J. Candace Ford

In the medical/surgical, pediatric, newborn, GYN, and post-partum setting:

• 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 care instructions during hospital stay, as well as at discharge.
• 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.
• Served as a resource and leader for student nurses when assigned to unit and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
• Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
• Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
• Serves as charge nurse for majority of assigned shifts with responsibilities of staff assignments and schedule coverage.

• Medication administration and management of 18-20 long term care and/or rehabilitation residents during appointed shifts.
• Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
• Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
• Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
• Helped patients complete bathing, dressing and eating.
• Helped long-term care residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities.