Jessica W. Absher
Belmont,NC
Summary
Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN, BSN, NCSN
Gaston County Schools
07.2016 - Current
- Assess student health needs to develop appropriate patient care plans, including determining when acutely ill or injured children should be sent home, seek follow-up medical care, and, if warranted, be referred for emergency transport to a hospital setting
- Treats student injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions by providing appropriate standards of care, conducts screenings and administers vaccines
- Administers medicine as needed on an emergency and ongoing basis based on student needs
- Collaborates with parents, family physicians, teachers, school social workers, and multidisciplinary professional staff to implement individualized student care, particularly for students with chronic conditions
- Provides physical and psychological support, advice, and referrals for care for students, staff, and families
- Meets nursing operational standards by contributing information to outside family medical professionals, providing care, and identifying system improvements
- Identifies patient service requirements by establishing a personal rapport with student patients, teachers and school staff, families, outside medical service providers, and other people in a position to understand individual student health needs and service requirements
- Maintains quality of care by adhering to staff policies and procedures, state board of nursing requirements, and other governing agency regulations, and measuring health outcomes against standards
- Establishes a compassionate environment by providing emotional and psychological support to students, families, and staff
- Promotes patients’ independence by establishing patient care goals and teaching and counseling students, family, and staff to reinforce their understanding of disease and self-care
- Maintains a safe and clean working environment and maintains and promotes hygiene practices in the nurse’s office, classrooms, and throughout the school
- Provides expert advice to administration, faculty, staff, and student parents and guardians on health-related matters
- Protects students and staff by developing and interpreting infection-control policies and protocols and enforcing medication administration and storage procedures
- Maintains documentation on student care services and keeps confidential medical information secure
- Ensures operation of medical and administrative equipment by verifying emergency equipment availability, completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, requesting repairs, maintaining equipment inventories, and evaluating new equipment and techniques
- Manages nursing supplies inventory by studying usage reports, identifying trends, anticipating needed supplies, and approving requisitions and cost allocations
- Maintains professional and technical knowledge and certification by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies
- Fosters a cooperative relationship among nursing team members, faculty and staff, and parents and guardians by communicating information, responding to requests, and participating in team problem-solving
Care Manager-RN
Humana
05.2015 - 05.2016
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Educated clients and families on community resources, treatment options and health care services to better manage conditions.
- Assessed clients and developed plans to meet needs.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through empathetic listening and compassionate communication techniques.
- Managed complex caseloads, ensuring timely assessment, intervention, and documentation for optimal care outcomes.
- Facilitated family meetings to address concerns, establish goals of care, and provide psychosocial support.
- Promoted patient self-management by providing education on chronic condition management and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Communicated with healthcare providers to facilitate continuity of care.
- Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards and regulations.
- Participated in team meetings and trainings to stay updated on best practices and new developments in care management.
- Coordinated referrals to specialists, hospitalizations, ER visits, ancillary testing, and other enabling services for patients.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify patients'' needs, strengths, and barriers to achieving optimal health outcomes.
- Participated in interdisciplinary case conferences fostering teamwork collaboration sharing best practice insights to optimize patient care outcomes.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, physicians, insurance providers, and other healthcare professionals for seamless care coordination efforts.
- Maintained strict adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality guidelines, safeguarding sensitive information and promoting trust.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates by providing comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up support.
- Utilized electronic health records systems proficiently for efficient documentation of clinical information according to regulatory standards.
- Streamlined care management processes, leading to more efficient patient care coordination.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates by implementing effective care transition strategies.
- Conducted risk assessments for patients, proactively addressing potential health issues.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring cohesive care strategies for complex cases.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with advances in care management.
- Fostered strong relationships with patients and their families, enhancing trust and compliance with care plans.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
RN
Novant Health-Presbyterian Hospital
06.2001 - 03.2012
- Operating Room
- Endoscopy
- IV Sedation
- Med-Surg
- Pre-Operative
- IV Team
- PACU
- Nurse Educator
- Charge Nurse
- Clinical Liason
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Devised individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s unique situation, optimizing clinical outcomes.
- Implemented infection control measures within the unit, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Aligned nursing goals with department objectives to enhance overall performance metrics within the healthcare facility.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
Operating Room RN
Atrium Health-Kings Mountain Hospital
08.1997 - 04.2001
- Provided compassionate preoperative care for patients, addressing their concerns and alleviating anxiety.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels for smooth operation of the OR suite.
- Assisted surgeons in complex procedures, anticipating their needs and providing necessary support.
- Served as a liaison between patients'' families and medical staff, providing timely updates on surgery progress and outcomes.
- Mentored new OR nurses, sharing best practices and providing guidance on effective patient care strategies.
- Promoted a culture of safety and continuous improvement by actively participating in staff meetings, debriefings, and educational sessions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of evolving surgical techniques to provide safe nursing assistance during various types of procedures.
- Participated in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current with industry advancements and improve patient care quality.
- Applied strong attention-to-detail when performing instrument counts before and after surgeries, reducing potential risks associated with retained foreign objects.
- Implemented evidence-based nursing interventions to optimize patient outcomes during the perioperative period.
- Coordinated operating room schedules to maximize resource utilization and minimize patient wait times.
- Enhanced patient safety by meticulously following aseptic techniques and surgical protocols.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between phases of perioperative care through clear communication with other healthcare providers.
- Developed strong relationships with interdisciplinary team members to foster a collaborative work environment.
- Reduced risk of infection by maintaining a clean and organized operating room environment.
- Ensured optimal patient outcomes, collaborating closely with the surgical team during procedures.
- Improved surgery efficiency with precise preparation and organization of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Streamlined communication between surgical team members, ensuring accurate information exchange during critical moments.
- Conducted thorough post-operative assessments to monitor patient recovery and prevent complications.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives by analyzing data trends related to adverse events or near misses in the OR setting.
- Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Sanitized, selected and organizing instruments, equipment and supplies according to surgeon preferences.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with members of patients' healthcare team to deliver appropriate level of care.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Monitored patients' vital signs and administered medications per physician orders or good practices.
- Provided instruction to patients and family members before and after surgical procedures.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Long-Term Care RN
Belaire Health Care Center
10.1995 - 08.1997
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills which resulted in increased trust between nurse and patient.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills by prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to nursing staff as needed.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Managed medication administration, wound care, and other essential nursing tasks for optimal patient outcomes.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and overall satisfaction within the long-term care setting.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patient conditions upon admission to the long-term care facility to ensure appropriate level of care.
- Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring that all patients'' rights were upheld and addressed any concerns or issues that arose during their stay in the facility.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, NC05.2000
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Clinical medical knowledge
- Microsoft Office
- Google Chrome
- CANVAS
- Electronic Medical Records-EMR
- Attention to detail
- Excellent customer service skills
- Basic Life Support
- Clinical judgment
- Compassion and Empathy
- Discharge Planning
- Quality Improvement
- Geriatric Care
- Health Promotion
- Community health
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Cultural competence
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessment
- Team Coordination
- Patient education and counseling
- Medication Administration
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient Monitoring
- Precepting
- Nursing staff leadership
- Staff Supervision
- Infection control measures
- Licensed RN
- Care Plan Development
- Case Management
Certification
- NCSN-Nationally Certified School Nurse
- BLS
- ACLS
- PALS
Timeline
RN, BSN, NCSN
Gaston County Schools
07.2016 - Current
Care Manager-RN
Humana
05.2015 - 05.2016
RN
Novant Health-Presbyterian Hospital
06.2001 - 03.2012
Operating Room RN
Atrium Health-Kings Mountain Hospital
08.1997 - 04.2001
Long-Term Care RN
Belaire Health Care Center
10.1995 - 08.1997
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of North Carolina at Greensboro