Hi, I’m
Heidi Hunter
Great Falls,USA
Work Preference
Summary
Seasoned Registered Nurse with a rich background in acute inpatient and outpatient care, notably at Benefis Health Systems. Demonstrates exceptional critical thinking and communication abilities, leading multidisciplinary teams towards enhanced patient outcomes. Renowned for clinical expertise and a technology-savvy approach, ensuring top-notch care and safety.
Overview
40
years of professional experience
1
Bachelor of Science
1
Baccalaureate in Nursing
1
American Heart Association CPR Instructor Certification
1
American Red Cross CPR Instructor
1
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
Work History
Great Falls Pre-Release Transition Center
Registered Nurse for Corrections Facility
12.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Provide case management, utilization of medical coverage reviews with the Department of Corrections (DOC) for inmate workers, direct care as needed, and instruct CPR/First Aid, as well as naloxone emergency training to staff.
- (15-20 hours a week)
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Provided patient health education focusing on self-management, prevention, and wellness.
- Served as Acting Medical Director, providing critical medical guidance to staff and ensuring compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA).
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Conducted staff training and certification in CPR, First Aid, AED, Naloxone administration, and blood borne pathogens as an American Heart Association Instructor.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Stocked workstations, emergency kits, and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for patient care.
- Counseled inmates on behavioral health, addiction, and criminal thinking.
- Facilitated the transition of inmates and residents to the community by coordinating with community programs.
Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT
Faculty Clinical Instructor Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN)
01.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Mental Health Concepts: Clinical Instruction for Senior BSN Nursing Students in Adult and Pediatric Inpatient and Outpatient Behavioral Health Settings.
- Instruct students in the principles and application of physical, biological, and psychological subjects related to nursing, with a focus on psychiatric care, substance abuse, building therapeutic rapport, and supporting mental wellness.
- Instructed pediatric inpatient psychiatry clinical experience at Shodair Children's Hospital.
- Evaluate student progress, and maintain records of student clinical experience in the Acute Behavioral Health Setting.
- Evaluated student performance, providing constructive feedback to foster professional growth.
- Improved nursing programs through collaboration with department heads, faculty and staff.
- Liaised with clinical site managers to ensure quality learning experiences for students.
- Provided instruction on a variety of topics related to clinical medicine including physical diagnosis, pharmacology and medical ethics.
- Guided students in developing effective patient communication and bedside manners.
- Ensured compliance with accreditation standards and healthcare regulations in clinical teaching.
- Assessed student competency levels through direct observation in the hospital and community settings.
Benefis Health SystemsGreat Falls, MT
Registered Nurse Behavioral Health Unit
01.2014 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Perform RN duties for acute adult patients with a primary diagnosis of mental health issues, including suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, hallucinations, delusions, dementia, and/or chemical dependency.
- Perform admission assessment, psychosis, paranoia, changes in LOC, cognitive changes, family support, pharmacology, nursing psychotherapy, transition planning, lead group and individual counseling sessions, mentoring new staff and students, evaluation of care, patient and family teaching, and discharge planning.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Provided on-call support for the Behavioral Health Unit, ensuring timely and effective patient care.
Great Falls College Montana State UniversityGreat Falls, MT
Adjunct Faculty Clinical Instructor Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN)
08.2018 - 01.2024
Job overview
- Mental Health Concepts: Clinical Instruction for Senior Nursing Students in Acute Behavioral Health Settings.
- Instruct psychiatric nursing concepts to senior nursing students.
- Instruct students in the principles and application of physical, biological, and psychological subjects related to nursing, with a focus on psychiatric care, substance abuse, building therapeutic rapport, and supporting mental wellness.
- Evaluate student progress and maintain records of student clinical experience in the Acute Behavioral Health Setting, both adult and child clinical settings.
- Assisted students in developing clinical skills through instruction and feedback.
- Guided students in developing effective patient communication and bedside manners.
- Provided guidance to students on the development of patient care plans and strategies.
- Attended conferences to stay abreast of current trends in nursing education practices.
- Advised students on personal issues that may affect their academic success or clinical performance.
- Communicated students' individual and group performance to lead faculty.
- Ensured compliance with accreditation standards and healthcare regulations in clinical teaching.
- Participated in faculty meetings and committees, contributing to program development.
- Delegated patient assignments to students based on individual learning needs and patient assessments.
- Liaised with clinical site managers to ensure quality learning experiences for students.
- Supervised student clinical rotations, ensuring adherence to patient care protocols.
- Partnered with other instructors to share best practices for optimized student learning.
- Advocated for continuous improvement in nursing education and clinical training methods.
Benefis Health Systems
RN Unit Case Manager/Care Coordinator
01.2001 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Navigated patient care for acute behavioral health and short-stay surgical units at Benefis Hospital. Coordination for all hospital transfers to a higher level of care when appropriate.
- RN Case Management duties include leading daily team staffing rounds, utilization review, discharge planning, and care coordination.
- Staff, patient, and family teaching, evaluation, and documentation of all aspects of care.
- Experience with Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans.
- Maintain detailed documentation.
- Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess the patient's status, and conduct specified laboratory tests.
- Assess the needs of individuals, families, or communities, including the assessment of individuals' home or work environments, to identify potential health or safety concerns.
- Instruct individuals, families, or groups on topics such as coping skills, suicide prevention, discharge safety plans, education of the disease process and prevention, follow-up testing, medication compliance, and lead team-generated care plans process.
- Attended continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on current trends in nursing practice.
- Collaborated with medical insurance companies to ensure appropriate coverage and facilitate patient care.
- Maintained comprehensive written and electronic medical records.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
Rainbow Retirement CenterGreat Falls, MT
RN Assisted Living Supervisor/Department Lead
01.1999 - 01.2001
Job overview
- Supervised 9-15 Resident Assistant staff.
- Maintained the department budget.
- Managed the daily needs of 76 residents.
- Team member during the design and development of the Dementia Unit/Memory Care for Cambridge Court Retirement.
- Duties involved facility design, employee training, and education.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages, and documented patient conditions.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to nursing practice.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Advised family members on the best course of action for their loved ones' healthcare needs.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
- Identified potential safety hazards in the environment or among patients' behaviors.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Developed and conducted comprehensive staff training programs in long-term care.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Encouraged positive relationships between employees, residents, families, visitors, vendors, and other stakeholders involved in providing quality care.
- Evaluated existing policies and procedures related to assisted living operations on an ongoing basis.
- Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
- Ensured compliance with applicable regulations regarding assisted living services delivery.
- Worked closely with family members to develop strategies for addressing behavioral concerns or special needs.
- Planned and implemented programs for health care or medical facilities supporting personnel administration and training.
- Assisted with the development of new services or programs designed to meet the changing needs of residents.
- Promoted safe practices through education initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of falls or other accidents among residents.
- Performed recruitment activities such as interviewing candidates, creating job postings and conducting reference checks.
- Ensured compliance with all federal, state, local laws and regulations related to the department's operations.
- Provided training and guidance to new employees on policies and procedures.
- Managed daily operations within budget constraints while ensuring quality standards were met.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Supervised, trained, and developed team members, enhancing their performance and professional growth.
- Organized client meetings to provide project updates.
- Set and managed departmental budgets, controlling expenses to meet financial goals.
Spectrum Medical (Benefis)
Registered Nurse, Corrections, Part Time
01.1996 - 01.1999
Job overview
- Developed and implemented the RN position for the Juvenile Detention Center, including policy development, staff development, facility redesign, program development, and state compliance coordination.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Developed educational materials for use in teaching sessions with patients or their families.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
Deaconess Hospital (Benefis)Great Falls, MT
Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Unit
01.1991 - 01.1999
Job overview
- Performed registered nurse duties for in-patient acute adult patients with primary diagnosis in mental health including dementia and aging cognitive and emotional needs
- RN Charge nurse duties -supervised and trained staff
Benefis Healthcare
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Care Unit
01.1987 - 01.1991
Job overview
- Performed registered nurse duties on adult critical care patients.
- Charge nurse duties include supervising, training, and mentoring students and new staff.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Led emergency code team and rapid response for critical cardiac events.
- Educated patients and their families on cardiac care procedures and post-treatment protocols.
- Demonstrated proficiency in IV skills and assisted with medical procedures, ensuring accurate laboratory results.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Provided critical care support by floating to various Intensive Care Units and the Emergency Room.
Mt. Deaconess HospitalGreat Falls, MT
Nursing Assistant
01.1986 - 01.1987
Job overview
- Performed nursing assistant duties in the care of patients in the hospital, under the direction of nursing and medical staff.
- Assisted nursing staff in the care of geriatric patients and was designated as a Geriatric Nurse Assistant.
- Answered signal lights, bells and requests-for-service to assist patient services fulfillment.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
- Provided companionship to patients, monitored their emotional well-being, and offered reassurance when needed.
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with bathing, dressing and exercising.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Assisted patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Demonstrated respect and regard for dignity of patients, families and fellow employees to promote professional, responsible and courteous environment.
- Ensured that all equipment was functioning properly prior to use.
- Reported environmental risks or equipment malfunctions to supervisor.
- Transported specimens, laboratory items or pharmacy items, verifying proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
- Protected patient, self and others from injury during transfers, lifts and transports by using proper equipment and body mechanics.
- Implemented fall prevention techniques as specified in plan of care.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Observed patients' conditions regularly for any physical or mental changes and reported findings to the appropriate personnel promptly.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
Education
Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT
Bachelor of Science from Baccalaureate in Nursing
Skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skill set
- Critical thinking
- Crisis Management and De-escalation
- Multidisciplinary team leadership
- Medication Administration Expertise
- Technology and Tele-health experience
- Self-motivated and team-appreciative
- Decades of experience in hospital acute inpatient and outpatient care
- Quality assurance
- Academic advising
- Clinical expertise
- Patient and staff safety
- Electronic health records management
- Insurance Reviews & Dispute Resolution
- Patient charting
- HIPAA compliance
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Montana, USA, compact-multi-state
- Parish Nurse Certification
- Legal Nurse Consultant Certification (CLNC), 2013
- BLS/CPR Instructor
Hobbies and Interests
- Family
- Kayaking
- Cooking
- SCUBA Diving
- Boating
- Rafting
- Travel
- Equine Activities
- Photography
- Camping
- Biking
- Reading
- Decorating
- Western Art
- Off Road UTV trail adventures
References
Available upon request
Leadership Experience
- Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC) (2013)
- Parish Nurse (Carroll College)
- PEO Educational Scholarship Committee
- Former Member Cascade County Human Trafficking Task Force
- BLS Instructor
- Former Scuba instructor
- Former President Junior League of Great Falls
- Former President Cascade Child Evaluation/CARE Center - Board Member
- Senior Year Vice-President Montana Student Nursing Association
- Crisis Center Telephonic Assistance 1985-1986 - Missoula MT
Affiliations
- Medical-Surgical Nurse Ambassador to China (1990).
- Award for leading Child Advocacy Programs.
- Community Leadership Award while President of the Junior League of Great Falls, MT.
Additional Information
Farm and Ranch Manager/Owner -97 Homesteads Inc. (Family Business)
Timeline
Registered Nurse for Corrections Facility
Great Falls Pre-Release Transition Center
12.2021 - Current
Faculty Clinical Instructor Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN)
Montana State University
01.2019 - Current
Adjunct Faculty Clinical Instructor Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN)
Great Falls College Montana State University
08.2018 - 01.2024
Registered Nurse Behavioral Health Unit
Benefis Health Systems
01.2014 - 01.2025
RN Unit Case Manager/Care Coordinator
Benefis Health Systems
01.2001 - 01.2013
RN Assisted Living Supervisor/Department Lead
Rainbow Retirement Center
01.1999 - 01.2001
Registered Nurse, Corrections, Part Time
Spectrum Medical (Benefis)
01.1996 - 01.1999
Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Unit
Deaconess Hospital (Benefis)
01.1991 - 01.1999
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Care Unit
Benefis Healthcare
01.1987 - 01.1991
Nursing Assistant
Mt. Deaconess Hospital
01.1986 - 01.1987
Montana State University
Bachelor of Science from Baccalaureate in Nursing