Gertrude "Trudy" Wynecoop
Palm Desert,CA
Summary
Dedicated nursing leader with excellent management skills. Proficient in quality, cost and care standards focused on maximizing resources and patient satisfaction. Registered Nurse in the state of California. Offering 40+ years of experience in Behavioral Health, and Addiction, Inmate Detention Programs, Witness Protection, Colt Organization Rehabilitation, Mental Health and Basic Hospital Nursing. Participated in many Mental health studies. I served as an Officer in Nursing in the US Army.
I have been trained in life threatening emergencies. I have communicated with patient and/or response teams to make the safest and most appropriate decision. I am dedicated to Nursing and I am Optimistic to work at your facility.
Overview
52
52
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Multiple Nursing Positions
VA Medical Center, Mental Health Inpatient Ward
07.1986 - 04.2011
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to provide additional support and guidance.
- 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.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- 86-91 Psychiatric Charge Nurse (Days)
- 86-91 20 Bed Research Lock Ward
- 86-91 Chronically Paranoid Schizophrenia
- 91-92 Nurse Manager (DOD Intg)
- 91-92 60 Patient Locked ward helped build unit
- 91-92 Started Bicycle Treatment Prog. extended to police security
- 92-98 Charge Nurse
- 92-98 Studied Bipolarity & Schizophrenia
- 92-98 Study on HIV & AIDS research shared with UCLA
- 98-02 Evening Charge Nurse
- 98-02 30 Bed Behavioral improvement locked ward.
- 98-02Criminally Insane Patients
- 98-02 Higher Mgmt Priorities
- 98-02 Completed Study with 5 Patients & "Mr.Bill Doll"
- 98-02 Represented VA Medical Center at health fairs
- 02-11 Evening Charge Nurse
- 02-11 Special 100 bed Psych Treatment Long term locked ward.
- 02-11 Skilled nursing facilities to promote less recidivism.
- 02-11 Supervised large nursing staff
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Gulfport Mississippi VA Medical Center
06.1985 - 07.1986
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
Registered Nurse
Charter Hospital
04.1984 - 06.1985
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Worked with Colt Members
- Bulimia/Anorexia Unit
Stay at Home Mom
Self
04.1983 - 04.1984
Army Officer - Nursing
US Army
02.1981 - 04.1983
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Monitored and assessed mission progress and provided updates to command.
- Completed Course in Texas Officer Training
Evening Charge Nurse & Relief Day Nurse
May Day Nurse Registry
06.1980 - 02.1981
- Implemented plan of care consistently, effectively and cost-efficiently with focus on resident-centered outcomes by utilizing available resources and discharge planning.
- Maintained electronic health records, recorded changes and updated documentation to review and honor resident requests for treatments.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Kaiser Mental health Clinic, Edgemont Hospital Pediatric Unit, Daniel Freeman Pain unit
Sheriff Deputy Nurse
Los Angeles County Mens Central Jail
06.1979 - 06.1980
- Basic Nursing Duties
- Physical/Psychological Work-up of Adult and Adolescent Inmates.
- Dealt with various diseases.
- Provided public safety assistance at community events to maintain safe and secure environments.
- Gathered information and evidence to assist in solving crimes.
- Interviewed criminal targets and witnesses to uncover facts for verification and authentication.
- Drafted reports detailing incidents and safety violations.
- Recorded facts to prepare reports documenting incidents and activities.
Flight Nurse
SchaffersFlying Ambulance Service
02.1972 - 06.1980
- Planned, organized and positioned equipment and supplies for use in emergency conditions before, during and after transport.
- Communicated with patients, explaining nursing tasks being performed in effort to maintain calm.
- Assessed for and detected changes in status of patients and demonstrated proactive approach to solving patient problems.
- Documented appropriate and accurate information for assessment and treatment during stabilization and transport.
Team Leader (Day) & Relief Charge Nurse (Night)
West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
11.1975 - 06.1979
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Wittiness Protection Program
- Native American Indian Coordinator
- Member of Educational & Safety Commitee
Evening Staff Nurse/Staff Relief Charge Nurse
Los Angeles Couty Hospital (USC)
01.1975 - 11.1975
- Trained new nurses on hospital policies and procedures, patient care protocols, medical procedures and patient interventions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Adult, Adolescent, and Children Psych wards
- Backup for Day Staff Nurse (CCR)
Private Hospice Nurse/ Private Volunteer Nurse
Self-employeed
04.2011 - Current
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
- Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
- Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
- Hospice Nurse for Dying Husband
- Volunteered at Public Service Agencies
Evening Staff Nurse/Staff Relief Charge Nurse
Cedar Sinai Medical Center
06.1974 - 11.1975
- Basic Nursing and Charge Nursing Duties
Evening Charge Nurse
Ingleside Mental Health Center
02.1972 - 06.1974
- Implemented plan of care consistently, effectively and cost-efficiently with focus on resident-centered outcomes by utilizing available resources and discharge planning.
- Supervised and delegated tasks to Certified Nursing Assistants and Certified Medical Technicians to assist with professional development of support staff.
- Maintained electronic health records, recorded changes and updated documentation to review and honor resident requests for treatments.
- Distributed Medications
- Locked Adolescent Boys/Girls units
- 1-on-1, Group, Family sessions
- Relief Nursing Supervisor
- Worked Community Hotlines
Education
Bachelor of Science - BSN/PHN
Cal State of Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA06.1978
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing License
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA06.1972
Skills
- Psychosocial Assessments
- Patient Care Plans
- Exemplary Communication Skills
- Emergency Response
- Interpersonal and Written Communication
- Compassionate and Caring
- Microsoft Office
- Treatment Recommendations
- VistA
- Team Work
- Collaboration
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
Affiliations
- Freemason
- Spokane Indian Tribe
- The Retired Officers Association
Certification
- Registered Nurse License #219502 - Valid till October 2025
- Public Health Nurse License #29364 - Valid till October 2025
- Certified Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training, - County of Riverside - No time Limit
- Blood Borne Pathogens, - National CPR Foundation, 10/2024
- Certified CPR Infant, Child, and Adult/AED, National CPR Foundation - 10/2025
- CPR and AED, Lifework Education Inc - 10/2025
- BLS, American Heart Association - 10/2025
- NCSBN ID 40741320
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
German
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Private Hospice Nurse/ Private Volunteer Nurse
Self-employeed
04.2011 - Current
Multiple Nursing Positions
VA Medical Center, Mental Health Inpatient Ward
07.1986 - 04.2011
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Gulfport Mississippi VA Medical Center
06.1985 - 07.1986
Registered Nurse
Charter Hospital
04.1984 - 06.1985
Stay at Home Mom
Self
04.1983 - 04.1984
Army Officer - Nursing
US Army
02.1981 - 04.1983
Evening Charge Nurse & Relief Day Nurse
May Day Nurse Registry
06.1980 - 02.1981
Sheriff Deputy Nurse
Los Angeles County Mens Central Jail
06.1979 - 06.1980
Team Leader (Day) & Relief Charge Nurse (Night)
West Los Angeles VA Medical Center
11.1975 - 06.1979
Evening Staff Nurse/Staff Relief Charge Nurse
Los Angeles Couty Hospital (USC)
01.1975 - 11.1975
Evening Staff Nurse/Staff Relief Charge Nurse
Cedar Sinai Medical Center
06.1974 - 11.1975
Flight Nurse
SchaffersFlying Ambulance Service
02.1972 - 06.1980
Evening Charge Nurse
Ingleside Mental Health Center
02.1972 - 06.1974
Bachelor of Science - BSN/PHN
Cal State of Los Angeles
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing License
Los Angeles City College
- Registered Nurse License #219502 - Valid till October 2025
- Public Health Nurse License #29364 - Valid till October 2025
- Certified Community Emergency Response Team Basic Training, - County of Riverside - No time Limit
- Blood Borne Pathogens, - National CPR Foundation, 10/2024
- Certified CPR Infant, Child, and Adult/AED, National CPR Foundation - 10/2025
- CPR and AED, Lifework Education Inc - 10/2025
- BLS, American Heart Association - 10/2025
- NCSBN ID 40741320
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