Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Heather Cowan

Long Beach,CA

Summary

With a proven track of 38 years RN experience II excel in delivering patient-centered care and fostering trust with families. Skilled in bedside nursing incluing telemetry, oncology, home care, hospic, wound care and pediatrics. I leverage my expertise in electronic medical records and empathetic communication to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. My approach significantly improves healthcare delivery by prioritizing privacy, confidentiality, and effective teamwork.

Diligent nursing professional with demonstrated success in emergency patient care. Agile and responsive to dynamic patient needs and environmental conditions. Team-oriented and reliable with expert healthcare knowledge, clear verbal and written communication skills and sound clinical judgment.

Developed critical skills in fast-paced healthcare environments, focusing on patient care and clinical procedures. Transitioning to new field, leveraging expertise in adaptability and effective communication. Prepared to contribute to diverse teams and drive positive outcomes in new professional setting.

Experienced with providing high-quality patient care in diverse environments. Utilizes critical thinking and adaptability to meet varying patient needs. Strong understanding of patient assessment and healthcare protocols.

Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.

Compassionate Registered Nurse with experience offering comprehensive patient care in outpatient environments. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.

Hardworking nursing professional bringing [Number]+ years of experience delivering exceptional care to [Type] patients. Knowledgeable about [Type] requirements and skilled at maximizing patient comfort and safety while meeting strict cost control standards. Well-organized and forward-thinking in managing patient needs.3

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience

Work History

Travel Nurse MSN

FlexCare Medical Staffing
01.2018 - 10.2023
  • Delivered high-quality patient care during emergency situations, remaining calm under pressure and effectively prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
  • Improved patient outcomes through careful monitoring and thorough documentation of vital signs, medical histories, and treatment plans.
  • Assessed patient conditions by taking vital signs and evaluating symptoms to determine appropriate treatment.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to meet patients'' specific needs.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
  • Educated family members on proper caregiving techniques, enabling them to provide more informed support for their loved ones during recovery periods.

Home Health RN

Clinishare Health Care
01.2003 - 01.2020
  • Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
  • Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

RN Wound Care

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
01.2017 - 01.2018
  • Served as a resource person for colleagues seeking guidance on challenging cases or innovative treatment options in wound care practice.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Coordinated with physicians to update wound care protocols based on current research findings, maintaining best practices across the facility.
  • Evaluated patients'' wounds and recommended appropriate treatments, expediting the healing process.
  • Treated and carefully tended to vascular and diabetic ulcers.
  • Collaborated with healthcare team to implement interventions for wound healing and skin breakdown prevention.
  • Instructed patients and caregivers on how to clean and dress wounds and how to prevent infections.
  • Assessed and treated draining of wounds and burns.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Implemented plans to prevent pressure ulcers and other wound developments.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.

Med/surg RN

Cedars Sinai Hospital
01.2000 - 10.2017
  • Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • worked in patient care areas -neurology, oncology,float pool
  • Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.

RN Pediatrics

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
01.1987 - 01.2003
  • Promoted family-centered care, involving parents and caregivers in decision-making processes.
  • Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
  • Administered vaccinations and medications accurately, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety.
  • Demonstrated excellent time management skills by prioritizing tasks and efficiently delegating responsibilities, ensuring all patients received timely care.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to quickly respond to emergency situations, stabilizing patients until further medical assistance arrived.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and confidence in the nursing team''s abilities.
  • Delivered high-quality patient care consistently, adhering to unit protocols and hospital policies while maintaining a professional demeanor under pressure.
  • Assessed pediatric patients'' growth and development, identifying potential issues early for timely intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate and empathetic communication with children and families.
  • Advocated for patients'' needs during multidisciplinary meetings, ensuring appropriate resources were allocated for optimal care outcomes.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Monitored vital signs closely during procedures or treatments, intervening swiftly when necessary to maintain patient stability.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress, enabling informed decision-making among healthcare providers.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing Education

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
05-2012

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
01-2005

Associate of Arts - Nursing

Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA
04-1987

Skills

  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Medication administration
  • Electronic medical records
  • Medical-surgical nursing
  • Hospice care
  • Patient assessments
  • Geriatric nursing
  • Home health care
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Diabetes management
  • Cardiac care
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Orthopedic nursing
  • Oncology nursing
  • Post-anesthesia care unit
  • Pediatric nursing
  • Patient assessment
  • Discharge planning
  • Wound care
  • Family education
  • Direct patient care
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Patient education
  • Care plan development
  • Patient examinations
  • Patient needs assessment
  • Cardiac monitoring
  • Chronic disease management
  • Charting and clinical documentation
  • Admission support
  • Joint commission compliance
  • Nursing process
  • Attention to detail
  • Delegation and motivation
  • Patient condition monitoring
  • Intake and discharge
  • Infection control
  • Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
  • Accurate documentation
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Heartsaver first aid CPR AED
  • Patient care assessment
  • Routine examinations
  • Documentation
  • Patient care oversight
  • Clear patient communication
  • Collecting vitals
  • Needs assessment
  • Treatment plan modification
  • Family planning services education
  • Home care

Timeline

Travel Nurse MSN

FlexCare Medical Staffing
01.2018 - 10.2023

RN Wound Care

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
01.2017 - 01.2018

Home Health RN

Clinishare Health Care
01.2003 - 01.2020

Med/surg RN

Cedars Sinai Hospital
01.2000 - 10.2017

RN Pediatrics

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
01.1987 - 01.2003

Master of Science - Nursing Education

California State University Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Phoenix

Associate of Arts - Nursing

Long Beach City College
Heather Cowan