.2014 - 03.2015
ARNP
Optum Care Delivery & Management
01.2013 - 01.2014
Clinical R.N.
Inland Neurosurgery & Spine
01.2008 - 01.2013
Post master’s Certification -
American Association of Advanced Nurse Practitioners
Master of Science Degree - Nursing
Gonzaga University
Bachelor of Science Degree - Nursing
Gonzaga University/Intercollegiate College of Nursing
Master of Teaching -
Gonzaga University
Certificate of Completion - Counseling and Prevention
Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of Arts Degree - English & Communications
Eastern Washington University