Gina Collar
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Caring Registered Nurse with excellent communication skills and 17 years' experience in psychiatric and addiction medicine. I am compassionate and dedicated with strong commitment to patient care and well-being. I possess a foundational knowledge in Psychiatric/Addiction medicine procedures and patient care, with skills in monitoring vital signs and administering medications. I aim to make significant impact on patient outcomes through effective care and empathy.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Merakey
04.2018 - Current
- Provided crisis intervention services to stabilize patients experiencing acute episodes of mental illness.
- Advocated for the rights of people with mental illnesses, challenging stigma while promoting awareness and understanding of their unique needs within the healthcare system.
- Improved patient outcomes by effectively assessing, diagnosing, and implementing appropriate interventions for psychiatric patients.
- Promoted a safe and therapeutic environment by monitoring patients for risk factors related to self-harm or aggression towards others.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to the dynamic needs of patients by providing individualized care approaches that respected their unique preferences, values, and beliefs.
- Administered psychotropic medications accurately and monitored patients for potential side effects, promptly addressing any concerns or issues that arose.
- Played an integral role in maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members through diligent observation, intervention when needed, and adherence to unit safety policies.
- Conducted group therapy sessions centered on topics such as coping skills, medication management, and stress reduction techniques.
Registered Nurse
WPIC NATP
12.2020 - 10.2021
- Provide wellness coaching to individuals with opiate addiction.
- Administered opioid pain medications medications accurately and monitored patients for potential side effects, promptly addressing any concerns or issues that arose.
- Improved patient outcomes by effectively assessing, diagnosing, and implementing appropriate interventions for opioid addicted patients.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to the dynamic needs of patients by providing individualized care approaches that respected their unique preferences, values, and beliefs.
- Maintained accurate and detailed patient records, ensuring confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
Registered Nurse
Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
10.2010 - 08.2017
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Enhanced therapeutic communication skills through active listening and empathy, fostering positive rapport with patients and families.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing issues such as coping skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention.
Registered Nurse/GN
UPMC WPIC
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Charge Nurse on a 28 bed on a Dual Diagnosis Unit
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Collaborated with physicians to ensure accurate diagnosis, treatment, and proper medication administration for mental health clients.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Led psychoeducational groups focused on topics such as medication management, self-care strategies, stress reduction techniques, and relapse prevention skills development.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices in daily nursing care.
- Served as an advocate for patients during treatment planning sessions with psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
CCAC Community College of Allegheny County
Monroeville, PA01.2007
Skills
- Medication administration
- Patient assessments
- Intake and discharge
- Emergency response
- Relationship building
- EMR / EHR
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Compassion and empathy
- Patient evaluation
- Nursing staff leadership
- Complex Problem-solving
Certification
- BLS Certification, 01/01/21, 01/01/24
- RN, RN592653, 04/01/23, PA
Timeline
Registered Nurse
WPIC NATP
12.2020 - 10.2021
Registered Nurse
Merakey
04.2018 - Current
Registered Nurse
Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital
10.2010 - 08.2017
Registered Nurse/GN
UPMC WPIC
08.2007 - 06.2010
- BLS Certification, 01/01/21, 01/01/24
- RN, RN592653, 04/01/23, PA
Associate of Science - Nursing
CCAC Community College of Allegheny County
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