Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Hess

Big Lake,MN

Summary

Registered Nurse (RN) with eight years of experience in a variety of healthcare settings. Passionate about promoting health, restoring well being, preventing illness, and providing holistic care tailored to the unique needs of each individual. Demonstrates effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams to ensure cost-effective, patient-centered care across the life span.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Community Care RN

Department of Veterans Affairs
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
12.2025 - Current
  • Documented patient information in appropriate systems to guarantee care coordination throughout patient care continuum.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure timely completion of tasks related to patient care coordination.
  • Facilitated communication between providers and other healthcare personnel involved in care coordination efforts.
  • Identified, assessed, and managed high-risk cases in need of intensive care coordination.
  • Utilized technology and healthcare information systems to streamline care coordination and documentation processes.

RN, Emergency Department, Full Time

Abbott Northwestern Westhealth
Plymouth, MN
10.2019 - 12.2025
  • Supervisor: Merijo Schornstein, Patient Care Manager, Allina Health, 2855 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN, 55446, Merijo.schornstein@allina.com
  • Bedside Nurse
  • Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, assisting providers with procedures, and IV therapy.
  • Educated patients on medication administration, wound care, and follow-up care.
  • Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
  • Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
  • Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
  • Managed mental health crises, ensured patient safety, and improved unit quality measures.
  • Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications, and coordinated treatment with other members of the care team.
  • Conducted preliminary evaluations, gathered patient history, and implemented treatments based on acuity levels in the triage setting.
  • Managed patient flow and responded swiftly to emergencies, maintaining clear communication and monitoring waiting patients.
  • Acted as a union steward, fostering relationships among nursing staff, management, and the Minnesota Nursing Association. Participated in labor management meetings, contributed to safety and policy improvements, and supported collective bargaining efforts.

RN, 4 East, Full Time

Allina Health
Coon Rapids, MN
02.2019 - 09.2019

Transitioned from this position to pursue greater professional growth.

  • Provided direct nursing care in women's health, pediatrics, post-operative cases, geriatrics, and end-of-life care, including assessments, treatments, medications, and documentation for care.
  • Operated autonomously, managing multiple tasks with a commitment to high professional standards and adherence to hospital policies.
  • Communicated effectively with patients and families, ensuring culturally sensitive care and utilizing interpreters as needed.
  • Administered medications and treatments through various methods, including IV therapy, PCA pumps, blood transfusions, and wound care.
  • Managed pain with non-pharmacologic approaches and used specialized equipment for patient safety and comfort.
  • Coordinated patient admissions and discharges, facilitated interdisciplinary communication, and provided health education.
  • Provided and coordinated compassionate end-of-life care, including bereavement counseling and organ donation discussions.
  • Supported staff during system downtimes, participated in unit improvement efforts, and implemented gender-affirming care practices.
  • Assisted in the oncology department staffing through cross-training and collaborated with medical teams to enhance patient care.

RN, Neurosciences/Trauma Unit, Full & Part Time

Gillette Children’s
St. Paul, MN
11.2016 - 02.2019
  • Supervisor: Cheryl Tveit, Unit Manager, Gillette Children’s Hospital, St. Paul, MN, 55101, ctveit@gillettechildrens.com, 651-726-2849
  • Provided comprehensive care for medically complex pediatric patients on the neurosciences/trauma unit, including trauma and postoperative care.
  • Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans in collaboration with trauma team physicians and supported families through critical care and recovery.
  • Managed external ventricular drains, central lines, total parenteral nutrition, indwelling urinary catheters, gastrostomy tubes, and tracheostomies. Administered and monitored treatments for tracheostomies, seizures, deep brain stimulators, and central lines.
  • Utilized mobility devices, braces, orthotics, and pressure relief systems to enhance patient mobility and skin integrity.
  • Addressed falls risk, managed behavioral crises, and collaborated with social workers on cases of abuse and neglect.
  • Participated in hospital committees, improved operational efficacy, and ensured adherence to infection control and safety protocols.
  • Provided patient and caregiver education, managed pre- and post-surgical care, and coordinated post-hospital care to achieve positive patient outcomes.
  • Adapted to staffing needs through cross-training to different departments and served as a preceptor and relief charge nurse.
  • Managed admissions, discharges, and transfers, ensuring smooth transitions and culturally sensitive care.
  • Acted as a relief charge nurse, overseeing staff, managing patient assignments, and participating in staffing meetings.
  • Provided after-hours telephone triage support by addressing patient concerns in alignment with hospital policy.

Long-Term Care RN, Full & Part Time

Park View Care Center
Buffalo, MN
02.2016 - 08.2017
  • Supervisor: Nancy Bartholow, Unit Manager, Parkview Care Center, 200 Park Ln., Buffalo, MN, 55313, 763-682-1131
  • Provided holistic nursing care for long-term care and transitional rehab patients, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education.
  • Managed a 17-patient unit, delivering personalized care and fostering a home-like environment.
  • Monitored patient well-being, adjusted treatment plans, and supported self-care for chronic conditions.
  • Implemented mobility aids and fall prevention strategies to enhance safety and independence.
  • Administered pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management techniques, including relaxation and therapeutic exercises.
  • Handled emergency situations, provided catheter care, managed gastrostomy tubes, and monitored blood glucose levels.
  • Promoted mobility with range-of-motion exercises, administered oral, topical, and IV medications, and provided wound care.
  • Coordinated hospital admissions and care transitions, maintained accurate health records, and ensured adherence to infection control protocols.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, facilitated communication among caregivers, and provided guidance to new staff.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing -

College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN
10-2017

Associate of Science - Nursing

Anoka Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN
12.2016

Associate of Arts -

Anoka Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN
12-2016

Skills

  • Patient and Family Education
  • Able to work efficiently both independently and within a group setting
  • Patient assessment and monitoring
  • Skilled in methods of holistic nursing
  • Culturally-sensitive care
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Resource Allocation
  • Professional Bedside Manner
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Care Coordination
  • Team building
  • Delegation and Motivation
  • Time management abilities
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Effective Communication
  • Task Prioritization
  • Safety Protocols
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Reliability
  • Strong Clinical Judgment
  • Clear Patient Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Resource Utilization
  • Quality Improvement
  • Discharge Planning
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Community health
  • Patient rights advocacy

Affiliations

  • Vice President of the Parent Teacher Organization, Swan River Montessori, 2016-2020
  • Volunteer, Ronald McDonald House
  • Precepted Nursing Students, 2024
  • Volunteer, Ruff Start Rescue, 2022-Present

Certification

  • Registered Nurse, Minnesota Board of Nursing, 02/03/16
  • Public Health Nurse, 03/08/18
  • Basic Life Support, American Heart Association 2002-Present
  • Allina ACLS: 2019-Present
  • TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Course: 2019-Present
  • Pediatric Life Support (PALS) Certification: 2019-Present

Accomplishments

  • Received recognition from the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Allina for suggesting a change to the medication pulling process from our omni cell system, resulting in a system-wide change and increased patient safety.

Timeline

Community Care RN

Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2025 - Current

RN, Emergency Department, Full Time

Abbott Northwestern Westhealth
10.2019 - 12.2025

RN, 4 East, Full Time

Allina Health
02.2019 - 09.2019

RN, Neurosciences/Trauma Unit, Full & Part Time

Gillette Children’s
11.2016 - 02.2019

Long-Term Care RN, Full & Part Time

Park View Care Center
02.2016 - 08.2017

Bachelor of Science in Nursing -

College of St. Scholastica

Associate of Science - Nursing

Anoka Ramsey Community College

Associate of Arts -

Anoka Ramsey Community College
Jennifer Hess