Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Gretchen Shawen

Princess Anne,Maryland

Summary

To be part of a team in a leadership role that allows one to advocate and guide staff and patients with prompt coordination of care through education, guidance, the implementation of care plans, while keeping the patient and patient’s family informed with all processes. Dedicated and compassionate Assistant Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations

Life Star Response
02.2023 - Current
  • Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
  • Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
  • Role model for nursing and EMS staff by demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, ethical behavior, and commitment to continuous learning.
  • Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop efficient care strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
  • Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
  • Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both patients and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
  • Assisted in developing policies and procedures for safe medication administration, minimizing errors.
  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices, EMT practice, CRT practice, Paramedic practice, and protocols for all levels.
  • Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
  • Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
  • Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Implemented: culture of teamwork by encouraging open communication among staff members and facilitating collaboration across departments.
  • Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.
  • Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
  • Evaluated work performance of 6 nursing personnel and 138 EMS personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing and EMS staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.

Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse

Life Star Response
04.2015 - Current
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Prevented: spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
  • Preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.

Patient Flow Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Transfer Center Registered Nurse, Bed Coordinator, Chart Review

Peninsula Regional Medical Center
10.2018 - 02.2023
  • Worked with physicians to schedule tests and procedures for patients, approximately 25-50 daily.
  • Organized meetings for executives and coordinated availability of conference rooms for participants.
  • Monitored patient health records for accuracy to meet compliance with healthcare guidelines, reviewed approximately 100-150 charts daily.
  • Improved patient flow by efficiently coordinating room assignments and patient transfers for 315 bed hospital.
  • Kept high average of performance evaluations.
  • Developed internal requirements and standards to minimize regulatory risks and liability across programs.
  • Acted as main point of contact for patients, doctors, and hospital staff by closely reviewing medical charts and maintaining high levels of communication.
  • Assisted in staff training initiatives, sharing best practices for efficient patient flow coordination with colleagues.
  • Efficiency of patient admissions, ensuring accurate insurance verification and processing.
  • Evaluated current processes regularly, identifying opportunities for improvement in efficiency and effectiveness of coordination efforts.
  • Created clear documentation of all activities related to patient flow coordination, promoting transparency among care providers and administrators.
  • Ensured continuity of care through thorough hand-offs between shifts, minimizing delays or gaps in service delivery.
  • Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
  • Reduced wait times for patients by implementing effective scheduling strategies and prioritizing urgent cases.
  • Managed bed availability by monitoring capacity levels daily, adjusting resources as needed to accommodate fluctuations in demand.
  • Advocated for patients'' needs within the health system, liaising between various departments to ensure timely access to services.
  • Delegated tasks to administrative support staff to organize and improve office efficiency.
  • Negotiated with external organizations such as ambulances services or nursing homes when organizing transportation arrangements for patients.
  • Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.
  • Development of hospital policies and procedures related to patient flow management.
  • Established strong relationships with clinical staff members across disciplines by providing reliable support and fostering collaborative work environments.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient data and condition to safeguard health information.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development by attending workshops, conferences, and other learning opportunities related to patient flow coordination.
  • Analyzed data from multiple sources to identify trends in patient flow patterns, informing future decision-making processes related to resource allocation and staffing adjustments.
  • Maintained safe environments for patients, conducting regular safety checks.
  • Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
  • Streamlined communication between departments, optimizing patient care and staff productivity.
  • Upheld confidentiality requirements and regulatory compliance guidelines.
  • Improved office operations by automating client correspondence, record tracking and data communications.
  • Built highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills in managing projects from concept to completion.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environments.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
  • Preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
  • Provided: culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with strong work ethic.
  • Provided professional services and support.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
  • Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering collaborative work environments.
  • Assisted in recruitment efforts, coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires effectively.
  • Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others.
  • Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
  • Team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Level 3 Trauma Center

Peninsula Regional Medical Center
10.2018 - 02.2023
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • 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.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Promoted: culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Prevented: spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, which contributed to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proved successful working within tight deadlines and fast-paced environment.

Registered Nurse, Pediatrics Emergency Department, Level 2 Trauma Center

Covenant Women’s and Children’s Hospital
12.2011 - 10.2012
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Owner Childcare Provider

Hicks FCCH
02.2004 - 08.2009
  • Organized and attended trade shows and special events to showcase products, network with other businesses and attract new customers.
  • Established, optimized and enforced business policies to maintain consistency across industry operations.
  • Updated and resolved incidents and managed accessorial charges objectively while maximizing profit.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Developed and implemented marketing strategies to generate new customers and increase sales and profit margins.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
  • Enhanced operational efficiency and productivity by managing budgets, accounts, and costs.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying abreast of industry-related changes and implementing necessary policies or procedures as needed.
  • Put together realistic budgets based upon costs and fees for successfully operating business.
  • Prepared bank deposits and handled business sales, returns, and transaction reports.
  • Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Proactively identified areas of risk. Implemented organization necessary safeguards mitigating any potential negative impact.
  • Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
  • Developed age-appropriate activities and crafts to engage children.
  • Assisted children in developing fine motor skills through play-based learning activities such as puzzles and stacking blocks.
  • Monitored children's activities to verify safety and wellbeing.
  • Facilitated learning through play, stories and outdoor activities for successful child outcomes.
  • Improved language development through engaging storytelling sessions and age-appropriate book readings.
  • Led children in creative, athletic, and educational activities while maintaining safe and orderly group.
  • Dispensed snacks and meals to children in accordance with nutritional guidelines.
  • Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
  • Prepared group activities to enhance socialization, communication and problem-solving skills for children.
  • Collaborated with fellow childcare providers for continuous improvements in curriculum planning and service quality.
  • Supported emotional well-being by addressing individual needs and provided nurturing environments for growth.
  • Organized field trips to enhance experiential learning opportunities for children in various cultural settings.
  • Oversaw smooth drop-off/pick-up transitions by maintaining open communication with parents and ensuring a safe environment for children.
  • Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
  • Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play, and instruction.
  • Managed behavior issues effectively using positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a respectful atmosphere within the childcare setting.
  • Documented children's growth and development.
  • Created safe and engaging learning environment for groups of diverse children with various learning styles.
  • Administered first aid when needed, adhering to established protocols to ensure child safety and wellbeing.
  • Implemented daily routines to establish consistency, helping children transition smoothly between activities.
  • Logged information regarding naps, feedings, and any medications administered.
  • Implemented daily routines and activities to stimulate and engage children.
  • Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
  • Assisted in potty training and toilet hygiene.
  • Handled daily administrative tasks efficiently to minimize time away from children.
  • Liaised with parents and guardians to discuss child progress.
  • Developed strong relationships with families, providing regular updates on child progress and establishing trust.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.

Education

BSN - Nursing

Texas Tech University Health Science Center
Lubbock
05.2013

ADN - Nursing

South Plains College
Levelland
12.2011

Pre-Nursing - Pre-Nursing

Edison State College
Fort Myers, FL
05.2009

Business Admin/Mgmt - General Studies

Wor-Wic Community College
Salisbury, MD
05.1999

Skills

  • Patient and family advocacy, Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Clinical judgement, Direct patient care, Complex problem solving, Patient education, Patient evaluation, and Professional beside manner
  • EMR Systems: Documentation and Charting
  • Staff Education and Relationship Building
  • Infection Control
  • Patient Relations

Certification

  • State of Maryland Board of Nursing, R203847
  • CPI
  • HSI PALS - Instructor
  • HSI ACLS - Instructor
  • HSI CPR - Instructor

Timeline

Assistant Director of Nursing and Clinical Operations

Life Star Response
02.2023 - Current

Patient Flow Coordinator, Registered Nurse, Transfer Center Registered Nurse, Bed Coordinator, Chart Review

Peninsula Regional Medical Center
10.2018 - 02.2023

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, Level 3 Trauma Center

Peninsula Regional Medical Center
10.2018 - 02.2023

Critical Care Transport Registered Nurse

Life Star Response
04.2015 - Current

Registered Nurse, Pediatrics Emergency Department, Level 2 Trauma Center

Covenant Women’s and Children’s Hospital
12.2011 - 10.2012

Owner Childcare Provider

Hicks FCCH
02.2004 - 08.2009

BSN - Nursing

Texas Tech University Health Science Center

ADN - Nursing

South Plains College

Pre-Nursing - Pre-Nursing

Edison State College

Business Admin/Mgmt - General Studies

Wor-Wic Community College

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Gretchen Shawen