Heather Lutz
Family Nurse Practitioner
Freeport,IL
Summary
Experienced, board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in state of Illinois. Willing to be licensed in other states. Adept at diagnosing and treating a variety of acute and chronic health conditions. Focused on helping patients of all ages manage issues and improve health. Over 1 year of experience conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting lab testing and prescribing treatments or medications to address diverse conditions. Passionate about patient education and promoting sustainable wellness habits to mitigate pain and illness.
Overview
8
8
years of post-secondary education
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Nurse Practitioner
Freeport Health Network
Freeport, IL
10.2019 - Current
- Teamed with physicians to provide comprehensive patient care, referrals and high-risk management strategies.
- Coordinated referrals for specialty services and additional care.
- Cared for diverse population of patients, seeing 15-20 patients per day.
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Provided preventive care such as well-child checks, adult physicals and gynecological examinations.
- Evaluated new patients by taking vital signs, reviewing lab results and taking visual assessment of patients.
- Prescribed appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities to support health and comfort of patients.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
- Used Meditech to create detailed patient reports on patient's condition status and treatments received.
- Assessed and treated STDs in both males and females.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Examined wounds and treated lacerations with bandaging, suturing and topical medications.
- Worked in women's health services, including providing contraception, counseling on reproductive issues and assisting with family planning needs.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Discussed proposed surgical procedures, risk and potential complications with supervising physician and patient to obtain proper patient informed consent.
- Helped patients manage acute and chronic pain.
- Educated and guided patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Listened to patient concerns and detailed alternative therapies, including yoga and meditation for treatment of migraines.
- Assessed, evaluated and cared for neonate and pediatric patients.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Freeport Health Network
Freeport, IL
08.2009 - 10.2019
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Cared for diverse population of patients, ages ranging from 0-99+.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Assessed vital signs, collected detailed patient history and noted other signs of patient health to make rapid, informed decisions regarding next steps in patient care.
- Built rapport with patients and families to increase comfort level and enhance quality of medical history and relevant personal information.
Education
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Saint Anthony College Of Nursing
Rockford, IL 01.2015 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA 08.2005 - 05.2009
Skills
Lab result evaluation
Written communication
Preparing treatment plans
Preventative care
Psychiatry and mental health
Women's health exams
Family Planning
Disease Management
HIPAA Compliance
Patient Care
Diagnostic Screenings
Diabetes Diagnosis And Treatment
Hypertension Diagnosis And Treatment
Treatment Planning
Ambulation Services
Additional Information
Certifications:
ACLS
PALS
BLS
TNCC
ECRN
Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Timeline
Family Nurse Practitioner
Freeport Health Network
10.2019 - Current
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Saint Anthony College Of Nursing
01.2015 - 05.2019
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Freeport Health Network
08.2009 - 10.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Ambrose University
08.2005 - 05.2009