Adept at navigating complex healthcare environments, I enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction at Dayton Children's Hospital through expert care coordination and compassionate patient advocacy. My proficiency in critical care and exceptional interpersonal skills underpin my ability to deliver superior patient-centered care, with a track record of mentoring staff to foster a culture of excellence and safety.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Case Manager
Alternate Solutions Healthcare Network
Dayton, Ohio
07.2024 - Current
Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
Participated in team meetings to discuss treatment options for complex cases.
Coordinated discharge planning with multidisciplinary teams ensuring safe transitions back into the community.
Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
Determined and coordinated appropriate level of care to meet individual patient needs.
Evaluated effectiveness of treatments provided by consulting specialists or other providers involved in a patient's care plan.
Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Managed caseloads involving multiple chronic illnesses across various settings such as hospitals, long-term care facilities or private homes.
Promoted continuity of care by advocating for patients within the healthcare system.
Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
Collaborated with physicians on patient medications, medical needs and performance.
Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
Conducted home visits to assess the physical and mental condition of assigned patients.
Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Updated and maintained discharge plan of care with physician, members of healthcare team, patients and families.
Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
Monitored patient progress through regular follow-up appointments and assessments.
Staff Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Dayton Children's Hospital
Dayton, OH
02.2017 - 09.2024
Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient assessments and treatment plans.
Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing empathetic, compassionate care to diverse populations.
Streamlined workflow processes to increase efficiency in a high-volume clinical setting.
Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
Promoted a culture of safety by strictly adhering to infection control measures and reporting any potential hazards or concerns.
Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Kettering Health Network
Washington Township, Ohio
07.2013 - 07.2024
Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive lactation support and education to new mothers.
Assisted healthcare professionals in developing breastfeeding policies and protocols for optimal infant nutrition.
Increased breastfeeding success rates through one-on-one consultations, addressing individual concerns and challenges.
Conducted group classes on breastfeeding techniques and benefits, leading to a more informed patient population.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless delivery of lactation services across various hospital departments.
Enhanced patient satisfaction by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding consultations.
Utilized evidence-based practices to develop personalized care plans for each mother-infant dyad, promoting optimal health outcomes.
Served as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education on lactation topics, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
Reduced instances of formula supplementation by advocating for early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact postdelivery.
Streamlined documentation processes by implementing efficient record-keeping systems for improved continuity of care among lactation consultants.
Managed scheduling and coordinated appointments effectively, ensuring timely access to lactation support services for patients in need.
Maintained professional growth by attending conferences and workshops focused on current trends in lactation care practices.
Provided emotional support to families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, contributing to increased resilience during the postpartum period.
Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions, adjusting care plans as needed based on progress toward desired goals.
Developed strong relationships with local community organizations, facilitating referrals to additional resources when necessary for continued breastfeeding success beyond hospital discharge.
Worked closely with neonatologists and pediatricians to address complex feeding issues in premature and medically fragile infants.
Promoted breastfeeding awareness through community outreach events, increasing public understanding of the benefits for both mother and infant.
Mentored new lactation consultants by providing guidance on best practices and sharing valuable experiences from years of professional practice.
Received recognition for excellence in patient care, demonstrating a commitment to supporting families throughout their breastfeeding journeys.
Demonstrated how to express milk and store it in bottles for later feeds.
Performed daily hospital rounds for all healthcare system maternity wards and facilities.
Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.
Staff Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital
Toledo, OH
09.2002 - 05.2013
Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient assessments and treatment plans.
Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing empathetic, compassionate care to diverse populations.
Streamlined workflow processes to increase efficiency in a high-volume clinical setting.
Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
Promoted a culture of safety by strictly adhering to infection control measures and reporting any potential hazards or concerns.
Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
Exhibited strong critical thinking skills when assessing complex medical situations and determining appropriate interventions.
Assisted physicians with diagnostic procedures, ensuring accurate results for optimal treatment planning.
Provided exceptional pre-and post-operative care, reducing recovery times and complications for surgical patients.
Participated in regular staff meetings to share best practices, address challenges, and foster collaboration among team members.
Evaluated the effectiveness of care plans regularly, making adjustments as needed based on individual patient needs and progress toward goals.
Coordinated discharge planning with case managers to ensure seamless transitions of care from the hospital to home or other facilities.
Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected throughout their healthcare journey.
Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
Participated in hospital committees to recommend quality improvement initiatives.
Assisted with delivery of newborns, providing care and support for successful transition to motherhood.
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
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.
Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Wright State University
Dayton, OH
12.1996
Skills
Regulatory Compliance
Family Education
Tracheostomy Care
Case Management
Care Planning
Patient Education
Chronic Disease Management
Specimen Collection
Vaccine Administration
Critical Care
Wound Care
Direct Patient Care
Medication Administration
Intake and Discharge
Skill Development
Newborn Care
Patient Management
Patient Care
Team Training and Development
Infection Control Measures
Medication and IV Administration
Ethical Practice
Clinical Judgment
Patient Advocacy
Organizational Skills
Decision Making
Interpersonal Skills
Attention to Detail
Nursing Process
Time Management
Patient Assessment
Cultural Competence
Patient Safety
Pain Management
Stress Management
Problem Solving
Critical Thinking
Electronic Health Records
Adaptability
Pediatric Nursing
Delegation Skills
Medical Terminology
Care Coordination
Student Precepting
Vitals Monitoring
Needs Assessment
Treatment Preparation
Medical Recordkeeping
Patient Examination
Patient Condition Monitoring
Documentation
Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED (First Aid CPR AED)
Lab result interpretation
Diabetes management
Culturally-sensitive care
Medical assessment
Discharge coordination
Health screening
Chart updating
Infectious disease control
IV management
Health care consultation
Health and wellness expertise
Palliative and pain management
Collecting vitals
Geriatric nursing
Disease prevention and intervention specialist
Emotional awareness
Nursing plan development
Patient education and counseling
Home care
Patient care planning
Documentation and charting
IV setup
Education
Dayton, OH
Contact
Miamisburg, OH 45342
IBCLC Certification
December 2009 - Present
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Case Manager
Alternate Solutions Healthcare Network
07.2024 - Current
Staff Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Dayton Children's Hospital
02.2017 - 09.2024
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant