HEATHER HARRIS masters_83@outlook.com
Registered Nurse
Baldwyn,MS
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse bringing 9 years treating cardiovascular, & cardiac, patients and coordinating care with other healthcare & ancillary staff. Proven history of leveraging critical thinking, analysis and medical knowledge to deliver superior care in high-pressure environments. Prioritizes clinical and operational tasks in fast-paced settings, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, EMR record research medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinic RN
Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery Clinic Of N. MS
07.2016 - Current
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes
- Reinforced health education, counseling and advice to patients and families and assessed patient educational needs, prioritized patient learning needs, identified barriers to learning and used educational tools to encourage non-adherent patients
- Completed electronic prior authorizations utilizing current CPT and ICD-10 coding.
- Tracked, reviewed and monitored diagnostic test results and assisted in management of patient care between visits
- Collected specimens and performed other patient care tasks to assist physician with examinations and procedures
- Sterilized instruments and equipment and stocked unexpired supplies and medications to prepare patient care areas
- Assessed patient health status based upon presented symptoms and directed patient to appropriate level of care or acceptable alternative venue via telephonic triage
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to physician or nurse practitioner on-call
- Explained course of care and medications, including side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
- Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of Cardiovascular patient population with challenging home environments
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
- Updated patient charts using Epic with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
- Participated in education activities, including 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 to optimize performance and safety
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions
- Performed triage on incoming phone calls with patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures, including facilitating wound care, pressure ulcer prevention and pain management
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
- Strengthened training and nursing knowledge by taking part in continuing education programs.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers about conditions and treatments.
- Built meaningful relationships with patients and families for optimal care.
- Improved patient well-being by offering advice on preventive health measures.
- Administered medications and topic treatments to address patient symptoms.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Documented treatments delivered, and medications administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Performed prior authorization review of services requiring notification.
- Submitted cases for criteria failures and helped facilitate resolutions and approvals.
- Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
- Obtained authorizations from multiple insurance carriers for various levels of care.
- Performed admission reviews based for medical necessity based upon specification.
- Supervised and maintained all utilization review documentation through Epic.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
North MS Medical Center
06.2014 - Current
- Assessed patients, collecting data and prioritizing cases in accordance with standards, policies, procedures and guidelines
- Administered medication, pain management and analysis of patient responses to interventions to improve individual performance
- Cared for culturally diverse patients, liaising with family members and specialists to address changing needs and enhance individual experience
- Assisted in diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as unstable angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease, and cardiac dysrhythmia
- Maintained detailed records of patient conditions, reactions and progress in alignment with physician orders
- Liaised with patients following cardiothoracic surgical procedures, providing support and education on post-surgical care
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services
- Utilized variety of technical equipment, including stethoscopes, thermometers and sphygmomanometers, to meet patient needs and prescribed medical therapies
- Conducted initial assessments, documented findings in patient records and notified physicians of abnormal findings
- Produced care plans in alignment with physical, psychosocial and learning needs of patients, achieving commendations for compassionate treatment
- Contributed to 20-bed unit's top ranking in cardiovascular and thoracic patient care
- Prioritized and revised patient care activities based on acuity of symptoms and patient preferences
- Contributed to high-quality, cost-effective healthcare as key member of cardiac nursing team caring for up to 5 patients daily
- Changed dressings, cleaned wounds and monitored vital signs of up to 5 patients concurrently with focus on quality care
- Improved nursing care by identifying and targeting procedural gaps
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures, including facilitating wound care, ostomy care, pressure ulcer prevention and pain management
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
- Recorded details regarding all specialty therapies, including chest tube & central line care/maintenance, external pacemaker settings, frequent vital signs & assessment for patients on vasoactive, insulin drips, & blood administration
- Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented all patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems
- Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit to achieve optimal outcomes
- Updated patient charts using electronic MAR with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
Certified Nursing Assistant
North MS Medical Center
01.2014 - 06.2014
- Assisted patients with mobility needs, including moving to and from beds, organizing wheelchairs and preparing assistive devices
- Conferred with multidisciplinary healthcare team to help effectively manage patient conditions with regular testing and vitals assessments
- Gathered dietary information, assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives and support wellness goals
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing and teeth brushing
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines
- Helped patients effectively manage routine bathing, grooming and other hygiene needs
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas and nurse stations
- Cared for average of 12 patients per 12hr shift in cardiac stepdown facility, delivering high-quality, efficient support to meet all needs
- Complied with all company-specific guidelines and performed hands-on nursing care to patients under RN supervision
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
Managerial Assistant
North MS Medical Center
08.2005 - 01.2014
- Planned and implemented team projects to accomplish objectives
- Enhanced supervisory and leadership abilities by working closely with Nurse Manager
- Resolved escalated concerns using professionalism and understanding of all facets of issue
- Stayed up to date on changing product and service options to provide top-notch support to employees
- Reviewed financial accounts for accuracy and resolved discrepancies
- Formed strategic partnerships, established metrics and participated in complex negotiations
- Assessed and targeted patient needs to forge and cultivate productive relationships and maintain top satisfaction levels
- Directed activities of staff performing repairs and maintenance to equipment, and facilities
- Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately
- Developed team communications and information for staff meetings
- Managed quality assurance program, including on-site evaluations, internal audits and customer surveys
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
- Initiated all inpatient surgical pre-certifications for cardiac unit
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
MS University For Women
Columbus, MS05.2024
Associates of Science - Nursing
Northeast MS Community College
Booneville, MS05.2014
High School Diploma - undefined
Wheeler Attendance Center
Wheeler, MS05.2002
Skills
- Patient and family advocacy
- Strong clinical judgment
- Chronic disease management
- Infection Control and Aseptic Procedures
- Triaging direct & over telephone
- Telemetry interpretation
- Precertification process with CPT and ICD-10 coding on electronic platforms
- Telemedicine
- Medicare and Medicaid knowledge
- EMR knowledge in EPIC
- Microsoft Office
Certification
First Aid/CPR Certified
ACLS
Registered Nurse in the state of MS
Certified with NIH Stroke Association to perform stroke scale assessments
Timeline
Clinic RN
Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery Clinic Of N. MS
07.2016 - Current
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
North MS Medical Center
06.2014 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
North MS Medical Center
01.2014 - 06.2014
Managerial Assistant
North MS Medical Center
08.2005 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
MS University For Women
Associates of Science - Nursing
Northeast MS Community College
High School Diploma - undefined
Wheeler Attendance Center
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