Heather Oakes
Registered Nurse
Wise,VA
Summary
Dedicated nursing professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of In Home Family Support Services
Mountain Empire Older Citizens
03.2019 - Current
- Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Evaluated company documentation to verify alignment with regulatory requirements.
- Tracked employee attendance and punctuality, addressing repeat problems quickly to prevent long-term habits.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to company's overall growth strategy and market reach.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on patient care.
- Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
- Drafted and distributed reports to assist board members with critical business decisions.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer needs and employee strengths.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for the organization.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies and promptly addressing for resolution.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations that came about during COVID.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Served on the interdisciplinary team for the PACE program to ensure adequate personal care hours in the home based off assessments.
Home Care Supervisor
Mountain Empire Older Citizens
09.2017 - 03.2019
- Evaluated caregiver competency through regular observation visits on-site at patients'' homes; provided constructive feedback for improvement where necessary.
- Promoted a safe and healthy environment for both patients and staff by enforcing infection control procedures and maintaining clean workspaces.
- Reduced caregiver turnover rate by conducting regular performance evaluations and offering constructive feedback for professional growth.
- Assigned duties or work schedules to employees for adequate shift coverage.
- Facilitated communication between team members, clients and families.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by implementing individualized care plans and providing consistent support.
- Streamlined home care operations by coordinating staff schedules, optimizing resource allocation and improving communication among team members.
- Oversaw daily operations of multiple cases simultaneously while maintaining high standards of service delivery across all client engagements.
- Increased efficiency in documentation processes through the implementation of electronic health records and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Maintained knowledge of business operations to keep departments and employees up to date on important work-related changes.
- Resolved customer complaints or problems to decrease escalation issues to corporate.
- Trained service staff on latest policies and procedures.
- Maintained compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing home care services while ensuring operational excellence within the organization.
- Hired employees to staff the demand needed for the area served.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Lonesome Pine Hospital
11.2014 - 12.2017
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Improved patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Ensured continuity of care by thoroughly documenting vital information in electronic health records systems for seamless transitions between healthcare providers.
- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Reduced wait times by swiftly completing documentation and communicating effectively with medical staff.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored medication dosages to prevent critical and potentially fatal patient incidents.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Pikeville Medical Center
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Improved patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Ensured continuity of care by thoroughly documenting vital information in electronic health records systems for seamless transitions between healthcare providers.
- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Optimized resource utilization in the ER by managing supplies inventory levels and identifying opportunities to reduce waste.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Reduced wait times by swiftly completing documentation and communicating effectively with medical staff.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Administered appropriate medications and treatments, ensuring accurate dosage and timely delivery for improved patient health.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered important IV and venous medications to control symptoms and provide effective treatments.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the emergency department, contributing ideas for process enhancements based on clinical experiences and patient feedback.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Lonesome Pine Hospital
12.2011 - 11.2014
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Assisted physicians with procedures such as thoracentesis, intubation and small procedures done at patient bedside.
- Monitored and managed pain levels of post-surgical patients to reduce unnecessary opiate usage.
- Contributed to a positive work culture by serving as a mentor for new nurses and participating in shared governance initiatives within the organization.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Performed nursing assessments and developed patient-specific treatment plans to deliver comprehensive care.
- Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques such as wound management, medication administration, and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term wellness.
- Provided inpatient care to diverse population of adult medical and surgical patients.
- Utilized Epic to document data related to patient care such as medications, interventions and patient responses.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Administered IV medications, monitoring and documenting patient responses to address complications.
- Liaised with physicians to coordinate and assist with patient examinations and treatments.
- Acted as an advocate for patients'' needs while maintaining adherence to legal requirements and ethical nursing practices.
- Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge education and follow-up instructions for patients and their families.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Managed caseload of up to 8 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Promoted a safe environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols, fall prevention strategies, and other safety measures.
- Worked with healthcare team to develop new dialysis treatment flow sheet and other log forms, improving clinical documentation and accountability.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Effectively managed time and prioritized tasks to ensure timely administration of medications, treatments, and procedures.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Decreased medication errors by diligently following the five rights of medication administration and double-checking orders with pharmacy staff when necessary.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to facilitate comprehensive patient-centered care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Facilitated efficient discharge planning with case managers, social workers, therapists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment plan.
- Streamlined nursing workflows by effectively delegating tasks to ancillary staff according to scope of practice guidelines.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA 05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, VA 05.2001 -
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Mountain Empire Community College
Big Stone Gap, VA 05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Rye Cove High School
Duffield, VA 05.2001 -
Skills
Policy Development and Enforcement
Problem-solving abilities
Verbal and written communication
Employee Scheduling
Decision-Making
Active Listening
Training Management
Multitasking
Adaptability and Flexibility
Task Prioritization
Goal Setting
Needs Assessment
Program Management
Delegation
Desktops, Laptops, and Mobile Devices
Business Leadership
Written Communication
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving
Customer Service
Hiring and Onboarding
Teamwork and Collaboration
Contract Management
Self Motivation
Continuous Improvement
Policy Development and Enforcement
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of over 70 staff members.
- Documented and resolved Medicaid billing issues which led to increase in revenu.
- Serve on the advisory board for the local nursing program
- Help train local law enforcement when calls deal with someone diagnosed with dementia.
- Serve has Treasure for Virginia Association of Home care and Hospice board.
- Been asked to work with the Governor of Virginia's chef of staff on the minium wage increase.
- Graduate of the Institute for Leadership program.
Timeline
Director of In Home Family Support Services
Mountain Empire Older Citizens
03.2019 - Current
Home Care Supervisor
Mountain Empire Older Citizens
09.2017 - 03.2019
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Pikeville Medical Center
09.2016 - 05.2017
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Lonesome Pine Hospital
11.2014 - 12.2017
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Lonesome Pine Hospital
12.2011 - 11.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Bluefield College
05.2001 -
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mountain Empire Community College
05.2001 -
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Mountain Empire Community College
05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Rye Cove High School
05.2001 -