JENNIFER RUTHERFORD
Kalispell,MT
Summary
Strategic principal consultant with a proven track record in delivering efficient task completion and driving business process improvements. Expertise in change management and strategic planning, complemented by a strong background in contract review. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and lead teams to solve complex problems, resulting in impactful solutions across various industries. Adept at navigating challenging environments through analytical skills and a collaborative approach to achieve organizational goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Consultant – Medical
Maximus
12.2022 - Current
- Ensured compliance with regulations through evaluations of utilization management, grievances and appeals, emergency services, prescription medications, language assistance services, and enrollee access to care.
- Analyzed policies and contracts for health plans, delegates, IPAs, and providers to confirm regulatory alignment.
- Evaluated claims, grievances, medical records, and decision-making documentation with precision.
- Performed in-depth investigations into health plans for California's managed healthcare sector.
- Executed assessments, producing professional reports that reinforced regulatory compliance and identified opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with lawyers, nurses, physicians, and mental health professionals to enhance project outcomes.
- Provided leadership, guidance and mentorship to junior consultants.
Pre-Op/PACU RN (Infection Control Nurse)
Rocky Mountain Surgical Suites
Kalispell, MT
07.2024 - 01.2025
- Analyze and update all infection control policies to fulfill regulatory requirements.
- Admission and discharge procedure development.
- Development of pre-operative telephonic triage system.
- August – November pre- and post-operative patient care.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Assisted with patient positioning and comfort during recovery.
- Provided education to patients and families regarding post-operative care.
- Maintained accurate documentation in a manual/electronic hybrid health records system.
- Responded promptly to patient needs and concerns during recovery phase.
- Educated nursing staff on best practices for PACU protocols and procedures.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Administered medications to manage progression off anesthesia medications, deal with side effects and promote recovery.
- Supported physicians completing patient examinations and procedures.
- Employed nursing best practices and clinical judgment to continuously evaluate patients' progress and employed intervention to achieve desired outcomes.
- Identified areas for improvement in clinical practice standards.
- Conducted pre-op assessment of patients prior to surgery or procedure.
PACU RN (Travel Assignment)
Hartford Hospital
Hartford, CT
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Monitored and documented patients' vital signs and recovery progress in post-anesthesia care unit to ensure timely interventions.
- Administered medications and provided pain management for post-operative patients.
- Assisted in the transfer of critically ill patients from operating room to PACU and ICU units.
- Coordinated with surgical teams for seamless patient handoff and continuity of care, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Responded promptly to emergencies, ensuring timely intervention and support for patients.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Employed nursing best practices and clinical judgment to continuously evaluate patients' progress and employed intervention to achieve desired outcomes.
- Performed wound care, dressing changes and administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Documented patient assessments accurately according to hospital policy.
- Initiated IV access for blood draws and administration of fluids and medications.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality patient care.
- Monitored intravenous infusion pumps, ensuring proper dosage of medication.
- Provided patient education regarding recovery process and pain management techniques.
- Educated patients and family members on surgery and anesthesia side effects, fostering understanding and compliance.
- Completed direct patient care tests to determine current conditions, responses, and needs.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delegated tasks to team members to ensure efficient workflow.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patients' condition.
Registered Nurse (Shift Unit Supervisor 2nd floor, PACU Charge Nurse, IMC RN)
Logan Health Medical Center
Kalispell, MT
07.2017 - 01.2022
- Coordinated patient flow management and staff assignments, ensuring optimal resource utilization and timely patient care.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized patient care plans.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and procedures.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to medical staff promptly.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Educated patients and families on health management and disease prevention, improving understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to enhanced patient care standards and safety protocols.
- Assisted in training new nursing staff on hospital policies and procedures.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems efficiently.
- Provided direct patient care in various departments, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
Charge Nurse
Northern Montana Hospital
Havre, MT
03.2016 - 07.2017
- Organized and reviewed charts, ensuring accurate and comprehensive documentation.
Coached staff on improvement areas, fostering professional development and adherence to standards.
Followed up on implemented improvements to guarantee sustained progress. - Maximized unit and individual performance by evaluating staff against objectives, delivering support, and updating unit practices to align with best practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop effective care plans for patients.
- Conducted daily rounds to assess patient conditions, evaluate progress towards goals, and document changes in status or plan of care as needed.
- Trained and mentored new nursing staff on hospital procedures and best practices.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to treatments and interventions.
- Coordinated communication between families, patients, and healthcare professionals effectively.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
RN
Logan Health Medical Center
Kalispell, MT
01.2011 - 06.2016
- Conduct telephone triage of patients, gathering information to formulate comprehensive and accurate plan-of-care ensuring optimal surgical outcomes for patients.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records systems.
- Preop preparation of urological, gynecological, plastic surgery, orthopedic, ENT, general surgery patients.
- Recovery of phase I and phase II patients following surgery in above specialties for both pediatric and adult patients.
- Trained new nursing staff on hospital protocols and patient care standards.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to infection control practices.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
Charge Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
05.2005 - 08.2009
- Direct patient care of post-surgical patients, primarily abdominal surgeries including post kidney transplant once downgraded from the ICU.
- Scheduling management for 150 day shift personnel.
- Support, management and guide staff to care for up to 55 patients.
Registered Nurse
Alta Vista Hospital
Las Vegas, NM
08.2002 - 07.2004
- Triage and care of ER pts including trauma, medical, psychiatric patients and pediatric patients.
- Provided direct patient care on Med/Surg, ensuring patient safety and comfort during initial nursing tenure.
- Maintained accurate and organized paper charting for patient records, facilitating effective communication among healthcare team.
Education
ADN -
Montana State University Northern
Havre01-2002
Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Policy analysis
- Contract review expertise
- Process evaluation
- Report writing
- Healthcare collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Subject matter expertise
- Quality assurance
- Integrity and honesty
- Analysis and evaluation
Certification
- RN, Registered Nurse, Montana, #28572, 12/31/26
- BLS, Basic Life Support, 09/2026
- PALS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, 01/2026
Personal Information
Title: REGISTERED NURSE
Timeline
Pre-Op/PACU RN (Infection Control Nurse)
Rocky Mountain Surgical Suites
07.2024 - 01.2025
Principal Consultant – Medical
Maximus
12.2022 - Current
PACU RN (Travel Assignment)
Hartford Hospital
01.2022 - 06.2022
Registered Nurse (Shift Unit Supervisor 2nd floor, PACU Charge Nurse, IMC RN)
Logan Health Medical Center
07.2017 - 01.2022
Charge Nurse
Northern Montana Hospital
03.2016 - 07.2017
RN
Logan Health Medical Center
01.2011 - 06.2016
Charge Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
05.2005 - 08.2009
Registered Nurse
Alta Vista Hospital
08.2002 - 07.2004
ADN -
Montana State University Northern