Gardening, cooking, refurbishing old furniture, interior design, reading
Heather Alford
Registered Nurse
Greer,SC
Summary
Dedicated Critical Care Registered Nurse with 15 years of direct patient care experience. Extensive knowledge of acute and chronic disease management and treatment. Adept at communicating with interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Detail-oriented individual with exceptional project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Travel Registered Nurse, PCU
Aya Healthcare
10.2022 - 04.2023
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Safeguarded patient privacy rights through diligent compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with medical records and personal information.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, ensuring a safe environment for patients and colleagues alike.
- Streamlined communication among healthcare teams by providing accurate and timely updates on patient conditions.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications, treatments, and IV therapies.
- Enhanced patient care by efficiently managing multiple cases in high-stress environments.
- Promoted continuity of care for patients undergoing frequent facility transfers by coordinating seamless hand-offs between nursing staff members.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented nursing interventions, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
- Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
- Promoted a safe environment by enforcing infection control policies and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
- Supported needs of medically complex patients with skilled nursing care.
- Delegated work to nursing support staff and monitored performance to protect patients and maintain optimal care standards.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
- Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
Aya Healthcare
04.2022 - 07.2022
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Charge Registered Nurse, ICU
Pelham Medical Center
05.2014 - 03.2022
- Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, health educations and discharge support.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acuity patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, cardiac medications, sedatives, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, and monitored responses.
- Developed strong rapport with patients'' families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Mentored new staff members, providing guidance on best practices and fostering professional growth.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized treatment plans.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between units by coordinating timely handoffs and sharing pertinent information with receiving team members.
- Strengthened interdepartmental relationships by participating in collaborative initiatives and serving as a liaison between nursing and other healthcare disciplines.
- Promoted a culture of safety by consistently adhering to infection control protocols and reporting potential hazards.
- Improved patient outcomes through thorough assessment, early identification of potential complications, and timely intervention strategies.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives through regular participation in performance evaluations and targeted training sessions.
Registered Nurse, LTACH
Spartanburg Regional Hospital for Restorative Care
02.2012 - 05.2014
- Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, health educations and discharge support.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Ordered and analyzed diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient conditions.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, and monitored responses.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- 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.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during challenging situations.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Mentored new staff members and nursing students, fostering a supportive learning environment within the unit.
- Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
Nursing Supervisor
Oakmont Nursing And Rehab
01.2011 - 02.2012
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including physicians, case managers and social workers.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Discussed patient care and treatment with care team members to optimize intervention plans and care delivery.
- Supported patient needs by researching and recommending various types of individualized care plans.
- Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
- Coordinated nursing care for patients and participated in patient and family education.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, and monitored responses.
- Delegated tasks and provided leadership for 12 nurses and support personnel.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Addison, Illinois06.2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, SC05.2010
Accomplishments
Palmetto Gold Recipient 2020
Certification
- CCRN- Certified Critical Care Nurse
Affiliations
- American Nurses Association
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceHealthcare benefitsFlexible work hoursCompany Culture401k matchInterests
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Quote
Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.
Michael Jordan
Software
EPIC
Microsoft Office
McKesson
Cerner
Skills
Critical care nursing
Family support
Teamwork and collaboration
Attention to detail
Multitasking
Problem-solving abilities
Organizational skills
Verbal and written communication
Detail-oriented
Patient education
Electronic health records
Microsoft office
Timeline
Travel Registered Nurse, PCU
Aya Healthcare
10.2022 - 04.2023
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
Aya Healthcare
04.2022 - 07.2022
Charge Registered Nurse, ICU
Pelham Medical Center
05.2014 - 03.2022
Registered Nurse, LTACH
Spartanburg Regional Hospital for Restorative Care
02.2012 - 05.2014
Nursing Supervisor
Oakmont Nursing And Rehab
01.2011 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Associate of Science - Nursing
Greenville Technical College
Similar Profiles
Andrea MullinsAndrea Mullins
Credentialing/Privileging Specialist II at Aya Healthcare/Aya LocumsCredentialing/Privileging Specialist II at Aya Healthcare/Aya Locums
Marilyn PerezMarilyn Perez
Contract Certified Pharmacy Technician at Aya Healthcare (Broward Healthcare North)Contract Certified Pharmacy Technician at Aya Healthcare (Broward Healthcare North)
Jordyn TylerJordyn Tyler
Travel Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery at AMN Healthcare & AYA HealthcareTravel Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery at AMN Healthcare & AYA Healthcare
Samaria SimsSamaria Sims
Certified Nursing Assistant at Premier Rehab And Healthcare-Aya HealthcareCertified Nursing Assistant at Premier Rehab And Healthcare-Aya Healthcare
Terrence MeredithTerrence Meredith
Automotive Locksmith at High Tech LocksmithAutomotive Locksmith at High Tech Locksmith