JENIFER WESSLING
Deerfield,NH
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse with extensive experience in trauma‑informed pediatric and adolescent care, crisis stabilization, and interdisciplinary coordination within juvenile justice and child welfare systems. Skilled in crisis intervention, behavioral health assessment, psychotropic medication oversight, emergency response, and collaborative care in secure environments. Proven ability to supervise nursing staff, develop individualized treatment plans, deliver staff training, and maintain a consistent therapeutic environment aligned with youth detention center standards and safety protocols.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Health Nurse Manager / Registered Nurse
Department of Health and Human Services
07.2021 - Current
- Manage DCYF Foster Care Health Program operations utilizing evidence-based public health nursing and trauma-informed care principles.
- Oversee medical consent processes ensuring timely, medically necessary treatment for children in State care.
- Develop and evaluate statewide policies aligned with standards of care, federal mandates, and state law.
- Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate nursing staff.
- Provide oversight for psychotropic medication management for youth in out-of-home placement.
- Serve as medical liaison for child protection and juvenile justice teams.
- Deliver specialized training to DCYF staff and partner agencies.
- Coordinate medically necessary services with NH Medicaid Care Management organizations.
- Represent the program in public forums and community outreach.
Public Health Nurse Consultant / Registered Nurse
Department of Health and Human Services
04.2020 - Current
- Advocate for and coordinate healthcare services for youth in out-of-home placement.
- Facilitate communication between medical providers, DCYF staff, and families to ensure continuity of care.
- Maintain strong interdisciplinary collaboration within child protection and juvenile justice.
- Participate in permanency meetings and judicial hearings regarding children's health needs.
- Ensure compliance with federal psychotropic medication requirements.
- Uphold federal, state, and municipal regulations governing public health nursing and child welfare.
Registered Nurse
New Hampshire State Hospital
12.2016 - 04.2020
- Supervised nursing staff on a 24-bed pediatric psychiatric crisis stabilization unit.
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments for up to 24 high-acuity youth daily.
- Led responses to behavioral emergencies using calm and decisive intervention.
- Implemented individualized treatment and behavioral plans for youth with complex needs.
- Ensured adherence to trauma-informed care standards and facility policies.
Registered Nurse
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters
09.2014 - 08.2016
- Prioritized and organized patient care through strong time management and independent clinical judgment.
- Facilitated communication among patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Delivered patient and family education regarding disease processes, medications, and procedures.
- Assisted in examinations and medical procedures.
- Precepted nursing students and new graduate nurses; supervised care partners.
Personnel Specialist, Second Class (E-5)
United States Navy
06.1999 - 10.2008
- Counseled enlisted personnel on career development, education, and benefits.
- Maintained and audited personnel and pay records; processed entitlements and travel transactions.
- Prepared financial and accounting reports; operated military HR systems.
- Supported service members and families with hardship concerns.
- Supervised HR staff and ensured regulatory compliance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA05-2014
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach, VA08-2011
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Adolescent Care
- Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation
- Behavioral Health Assessment
- Juvenile Justice Care Coordination
- Psychotropic Medication Oversight
- Medical & Behavioral Triage in Secure Facilities
- Emergency Response Protocols
- Staff Training, Mentoring & Performance Evaluation
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Health Education for Youth & Staff
- Regulatory & Policy Compliance
- Accurate Documentation & Legal Recordkeeping
- Cultural Competence & Rapport Building
AWARDS & HONORS
Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Recipient, President’s Honor Roll, Tidewater Community College (2009–2011), Daisy Award Nominee (2016)
Certification
Registered Nurse – State of New Hampshire (License #074660 21), Expires October 2026, Basic Life Support (BLS), Expires August 2028
Timeline
Public Health Nurse Manager / Registered Nurse
Department of Health and Human Services
07.2021 - Current
Public Health Nurse Consultant / Registered Nurse
Department of Health and Human Services
04.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse
New Hampshire State Hospital
12.2016 - 04.2020
Registered Nurse
Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters
09.2014 - 08.2016
Personnel Specialist, Second Class (E-5)
United States Navy
06.1999 - 10.2008
Associate of Science - Social Sciences
Tidewater Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Old Dominion University