Heather Walker
Napa,United States
Summary
As a highly skilled and dedicated Registered Nurse with 5 years of experience, my passion for providing exceptional patient care has been the driving force behind my success. I have a proven track record of effectively managing and prioritizing patient needs in fast-paced environments while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail. My biggest achievement has been successfully leading a team of nurses on a high acuity unit, escalating care to prioritize patient safety and ensuring staff and patient safety. My best qualities include excellent communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. With my strong clinical knowledge and exceptional critical thinking abilities, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact on any healthcare team.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Relief Charge Nurse
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
01.2021 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of nursing unit to ensure optimal patient care.
- Oversaw and guided nursing staff to enhance team performance and patient care standards.
- Evaluated patient conditions and formulated comprehensive care plans.
- Facilitated collaboration with interdisciplinary team to enhance patient care outcomes.
- Trained and mentored new nurses in clinical procedures and hospital policies.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient satisfaction scores.
- Developed and maintained efficient workflows to streamline operations in high-demand environments.
- Monitored patient progress and collaborated with physicians on care adjustments as needed.
- Coordinated patient care plans with multidisciplinary teams for optimal treatment outcomes.
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure adherence to best practices and patient safety protocols.
- Managed inventory and equipment resources, ensuring availability of essential medical supplies.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Championed a positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
- Coordinated discharge planning, collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions of care.
Registered Nurse Cardiac Unit
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
01.2020 - Current
- Managed patient care in various units (ER holding, COVID specialized unit, Progressive Care Unit, Stroke Unit, Telemetry Medical-Surgical)
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans
- Performed assessments, administered medications, and provided treatments
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care, medication management, and lifestyle modifications.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses in a fast-paced cardiac unit.
- Mentored junior nurses, enhancing team knowledge and improving patient care standards.
- Streamlined documentation processes, increasing efficiency in patient record management.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify changes in patients' conditions promptly.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve cardiac care outcomes for diverse patient populations.
- Led quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient safety protocols within the unit.
- Promoted a supportive environment for both patients and their families during difficult times within the Cardiac Unit.
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care for each patient.
- Provided high-quality, compassionate care to cardiac patients during critical moments and emergencies.
- Monitored telemetry data closely, promptly alerting medical staff when intervention was necessary.
- Participated in ongoing education opportunities to stay current with best practices in cardiac nursing care.
- Mentored new nurses on the cardiac unit, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
- Conducted thorough assessments of vital signs and EKG results to identify potential complications early.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care, adhering to regulatory requirements and facilitating effective communication among healthcare providers.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to inform nursing actions, enhancing overall quality of patient care.
- Contributed to process improvement initiatives within the Cardiac Unit, leading to increased efficiency and improved patient satisfaction scores.
- Improved patient outcomes by coordinating with interdisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans.
- Educated families on heart disease prevention methods, resulting in better long-term patient care.
- Deescalated high-stress situations within the Cardiac Unit, ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and staff.
- Safely administered medications according to physician orders, minimizing risk of adverse drug interactions or reactions.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support alongside medical expertise throughout their hospitalization experience.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Remote Triage Nurse
Clinic Ole
04.2024 - 06.2025
- Assessed patient conditions through comprehensive triage assessments and prioritized care based on urgency.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to streamline patient flow and enhance operational efficiency.
- Educated patients and families about treatment plans, ensuring clarity in communication and understanding.
- Implemented best practices for patient safety, reducing risks during triage processes and care transitions.
- Analyzed triage data to identify trends, informing strategic improvements in service delivery models.
- Mentored junior nurses in triage procedures, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
- Counseled patients via telephone according to established guidelines and protocols, advising on provider-established plans of care.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring thorough documentation of triage assessments and treatment plans.
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills, empathetic communication, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently prioritizing and addressing urgent medical concerns in a timely manner.
- Integrated evidence-based practices into daily tasks, ensuring consistency in delivering high-quality care across all populations served.
- Maintained a calm and professional demeanor during high-stress situations, effectively managing patient expectations and alleviating concerns.
- Scheduled appointments for patients not requiring emergency services but needing examination from provider and consulting directly with provider.
- Provided clear and concise instructions to patients regarding home care plans, ensuring proper understanding and adherence to treatment protocols.
- Provided compassionate care for patients experiencing acute symptoms, offering emotional support and comfort during stressful situations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for high-risk or complex patients.
- Improved communication among healthcare team members by serving as a liaison between patients, physicians, and nursing staff.
- Educated patients on self-care strategies and preventative measures to minimize future health complications.
- Routinely evaluated effectiveness of current triage protocols, recommending changes when necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
- Reduced wait times for patients by swiftly assessing their conditions and directing them to appropriate care providers.
Monitor Tech
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Monitored cardiac rhythms
- Alerted medical staff of abnormalities
- Maintained accurate patient records
- Ensured proper equipment functioning
Monitor Tech
Marin General Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2018
- Monitored cardiac rhythms for patients
- Interpreted and communicated rhythm changes
- Collaborated with medical team for patient care
- Maintained accurate records
Monitor Tech
St Helena Hospital
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Monitored patient cardiac rhythms
- Communicated with healthcare professionals
- Utilized critical thinking in fast-paced setting
- Maintained attention to detail
Patient Care Technician
St Francis Children’s Hospital
03.2008 - 04.2009
- Provided direct patient care, ensuring comfort and safety during medical procedures.
- Assisted healthcare professionals in monitoring vital signs and documenting patient progress.
- Educated patients and families on care plans, promoting understanding and compliance.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate seamless patient transitions and discharge processes.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
- Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
- Provided high-quality personal care to patients, promoting comfort and dignity during their hospital stay.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
- Contributed to a positive patient experience by keeping rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.
Patient Care Technician
Mercy Hospital Springfield
10.2005 - 08.2008
- Implemented infection control protocols, maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Trained new staff in patient care techniques and hospital policies, enhancing team effectiveness.
- Developed individualized care plans by collaborating with nurses and physicians, improving patient outcomes.
- Led initiatives to streamline patient flow, reducing wait times and enhancing service delivery efficiency.
- Performed blood draws, EKGs, and other diagnostic tests accurately and efficiently for prompt analysis by healthcare professionals.
- Fostered strong relationships with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative work environment that prioritized teamwork among staff members.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive healthcare environment, adhering to policies and procedures while advocating for the well-being of all patients.
- Assisted in transferring patients, beds and patient care equipment to other rooms adhering to necessary safety precautions.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by maintaining thorough documentation of patient care activities and observations.
- Recognized potential emergencies promptly, initiating appropriate action to stabilize patients until further assistance arrived.
- Reduced stress for patients and families through effective communication and empathetic support.
- Demonstrated adaptability by working effectively with patients of diverse backgrounds and medical conditions, providing personalized care for each individual.
- Enabled increased mobility for patients by assisting with ambulation exercises and transfers using proper body mechanics techniques.
- Served as a reliable resource for patients'' families, addressing questions or concerns with patience and understanding while maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in patient care technology advancements.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing for Care Coordination
Capella University
Minneapolis12.2024
Associate of Science - Science in Nursing
College of Marin
Greenbrae05.2020
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Health Sciences, Psychology in the Health Care Field
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa08.2018
Skills
Patient Assessment
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Clinical judgment
- Compassionate care
- Telemetry interpretation
- Intravenous therapy
- Health promotion
- Cardiac monitoring
- Ethical practice
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Patient safety
- Physical assessments
- Vital signs monitoring
- Telemetry monitoring
- Discharge planning
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Oxygen therapy
- Blood transfusion
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Medication and IV administration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Compassionate and caring
- Multitasking Abilities
- Basic life support
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Direct patient care
- CPR certification
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative problem solving
- Decision-making
- Dementia care
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient care assessment
- Patient education
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Monitoring vital signs
- Electronic health records
- Relationship building
- Clinical documentation
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Vitals monitoring
- Clear patient communication
- Wound care
- Microsoft office
- Pain management
- Critical care nursing
- Team building
- Safety protocols
- Delegation and motivation
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Patient Assessment
- Infection control
- Patient condition monitoring
- Accurate documentation
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Care coordination
- Documentation
- Goal setting
- Quality improvement
- Geriatric care
- Professionalism
- Patient advocacy
- Interpersonal communication
Personal Information
Title: Registered Nurse
Certification
BLS
ACLS
PALS
NRP
Timeline
Remote Triage Nurse
Clinic Ole
04.2024 - 06.2025
Relief Charge Nurse
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
01.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse Cardiac Unit
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
01.2020 - Current
Monitor Tech
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
01.2018 - 01.2020
Monitor Tech
Marin General Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2018
Monitor Tech
St Helena Hospital
01.2015 - 01.2016
Patient Care Technician
St Francis Children’s Hospital
03.2008 - 04.2009
Patient Care Technician
Mercy Hospital Springfield
10.2005 - 08.2008
Master of Science - Nursing for Care Coordination
Capella University
Associate of Science - Science in Nursing
College of Marin
Bachelor of Science (BS) - Health Sciences, Psychology in the Health Care Field
Azusa Pacific University