Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Heather M. Brooks

Heather M. Brooks

Queen Creek,AZ

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate patient focused Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner candidate with proven strengths in bedside patient care, staff development and patient advocacy. Nursing background of 13 years with 10 years of critical care background. Displays an exceptional aptitude to deliver positive patient outcomes in a fast-paced environment while simultaneously building productive relationships. Demonstrates the ability to lead and motivate outstanding health care teams. Known for exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, as well as maintaining accurate and efficient documentation.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Charge/Staff Nurse Medical Cardiac ICU

Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center
Chandler, AZ
07.2015 - Current
  • Perform daily assessments of all ICU patients, evaluate patients' response to treatments, work with physicians to develop individualized plans of care.
  • Provided direct patient care and maintained safety within the scope of practice and in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Assist physicians during medical procedures, including intubations, central line insertions, chest tube placements, thora/paracentesis, bronchoscopy.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care services across the continuum.
  • Instruct/Precept new nurses on proper techniques when caring for critically ill patients in the ICU setting.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills by delegating duties appropriately among staff members.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess complex situations quickly and effectively.
  • Achieved best possible outcomes for nursing sensitive indicators, core measures, HCAPS, patient satisfaction and associate satisfaction.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Student

Walden University
08.2020 - 11.2024
  • 640 total supervised Practicum hours, 240 hours in Hospital Medicine, 240 hours in Critical Care Medicine
  • Built trust and rapport with patients by listening to concerns, advocating for wellness, and educating and counseling on acute and chronic health issues, disease prevention, and health promotion.
  • Managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of various disorders and diseases.
  • Developed individualized assessments and treatment plans based on evidence-based practice guidelines.
  • Performed comprehensive physical examinations, review of systems, and physical assessments of patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
  • Ordered laboratory tests, imaging studies, medications, treatments, and other interventions as needed for diagnosis and treatment.
  • Assessed the effectiveness of treatments and modified plans as needed.
  • Educated patients on lifestyle modifications to improve their overall health.
  • Provided referrals to specialists as necessary for further evaluation or treatment.

Staff Registered Nurse

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Gilbert, AZ
05.2013 - 07.2015
  • Monitored vital signs, laboratory results and other health data to identify changes in patient conditions.
  • Administered medications as prescribed by physicians and documented all medication administration accurately.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions and modified treatment plans accordingly.
  • Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques, diet, exercise regimens and preventative measures to promote health maintenance.
  • Performed numerous diagnostic tests such as EKGs, blood draws, catheterizations, foley insertions, NG tube placement.
  • Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss plan of care updates and revisions based on current assessment findings.
  • Maintained current knowledge of advances in medical technology through continuing education courses.
  • Served as a preceptor for newly hired staff nurses orienting them to departmental expectations.
  • Facilitated strategic goals aimed at increasing satisfaction and improving outcomes through compassionate, precise and high-quality nursing care.

Phlebotomy Team Lead

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
Gilbert, AZ
05.2011 - 05.2013
  • Directed and coordinated the work of phlebotomists to ensure efficient department operations. Performed daily quality control checks on laboratory equipment.
  • Developed standard operating procedures for specimen collection and processing activities.
  • Assisted with the scheduling of personnel to meet staffing requirements.
  • Followed up on pending orders or test results in order to expedite delivery time frames.
  • Adhered strictly to HIPAA guidelines regarding confidentiality of patient information at all times. Located veins suitable for puncture to draw blood using sterilized needles, vials and other equipment.
  • Centrifuged blood specimens in test tubes and capillary tubes to separate cells and sediment from blood serum, drug screens, background checks, and alcohol tests.
  • Observed patient for unusual reactions or events to take appropriate action under established guidelines.

Recreation Program Leader

City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation
Scottsdale, AZ
02.2000 - 05.2011
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of youth recreational programs. Organized and supervised activities such as games, arts and crafts, sports, field trips, and special events.
  • Ensured safety of participants during all activities. Maintained records of participant attendance and progress.
  • Monitored budgets for recreational programs to ensure fiscal responsibility.
  • Researched best practices related to recreation programming in order to develop new ideas or improve existing programs.
  • Interacted with parents and guardians of participants to discuss program policies, procedures, and progress updates.
  • Coordinated volunteer efforts necessary for successful implementation of programs.
  • Supervised staff while they were leading group activities.
  • Drafted promotional materials such as flyers, newsletters, brochures, aimed at increasing participation levels in recreational programs.
  • Built and strengthened relationships with children, families, and team members.
  • Established long-lasting relationships with both staff members and students to support program success.

Education

Master of Science - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
11-2024

Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
05-2015

Associate of Applied Science - AA in Nursing

Maricopa Community Colleges - Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
12-2012

High School Diploma -

Coronado High School
Scottsdale, AZ
05-2002

Skills

  • Compassionate Patient-Centered Care
  • Healthcare Team Collaboration
  • Professionalism, Respect, Advocacy
  • Teamwork, Accountability, Autonomy
  • Critical Thinking, Inclusion, Integrity
  • Follow HIPAA Guidelines
  • Meticulous and Attention to Detail
  • Advanced Assessment skills
  • Strong Clinical Judgement
  • Comprehensive Health History
  • Review of Systems
  • History of Present Illness
  • Physical Exam
  • Differential diagnosis, Assessment and Treatment plan
  • Diagnostic and Lab Interpretation
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Patient and Family Education
  • Patient Referrals and Consults
  • Wide Knowledge Base of Medications
  • Medical Device Monitoring
  • Endotracheal Intubation
  • Ventilator management and settings
  • Palliative Care/Family Discussions
  • Immunization Administration
  • Central/HD line placement/management/removal
  • Chest tube removal and management
  • CRRT, Impella, IABP
  • CABG/AVR/MVR/Dissection/MAZE Recovery
  • Bedside ECMO and Cannulation Assist
  • Suture and Staple Insertion/Removal
  • Thoracentesis/Paracentesis/Bronchoscopy
  • Emergency/Code Blue Management
  • 12 Lead EKG Interpretation
  • ABG interpretation and treatment
  • Esophagectomy ICU Recovery
  • DKA-insulin management/treatment
  • CIWA/Alcohol Withdrawal Protocol/Policies
  • End of Life Care/Comfort Care
  • Shock States/Advanced Hemodynamics
  • Sepsis Protocols
  • Addiction Advocacy

Certification

  • ACLS/BLS Certified
  • NIHSS Certification
  • American Association of Critical Care Nurses, ACNPC-AG-testing soon
  • Registered Nurse, since 2013 license is current and in good standing AZBN

Timeline

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Student

Walden University
08.2020 - 11.2024

Charge/Staff Nurse Medical Cardiac ICU

Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center
07.2015 - Current

Staff Registered Nurse

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
05.2013 - 07.2015

Phlebotomy Team Lead

Dignity Health Mercy Gilbert Medical Center
05.2011 - 05.2013

Recreation Program Leader

City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation
02.2000 - 05.2011
  • ACLS/BLS Certified
  • NIHSS Certification
  • American Association of Critical Care Nurses, ACNPC-AG-testing soon
  • Registered Nurse, since 2013 license is current and in good standing AZBN

Master of Science - Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP

Walden University

Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Grand Canyon University

Associate of Applied Science - AA in Nursing

Maricopa Community Colleges - Phoenix College

High School Diploma -

Coronado High School
Heather M. Brooks