Meditech
Heather Van Aken
Elkhart,IN
Summary
Dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner Student committed to becoming an effective instrument in delivering better health care services. With over 20 years of experience in emergency and triage care, notably at Goshen Health, excels in critical thinking and efficient, compassionate patient care. Expertise encompasses care across the lifespan, underpinned by a collaborative spirit and a commitment to continuous professional development. Achievements include streamlining clinical processes leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Clinical Application Analyst
Goshen Health
09.2022 - Current
- Developed and deployed queries, simple applications and moderately complex reports relevant to customer needs.
- Streamlined information systems, smoothing and simplifying processes to increase accuracy and ease of use.
- Implemented system upgrades, ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations and maintaining compliance with industry standards.
- Delivered high-quality results under tight deadlines, consistently meeting project milestones.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of clinical applications.
- Demonstrated detailed technical knowledge of assigned applications.
- Provided ongoing support to end-users, resolving technical issues promptly and effectively.
- Applied in-depth knowledge of applications to satisfy customer requirements for enhanced functionality.
- Ensured data security through rigorous testing protocols and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
- Reduced errors in data entry by creating user-friendly interfaces and streamlined processes.
- Translated customer requests into software application solution specifications, appropriate to assigned tasks.
- Taught customers to optimize use of assigned applications and specific project-driven tasks.
- Served as customer support assistant, fielding technical support concerns and guiding users through proper use of applications.
- Optimized clinical workflows for improved efficiency and patient outcomes.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing new clinical application features and functionalities.
- Collaborated with upper management to drive strategy and implement new processes.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing across departments, empowering users with the skills needed to maximize application benefits.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Goshen Health Hospital
04.2021 - Current
- Oversaw ER department and team of multi-disciplinary professionals in high-volume, fast-paced environment.
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
- Stabilized patients, determined health needs and provided direct patient care.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injury and illnesses.
- Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Administered critical IV medications to stabilize patients for assessment and treatment.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- 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.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Cared for as many as 110 patients each day, quickly identifying concerns, controlling symptoms, and providing expert emergency care.
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center
07.2019 - 03.2021
- Demonstrated expertise in various clinical skills such as IV insertion, medication administration, wound care management, and patient education.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients and staff through adherence to infection control protocols and best practices.
- Streamlined workflow processes for increased efficiency and reduced patient wait times.
- Expanded knowledge of emergency nursing procedures through continuous professional development activities.
- Exhibited strong decision-making abilities under pressure while working independently or collaboratively as part of a larger healthcare team.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Provided leadership during critical incidents or mass casualty events, coordinating resources effectively to manage the influx of patients requiring urgent care.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and physicians, promoting effective communication and timely resolution of concerns or issues.
- Championed a positive work environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect among all staff members.
- Managed staffing assignments to optimize resources, ensuring appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios during peak times.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Cared for as many as 40 patients each day, quickly identifying concerns, controlling symptoms and providing expert emergency care.
Registered Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Bremen Community Hospital
07.2018 - 07.2019
- Served as a clinical resource for staff members, answering questions related to policy, procedure, or practice.
- Facilitated effective communication between physicians, patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team efforts to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical needs.
- Reduced wait times by streamlining admission processes and enhancing communication between departments.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families during difficult times, helping them navigate the healthcare system with compassion and understanding.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of all relevant information related to patient progress, treatments administered and other pertinent data.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Cared for as many as 35 patients each day, quickly identifying concerns, controlling symptoms and providing expert emergency care.
Staff Nurse, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Beacon Health System Memorial Hospital
11.2017 - 09.2018
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients on self-care management, empowering them to take an active role in their overall health and wellbeing.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected throughout their healthcare journey.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing empathetic, compassionate care to diverse populations.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of care plans regularly, making adjustments as needed based on individual patient needs and progress toward goals.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Travel Nurse, Emergency Department
Innovative Placements
02.2015 - 07.2018
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively managing assignments across multiple hospital locations and varied patient populations.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and requirements while working in various emergency departments across different states.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality, emergency nursing care to patients in a fast-paced environment.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in emergency nursing care.
- Utilized strong assessment skills to identify underlying health concerns and initiate appropriate interventions promptly.
- Provided timely interventions for critically ill patients, stabilizing conditions and preventing further complications.
- Managed challenging situations calmly under pressure while maintaining focus on patient safety and wellbeing.
- Reduced wait times for patients by efficiently triaging and prioritizing cases based on severity and need.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate bedside manner and clear communication of treatment plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of physicians, nurses, and support staff to provide comprehensive care to emergency department patients.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Beacon Centennial Neighborhood Health Center
07.2012 - 01.2015
- Promoted a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, and visitors by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining an organized workspace.
- Provided education to patients on health promotion strategies such as lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, self-care techniques, and disease management principles.
- Meticulously maintained endoscopic equipment in line with manufacturer recommendations, ensuring optimal performance during procedures.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex endoscopic procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout.
- Managed sedation administration for optimal pain relief during clinical sessions while monitoring vital signs closely.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during endoscopy procedures.
- Reduced procedure times by efficiently preparing patients, rooms, and equipment for endoscopic examinations.
- Established strong rapport with patients undergoing invasive procedures, alleviating anxiety levels before commencing treatments.
- Conducted comprehensive pre-procedure assessments encompassing detailed history taking and physical examinations to identify potential contraindications.
- Educated patients on post-procedure care, increasing adherence to discharge instructions and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Supported efficient clinic operations by managing high call volumes and prioritizing urgent cases appropriately.
- Scheduled appointments for patients not requiring emergency services but needing examination from provider and consulting directly with provider.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing timely and accurate telephone triage services.
- Maintained clear communication with healthcare providers, ensuring proper documentation of telephone encounters for continuity of care.
- Assisted in the development of new telephone triage protocols, incorporating evidence-based practices for optimal patient care delivery.
- Triaged patients by reviewing symptoms and advising on best treatment plan to facilitate patient care while minimizing impact on healthcare system.
- Reduced emergency room visits by effectively assessing patient symptoms and recommending appropriate care plans.
- Advised patients on pre- and post-operative instructions, medication administration and symptoms indicating emergency care.
Registered Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Beacon Health System Memorial Hospital
04.2009 - 01.2015
- Mentored new nurses, providing guidance on best practices and clinical decision-making skills.
- Served as a clinical resource for staff members, answering questions related to policy, procedure, or practice.
- Facilitated effective communication between physicians, patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team efforts to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex medical needs.
- Reduced wait times by streamlining admission processes and enhancing communication between departments.
- Contributed to positive workplace culture by fostering an environment that encouraged open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members.
- Oversaw daily shift operations including managing staff schedules, coordinating patient assignments, and monitoring equipment maintenance needs.
- Managed emergency department operations, ensuring adequate staffing levels and appropriate allocation of resources.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Goshen Health Hospital
12.2004 - 02.2009
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Upheld professional nursing standards and ethical principles when advocating for patients'' rights, respecting their autonomy, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
- Provided valuable support to families during critical situations by offering emotional support, answering questions, and assisting with decision-making processes related to their loved one''s care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients presenting with diverse medical conditions in the Emergency Department.
- Contributed to improved departmental performance metrics through prompt documentation of assessments, interventions, and patient responses in electronic medical records.
- Prevented potential medication errors by diligently verifying orders, double-checking dosages, and administering medications according to established protocols.
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Contributed to the creation of a positive work culture within the Emergency Department by actively participating in team-building activities, offering constructive feedback, celebrating successes, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among colleagues.
- Optimized patient flow within the Emergency Department by collaborating with charge nurses in coordinating bed assignments and discharges according to capacity constraints.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Education
Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ03.2026
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University South Bend
South Bend, IN12.2004
Skills
Critical thinking, prioritization, conscientious, efficient, organized, collaborative team player, effective communicator, enthusiastic about professional development, and eager to learn
- 20 years ER and triage experience
- Certified Emergency Nurse
- Trauma-oriented to manage traumatically injured patients of all ages; Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certified
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Certification
- Licensed Registered Nurse - 2004-Present
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse
- TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Course Training
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training
- NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Program Training
Software
Cerner
Epic
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Affiliations
- Emergency Nurses Association
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Timeline
IT Clinical Application Analyst
Goshen Health
09.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Goshen Health Hospital
04.2021 - Current
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center
07.2019 - 03.2021
Registered Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Bremen Community Hospital
07.2018 - 07.2019
Staff Nurse, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Beacon Health System Memorial Hospital
11.2017 - 09.2018
Travel Nurse, Emergency Department
Innovative Placements
02.2015 - 07.2018
Clinical Nurse Educator
Beacon Centennial Neighborhood Health Center
07.2012 - 01.2015
Registered Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Beacon Health System Memorial Hospital
04.2009 - 01.2015
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Goshen Health Hospital
12.2004 - 02.2009
Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University South Bend
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