Heather Black
Roundup,USA
Summary
Accomplished nursing consultant with a robust background in direct patient care, case management, and quality improvement standards. Proven ability to analyze health data, implement quality improvement initiatives, and develop educational programs that enhance nursing staff competencies and patient care standards.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Consultant - GS12
Indian Health Service - BAO
Billings, Montana
04.2023 - Current
- Executed forensics case management and care coordination processes, improving patient outcomes through targeted interventions.
- Developed automated alerts and guidelines to assist providers in diagnoses and preventive care.
- Implemented community-wide wellness programs and chronic disease management plans.
- Provided health education to vulnerable populations while advocating for health equity policies.
- Coordinated continuing education opportunities for nursing staff, enhancing professional development and clinical competencies.
- Designed and refined EHR systems to improve usability and reduce clinician burnout.
- Utilized structured health data to evaluate system performance and track population health trends.
- Analyzed medical data to identify trends and develop strategies for improving healthcare services and reducing costs .
Legal Nurse Consultant
B&D Legal Nurse Consulting
Rapid City, South Dakota
10.2017 - 01.2025
- Co-owned legal nurse consulting firm, leveraging certification obtained in 2017 to provide expert guidance.
- Performed complex medical record reviews to ensure compliance with documentation standards relevant for court testimony.
- Conducted staff training on legal nursing issues and documentation best practices, enhancing team knowledge and compliance.
- Assisted IHS in developing and implementing compliant policies and procedures aligned with state and federal statutes.
- Ensured program adherence to current state and federal legislation.
Clinical Care Coordinator
Indian Health Service - NCSU
Lame Deer, Montana
01.2022 - 04.2023
- Assessed patient needs, formulating individualized care plans and monitoring effectiveness.
- Monitored patient progress, adjusting care plans as necessary to optimize outcomes.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities for patients transitioning from acute care settings.
- Trained new staff on clinical protocols and care coordination processes for consistency in care.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives within clinical operations to elevate service standards.
- Created educational materials for patient health management, improving patient understanding and engagement.
- Identified barriers to goal achievement, facilitating access to necessary resources for resolution.
- Coordinated community outreach programs to increase health awareness and encourage preventive measures.
Outpatient Nurse Supervisor - GS11
Indian Health Service - Black Feet Service Unit
Browning, Montana
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Oversaw operations of outpatient clinic, including women’s health, pediatrics, podiatry, telehealth, and adult services.
- Implemented urgent care and same-day clinic services, improving patient access to timely care.
- Supervised over 20 employees, promoting a collaborative and efficient work environment.
- Developed unit schedules to maintain adequate staffing while accommodating leave requests.
- Resolved employee conflicts, fostering team harmony and enhancing overall workplace productivity.
- Coordinated budget management across sub-departments, ensuring financial stability and resource allocation.
- Provided on-call coverage and worked shifts in emergency and inpatient units.
Travel Nurse - Clinic
AB Staffing Solutions
Browning, Montana
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Delivered comprehensive care to pediatric and adult patients in a bustling outpatient clinic.
- Managed treatment initiation through completion to ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Administered stabilizing treatment and coordinated transfers to higher care levels for optimal patient outcomes.
- Conducted COVID-19 screenings as primary RN during drive-through testing sessions, contributing to community health efforts.
Travel Nurse - Clinic
Tribal EM - PRSU
Pine Ridge, South Dakota
11.2020 - 04.2021
- Delivered direct nursing care to pediatric and adult patients in high-volume outpatient clinic.
- Assessed and addressed patient care needs, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to ensure seamless continuity of care.
- Coordinated multiple tasks in fast-paced environment while maintaining high quality standards.
- Instructed patients and families on disease processes and self-care techniques to promote health literacy.
Inpatient/Emergency Room RN
Northern Rockies Medical Center
Cut Bank, Montana
12.2019 - 11.2020
- Collaborated with physicians to assess patients and administer timely treatment in dynamic conditions, improving patient outcomes.
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care for eight-bed med/surg floor and five-bay emergency room during night shift, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Coordinated with law enforcement to report injuries and gather critical evidence, enhancing patient care protocols.
Travel Nurse - Clinic
AB Staffing Solutions - BFSU
Browning, Montana
07.2020 - 10.2020
- Provided direct nursing care to patients with acute, chronic, and complex conditions.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate patient needs and initiate appropriate interventions.
- Applied strong assessment skills to identify and prioritize patient care needs.
- Employed electronic health record systems for precise documentation and streamlined reporting.
Nurse Supervisor - Inpatient
Indian Health Service - BFSU
Browning, Montana
03.2019 - 12.2019
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure high-quality patient care standards.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize coverage and support workflow efficiency.
- Developed training programs for new nurses to improve clinical competencies and ensure high-quality patient care.
- Conducted performance evaluations to provide constructive feedback and support growth.
- Implemented patient care protocols in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Provided leadership during emergency situations ensuring high standards of patient safety are met.
- Resolved staff conflicts promptly, fostering a positive work environment and maintaining team morale.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, ancillary departments, families and other healthcare providers.
- Analyzed clinical data to improve patient care and operational efficiency.
- Developed workflows for electronic health record systems and clinical applications.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure data accuracy and integrity.
- Trained staff on new informatics tools and best practices for usage.
- Supported implementation of new technologies in clinical settings for better outcomes.
- Conducted root cause analyses for defects and non-conformities.
- Managed documentation of quality assurance activities and results.
- Led quality improvement initiatives across healthcare departments.
- Developed metrics to track progress towards established unit quality goals.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to enhance unit performance and reliability.
Travel Nurse - Inpatient
AB Staffing Solutions - BFSU
Browning, Montana
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Delivered direct nursing care to pediatric and adult patients in a busy 22-bed inpatient unit.
- Responded promptly to medical emergencies, ensuring patient safety and comfort during critical situations.
- Coordinated admissions, discharges, and transfers, enhancing patient flow for diverse populations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, facilitating seamless continuity of care across various settings.
CPC+ Nurse Coordinator
Intermountain Healthcare
Billings, Montana
07.2017 - 03.2018
- Acted as the sole compliance officer for CPC+, verifying adherence to rollout plans from administration and CMS.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to pinpoint quality improvement opportunities, driving targeted care initiatives.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to establish and implement quality standards, ensuring adherence to best practices.
- Developed individualized care strategies based on comprehensive patient needs assessments.
- Identified areas for enhancement, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
- Coordinated with community resources to address patient needs beyond healthcare settings.
- Provided education on health promotion, risk reduction, and self-care techniques for patients and families.
- Documented patient interactions and updates in electronic health records for accuracy.
Travel Nurse - Telephone Triage and Infusion RN
AB Staffing Solutions - Frontier Cancer Center
Billings, Montana
02.2017 - 06.2017
- Served as non-chemotherapy infusion RN and telephone triage nurse for high-risk oncology patients, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
- Educated patients and families on treatment protocols and potential side effects, enhancing understanding and adherence to care plans.
- Managed medication administration to ensure adherence to established protocols.
- Delivered emotional support and counseling to patients navigating cancer challenges, fostering resilience and coping strategies.
- Inserted and maintained catheters, feeding tubes, and access sites for patient care.
ER Nurse - GS9
Indian Health Service - Sioux San
Rapid City, South Dakota
10.2016 - 02.2017
- Provided critical care in high-pressure emergency situations within busy eight-bay emergency room.
- Supported licensed physicians in evaluating and treating patients, enhancing logistical flow and documentation accuracy.
- Led unit staff to ensure quality care delivery for diverse patient populations, promoting inclusive health practices.
- Delegated tasks among staff based on individual qualifications, fostering effective teamwork and patient care delivery.
- Conducted daily rounds to assess patient conditions and document any changes in status or care plans.
Travel Nurse - Clinic RN
AB Staffing Solutions - SFSU
Santa Fe, New Mexico
04.2016 - 10.2016
- Administered patient care across multiple remote clinics within Santa Fe Service Unit.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients with acute, chronic, and complex conditions, ensuring tailored treatment plans.
- Leveraged electronic health record systems for precise documentation and reporting, enhancing patient care continuity.
- Coordinated multiple tasks in fast-paced clinical settings, maintaining high quality standards and patient satisfaction.
- Adapted quickly to diverse work environments and evolving patient needs.
- Developed specialized skills based on unique site requirements and patient demographics.
Staff Development Officer - GS10
Indian Health Service - PRSU
Pine Ridge, South Dakota
07.2015 - 04.2016
- Developed and implemented educational programs for nursing staff and students to enhance competencies.
- Facilitated training courses to equip staff with skills necessary for achieving patient care goals and meeting outcome standards.
- Conducted orientation sessions for incoming nursing staff, enhancing onboarding experience and integration into team.
- Acted as primary nurse educator for acute care inpatient unit, guiding adult and pediatric staff.
- Reviewed patient care documentation for compliance with regulatory guidelines, ensuring adherence to established care standards.
- Monitored patient outcomes to identify areas for continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Participated in audits ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures.
- Analyzed large datasets to extract trends and insights supporting informed decision-making.
Registered Nurse - Nights
Boys Town National Research Hospital - West
Omaha, Nebraska
08.2013 - 04.2014
- Administered medications and managed intravenous therapy to support patient recovery and comfort.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure safe patient transitions post-surgery in the areas of Urology and ENT.
- Assessed post-operative patients' physical conditions, monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation to ensure safe recovery.
- Educated patients on recovery processes and effective pain management techniques to enhance their post-surgery experience.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of nursing stations and supply areas nightly.
Travel Nurse - Inpatient
AB Staffing Solutions - VA
Omaha, Nebraska
10.2012 - 08.2013
- Delivered timely and comprehensive direct patient care across multiple floors in high-volume VA facility, enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes.
- Cared for individuals with diverse medical issues, including pulmonary, cardiology, and infectious disease patients, ensuring tailored treatment approaches.
- Conducted thorough assessments upon admission to develop individualized care plans, improving patient management and recovery paths.
- Monitored vital signs using telemetry equipment to assess patient conditions effectively.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department
Lincoln, Nebraska
05.2012 - 10.2012
- Assessed potential risk factors affecting population health to develop prevention strategies.
- Facilitated communication among patients, families, and healthcare professionals, improving care coordination and patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated with community resources to address patient needs outside healthcare settings, ensuring comprehensive support for vulnerable populations.
- Delivered education and counseling on health promotion, risk reduction, and self-care techniques, empowering patients to manage their health effectively.
- Conducted health assessments for diverse populations in various community settings.
- Administered immunizations and preventive care services to individuals and families including immigrants.
Charge Nurse - Inpatient
Indian Health Service -PRSU
Pine Ridge, South Dakota
01.2011 - 04.2012
- Acted as charge nurse for busy med/surg/pediatrics unit, ensuring high-quality care delivery.
- Coordinated nursing care to ensure compliance with facility guidelines and regulations.
- Assessed team members' workloads and supported overloaded staff to maintain quality care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes.
- Conducted daily rounds to evaluate patient conditions and document changes in care plans.
- Educated patients and families on illnesses, medications, and treatment plans.
- Acted as preceptor for new nurses, orienting them on policies and mentoring clinical skills.
- Delegated tasks based on staff qualifications to enhance workflow efficiency.
Clinical Nurse/Case Manager - GS7
Indian Health Service - Ethel Lund Medical Center
Juneau, Alaska
06.2010 - 01.2011
- Led nursing team as primary nurse and case manager in clinic covering all ages.
- Coordinated individualized care plans with focus on enhancing patient outcomes and addressing specific needs.
- Managed discharge planning with multidisciplinary teams, facilitating safe transitions to community care.
- Evaluated treatment effectiveness in collaboration with consulting specialists.
- Oversaw caseloads of patients with multiple chronic illnesses across various settings.
- Educated patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care techniques.
- Delegated patient care tasks to nursing assistants and student nurses, ensuring optimal support for patient needs.
- Maintained updated discharge plans in collaboration with healthcare team and families.
Education
Associates of Arts - Nursing
Oglala Lakota College
Kyle, SD05.2010
Skills
- Case management
- Population health management
- Risk stratification
- Health education
- Direct patient care
- Medical record review
- Electronic health records
- EHR Optimization
- Clinical Workflow Optimization
- Data analysis
- Health data analysis
- Compliance auditing
- Risk assessment
- Policy development
- Quality improvement
- Protocol development
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient advocacy
- Program development
- Project management
- Cost control
- Staff training and development
- Leadership skills
- Adaptive learning
- Adaptive learning
Affiliations
- Federally Recognized Indian Tribes, Bands, or Community, Oglala Sioux Tribe Member - Pine Ridge Agency
- International Association of Forensic Nurses, Member since 2022
References
- Sheila Kozal, 1-602-402-3277, Former Co-Worker/ Friend, 08/00
- Monique Summers, 1-505-436-6023, Professional - Coworker, 04/23
- Richard Schlattmann, 1-415-902-3894, Co-Worker and Friend, 04/22
Timeline
Nurse Consultant - GS12
Indian Health Service - BAO
04.2023 - Current
Clinical Care Coordinator
Indian Health Service - NCSU
01.2022 - 04.2023
Outpatient Nurse Supervisor - GS11
Indian Health Service - Black Feet Service Unit
08.2021 - 01.2022
Travel Nurse - Clinic
AB Staffing Solutions
04.2021 - 08.2021
Travel Nurse - Clinic
Tribal EM - PRSU
11.2020 - 04.2021
Travel Nurse - Clinic
AB Staffing Solutions - BFSU
07.2020 - 10.2020
Inpatient/Emergency Room RN
Northern Rockies Medical Center
12.2019 - 11.2020
Nurse Supervisor - Inpatient
Indian Health Service - BFSU
03.2019 - 12.2019
Travel Nurse - Inpatient
AB Staffing Solutions - BFSU
03.2018 - 03.2019
Legal Nurse Consultant
B&D Legal Nurse Consulting
10.2017 - 01.2025
CPC+ Nurse Coordinator
Intermountain Healthcare
07.2017 - 03.2018
Travel Nurse - Telephone Triage and Infusion RN
AB Staffing Solutions - Frontier Cancer Center
02.2017 - 06.2017
ER Nurse - GS9
Indian Health Service - Sioux San
10.2016 - 02.2017
Travel Nurse - Clinic RN
AB Staffing Solutions - SFSU
04.2016 - 10.2016
Staff Development Officer - GS10
Indian Health Service - PRSU
07.2015 - 04.2016
Registered Nurse - Nights
Boys Town National Research Hospital - West
08.2013 - 04.2014
Travel Nurse - Inpatient
AB Staffing Solutions - VA
10.2012 - 08.2013
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department
05.2012 - 10.2012
Charge Nurse - Inpatient
Indian Health Service -PRSU
01.2011 - 04.2012
Clinical Nurse/Case Manager - GS7
Indian Health Service - Ethel Lund Medical Center
06.2010 - 01.2011
Associates of Arts - Nursing
Oglala Lakota College