Heather McKinnon
Waltham,MA
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with 20 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with Medical/ Surgical specialty.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Registered Nurse
Brigham and Women Hospital
09.2003 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, prioritizing patient needs and addressing emergent issues promptly.
- Monitored vital signs, lab results, and other indicators to detect changes in patients'' conditions promptly.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses, sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices to improve their skills and confidence.
- Participated in unit-based quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing patient outcomes through process improvements.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized care plans.
- Maintained clinical competency through ongoing professional development activities such as workshops, seminars, conferences, and certifications related to nursing practice.
- Advocated for the needs of patients within the healthcare system while maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients'' rights.
- Delegated tasks to nursing assistants and support staff effectively, ensuring safe and efficient care delivery.
- Implemented appropriate interventions based on assessment findings to maintain or improve patients'' health status.
- Promoted patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and conducting regular health assessments.
- Streamlined nursing processes for increased efficiency and better time-management within the unit.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Medical Lab Technician
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories / Quest
05.1987 - 05.2003
- Streamlined sample processing, prioritizing urgent cases for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Improved diagnostic accuracy by performing timely and accurate laboratory tests on patient samples.
- Collected and analyzed blood and tissue samples to support diagnoses of medical conditions and treatment planning.
- Spearheaded the successful transition to a digital record-keeping system that streamlined data access and improved overall efficiency.
- Followed proper guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
- Assisted in the implementation of new testing procedures for improved workflow efficiency.
- Strengthened relationships with external laboratories through effective communication of specimen requirements and result interpretation guidelines.
- Prepared, processed, labeled and stored patient specimens and samples using standard techniques and equipment.
- Trained and supervised new laboratory staff to improve skills in laboratory procedures.
- Followed safety protocols to maintain safe and secure laboratory environment.
- Prepared laboratory samples for analysis and performed data entry for accurate reporting.
- Documented and verified patient information using laboratory information system.
- Consulted with outside professionals and specialists about tests and testing results.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Massachusetts Bay Community College
Wellesley, MA05.2003
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Patient Education
- Wound Care
- Care Plan Development
- Patient Safety
Certification
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
- Progressive Care Registered Nurse (PCCN) - American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- MGB Daisy Award - 2020, 2021, 2023, 2023
Interests
When not working I enjoy running, traveling and spending time with my family.
Timeline
Staff Registered Nurse
Brigham and Women Hospital
09.2003 - Current
Medical Lab Technician
SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories / Quest
05.1987 - 05.2003
Associate of Science - Nursing
Massachusetts Bay Community College
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
- Progressive Care Registered Nurse (PCCN) - American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- MGB Daisy Award - 2020, 2021, 2023, 2023
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