Jane Kowalski
Sioux Falls ,SD
Summary
Proven Registered Nurse with a track record of enhancing patient outcomes at Avera through expert medication administration and compassionate care. Skilled in patient assessments and education, significantly reduced patient falls by implementing evidence-based strategies. Demonstrates strong clinical judgment and empathy, fostering patient and family advocacy. Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Avera Behavioral Hospital
04.2024 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- 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.
- 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.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Urgent Care Lead
MHealth Fairview
12.2020 - 12.2023
- Assessed incoming patients quickly and efficiently, determining the appropriate level of care required based on their symptoms.
- Maintained accurate electronic health records, ensuring timely updates and thorough documentation of patient interactions.
- Reduced wait times for patients by streamlining the check-in process and optimizing nurse scheduling.
- Liaised with physicians on discharge plans and created outpatient instructions for patients not admitted to hospital.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes across all departments.
- Provided emotional support to distressed patients, helping them cope with their illnesses or injuries.
- Managed patients with multiple chronic health conditions, acute episodes of care and behavioral health challenges while promoting and supporting prevention and wellness.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients in urgent care settings.
- Leveraged data to meet care coordination needs across settings in conjunction with patient, family, and other care providers.
- Facilitated smooth handoffs between shifts by conducting thorough briefings on each patient''s condition and needs.
- Implemented care plan, coordinated delivery and employed strategies to promote health and safe environment.
- Promoted preventive health measures, educating patients on lifestyle changes and self-care techniques.
- Implemented infection control measures to minimize the spread of communicable diseases within the facility.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient triage processes and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Administered medications accurately, ensuring proper dosages and adherence to protocols.
- Strengthened clinical skills by attending professional development workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Developed strong rapport with patients'' families, addressing concerns and providing updates on treatment progress.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores with compassionate care and effective communication techniques.
- Assisted physicians in performing minor surgical procedures, providing needed support during critical moments.
- Coordinated discharge planning with case managers to ensure a seamless transition from urgent care to home or outpatient services.
- Monitored vital signs to detect early warning signs of deteriorating patient conditions, enabling prompt intervention when necessary.
- Increased patient trust through empathetic listening and clear explanations of medical procedures.
- 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.
- 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.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Medical Assistant
MHealth Fairview
09.2009 - 12.2020
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic and hospital environments.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
- Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
- Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
- Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols by following proper sterilization techniques for medical equipment.
- Improved patient experiences by efficiently managing appointments and maintaining organized medical records.
- Contributed to positive health outcomes by educating patients on preventative measures, treatment plans, and follow-up care instructions.
- Aided in accurate diagnoses by performing laboratory tests and preparing specimens for analysis.
- Provided support during emergencies by administering first aid treatments under physician supervision until further assistance arrived.
- Completed EKGs and other tests based on patient presentation in office.
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
- Explained procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and increase patient cooperation.
- Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
- Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
- Oriented and trained new staff on proper procedures and policies.
- Updated inventory, expiration and vaccine logs to maintain current tracking documentation.
Medical Assistant
Midwest Foot And Ankle Institute
06.2006 - 09.2009
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic and hospital environments.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Kept medical supplies in sufficient stock by monitoring levels and submitting replenishment orders before depleted.
- Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by assisting physicians with routine procedures and diagnostic tests.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols by following proper sterilization techniques for medical equipment.
- Assisted in the development of clinic policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
- Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
- Liaised with patients and addressed inquiries, appointment requests and billing questions.
- Implemented care and efficiency improvements to support and enhance office operations.
- Followed appropriate procedures to minimize patient's exposure to radiation.
Education
Certified Medical Assisting - Medical Assistant
Bryman College
Eagan, MNAssociate of Applied Science - Nursing
Rasmussen College
Saint Cloud, MN06.2023
Skills
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Documentation and Charting
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Compassion and Empathy
- Care Planning
- Physical assessments
- Family Education
- Intake and discharge
- Procedure preparations
- Chronic Disease Management
Certification
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
Minnesota Licensure Number- 2518495
South Dakota Licensure Number- R058451
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Avera Behavioral Hospital
04.2024 - Current
Urgent Care Lead
MHealth Fairview
12.2020 - 12.2023
Medical Assistant
MHealth Fairview
09.2009 - 12.2020
Medical Assistant
Midwest Foot And Ankle Institute
06.2006 - 09.2009
Certified Medical Assisting - Medical Assistant
Bryman College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Rasmussen College
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
Minnesota Licensure Number- 2518495
South Dakota Licensure Number- R058451
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