Erica Carruthers
Matteson,IL
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Registered Nurse with over a decade of progressive experience across acute care, occupational health, quality assurance, correctional health, emergency services, home health, and long-term care settings. Proven ability to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams. Strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Nurse
Excellent Healthcare Solutions
Chicago Ridge, IL
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Evaluated quality of care provided by healthcare facilities and private duty cases in accordance with state and federal regulations.
- Ensured clinical processes aligned with regulatory requirements, quality standards, and best practices.
- Identified opportunities for improvement to enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes.
- Collaborated with leadership to implement corrective action plans and quality improvement initiatives.
- Chicago Ridge, IL
Med/Surg Telemetry Registered Nurse
Advocate Aurora Health
Hazel Crest, IL
11.2022 - 10.2023
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care to medical-surgical and telemetry patients with diverse diagnoses.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, treatment plans, and discharge instructions.
- Executed verbal and written orders from attending and consulting physicians.
- Performed and interpreted EKGs and continuously monitored telemetry, promptly reporting abnormal findings to cardiology.
- Conducted NIH Stroke Scale assessments and prioritized care based on patient acuity.
- Administered medications via oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and intraosseous routes.
- Managed IV therapies, including antibiotics, piggybacks, and primary solutions.
- Assessed and managed patient pain while implementing individualized plans of care.
- Fostered effective teamwork and communication within a fast-paced acute care environment.
- South Suburban Hospital | Hazel Crest, IL
Quality Assurance Nurse
Affordable Home Health (Excellent Healthcare Solutions)
Morton Grove, IL
07.2017 - 04.2020
- Enforced updated policies, procedures, and billing practices for home health agencies.
- Conducted quality assurance reviews of clinical documentation to ensure compliance with Medicare guidelines.
- Coded OASIS assessments using Axxess in alignment with new Medicare billing criteria.
- Partnered with the Director of Nursing to educate staff on start-of-care assessments and accurate charting.
- Led educational sessions to improve documentation quality and regulatory compliance.
- Morton Grove, IL
Clinical Nurse
Union Health Services
Chicago, IL
03.2014 - 07.2017
- Performed patient assessments, monitored vital signs, and administered medications.
- Assisted with medical procedures and provided patient education on disease processes and treatments.
- Maintained accurate and timely documentation in patient records.
- Managed high patient volumes while responding effectively to emergent situations.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills during patient interactions and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Chicago, IL
Home Health Nurse
Abundant Home Health
South Holland, IL
02.2012 - 08.2014
- Provided in-home nursing care to med-surgical patients with various chronic and acute conditions.
- Administered and organized medications according to individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, treatments, and self-care strategies.
- Maintained detailed and accurate patient health records.
- Communicated effectively with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members under RN supervision.
- South Holland, IL
Correctional Nurse
Wexford Health Sources
Chicago, IL
08.2012 - 02.2013
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments per physician orders.
- Monitored and documented patient responses to medications and treatment plans.
- Assisted with surgical dressings and post-procedure care.
- Responded to medical emergencies and provided first aid as needed.
- Conducted sick call assessments and reported findings when a physician was not present.
- Recorded and trended vital signs and patient symptoms.
- Statesville Correctional Center | Chicago, IL
Emergency Department LPN
Jackson Park Hospital
Chicago, IL
10.2011 - 10.2012
- Collaborated with RNs and physicians to support patient care in a fast-paced emergency department.
- Collected assessment data and reported abnormal findings promptly.
- Performed EKGs, initiated IV lines, inserted Foley catheters, and completed wound care.
- Obtained blood specimens as ordered by physicians and delegated by RNs.
- Assisted with cardiac monitoring and escalated concerns appropriately.
- Chicago, IL
Clinical Nurse
Mollen’s Immunization Clinic
Scottsdale, AZ
08.2011 - 10.2012
- Independently organized and conducted community health screenings.
- Administered adult and pediatric immunizations at vendor and clinic locations.
- Educated patients on vaccination benefits, risks, and preventive care.
- Completed documentation in accordance with clinical and regulatory standards.
- Scottsdale, AZ
Senior Wellness Nurse
JAE Marketing Strategies
Chicago, IL
08.2010 - 03.2011
- Promoted home health services and educated seniors on available healthcare resources.
- Assisted in planning and implementing community health fairs.
- Conducted basic health screenings under RN supervision.
- Chicago, IL
Long-Term Care Nurse
Mercy Circle Memory Care
Chicago, IL
03.2010 - 08.2010
- Delivered compassionate nursing care to residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Educated families on disease progression and care strategies.
- Administered medications and monitored changes in residents’ conditions.
- Collaborated with the interdisciplinary team to develop and update individualized care plans.
- Utilized de-escalation techniques to manage behavioral symptoms safely.
- Ensured compliance with memory care regulations, infection control, and safety standards.
- Chicago, IL
Education
Registered Nurse (RN) -
Prairie State College
South Chicago Heights, IL05.2022
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) -
Kennedy-King College
Chicago, IL12.2009
Skills
- Occupational health assessments
- Vaccination administration
- Team collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Interpersonal skills
- Medication administration
- Collaborative care
- SBAR communication
- Insulin medication assistance
- Reporting and documentation
- Patient care planning
- IV access
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Quality assurance
- Wound care
- Cardiac monitoring
- Excellent computer skills
- Emergency response
- Regulatory compliance
- Quality improvement
Timeline
Quality Assurance Nurse
Excellent Healthcare Solutions
10.2023 - 12.2023
Med/Surg Telemetry Registered Nurse
Advocate Aurora Health
11.2022 - 10.2023
Quality Assurance Nurse
Affordable Home Health (Excellent Healthcare Solutions)
07.2017 - 04.2020
Clinical Nurse
Union Health Services
03.2014 - 07.2017
Correctional Nurse
Wexford Health Sources
08.2012 - 02.2013
Home Health Nurse
Abundant Home Health
02.2012 - 08.2014
Emergency Department LPN
Jackson Park Hospital
10.2011 - 10.2012
Clinical Nurse
Mollen’s Immunization Clinic
08.2011 - 10.2012
Senior Wellness Nurse
JAE Marketing Strategies
08.2010 - 03.2011
Long-Term Care Nurse
Mercy Circle Memory Care
03.2010 - 08.2010
Registered Nurse (RN) -
Prairie State College
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) -
Kennedy-King College