Mission-driven Registered Nurse with over a decade of diverse clinical experience spanning cath lab, hospice, acute rehab, and home health. Proven strength in trauma-informed care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and behavioral health support across complex patient populations. Former Family Readiness Group (FRG) leader with firsthand experience supporting military families through deployment cycles, crisis, and recovery. Skilled in motivational interviewing, health coaching, and protocol-driven care models. Committed to improving mental health outcomes through whole-person, veteran-centered care. Ready to relocate and contribute meaningfully to the mission of the VA.
Responsible for setting up and operating all clinical and computer equipment pertaining to the care of the patient in the lab. Assure proper preventive and corrective maintenance for all equipment. Maintain appropriate inventory control within the labs. Prepare patients for, and circulate in, cardiac, neuro, and vascular procedures such as balloon angioplasty, stent placement, atherectomy, thrombectomy, peripheral angioplasty, carotid artery stenting, renal artery revascularization, pulmonary embolectomy, and aneurysm coiling. Specialized training and extensive experience in IVUS and OCT, Shockwave, intra-arterial laser therapy, intra-aortic balloon pump insertion, Impella insertion, and pacemaker installations. Prepare patients for, and circulate, structural heart procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement, alcohol septal ablation, patent foramen ovale closure, and Watchman device insertion. Administer conscious sedation medications during procedures. Monitor and manage additional IV medication therapy. Assess patients before and after procedures, and offer specialized care targeted at individual needs to achieve optimal recoveries. Track hemodynamic monitoring before, during, and after procedures. Assess patient conditions, monitor behaviors, and update supervising physicians with observations and concerns. Respond to emergency situations with speed, expertise, and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support, and life-saving interventions. Help patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery, and reducing compliance issues. Maintain confidentiality and security of all hospital-related information in accordance with HIPAA.
Perform bio-metric screenings based on client service package. Provide basic health coaching based on screening results specific to patient. Perform basic waived testing procedures on blood samples and completes quality control measurements. Provide exceptional customer service. Maintain accurate, complete and legible records. Participate in continuing education as required. Comply with all safety policies and procedures in the work area. Maintain HIPPA and OSHA standards.
Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, direct, administer and evaluate evidenced-based, outcome-oriented patient care. Effectively communicate and coordinate with Medical Director, Nurse Manager, Social Workers, Chaplains and hospice staff regarding change in patient status/needs. Responsible for the supervision and evaluation of the quality of care performed by CNA's/Medical Assistants. Provide behavioral and emotional support for those with altered mental status. Assist patients and families in a collaborative care spectrum related to multiple chronic disease diagnoses and pain management at end of life. Record patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in medical records. Accurately document all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, and end of life care.
Treat up to 7 patients, 1:7 ratio, who have a temporary, progressive, or permanent disability or illness that limits their ability to function in daily life. On a 29 bed unit, working in concert with primary care physician, physical/occupational/speech therapist, and case management; all of whom work in concert to design and implement a plan of care best suited to each patient's needs. Educate patients and families and helping them with adjustments that support the best outcome. Promote achievable independence as evidenced by daily FIM scoring. Provide holistic, comprehensive, and compassionate care for patients with life-limiting conditions. Work with a wide range of patient populations and types, ranging from those who have recently had joint replacement surgery, to those who have suffered a stroke, to those with sports or occupational injuries, to those with severe spinal cord injuries or other chronic, progressive conditions. Depending on the nature and stage of a patient's condition, the goals of rehabilitation might be to prevent secondary disability, improve the body's function, return patients to their former functioning state, or assist patients adapt to a new state of functioning.
Worked in a Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval Level II Trauma Center and advanced primary stroke center; 47 bed unit with 6 trauma beds and nurse to patient ratio of 1:5. Quickly and accurately assess patient care needs. Work collaboratively with doctors and ancillary staff to provide best outcomes in the only Level II Trauma Center in Southern Georgia. Perform or request all diagnostics tests. Diagnose and develop treatment plants with doctors and staff. Work at maximum efficiency, prioritizing needs continually, without compromising quality of care and safety. Act in a composed and professional manner, especially under pressure. Comply with all legal and safety requirements. Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized work environment. Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient charts in EMR. Provide follow up care instructions to patients and make necessary referrals.
Managed payroll processing, budget planning, and purchasing, overseeing both state and federal budgets to ensure compliance with financial policies. Assisted in hiring processes, scheduling, and performance evaluations for support staff, working closely with department leadership to optimize resource allocation. Developed strong organizational and HR-related skills, contributing to recruitment efforts and workforce planning. Maintained meticulous records, processed purchase orders, and ensured timely financial reporting, reinforcing attention to detail and administrative efficiency.
Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses
Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher Award