Heather Sims
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse skilled in medication administration, emergency care, and patient education. Committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care that enhances patient outcomes.
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience in emergency and critical care settings. Known for strong critical thinking and collaborative teamwork, consistently developing patient-centered care plans that improve recovery outcomes and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Results-driven Registered Nurse recognized for exceptional medication management and compassionate patient care. Proven track record in enhancing patient satisfaction and safety through effective education and adherence to best practices.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Bellevue, WA
12.2023 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes, contributing to timely interventions and care adjustments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered care plans that improved recovery outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on health management strategies, enhancing understanding of treatment regimens.
- Assisted in the training of new nursing staff, promoting adherence to best practices and quality standards.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Seattle, WA
07.2023 - 11.2023
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Supervised nursing staff, ensuring quality patient care and adherence to protocols.
Registered Nurse
Aya Healthcare
Friday Harbor, WA
02.2023 - 06.2023
- Travel Nurse Position at PeaceHealth in Friday Harbor
- Administered emergency care to patients, utilizing advanced medical equipment and protocols.
- Assisted in triaging incoming patients, prioritizing care based on severity of conditions encountered.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify critical issues, facilitating timely interventions by healthcare teams.
- Streamlined communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers for better information sharing and decision-making processes.
Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
Tacoma, WA
01.2023 - 02.2023
- Travel Nurse as system float for Multicare
- Conducted regular assessments of patient progress, ensuring alignment with clinical goals and therapeutic interventions.
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, including central line placements, lumbar punctures, and thoracenteses.
Registered Nurse
St. Peter's Hospital
Olympia, WA
09.2021 - 12.2022
- Administered emergency care to patients, stabilizing critical conditions and ensuring safety protocols.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols that improved patient outcomes and fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the department.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
Travel Nurse, Emergency Department
Fastaff Nursing
Elmira, NY
08.2021 - 09.2021
- Travel Nurse at Arnot Ogden Medical Center
- Delivered high-quality patient care in fast-paced emergency department settings.
- Administered medications and monitored patient vital signs effectively.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans.
- Provided education to patients and families on treatment processes and discharge instructions.
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
Buffalo, NY
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Delivered high-quality patient care in diverse healthcare settings across multiple states.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered care plans.
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs, ensuring adherence to established protocols.
- Educated patients and families on treatments, medications, and health management strategies.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications, treatments, and IV therapies.
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
Elmira, NY
11.2019 - 03.2021
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems for improved accuracy.
- Evaluated patient responses to treatments, adjusting care plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Elevated patient trust by establishing strong rapport and effectively addressing concerns related to their care plans or overall health status.
- Provided critical care to patients in emergency situations, stabilizing conditions and facilitating swift recovery.
- Provided comprehensive care for patients in high-stress environments, leading to notable increases in patient satisfaction and recovery rates.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications, treatments, and IV therapies.
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
Ithaca, NY
12.2018 - 10.2019
- Delivered high-quality patient care in fast-paced emergency department environment.
- Assessed and triaged patients efficiently, determining priority for treatment based on clinical guidelines.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and outcomes to uphold quality standards.
- Elevated quality of care provided through ongoing participation in performance improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing patient outcomes within the emergency department setting.
- Established trust with patients through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during their emergency department stay.
Telehealth Nurse
MetroHealth
Cleveland, OH
04.2018 - 11.2018
- Delivered comprehensive telehealth assessments to optimize patient care and treatment plans.
- Developed educational materials for patients, enhancing understanding of health conditions and treatments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and resolve complex health issues.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives, increasing telehealth efficiency and patient satisfaction scores.
LTACH, RN
Select Medical
Warrensville Heights, OH
10.2013 - 11.2018
- Administered patient care plans, ensuring adherence to treatment protocols and safety standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline clinical operations.
- Trained and mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and improving team efficiency.
- Implemented evidence-based practices, leading initiatives to improve patient satisfaction and care quality.
Travel Nurse, Emergency Department
Fastaff Nursing
Ithaca, NY
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Delivered high-quality patient care in fast-paced emergency department settings.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate bedside manner and clear communication of treatment plans.
- Managed challenging situations calmly under pressure while maintaining focus on patient safety and wellbeing.
- Provided timely interventions for critically ill patients, stabilizing conditions and preventing further complications.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic tests and procedures such as IV insertions, blood draws, EKGs, wound care management, splint application among others within the scope of practice for a travel nurse role.
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
Pikeville, KY
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Pikeville Medical Center, Level 2 Trauma Center
- Administered emergency care and stabilized patients in critical conditions, ensuring immediate intervention.
- Treated patients requiring stabilization and resuscitation for variety of illnesses and injuries.
- Maintained and upgraded knowledge, skills, nursing practice and competencies affecting quality of nursing care and re-licensure.
- Administered life-saving interventions for patients in critical condition, significantly improving chances of survival.
- Prevented complications through vigilant monitoring of vital signs, lab results, and changes in patient condition.
Travel Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions
Westlake, Oh
10.2016 - 04.2017
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate effective patient care plans and interventions.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements such as Joint Commission standards through diligent adherence to established policies and procedures related to nursing practice in an acute care setting.
- Maximized patient safety by consistently verifying medication orders, accurately administering medications, and monitoring for potential side effects or adverse reactions.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, empathetic, and culturally sensitive care.
- Maintained a high level of clinical expertise by regularly attending continuing education courses and staying current on best practices.
Travel Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions
Cleveland, OH
01.2016 - 09.2016
- Case Medical Center, Level 1 Trauma Center
- Assessed and triaged emergency patients in high-pressure environments.
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols and best practices.
- Planned, prioritized and provided nursing care by applying advanced specialty clinical nursing knowledge and skills to support comfort and safety of patients and families.
- Managed complex caseloads while maintaining attention to detail in all aspects of nursing care delivery within a fast-paced Emergency Department setting.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork by collaborating effectively with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Summa Healthcare
Wadsworth, OH
03.2013 - 10.2015
- Provided comprehensive patient assessments to identify urgent medical needs.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and protocols.
Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health
Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
Greenville, SC
01.2011 - 03.2013
- Provided comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized care plans.
- Monitored and documented patient progress, responding to changes in condition promptly.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated care and therapeutic interventions.
- Educated patients and families on treatment options, promoting understanding and engagement in care.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
AnMed Health
Anderson, SC
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Delivered high-quality patient care in critical situations, ensuring adherence to protocols and standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for ICU patients.
- Monitored vital signs and health indicators, promptly identifying changes and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments, and recovery processes to enhance understanding and compliance.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL10-2012
Associate of Science - Nurse
Greenville Technical College
Greenville, Sc03-2010
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Emergency care
- CEN
- ACLS
- BLS
- PALS
- NIHSS
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
12.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
07.2023 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse
Aya Healthcare
02.2023 - 06.2023
Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
01.2023 - 02.2023
Registered Nurse
St. Peter's Hospital
09.2021 - 12.2022
Travel Nurse, Emergency Department
Fastaff Nursing
08.2021 - 09.2021
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
04.2021 - 07.2021
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
11.2019 - 03.2021
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
12.2018 - 10.2019
Telehealth Nurse
MetroHealth
04.2018 - 11.2018
Travel Nurse, Emergency Department
Fastaff Nursing
09.2017 - 12.2017
Travel Registered Nurse
Fastaff Nursing
05.2017 - 08.2017
Travel Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions
10.2016 - 04.2017
Travel Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions
01.2016 - 09.2016
LTACH, RN
Select Medical
10.2013 - 11.2018
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Summa Healthcare
03.2013 - 10.2015
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
AnMed Health
01.2012 - 02.2013
Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health
Carolina Center for Behavioral Health
01.2011 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Alabama
Associate of Science - Nurse
Greenville Technical College