Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Gina Smith-Donke

Rochester

Summary

Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Rochester Regional Health System, excelling in patient assessment and interdisciplinary communication. Recognized for delivering compassionate care and mentoring staff, while effectively developing care plans that enhance patient outcomes. Committed to quality improvement and emotional support, ensuring optimal treatment and comfort for patients and families.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

Rochester Regional Health System
Rochester
03.2022 - Current
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
  • Delivered compassionate care to increase comfort and psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
  • Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
  • Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
  • Ensured that all documentation was accurate and up-to-date according to established guidelines.
  • Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.

Nurse

University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital
Rochester
02.2002 - 03.2022
  • Assisted physician with examinations, tests and procedures.
  • Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages, and documented patient conditions.
  • Educated patients, caregivers and families on diagnoses, treatment options and disease prevention.
  • Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Maintained a safe environment for both staff and patients through adherence to safety protocols.
  • Provided emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
  • Assessed and monitored patient health conditions, including vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives in order to improve patient outcomes.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.

Hospice Nurse

Lifetime Care Management
Rochester
07.2001 - 09.2007
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations such as pain crisis or respiratory distress.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge about new developments related to hospice nursing practices.
  • Listened to patients and loved ones, offering emotional support, and kindness to help with end-of-life transition.
  • Provided bereavement counseling services for surviving family members after a death has occurred.
  • Educated patients and family members on disease process, medication administration, nutrition and symptom management.
  • Facilitated communication between the patient and family and all members of the interdisciplinary team.
  • Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
  • Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
  • Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient progress notes, treatments administered, medications given.
  • Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.

Nursing Staff Member

Genesse Hospital
Rochester
12.1994 - 01.2001
  • Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care issues and coordinate activities among departments.
  • Coordinated referrals between primary care providers, specialists, diagnostic laboratories, home health agencies.
  • Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
  • Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
  • Administered medications as prescribed by physicians while adhering to established policies and procedures.
  • Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
  • Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
  • Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
  • Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
  • Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
  • Assessed patient medical histories and developed individualized care plans.
  • Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
  • Instructed patients and family members on proper health maintenance techniques.
  • Provided emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages, and documented patient conditions.
  • Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
  • Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
  • Provided direct nursing care, including vital sign monitoring, wound care, medication administration and other treatments.
  • Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Rochester
Rochester, NY
05-2014

Associate of Science - Nursing

Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY
12-1994

Skills

  • Patient assessment
  • Medication administration
  • Care plan development
  • Electronic medical records
  • Patient education
  • Interdisciplinary communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Emotional support
  • Wound care
  • Quality improvement
  • Time management
  • Mentoring staff
  • Flow sheet charting
  • Collecting vitals
  • Hospice philosophy
  • Employee evaluation
  • Case management
  • Insulin medication assistance
  • Patient discharging
  • Medication and IV administration
  • IV drug therapy management
  • Compassionate and caring
  • Proper catheter insertion/removal
  • Monitor vital signs
  • IV and venipuncture certified

Accomplishments

  • Nominated for Nurse Excellence 1994
  • The Marie J. and Sylvia Messana Nrsing Scholarship 1992
  • Genesee Hospital Nursing Scholarship 1993

Certification

  • Oncology Nurse Certification

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Rochester Regional Health System
03.2022 - Current

Nurse

University of Rochester, Strong Memorial Hospital
02.2002 - 03.2022

Hospice Nurse

Lifetime Care Management
07.2001 - 09.2007

Nursing Staff Member

Genesse Hospital
12.1994 - 01.2001

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Rochester

Associate of Science - Nursing

Monroe Community College

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