Heather Balog, BSN, RN
Whitmore Lake,MI
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with expertise in cardiac stepdown care, delivering high-quality patient support and care planning. Proven track record in enhancing patient safety initiatives, assisting in achieving a 50% reduction in fall rates. Known for strong teamwork and achieving positive outcomes, while adapting to changing clinical needs. Skilled in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and mentoring new nurses, supporting professional growth and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital
Howell, MI
04.1999 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement tailored treatment plans for patients with complex medical needs such as congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, pulmonary disease, acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, diabetes, alcoholism, mechanical ventilation, and malignant hypertension.
- Applied evidence-based practices to improve patient recovery times and overall satisfaction within an acuity adaptable unit providing care for medical-surgical/intermediate care/intensive care patients.
- Oversaw continuous cardiac monitoring and critical vital signs to identify changes and facilitate timely interventions in life-threatening situations.
- Provided comprehensive mentorship to new nurses during orientation, emphasizing expertise in intermediate care and stepdown nursing to promote professional growth.
- Demonstrated expertise in accurate documentation within electronic health records systems (Epic PowerChart).
- Delivered comprehensive health management education to patients and families, promoting awareness of treatment processes and self-care strategies.
- Directed diverse care unit team as night charge nurse, adapting leadership to meet unique needs of team members and patients.
Committee Member
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital
Howell, MI
06.2016 - Current
- Facilitated collaboration in shared professional governance committee, driving quality and safety improvements. Advanced patient safety initiatives through active involvement in zero harm and safe patient handling committee.
- Established best practices for procedures, improving transparency and accountability in quality and safety between nurses and patient care technicians with assigned care rounds, bed alarm education and dual checks between shifts, increase use of gait belt and fall mat practices, and ‘good catch’ award initiation leading to a 50% reduction in our fall rates over last 2 years.
- Delivered insightful feedback on proposed initiatives to drive successful implementation and sustainability.
- Compiled and distributed detailed minutes of committee meetings to acuity-based unit team members, enhancing communication and accountability.
- Evaluated existing guidelines and introduced best practice recommendations, enhancing team initiatives for admission processes and implementing weekly pictorial updates for wound and skin care management.
- Fostered collaboration among committee members, initiating team-building activities that has increased our engagement rates from 19 to 23%.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05.2018
Diploma in Nursing -
Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing
Detroit, MI05.1996
Skills
Registered Nurse in State of Michigan, #4704209150
Advanced Cardiac Life Support, exp 01/28
Basic Life Support, exp 10/26
Preceptor
Timeline
Committee Member
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital
06.2016 - Current
Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital
04.1999 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Walden University
Diploma in Nursing -
Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing