Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Erika Smith

Denham Springs,LA

Summary

LPN and Addiction Counselor with a proven track record at Baton Rouge General Hospital and the Cataldie Clinic. Expert in medication administration and developing tailored treatment plans, significantly enhancing patient recovery. Skilled in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating exceptional communication, and promoting evidence-based care. Passionate about advancing patient education and achieving lasting recovery success.

Passionate Nurse with demonstrated experience in hospital settings. Proven ability to build strong relationships with patients and families while providing compassionate care. Offers strong task prioritization and organizational skills.

Personable and compassionate with deep understanding of patient care and excellent communication skills. Knowledge of medical terminology and proficiency in administering medications and performing basic nursing duties. Dedicated to providing high-quality care and improving patient outcomes. Dependable healthcare team member with sound judgment, excellent clinical abilities and smooth bedside manner. Track and chart vitals and other markers to help patients, support team treatment goals and boost outcomes. Exceptional approach in patient support.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

LPN

Baton Rouge General Hospital
08.2023 - Current
    • Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
    • Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
    • Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
    • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
    • Performed wound care treatments using sterile techniques, promoting healing and preventing complications.
    • Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
    • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
    • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge base and skillset as an LPN.
    • Addressed any concerns or questions posed by patients or family members promptly to maintain confidence in their care plan.
    • Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
    • Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
    • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
    • Provided patient education on health care issues and prescribed medications.
    • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
    • Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
    • Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
    • Assisted in the management of chronic health conditions by providing education, support, and follow-up care.
    • Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
    • Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
    • Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
    • Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
    • Supported the delivery of evidence-based interventions by staying current on best practices in the field of nursing.
    • Administered medications and injections to patients.
    • Helped patients complete bathing, dressing and eating.

Addiction Counselor

Cataldie Clinic
12.2016 - 08.2023
    • Collaborated with physicians to determine effective combination of therapy and medical treatments for patients in recovery.
    • Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing tailored treatment plans for each individual.
    • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, quickly responding to emergencies and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
    • Developed customized aftercare plans for discharged clients, ensuring they had access to ongoing support services upon completion of formal treatment programs.
    • Led individual and group counseling sessions to meet variety of therapeutic needs for recovering individuals.
    • Developed patient care plans and documented progress toward goals.
    • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately diagnose individuals struggling with substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health conditions.
    • Maintained detailed records of client interactions, ensuring accurate tracking of progress over time.
    • Educated family members on the nature of addiction and ways they could best support their loved ones during treatment and beyond.
    • Assisted clients in identifying triggers and developing personalized coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of relapse.
    • Promoted self-care practices among clients, teaching them effective stress management techniques that contributed to lasting recovery success.
    • Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting open communication among participants and fostering a supportive environment.

Addiction Counselor

The Journey Home
01.2013 - 07.2016
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Completed required documentation for continued therapy coverage by insurance companies to meet deadlines.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  • Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in addiction counseling and treatment methodologies.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure comprehensive care for clients.

Education

Vocational Degree - Practical Nursing

Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge, LA
05-2023

No Degree - Addiction Counseling

LASACT
Baton Rouge, LA
05-2013

Skills

  • Medication administration
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Medical documentation
  • Geriatric nursing
  • Infection control
  • Catheter care
  • Post operative care
  • Orthopedic nursing
  • Behavioral health
  • Wound care
  • Inpatient care
  • IV therapy

Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Louisiana Board of Nursing.

Timeline

LPN

Baton Rouge General Hospital
08.2023 - Current

Addiction Counselor

Cataldie Clinic
12.2016 - 08.2023

Addiction Counselor

The Journey Home
01.2013 - 07.2016
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
  • Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - Louisiana Board of Nursing.

Vocational Degree - Practical Nursing

Baton Rouge Community College

No Degree - Addiction Counseling

LASACT
Erika Smith