ERICA SMITH
Bourne,MA
Summary
Compassionate and disciplined practical nurse, with an emphasis on patient-centered care. A commitment to work ethic, motivation for continuing education, and a strong dedication to employer, patients and families.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
BayPath Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
Duxbury, MA
03.2023 - Current
- Educated family members on post-discharge care instructions and available community resources, facilitating smooth transitions from acute care settings to home environments.
- New nurse-hire training.
- Chart audits, ensuring that proper psychotropic medication consents are received and documented appropriately.
- Admissions, made appointments/ ensured proper transportation, transfers, and discharges.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
- Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
Licensed Practical Nurse
AdventHealth Neurological Progressive Care Unit
Orlando, FL
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Conducted neurological assessments at regular intervals, detecting subtle changes in clinical status that could signal worsening conditions or potential complications.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, SQ, and intramuscular routes, and monitored responses.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimized patient treatment plans and outcomes.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Participated in code blue situations as an integral member of the resuscitation team, applying advanced life-saving techniques under high-stress scenarios.
- Interpreted lab results and communicated them to the physician.
- Cardiac monitoring, interpreting telemetry data, and identifying arrhythmias.
- Inserted peripheral IVs for medications upon admission onto the unit.
- Care for patients with tracheostomies.
- Patient seizure monitoring and prompt intervention with rescue medications, according to Advent protocol.
- Assisted physicians during complex bedside procedures such as lumbar punctures or central line insertions, ensuring successful outcomes and minimal discomfort for patients.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Solaris Healthcare Windermere
Orlando, FL
08.2020 - 02.2022
- Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Participated in weekly wound rounding and successfully writing/updating physician orders
- Regularly serve as a mentor/preceptor to new nurses entering the specialty, including new staff hires and students from local nursing schools.
- Selected appropriate dressings and products for various wound types, considering factors such as size, depth, and exudate levels.
- Educated patients and families on wound care techniques, promoting adherence to treatment plans.
- Weekend supervisor duties, including assignment allocation for CNAs and floor nurses.
- Admissions, including verifying medications with the facility doctor.
- Discharges, including patient and family teaching, ensure a safe and effective transition from the rehab to the home setting.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Solaris Healthcare Windermere
04.2019 - 08.2020
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, and evaluating patient needs.
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
- Assisted patients with ADLs in both short and long-term care settings.
CNA
Baypath Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
11.2018 - 04.2019
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
Education
Practical Nursing Program - Nursing
Orange Technical College
Orlando, FL07.2020
Associate of Arts -
Valencia College
Orlando, FL06.2014
Skills
- Tracheostomy care
- JP drain maintenance
- Management of IVs, including dresssing changes, peripheral IV insertion and blood draws
- Wound care, including wound vac application and maintenance
- Urinary catheter care, including straight catheterization, suprapubic catheter maintenance and Foley catheter insertion
- G-tube maintenance, including proper use of feeding pump and medication administration
Timeline
Licensed Practical Nurse
BayPath Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
03.2023 - Current
Licensed Practical Nurse
AdventHealth Neurological Progressive Care Unit
01.2022 - 06.2022
Licensed Practical Nurse
Solaris Healthcare Windermere
08.2020 - 02.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant
Solaris Healthcare Windermere
04.2019 - 08.2020
CNA
Baypath Rehabilitation and Nursing Center
11.2018 - 04.2019
Practical Nursing Program - Nursing
Orange Technical College
Associate of Arts -
Valencia College