Elsie-Ruth W. Waiharo
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate eager to contribute to a dynamic, team-oriented healthcare setting. Committed to enhancing critical thinking skills while delivering exceptional patient care in fast-paced environments. Strong foundation in nursing principles combined with a passion for continuous learning and professional development. Prepared to collaborate with healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes and support overall wellness.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Tacoma, WA
09.2021 - Current
- Provide assessment, intervention services for patients enrolled in the Mental Health Clinic
- Document needs of outpatient mental health patients for both walk-in patients and phone triage; reassess patient changes
- Provide education for MHS (Mental Health Service) patients with interdisciplinary involvement
- Collaborate with clinical staff in assessing patients for medication side effects, medication compliance and coordinating requests for medication refill.
- Act as a consultant in clinical practice.
- Manage intake databases, coordinate with other disciplines to correct scheduling issues to provide more efficient access to mental health services
- Precept nursing students and/or new employees.
Registered Nurse, Tacoma Detox
Metropolitan Development Council
Tacoma, WA
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Administered patient care and medication following established protocols and best practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management, treatment options, and wellness strategies.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
- Admission of patients, obtaining medical history, performing physical assessments, completing all clinical forms on each patient.
- Initiate care plan and note if goals are met as needed or upon discharge.
- Performs patient treatment as ordered by the Physician
- Implements and follows activities required to carry out doctor’s orders.
- Notify the Physician for orders when a patient is admitted and when patient exhibits symptoms of a condition not covered on the orders
- Reviews patient screening form to determine if patient is eligible for admission
- Consults with Sobering staff regarding patient’s medical concerns
- Administers medications in accordance with doctor’s orders and notes effects in patient’s progress notes within two hours of administration
- Gives TB test to all patients as ordered
- Performs ongoing physical and medical assessments and medicates in accordance with doctor’s orders
- Takes vital signs and charts information within every 8 hours on each patient, and/or as often as required which will be dictated by each patient’s condition
- Informs Physician of special patient dietary needs or condition
- Obtains order for diet and notifies Aide of any food allergies or special diet required
- Completes HIV brief risk intervention with each patient at least every six months.
- Completes paperwork when returning medication to pharmacy
- Completes progress notes on each patient at least twice within a shift period
- Works, follows directives and doctor’s orders with minimal supervision
- Assists Physician in rounds, keeping them abreast of each patient’s physical and emotional needs
- Records quantities of all controlled substances at the beginning end of each shift and in the company of oncoming nurse. Signs and dates appropriate control forms
- Assesses patient’s readiness for discharge, writes discharge summary in the progress notes, giving condition of patient on discharge and discharge disposition
Registered Nurse
Seattle, WA
08.2020 - 09.2021
- Provide population specific and age-specific care for patients from young adulthood to older veterans/groups in the senior years of life.
- Anticipate and respond appropriately to emergencies, coordinate interventions, and evaluate responses through critical analysis of patient systems/operational situations.
- Initiate and lead individuals or groups through the educational process to optimize health. Monitor and document all applicable clinical reminders and performance measure outcomes timely and appropriately.
- Post Baccalaureate Nurse Residency rotation in Primary Care and specialty clinics Mental Health, Oncology, Pain Clinic, Rehab, Spinal Cord Injury, Surgical Unit, and PCMHI.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Pacific Medical Center-Urology
Renton, WA
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Assisting the Urologist with outpatient procedures.
- Documenting care provided and educate patients on instructions for follow-up office visits.
- Collaborate with team members to providing quality patient care.
Licensed Practical Nurse 4
Western State Hospital
Lakewood, WA
12.2011 - 08.2017
- Encouraged patients to express their needs and helped them to develop insight into their care while maintaining the confidentiality of records relating to patients' treatment.
- Administered prescribed medications and noted times and amounts on patients' charts using Medi Mar and Pyxis.
- Observed patients, charting and reporting changes in patients' conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication and treatment, and taking any necessary action.
- Prioritize and delegate tasks to mental health technicians, ensuring patient safety, and creating a conducive work environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northwest Nazarene University
Nampa, ID03-2020
Licensed Practical Nurse Associate of Applied Science - undefined
Bates Technical College
Tacoma, WA06-2011
Skills
- Oral and long acting Medication administration
- Documentation and charting
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Physical assessments
- Care planning and management
- Direct patient care
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with one of the clinic psychiatrist for QI project in using stress reduction techniques and brain function measurement prior to veteran’s clinic appointments with the use of:
1. Alpha stim is a non-invasive brain stimulation that applies a patented, low amplitude waveform to the brain via earclip electrodes which provides rapid, effective and lasting symptom relief of anxiety without the side effects of medication. Veterans can use the device prior to their visit and afterwards to measure whether they experience a difference in their emotional regulation. This device is also approved for use by veterans at home.
2. Gamma Core a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) activates the vagus nerve with gentle electrical stimulation through the skin to prevent and relieve stress or anxiety.
3. NeuroCatch is brain function measurement platform derived from the science of brain vital signs, which enables cognitive assessment of brain health through the integration of objective neurophysiological and cognitive-behavioral measures. It is derived from the science of brain vital signs, NeuroCatch is a medical device platform designed to quickly measure cognitive function by way of electroencephalography (EEG), specifically three auditory event-related potentials: Auditory Sensation, Basic Attention, and Cognitive Processing. This measurements help identify areas for improvement, customize veteran’s treatment plan or journey to recovery, and to understand how a veteran’s brain function is today. Ensuring that the provider is treating what cannot be objectively measured.
- Implementation - Assisted in implementation of a bar code medication administration software that resulted in improved patient care.
Certification
Basic Life Support (Exp. 2028)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Swahili
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Tacoma Detox
Metropolitan Development Council
12.2023 - 05.2024
Registered Nurse
09.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
08.2020 - 09.2021
Licensed Practical Nurse
Pacific Medical Center-Urology
05.2018 - 08.2019
Licensed Practical Nurse 4
Western State Hospital
12.2011 - 08.2017
Licensed Practical Nurse Associate of Applied Science - undefined
Bates Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northwest Nazarene University
ACTIVITIES & AWARDS
Hand Hygiene Champion Fall 2022- Present, EBP/QI Project (No Show rates in Primary Care) Summer 2021, Sigma Theta Tau International (Mu Gamma) Fall 2019, Ethics & Human Subject Protection Spring 2019, Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare provider Spring 2020, Stop The Bleed Spring 2019, Evidence-Based Research Project (Fall Prevention) Spring 2019, OB Safety Pamphlet (Safety Sleep Tips for Infants) Spring 2019, Healthy U (School Health Fair) Spring 2019, The HUB (After school program) Fall 2019, Student Nurses Association (SNA) Fall 2017, Licensed Practical Nurse Summer 2011, Kenyan Red Cross (Disaster relief, HIV outreach) February 2001-June 2005
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Respects the diversity of situations by meeting the learning needs of patients and families in an acute setting.
- Proficient in the use of multiple health records.
- Goal-oriented strategist with confidence, perseverance, and vision to promote success
- Able to remain composed while keeping others calm during a crisis and establishing rapport.
- Value communication with proficiency in written and spoken English, Swahili, and Kikuyu.
- Safely and effectively uses patient care equipment.
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
- 700 clinical hours in; acute and chronic care, women's and family health, school, community-based, and mental health.
- 180 hours preceptorship completed at St. Luke’s, Medical-Surgical Unit.
- 6 months rotation in specialty clinics Mental Health, Oncology, Pain Clinic, Rehab, Spinal Cord Injury, Surgical Unit, and PCMHI. Seattle VA And American Lake VA
- 6 months in Primary Care at the American Lake VA