Hilary Puzak
West End,NC
Summary
Mental health professional with extensive experience in providing high-quality psychiatric care and treatment. Recognized for strong collaboration with healthcare teams and dedication to patient well-being. Known for flexibility and adaptability in dynamic clinical environments, ensuring effective care delivery.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Daymark Recovery Services
11.2022 - Current
- Adult and Teenage Outpatient Mental Health Management, Adult and Teenage Substance Abuse treatment, Child to Adult Behavioral Urgent Care Evaluations, Child to Adult Crisis evaluations, As needed Admission for Company Residential Treatment
- Conducted thorough psychiatric evaluations to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and inform appropriate treatment decisions.
- Maintained comprehensive, accurate, and timely electronic health records to support ongoing assessment and treatment planning efforts.
- Utilized telehealth technologies as necessary to provide remote consultations while ensuring adequate patient monitoring during periods of distance-based care.
- Improved care continuity by effectively collaborating with interdisciplinary team members and maintaining clear communication.
- Increased patient satisfaction through providing compassionate, holistic care and addressing the unique concerns of each individual.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing evidence-based interventions focused on relapse prevention and management strategies.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed to stabilize patients experiencing acute distress or at risk for harm to self or others.
- Coordinated care transitions by establishing discharge plans in collaboration with other professionals involved in the patient''s treatment journey.
- Primary treatment for Serious Mental Health Conditions, Psychosis, Bipolar disorder, Substance Abuse, Buprenorphine treatments
- 10-15 patients per day
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
CHE Behavioral Services
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Geriatric Mental Health Inpatient and Acute Rehab Mental Health
- Conducted thorough psychiatric evaluations for geriatric and disabled adult populations to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and inform appropriate treatment decisions.
- Maintained comprehensive, accurate, and timely electronic health records to support ongoing assessment and treatment planning efforts.
- Primary Condition Management: Dementia, geriatric psychosis, mood disorders, anxiety, tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and Dystonia
- Average 15 patients per day
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Televate Comp Care
08.2020 - 11.2022
- Forensic Behavioral Medicine – Workers Compensation
- Conducted thorough psychiatric evaluations to accurately diagnose mental health conditions and inform appropriate treatment decisions.
- Developed strong therapeutic alliances with patients through active listening skills and empathic understanding of their personal experiences.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by developing comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
- Coordinated care transitions by establishing discharge plans in collaboration with other professionals involved in the patient''s treatment journey.
- Primary treatment for PTSD, Adjustment disorders, Depression, and Anxiety Management
- Conducted different therapy modalities to incorporate medication management with therapy for improved patient outcomes.
- Average 6-8 patients per day
Registered Nurse
First Health of the Carolinas
07.2015 - 10.2022
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or selfharm.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing issues such as coping skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention.
- Experience in Psychiatric, Detox, and Emergency Department Nursing
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
Mental Health Group Home Administrator
Evolved Healthcare Services
03.2007 - 12.2014
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining strict confidentiality at all times as required by company policy or legal regulations.
- Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
- Facilitated communication between medical staff members, enabling greater collaboration in patient care decisions.
- Established key performance indicators to track progress towards departmental goals.
- Contributed to strategic development of clinical programs and study reports.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations through rigorous policy development and enforcement efforts.
- Developed standard operating procedures that improved efficiency across all areas of administration.
Education
Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina05.2022
Masters of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina05.2022
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
University of North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina05.2019
Associate in Nursing -
Sandhills Community College
Pinehurst, North Carolina05.2012
Skills
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Outpatient mental health services
- Outpatient Buprenorphine Management
- Crisis Assessments for Hospitalization
- Trauma-informed care
- Community mental health resources
- Relapse prevention planning
- Patient-centered approach
Affiliations
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- American Advanced Practice Nurses Association
References
Provided on Request
Training
- Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ANCC, 06/01/22
- PMHNP Licenses in NC, SC, WV, and VA
- MAT Waiver Training, 10/01/22
- DEA Certificate NC
- Involuntary Commitment, First Evaluation examiner, 01/01/24
- Certified Nurse Case Manager, Commission for Case Manager, 04/01/22
- Palliative Care Competence, AACN – ELNEC, 04/01/22
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification, The Beck Institute, 08/01/21
- Mindfulness Based Stressed Reduction Therapy Certification, 08/01/21
- The Opioid Epidemic and SBIRT, MUSC, 02/01/21
- Master Psychopharmacology Certification, 12/01/20
- Motivational Interviewing, MUSC, 04/01/20
- Registered Nurse License Number: NC 262667
Volunteer Experience
- Committee Member, North Carolina Chapter Psychiatric Nurses Association, Since 2021
- Committee Member, Recovery Committee, Since 2023
- Presenter, Georgia Occupational Nurses Association, Telepsychiatry and Workers Compensation
- Presenter, Onecall University, Shepheard and Friends, PTSD Evaluating Trauma and Stressor Related Conditions in Workers Compensation
Timeline
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Daymark Recovery Services
11.2022 - Current
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
CHE Behavioral Services
09.2022 - 09.2023
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Televate Comp Care
08.2020 - 11.2022
Registered Nurse
First Health of the Carolinas
07.2015 - 10.2022
Mental Health Group Home Administrator
Evolved Healthcare Services
03.2007 - 12.2014
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
University of North Carolina
Associate in Nursing -
Sandhills Community College
Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Medical University of South Carolina
Masters of Nursing Practice - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Medical University of South Carolina
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