Heather Zenkus

• Dedicated Resource nurse for 5 years Observation unit.
• Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
• Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
• Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
• Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
• Managed care from admission to discharge.
• Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
• Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
• Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.

• Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
• Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
• Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
• Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
• Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
• Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
• Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
• Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.

Coverage in Same Day Surgical Unit, PACU, Pre-Admission Testing, Fracture Room, GI Lab and In-patient Tele/Medical/Surgical units.