Heather Yaskow
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Proven track record in enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction at Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital through expert discharge planning and interventional radiology nursing. Skilled in HIPAA compliance and interdisciplinary collaboration, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to excellence in healthcare. Achieved significant improvements in post-discharge support services coordination. Educated nurse dedicated to providing assistance to individuals and families in need. Proficient in assessing individual circumstances, identifying resources and developing plans of action to deliver support. Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Compassionate discharge planner with comprehensive knowledge of social service programs and community resources. Skilled at identifying needs and developing effective plans of action to provide intervention and assistance. Possesses strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Discharge Planner
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
09.2023 - Current
- Improved patient satisfaction by carefully evaluating their needs and developing personalized discharge plans.
- Coordinated timely discharges by effectively communicating with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Advocated for patients'' best interests, working closely with healthcare providers to develop appropriate treatment plans and interventions.
- Solved problems related to abrupt changes in discharge, coordinated updates and communicated discharge plans.
- Served as a key resource for patients and families, providing guidance on post-discharge care options and resources.
- Established strong relationships with community agencies, enabling effective coordination of post-discharge support services.
Interventional Radiology Nurse
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
09.2018 - 09.2023
- Minimized complications by promptly identifying and addressing any issues that arose during diagnostic or therapeutic treatments.
- Exhibited excellent communication skills while educating patients on procedural expectations, aftercare instructions, and overall health management strategies.
- Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on industry advances and best practices for interventional radiology nursing.
- Exhibited strong problem-solving abilities when faced with unexpected challenges during treatment procedures or patient interactions.
- Interacted with physicians and kept up to date on patient health and issues detected during assessments.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail when preparing sterile instruments, trays, and supplies for various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
- Educated patients on conditions and illnesses and provided insight on techniques to help improve health.
- Consistently adhered to organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards to ensure the highest level of patient care.
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
10.2010 - 09.2018
- Administered life-saving medications and therapies under strict protocols, guiding patients towards recovery from acute illnesses or injuries.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Monitored hemodynamic parameters and analyzed complex data sets, making appropriate adjustments to treatment plans based on patient response.
- Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices in the rapidly evolving field of critical care nursing.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on providing exceptional patient-centered care within a fast-paced critical care environment.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.
- Maintained high standards of infection control within the critical care unit, contributing to a safer environment for both patients and staff.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
Hospice Nurse
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
01.2009 - 10.2010
- Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
- Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
- Coordinated with physicians to adjust medications as needed for optimal palliative care outcomes.
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
- Promoted a peaceful and supportive environment for patients and their families during the end-of-life transition.
- Advocated for patients'' wishes regarding medical treatment options, respecting cultural beliefs and values throughout the decision-making process.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
Home Health Nurse
Catholic Health System
05.2007 - 11.2008
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication safety, and at-home healthcare strategies to promote selfcare.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Contributed to the overall success of the home health agency by maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction and positive outcomes.
- Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
- Identified early warning signs of patient deterioration or complications, promptly notifying physicians to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Delivered after-hours care to patients based on strict role-call rotations.
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Catholic Health System
06.2004 - 05.2007
- Promoted a safe environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols, fall prevention strategies, and other safety measures.
- Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
- Managed caseload of 10 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Educated patients and families on disease diagnosis, prognosis and post-operative care.
- Provided inpatient care to diverse population of adult medical and surgical patients.
- Assisted with wound care, dressing changes and NG tube placement to maintain stable patient conditions.
- Administered blood products and monitored vital signs to address immediate concerns.
- Effectively managed time and prioritized tasks to ensure timely administration of medications, treatments, and procedures.
- Assessed patient conditions accurately by conducting comprehensive physical assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests, and utilizing critical thinking skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Daemen College
Buffalo, NY05.2013
Associate of Science - Nursing
Trocaire College
Buffalo, NY05.2004
Skills
- HIPAA Compliance
- Healthcare systems navigation
- Patient support
- Medication Reconciliation
- Community Resources
- Care Coordination
- Discharge Planning
- Treatment Plans
- Home Care Planning
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Timeline
Discharge Planner
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
09.2023 - Current
Interventional Radiology Nurse
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
09.2018 - 09.2023
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
10.2010 - 09.2018
Hospice Nurse
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Hospital
01.2009 - 10.2010
Home Health Nurse
Catholic Health System
05.2007 - 11.2008
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Catholic Health System
06.2004 - 05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Daemen College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Trocaire College
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