Erika Simon
Erath,LA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with 14 years of progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service with a board range of experience from hands on care, case manager to reimbursement utilization management.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Primary Public Health Register Nurse
Vermilion Parish Police Jury-Public Health Unit
01.2014 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients
- Deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Prevented illness by education public on healthy practices to stop disease.
- Assessed and responded to individual and community health education needs.
- Educated community members about environmentally-related health issues.
- Conducted needs assessments to determine which materials and services were warranted for each individual case.
- Reviewed patient records for unusual issues, cluster infections and known pathogens so that outbreaks could be remedied quickly.
- Collected HIV risk assessment data and entered findings in centralized database.
- Documented all findings into EMR/EHR
- CPT, E&M and ICD-10 billing codes
- Vaccinated patients to protect individuals from measles, pneumonia, influenza and other illnesses of concern.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution
Reimbursement Utilization Management
Acadian Ambulance Service
08.1997 - 04.2015
- Established and updated work schedules to account for changing staff levels and expected workloads.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
- Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
- Supervised and maintained all utilization review documentation through company specific designed software.
- Trained new employees on HIPAA policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and local, state and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Fostered excellence by example by "setting pace" and being hands on mentor to clinical staff.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
- Assisted coworkers and staff members with special tasks on daily basis.
- Determined medical necessity for Medicare denied claims.
- Mentored Paramedic on proper document
- Review to assure all information documented was relevant for medical necessity or not medical necessity.
- Missing documentation showing medical necessity per CMS guidelines amended in EMR and claim resubmitted.
- Assure proper ICD-9 codes applied.
- Self-motivated, strong sense of personal responsibility
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects
Paramedic
Acadian Ambulance Service
08.1997 - 04.2015
- Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
- Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
- Delegated life-saving tasks to provide comprehensive treatment to triaged patients in emergency situations.
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
- Identified appropriate medications based on potential interactions with other medicines, accurately calculating correct dosages according to drugs on hand and patient's weight.
- Conducted equipment and vehicle checks to maintain continuous and safe operation.
- Communicated with medical professionals in medical terms to relay patient needs and maintain accuracy.
- Triaged injuries by communicating with patients, bystanders and family members, and identified appropriate medical facility for transport.
- Stayed in constant communication with patients to continuously maintain care and comfort during transportation.
- Communicated with treatment center personnel and dispatchers to provide information about situation, arrange reception of victims and receive instructions for further treatment.
- Administered continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring to record heart rhythms in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
- Restocked ambulance with proper equipment such as vents, ET tubes, medication and IV pump tubing to maintain optimum inventory.
- Administered tests and medication to stabilize patients in field or in transit.
- Performed intubations to secure airway in patients under respiratory and cardiac arrest.
- Administered fluid replacement via IV, IO and IM to replace fluid volumes and correct electrolyte imbalances.
- Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
- Executed stomach suction, airway management and heart monitoring to treat patients.
- Communicated with lucid patients to gather incident and medical history information.
- Trained EMTs in basic life support skills, oxygen therapy, and wound care.
Quality Assurance Manager
ElderOutreach-Eastridge Nursing And Rehabilitation
08.2013 - 01.2014
- Implemented new quality assurance and customer service standards.
- Recorded, analyzed and distributed statistical information.
- Assured consistent quality of production by implementing and enforcing automated practice systems.
- Monitored staff organization and suggested improvements to daily functionality.
- Collected production samples regularly and performed detailed quality inspections.
- Applied coaching techniques and tools to support managers and team members in improving performance.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Assessed and evaluated mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Set clear policies to improve success of infection control measures in departments.
- Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis.
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Surveilled ongoing infections to verify adequate data collection, control procedures and current staff interventions.
- Developed effective training programs to help staff understand and implement critical protections.
- Identified and mitigated unnecessary infection risks through regular reviews and procedural assessments.
- Kept teams operating in accordance with latest epidemiological research and sound care practices.
- Presented findings to committees and public interest groups to spearhead necessary changes to policies and procedures.
- Managed infection control and critical incidents and made procedural changes and improvements.
- Demonstrated dressing techniques to educate and orient in-services nurses.
- Developed treatment plans according to current wound care protocols.
- Identified nutritional deficiencies and coordinated with personnel to solve nutrition problems.
- Attended wound care education programs to gain knowledge on most recent techniques and procedures available.
- Identified patients requiring debridement procedures and alerted attending physician.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
Case Manager
AAA Hospice
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
- Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
- Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
- Established hospice care services for elderly and disabled patients.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
Director of Nursing
ElderOutreach-Eastridge Nursing And Rehabilitation
12.2009 - 08.2012
- Collaborated with staff, management and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Evaluated work performance of 45 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Participated in daily management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes and resident complaints or concerns.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and local, state and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Fostered excellence by example by "setting pace" and being hands on mentor to clinical staff.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
- Direct day-to-day administrative and operational functions for 90-bed facility, providing guidance and leadership to over 90 employees across more than 5 departments.
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet individual needs.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
- Conducted literature and coding reviews to adhere to state and federal standards.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Abbeville General Hospital
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Collaborated with law enforcement on criminal cases by quickly reporting injuries and collecting needed evidence.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
LOPA Call Screener
Acadian Ambulance Service
01.2006 - 05.2008
- Answered calls referred by hospital to screen deceased for tissue and organ donation.
- Obtain complete medical history
- Spoke with next of kin regarding their desire to have deceased member screened for organ, eye and tissue donation.
- Received consent for deceased to be a donor.
- Notified procurement team, and eye banks of new donor.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA12.2008
Associate of Science - Emergency Health Science-Paramedic
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
Baton Rouge, LA05.1999
Skills
- Case Management
- Medical Records and Documentation
- Medication Side Effect Knowledge
- Medical Terminology
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Client Engagement
- Electronic Medical Record
- Strong Oral and Written Communication Skills
- Utilization Managemen
- Clinical Staff Management
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Microsoft Office
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Critical Thinking
- Risk Management
- Patient Education
- EMR Software
- Quality Improvement
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Time Management
- Nurse Leadership
Timeline
Primary Public Health Register Nurse
Vermilion Parish Police Jury-Public Health Unit
01.2014 - 08.2022
Quality Assurance Manager
ElderOutreach-Eastridge Nursing And Rehabilitation
08.2013 - 01.2014
Case Manager
AAA Hospice
08.2012 - 08.2013
Director of Nursing
ElderOutreach-Eastridge Nursing And Rehabilitation
12.2009 - 08.2012
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Abbeville General Hospital
01.2009 - 12.2009
LOPA Call Screener
Acadian Ambulance Service
01.2006 - 05.2008
Reimbursement Utilization Management
Acadian Ambulance Service
08.1997 - 04.2015
Paramedic
Acadian Ambulance Service
08.1997 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Associate of Science - Emergency Health Science-Paramedic
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University
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