Jennifer Franklin
Lenoir,NC
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Compassionate Registered Nurse with experience offering comprehensive patient care in outpatient environments. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre Anesthesia Testing Educator
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Hickory, NC
01.2025 - Current
- Evaluated patient medical history and diagnostic test results to identify potential contraindications for surgery.
- Initiated prompt interventions for any identified complications or concerns during the pre-op period, effectively preventing delays in surgical procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Conduct in-person and telephone pre-op interviews to evaluate and educate patients and their families for surgical procedures.
- Report to Anesthesia any health concerns that may put the patient at risk during surgery.
- Communicate with surgeons, Anesthesiologists, and patients about any changes or potential health risks that may delay surgery.
- Preparing for Dr. Bostian's Joint Camp on a weekly basis, by obtaining charts, reviewing orders for CVMC patients as well as Viewmont Surgery Center patients making sure all patients are registered, interviewed, and orders placed prior to pt.'s arrival to ensure a seamless and smooth preop evaluation clinic.
- Reporting all abnormal lab values to Anesthesiology as well as the patient and their surgeon.
- Communicating with numerous disciplines to coordinate the care of patients during the preoperative period.
- Multitasking between documenting in patients' EMR and obtaining patient. records from multiple facilities, maintaining and accessing records from ATRIUM, UNC Epic systems, AUTHNET, as well as communicating via email, telephone, and TEAMS chats for the coordination and preparation of patients' anesthesia care.
Registered Nurse Day Surgery
Catawba Valley Medical Center
Hickory, NC
01.2019 - 12.2024
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Educated patients on discharge instructions, ensuring understanding of post-operative care requirements.
- Consistently met regulatory compliance requirements through meticulous documentation of all relevant aspects of patient care throughout their time in the day surgery department.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between hospital departments by coordinating appropriate transfers for patients requiring additional services or post-operative care following their day surgery procedures.
- Demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment during emergent situations that required prompt decision-making skills in order to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Optimized patient safety by adhering to strict infection control measures and maintaining a clean surgical environment.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and comprehensive care in day surgery procedures.
- Maintained optimal levels of equipment, supplies, and medications within the day surgery unit by monitoring inventory levels and coordinating with appropriate personnel to ensure availability for patient care.
- Efficiently managed time and prioritized tasks during high-volume periods, ensuring all patients received timely and attentive care throughout their surgical experience.
- Expedited discharge process for patients through effective education on home care instructions and post-surgery expectations.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from surgical procedures.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
Patient Care Coordinator
Caldwell UNC Healthcare
Lenoir
07.2007 - 11.2018
- Managed staffing needs on all units of the Hospital and adjusted staff as needed as well as over seeing the Float Pool staff
- Maintained confidentiality of patient data and condition to safeguard health information while accessing Medical records to fulfill requests for records from other facilities as well as our own.
- Acted as main point of contact for patients, doctors, and hospital staff by closely reviewing medical charts and maintaining high levels of communication.
- Upheld confidentiality requirements and regulatory compliance guidelines coordinated the transfer of patients making sure EMTALA regulations were followed appropriately.
- Provided excellent customer service to patients and medical staff.
- Resolved customer complaints using established follow-up procedures.
- Engaged with staff and acted as a Liaison to patients and families to provide critical information.
- Responsible for activating the Emergency Preparedness Protocols
- Worked with patients to ascertain issues and make referrals to appropriate specialists.
- Delivered support to medical staff in completion of patient paperwork.
- Offered simple, clear explanations to help clients and families understand hospital policies and procedures.
- Responsible for logging deceased patients into and out of the Morgue, assisting the Medical Examiner with assessments and Autopsies, and assisting with Donor services for organ procurement.
- Obtained Medications from the Pyxis system to distribute to patients after hours when Pharmacy staff was not available.
- Responsible for adding surgeries on to the Operating Room Schedule and calling in the on call OR teams for Emergency surgeries.
- Provided compassionate support for families during difficult healthcare decisions, acting as a liaison between them and their loved ones'' medical team.
- Acted as a resource for Nurses for difficult IV insertions, attended all STEMI protocols, CODE STROKE, and CODE BLUE emergencies.
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Catawba Valley Healthcare System
Hickory, NC
01.2001 - 07.2007
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
- Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Lenoir, NC
07.1995 - 06.2001
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing high-quality care in the ICU setting.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic tests and invasive procedures as needed while maintaining strict adherence to established safety guidelines.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to identify potential issues or complications in a timely manner, taking appropriate action to mitigate risks.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the ICU environment by adhering to established protocols and procedures, reporting potential hazards, and participating in ongoing education opportunities.
- Implemented infection control protocols within the ICU environment, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
- Managed ventilator settings for mechanically ventilated patients based on physician orders and clinical assessment findings.
- Coordinated patient transfers between units or facilities while ensuring continuity of care and seamless transitions for patients and their families.
- Monitored patients'' vital signs and responded promptly to changes or abnormalities, maintaining patient stability and preventing complications.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients, offering comfort and support to both patients and families during difficult times.
Telemetry Registered Nurse
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
Lenoir, NC
07.1994 - 07.1995
- Monitored patient vital signs using telemetry equipment to ensure timely interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on cardiac health, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.
- Managed high-acuity cases by assessing patient needs and prioritizing nursing interventions.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately interpreting cardiac monitor readings and promptly reporting critical findings to healthcare team.
- Prevented life-threatening complications by quickly recognizing early warning signs of deterioration in critically ill patients under close observation.
- Administered prescribed medications safely and effectively while closely monitoring potential side effects or adverse reactions.
- Provided patients with information on such subjects as side effects from medications and benefits of proper nutrition to help promote better outcomes.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients while supporting their families during difficult times.
- Mentored new nursing staff members by sharing expert knowledge on cardiac monitoring techniques, medication administration protocols, and evidence-based interventions for common conditions seen in telemetry units.
- Facilitated seamless transitions of care from ICU to telemetry unit by coordinating necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
- Administered peritoneal dialysis treatments, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout procedures.
- Mentored new nursing staff on peritoneal dialysis protocols and best practices for patient care.
- Educated patient and support person on performing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis in hospital and at home.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Grace Hospital
Morganton, NC
05.1993 - 07.1994
- Responded to call lights, ensuring patient comfort and safety through adjustments of bed rails and equipment.
- Supported patients in maintaining cleanliness through direct assistance with grooming activities, including shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of patient vitals, focusing on temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels for accurate health assessments.
- Facilitated patient feeding and monitored nutritional intake to support health objectives.
- Facilitated the development of positive patient relationships through effective therapeutic communication and active listening skills.
- Administered individualized patient care through meticulous recording of vital signs, documenting observations, and evaluating patient needs.
- Assisted individuals unable to self-care by guiding them through daily activities and promoting independence.
- Maintained fresh and hygienic environments by regularly changing linens in patient accommodations.
- Assessed individual patient requirements and implemented personalized feeding strategies to promote independence and well-being.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to ensure thorough documentation of vital signs during daily rounds and effectively managed patient communication.
- Coordinated and implemented personal hygiene routines, feeding schedules, and ambulation assistance for optimal care.
- Monitored patient stability through regular assessment of vital signs, weight, and documentation of intake and output data.
- Managed patient inquiries regarding comfort items and supplies, enhancing overall patient satisfaction.
Education
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Western Piedmont Community College
Morganton, NC05-1994
High School Diploma -
East Burke High School
Connelly Springs, NC05-1990
Skills
- Airway management, including care of intubated patients
- Performing EKGs
- Chest Pain Management
- Proficient with Peritoneal Dialysis, CAPD, and CCPD
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Telemetry Monitoring
- High Level of Autonomy
- Intravenous Therapy
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Precepting
Certification
- ACLS Training
- PALS Training
- Licensed Registered Nurse-
Timeline
Pre Anesthesia Testing Educator
Catawba Valley Medical Center
01.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse Day Surgery
Catawba Valley Medical Center
01.2019 - 12.2024
Patient Care Coordinator
Caldwell UNC Healthcare
07.2007 - 11.2018
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Catawba Valley Healthcare System
01.2001 - 07.2007
Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
07.1995 - 06.2001
Telemetry Registered Nurse
Caldwell Memorial Hospital
07.1994 - 07.1995
Certified Nursing Assistant
Grace Hospital
05.1993 - 07.1994
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Western Piedmont Community College
High School Diploma -
East Burke High School