Gala Hightower
Edison,GA
Summary
Patient-oriented nursing professional with 29 years of hands-on experience in delivering quality direct and indirect patient care to individuals in correction, geriatric, and pediatric settings. Skillfully completes tasks and fosters relationships with patients, caregivers and coworkers to drive patient care goals and advance nursing philosophies. Excellent communication, prioritization and multitasking abilities with sound judgment and compassionate nature.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
LPN
Mission Health
Fort Gaines, GA
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers and discharges.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Performed functional assessments for admission and discharge.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Supported physicians during examinations and scans to assist with diagnostic procedures.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Joeanne Burgin Health And Rehab
Cuthbert, GA
04.2016 - 07.2023
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers and discharges.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Performed functional assessments for admission and discharge.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Supported physicians during examinations and scans to assist with diagnostic procedures.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)
Mentor Network
Albany, GA
02.2014 - 03.2016
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers and discharges.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Performed functional assessments for admission and discharge.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Pediatria Healthcare For Kids
Forsyth, GA
12.2003 - 01.2014
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Cultivated rapport with patients and caregivers, utilizing proactive communication with parents and children.
- Helped young patients feel comfortable with procedures and immunizations.
- Trained family members in how to care for patients and manage individual conditions.
- Thrived in high volume atmosphere providing care ranging from wellness visits to illnesses, injuries, and life-threatening conditions.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Identified common pediatric and adolescent illnesses to plan and implement interventions and management.
- Provided compassionate nursing care to medically fragile children in home settings.
- Communicated with patients and family members, providing detailed information regarding care and medications.
- Handled medication administration, ventilation monitoring and wound care.
- Tracked patients' progress through careful reporting and documentation at each visit.
- Provided physical assessments, medication and chronic disease management to home health patients.
Correctional Nurse (LPN)
Calhoun State Prison
Morgan, GA
11.1995 - 11.2003
- Complied with all security regulations within prison system and administered care in safest possible environment.
- Created and implemented care plans for prisoners suffering from chronic conditions.
- Treated variety of illnesses affecting offenders in close quarters.
- Stabilized prisoners suffering from falls, stab wounds or other injuries prior to hospital transfer.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Other various duties.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Dawson Manor
Dawson, GA
10.1994 - 10.1995
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers and discharges.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Performed functional assessments for admission and discharge.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Supported physicians during examinations and scans to assist with diagnostic procedures.
Education
Certificate - LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)
Albany Technical College
Albany, GA09.1994
High School Diploma -
Calhoun County High School
Edison, GA05.1983
Skills
- Care Planning and Modifications
- Wound Dressing
- Conditions Reporting
- Work Planning and Coordination
- Recording Vital Signs
- Tracheotomy Care
- Tube Feedings
- Hospice Care
- Pulmonary Injury Care
- Ventilator Care
- Tracheostomy Care
- Hygiene Support
- Pediatric nursing
Timeline
LPN
Mission Health
10.2023 - 04.2024
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Joeanne Burgin Health And Rehab
04.2016 - 07.2023
LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)
Mentor Network
02.2014 - 03.2016
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Pediatria Healthcare For Kids
12.2003 - 01.2014
Correctional Nurse (LPN)
Calhoun State Prison
11.1995 - 11.2003
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
Dawson Manor
10.1994 - 10.1995
Certificate - LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)
Albany Technical College
High School Diploma -
Calhoun County High School
Similar Profiles
Mary Caitlin WiseMary Caitlin Wise
CNA at Mission HealthCNA at Mission Health
Michael W TrucksMichael W Trucks
Maintenance Director at Mission HealthMaintenance Director at Mission Health
Rachel SchulteRachel Schulte
Dietary Aide/CNA at Mission HealthDietary Aide/CNA at Mission Health
ASHLEY PETTUSASHLEY PETTUS
Certified Nursing Assistant at Mission HealthCertified Nursing Assistant at Mission Health
Lanie BrownLanie Brown
Sales Associate at Chick A Dee’s BoutiqueSales Associate at Chick A Dee’s Boutique