Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Heather McDonald

Carrollton,AL

Summary

Enthusiastic Licensed Practical Nurse with 28 years of experience in healthcare administration, patient and family education and providing best-in-class indirect and direct patient care. Committed to designing individual care plans for long-term patient health and advocating for patient needs.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

LPN Field Nurse

Amedisys Home Health
06.2019 - Current
  • Administered medications safely and effectively, preventing adverse reactions or complications.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments and treatments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Dispensed and administered patients' medications following care plans and physician's orders.
  • Educated patients and families on healthcare management strategies, promoting self-care and wellbeing.
  • Delivered emotional support to patients facing challenging diagnoses or difficult treatments, fostering resilience during recovery processes.
  • Coordinated with physicians to implement prescribed treatment plans, ensuring consistency in patient care delivery.
  • Managed complex wound care, including wound vacs, for improved healing rates and reduced infection risk.
  • Provided exceptional patient care by meeting physical, psychological, and overall care requirements to support daily living needs and independence.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and timely interventions.
  • Assessed patients by observing and recording vital signs, gathering specimens and reviewing lab test results.
  • Completed thorough assessments to identify changes in patients'' condition, implementing appropriate interventions as needed.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates by closely monitoring patients'' progress and executing effective care plans.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients through clear communication skills that foster trust within nurse-patient relationship.

LPN Wound Care Nurse

Arbor Woods Nursing And Rehab
02.2018 - 06.2019
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex wounds.
  • Mentored nursing staff on proper techniques for wound assessment and dressing changes, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the team.
  • Educated patients and families on wound care management, promoting continuity of care at home.
  • Promoted skin integrity through diligent monitoring and prevention measures such as pressure relief positioning and moisture management.

MDS Coordinator

Aliceville Manor Nursing Home
11.2016 - 02.2018
  • Set schedules for staff to start and complete MDS assessments and care plan meetings.
  • Ensured timely completion of all MDS assessments, maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on CMS guidelines and changes to ensure accuracy in reporting and reimbursement processes.
  • Verified prompt and accurate completion of MDS activities for billing.
  • Collaborated closely with therapy departments to accurately capture rehabilitation needs within MDS documentation, supporting appropriate resource allocation for residents'' needs.
  • Assessed electronic medical record for required documentation to support MDS coding.
  • Collaborated with nursing staff to provide accurate and timely clinical assessments for each resident, leading to improved overall care.
  • Enhanced patient care quality by implementing comprehensive MDS assessments and care plans.
  • Completed minimum data set assessments with strong collaboration across business, provider and clinical disciplines.

LPN Field Nurse

Alacare Home Health & Hospice Services
08.2014 - 11.2017
  • Administered medications safely and effectively, preventing adverse reactions or complications.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments and treatments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Educated patients and families on healthcare management strategies, promoting self-care and wellbeing.
  • Delivered emotional support to patients facing challenging diagnoses or difficult treatments, fostering resilience during recovery processes.
  • Managed complex wound care for improved healing rates and reduced infection risk.
  • Assessed patients by observing and recording vital signs, gathering specimens and reviewing lab test results.
  • Served as a liaison between patients and their healthcare providers, advocating for their needs while promoting informed decisionmaking.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, individualized nursing services tailored to their unique needs.
  • Worked closely with healthcare staff to devise personalized care plans adaptive to changing patient needs by detailing treatment methods, dosage and duration.

LPN Office Nurse

Southern Care New Beacon Hospice
08.2011 - 08.2014
  • Demonstrated strong leadership skills in managing both day-to-day operations
  • Promoted a culture of accountability among staff through clear expectations and open communication channels for feedback exchange.
  • Conducted regular audits of medical records for accuracy and completeness, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
  • Verified staff certifications for validity.
  • Managed various general office duties such as answering multiple telephone lines, completing insurance forms, and mailing monthly invoice statements to patients.
  • Assisted DOO with orders from physicians and coordinating with appropriate RN.
  • Filled in for RNs on vacation in the field seeing weekly visits on patients. (See previous job description)

LPN Field Nurse

SouthernCare Hospice
05.2009 - 08.2011
  • Administered medications safely and effectively, preventing adverse reactions or complications.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments and treatments, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Educated patients and families on healthcare management strategies, promoting self-care and wellbeing.
  • Delivered emotional support to patients facing challenging diagnoses or difficult treatments, fostering resilience during recovery processes.
  • Coordinated with physicians to implement prescribed treatment plans, ensuring consistency in patient care delivery.
  • Managed complex wound care for improved healing rates and reduced infection risk.
  • Conducted home visits to monitor patient status, adjusting care plans as necessary for optimal health outcomes.
  • Completed thorough assessments to identify changes in patients'' condition, implementing appropriate interventions as needed.
  • Served as a liaison between patients and their healthcare providers, advocating for their needs while promoting informed decisionmaking.
  • Organized and updated patient charts and records by reporting vitals, medical history, treatment plans, current medications, medication reactions, allergies and health status information.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients through clear communication skills that foster trust within the nurse-patient relationship.
  • Worked closely with healthcare staff to devise personalized care plans adaptive to changing patient needs by detailing treatment methods, dosage and duration.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on disease processes, medications, plans of care and individualized treatment plans.
  • Reviewed all medicines to identify possible adverse reactions, significant side effects, drug allergies and contraindicated medications.
  • Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
  • Helped patients complete bathing, dressing and eating.
  • Provided diagnosis information, treatment possibilities, disease management tips and wound care advice to patients, loved ones and caregivers.
  • Clearly and thoroughly explained diagnoses, treatment options and procedures to patients and loved ones, checking in to verify understanding.

School Nurse

Pickens County Board-Education
08.2006 - 05.2009
  • Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
  • Monitored ongoing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, adjusting care plans accordingly to maintain optimal student wellness levels.
  • Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
  • Managed immunization compliance within the school population to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
  • Assessed students'' physical and emotional well-being during daily clinic visits, providing appropriate care or referrals as needed.
  • Oversaw health services for school of 630 students and faculty.
  • Implemented emergency protocols in medical emergencies to promote safety for students and staff.
  • Educated students on various health topics to promote overall health and wellbeing.
  • Maintained upkeep on defibrillators, blood pressure monitors and first aid kits to keep resources in working condition for emergencies.
  • Facilitated early detection of health issues by conducting routine screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, among others.
  • Developed care plans and made referrals as necessary for students with health concerns or injuries.

LPN Charge Nurse

Aliceville Manor Nursing Home
03.2002 - 08.2006
  • Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
  • Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
  • Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
  • Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
  • Managed complex wound care cases, applying advanced knowledge of wound healing principles to achieve optimal results.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
  • Served as a mentor to new nurses, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.

Jail Nurse

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff S Office
09.2000 - 03.2002
  • Maintained proper medical supplies inventory within the jail facility, ensuring availability of necessary resources to administer effective patient care at all times.
  • Identified medical emergencies and provided timely intervention, reducing complications for patients in distress.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members for optimal patient care and treatment planning.
  • Completed thorough intake assessments on newly admitted inmates, identifying immediate health concerns requiring prompt attention or ongoing monitoring.
  • Implemented behavioral health interventions for patients with mental health or substance abuse issues, collaborating with psychiatrists and counselors for comprehensive care provision.
  • Managed medication administration, ensuring accuracy and adherence to prescribed treatment regimens.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices when delivering nursing care, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.

LPN Charge Nurse

Aliceville Manor Nursing Home
11.1996 - 09.2000
  • Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
  • Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
  • Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
  • Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
  • Managed complex wound care cases, applying advanced knowledge of wound healing principles to achieve optimal results.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care.
  • Served as a mentor to new nurses, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.

LPN Team Lead

Pickens County Medical Center
01.1996 - 11.1996
  • Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
  • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
  • Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
  • Performed wound care treatments using sterile techniques, promoting healing and preventing complications.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
  • Reduced medication errors by accurately administering medications and diligently verifying patient information.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.

Geriatric Nursing Assistant

Pickens County Medical Center
01.1995 - 01.1996
  • Monitored vital signs, promptly reporting any concerning changes to appropriate medical professionals.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care during daily activities.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by providing thorough hand-off reports on patient status and ongoing needs.
  • Provided emotional support for both patients and their families during difficult times, offering empathy and understanding.
  • Assisted patients with mobility issues, utilizing proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries to them or myself.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients, performing regular room checks and sanitation procedures.
  • Reduced instances of bedsores by regularly repositioning immobile patients according to established guidelines.
  • Referenced patient care plan to feed, bathe, dress, take vital signs and promote other individualized care while maintaining patient comfort and dignity.

Medical Receptionist

Pickens County Medical Center
08.1994 - 01.1996
  • Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out and payments for billing.
  • Checked patient insurance, demographic, and health history to keep information current.
  • Helped patients complete necessary medical forms and documentation.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality of patient information, adhering to HIPAA regulations and medical office policies.
  • Organized paperwork such as charts and reports for office and patient needs.
  • Maintained current and accurate medical records for patients.
  • Transcribed phone messages and relayed to appropriate personnel.
  • Completed patient referrals to other medical specialists.
  • Kept waiting room neat and organized by stacking magazines, removing trash, and cleaning glass.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

George Corley Wallace State Community College - Selma
Selma, AL
05.2026

Some College (No Degree) - Nursing

Shelton State Community College
Tuscaloosa, AL

Skills

  • Catheter Care
  • Wound Vacs
  • IV
  • G Tube Care
  • Wound Care
  • Specimen Collection
  • ICD-10

Timeline

LPN Field Nurse

Amedisys Home Health
06.2019 - Current

LPN Wound Care Nurse

Arbor Woods Nursing And Rehab
02.2018 - 06.2019

MDS Coordinator

Aliceville Manor Nursing Home
11.2016 - 02.2018

LPN Field Nurse

Alacare Home Health & Hospice Services
08.2014 - 11.2017

LPN Office Nurse

Southern Care New Beacon Hospice
08.2011 - 08.2014

LPN Field Nurse

SouthernCare Hospice
05.2009 - 08.2011

School Nurse

Pickens County Board-Education
08.2006 - 05.2009

LPN Charge Nurse

Aliceville Manor Nursing Home
03.2002 - 08.2006

Jail Nurse

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff S Office
09.2000 - 03.2002

LPN Charge Nurse

Aliceville Manor Nursing Home
11.1996 - 09.2000

LPN Team Lead

Pickens County Medical Center
01.1996 - 11.1996

Geriatric Nursing Assistant

Pickens County Medical Center
01.1995 - 01.1996

Medical Receptionist

Pickens County Medical Center
08.1994 - 01.1996

Associate of Science - Nursing

George Corley Wallace State Community College - Selma

Some College (No Degree) - Nursing

Shelton State Community College

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Heather McDonald