Heather Gallagher
Hillsboro,ND
Summary
Dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience at Sanford Medical Center, excelling in medication administration and patient monitoring. Proven ability to enhance compliance and safety through meticulous documentation and critical thinking. Recognized for mentoring peers and improving medication distribution processes, ensuring optimal patient care and outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Medication Aide
Sanford Medical Center
10.2013 - Current
- Administer medications accurately to residents following established protocols.
- Assist in monitoring patient responses to medications and report any concerns.
- Maintain accurate medication records and documentation for compliance purposes.
- Support nursing staff with routine tasks to ensure efficient day-to-day operations.
- Collaborate with healthcare team members to address resident needs effectively.
- Ensure medication storage areas remain organized and compliant with safety standards.
- Contribute to creating a safe, supportive environment for residents through attentive care.
- Maintained accurate records of controlled substances according to state regulations while also implementing security measures that reduced diversion risks.
- Participated in facility-wide inspections conducted by regulatory agencies, addressing any identified deficiencies and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
- Improved medication administration accuracy by implementing a streamlined process for medication distribution.
- Collaborated with healthcare team members to develop individualized care plans for patients, ensuring accurate and timely medication administration.
- Utilized strong critical thinking skills when faced with complex medication administration scenarios, allowing for prompt resolution and minimal impact on patient care.
- Provided exceptional patient care, addressing concerns and answering questions about medications to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
- Mentored new Medication Aides, sharing best practices for safe and effective drug administration to enhance overall team performance.
- Prepared medication doses accurately by following medication administration record (MAR) written by healthcare providers.
- Monitored medication storage area to maintain medication security and control.
- Documented medication administration into electronic medical records (EMR) to avoid duplication of medication dosages.
- Counted and recorded medication inventory routinely to maintain medication security and control.
- Unpacked, sorted, counted, and labeled all incoming medications to keep optimum inventory levels.
- Reordered medication to maintain adequate supply.
- Reviewed medication orders for accuracy and completeness before administering medication.
- Monitored patient responses to medication to report adverse reactions quickly.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Identified and reported medication errors to avoid distributing wrong medication to patients.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Turned and repositioned patients to prevent bedsores.
- Explained treatment procedures, medications, and diets to inform patient and patient's family of care and progress.
- Interacted with patients and monitored vital signs during time of admission to report details to registered nurse.
- Assisted in maintaining conducive environment for residents by adhering to infection control policies.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
CNA
Sanford Medical Center
10.2013 - Current
- Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily activities and ensuring comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
- Trained and mentored new CNA staff on best practices and protocols.
Education
GED -
Grand Forks Continuation
Grand Forks, NDSkills
- Medication administration
- Patient monitoring
- Medication documentation
- Compliance management
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Controlled substances management
Timeline
Lead Medication Aide
Sanford Medical Center
10.2013 - Current
CNA
Sanford Medical Center
10.2013 - Current
GED -
Grand Forks Continuation