J. Michelle West
Kinston,NC
Summary
Versatile Registered Nurse with over 16 years of experience delivering high-quality care to patients in Med/Surgical, Palliative & Pain management, Psychiatric, Renal/urology, ortho, Progressive Care, Telemetry, Outpatient infusion, and Post-Cardiac Intervention units. Proven leader skillful in uniting and guiding nursing teams toward achieving patient care goals and improving satisfaction. Focused on continuously driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family/Caregiver Sabbatical
Planned Career Break
Kinston, NC
01.2023 - Current
- Assisted with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Administered medications according to physician orders in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal quality of life for the patient.
- Assisted with transferring patients from beds to wheelchairs or other mobility devices when necessary.
- Provided palliative care services such as pain management techniques and symptom control measures.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Supported digital online delivery of lessons and materials in home-based environment.
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Telemetry
UNC Johnston Health
Smithfield, NC
09.2017 - 01.2023
- Administered medications, treatments, and therapies in accordance with physician orders.
- Performed physical assessments, wound care, IV therapy, and other nursing interventions as needed.
- Utilized critical thinking skills when making decisions about patient care needs.
- Responded quickly and effectively during medical emergencies and provided life saving measures as necessary.
- Educated patients and family members about preventive health care and recovery.
- Used EPIC to update electronic medical records with relevant patient information, laboratory test results and clinician orders.
- Coached and mentored other caregivers to facilitate professional growth and development.
- Directed or supervised nursing care staff in provision of patient therapy.
- Assessed and monitored cardiac telemetry patients for changes in heart rhythm.
- Telemetry/Post-Cardiac Intervention/Outpatient Infusion floor
- Supervised as charge nurse the other Registered Nurses and CNA's
Contract Registered Nurse
ARC of Wilson
Wilson, NC
06.2019 - 10.2021
- Evaluated student competency levels through review of written assignments, oral presentations, and practical exams.
- Developed curriculum materials for continuing education courses in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
- Facilitated educational programs for nursing staff on a variety of topics, including infection control, safety protocols, and clinical best practices.
Staff Nurse
Wilson Medical Center - Reese Campus
Wilson , NC
09.2016 - 07.2017
- Assisted physicians with exams, lab tests or other procedures as requested.
- Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times or end-of-life situations.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining quality standards of care.
- Provided direct patient care including wound dressing, administering medication and IV therapy.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions and modified plans as needed
- Renal/Oncology/Palliative
- Wound Champion for clinical floor
Baylor Home Health Nurse
Well Care Home Health
Raleigh, NC
02.2016 - 08.2016
- Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs.
- Answered patient calls, identified issues and determined how best to provide assistance within parameters established by facility and supervisor.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Assessed patient health by conducting physical examinations and evaluating medical histories.
- Adhered strictly to infection control protocols while caring for clients in their homes.
Home Health RN Case Manager
Gentiva Home Health Services
Greenville, NC
03.2015 - 03.2016
- Maintained accurate documentation of assessments, treatments, medications, and progress notes in accordance with agency policies.
- Performed case management functions such as referrals to community resources or other healthcare providers as needed.
- Identified any potential safety hazards within the home environment.
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds and managed catheters.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Educated patients and families about treatments, medications, and self-care management techniques.
Staff Development Coordinator
Ayden Court Nursing And Rehab
Ayden, NC
12.2014 - 03.2015
- Organized in-service training sessions for staff members.
- Assisted with the recruitment, selection, and onboarding of new staff members.
- Maintained accurate records of all employee training activities.
- Administered mandatory vaccinations and/or tests to continue employment
- Assisted staff nurses with patient admissions when available
Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Ayden Court Nursing And Rehab
Ayden, NC
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Monitored and supervised clinical staff to ensure quality of care is met in accordance with established standards.
- Provided guidance and mentorship for new nurses on unit-specific policies and procedures.
- Coordinated staffing schedules among nursing personnel according to changing needs across shifts.
- Established rapport with medical and clinical staff and administration.
- Ordered lab tests and interpreted test results and maintained patient records.
Private Duty Nurse
Maxim Healthcare
Kinston, NC
05.2014 - 08.2014
- Provided direct patient care, including wound and ostomy management, medication administration, laboratory specimen collection, and vital sign monitoring.
- Assisted with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, feeding and ambulation.
- Conducted assessments of physical condition; observed changes in patients' health status; reported to physicians regarding patient's condition.
- Instructed patients and their families on disease process, medications, treatments and self-care techniques.
Occupational Health Nurse
Sanderson Farms Processing Plant
Kinston, NC
05.2013 - 05.2014
- Performed post offer employment physical exams for new hires according to company policy guidelines.
- Coordinated return-to-work programs for injured employees by developing individual plans outlining modified duty assignments or restrictions.
- Evaluated workers compensation cases for appropriateness of care, cost effectiveness and compliance with state regulations.
- Performed pre-employment screenings, asking appropriate questions and following nursing guidelines.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Educated staff on proper safety protocols in order to prevent workplace injuries and illness.
- Maintained up-to-date records of employees' medical histories, illnesses, treatments and vaccinations.
- Responded to emergency situations such as accidents or illnesses that occur within the work environment.
Registered Nurse
Interim HealthCare
Kinston, NC
01.2013 - 05.2013
- Educated staff on proper safety protocols in order to prevent workplace injuries and illness.
- Developed strategies for reducing hazards associated with hazardous working conditions or equipment.
- Responded to emergency situations such as accidents or illnesses that occur within the work environment.
- Coordinated return-to-work programs for injured employees by developing individual plans outlining modified duty assignments or restrictions.
- Counseled employees regarding lifestyle changes needed to improve their overall health status.
Psychiatric Pediatric Registered Nurse
Nova Behavioral Healthcare
Kinston, NC
09.2011 - 05.2013
- Administered medications in accordance with physician orders, monitored for effectiveness and reported any adverse reactions.
- Initiated emergency interventions when necessary to stabilize a patient's condition prior to transfer or admission to the hospital setting.
- Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in condition using electronic medical record systems.
- Utilized age-specific teaching techniques when educating patients and families on self-care strategies.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Cared for pediatric/adolescents aged 7-17
Psychiatric Clinical Lead Nurse
Caswell Developmental Center
Kinston, NC
09.2010 - 05.2013
- Assessed patient needs and developed individualized plans of care in collaboration with other health team members.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate patient care activities.
- Reviewed medical records to ensure accuracy of documentation and appropriateness of treatments provided by nursing staff.
- Administered medications and treatments to residents per doctors' orders or CRNP orders.
- Conducted physical examinations to make tentative diagnoses and treat patients.
- Used sterile techniques to prepare exam rooms for patients and prep for minor surgeries.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Ordered lab tests and interpreted test results and maintained patient records.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Johnston Medical Center
Smithfield, NC
02.2009 - 09.2010
- Provided direct nursing care to medical-surgical patients including assessments, treatments, medications and documentation of care.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient interactions, treatments, medications administered and any changes in condition.
- Adhered to hospital policies and procedures while providing quality patient centered care.
- Assisted physicians during exams or other medical procedures as needed.
- Prioritized workloads according to urgency levels ensuring timely completion of assignments.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Registered Nurse, Psychiatry
Cherry Hospital
Goldsboro, NC
07.2008 - 02.2009
- Assessed and monitored psychiatric patients' physical and mental health conditions.
- Performed physical exams according to hospital protocols.
- Administered medication and monitored adverse reactions to treatments.
- Collaborated with physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists and other healthcare professionals in providing patient care.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss individual cases and review progress toward recovery goals.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Sampson Community College
Clinton, NC06-2008
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Mount Olive
Mount Olive, NCSkills
- Staff Supervision
- Patient Care
- Patient and family advocacy
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Patient Monitoring
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Licensed RN
- Cardiac Care
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Direct Patient Care
- Intake and discharge
- Urology knowledge
- Home Health Care
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Care
- Hospice Care
- Medication Administration
- Palliative and Pain Management
- Patient Assessments
Accomplishments
- UNC Johnston Health-Employee of the Month-May 2018, August 2019, January 2021
- Co-Presenter at May 2019 PCIC Operations Meeting
- NC Association of Nursing Students-House of Delegates 2008
- SCC Association of Nursing Students Member-2006 to 2008
- SCC Class President-2007-2008
- SCC Association of Nursing Students; Treasurer and Newsletter Correspondent-2006-2007
Certification
- NC Nursing License #224129 Expires 5/26
- BCLS Expires 5/26
- ACLS Expires 5/26
- PALS Expires 5/26
- CPI Expires 1/3/25
- Critical Drips
- Basic Arrhythmias
- Medical Coding Class Certificate
- Teacher Effective Training Certificate
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Family/Caregiver Sabbatical
Planned Career Break
01.2023 - Current
Contract Registered Nurse
ARC of Wilson
06.2019 - 10.2021
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Telemetry
UNC Johnston Health
09.2017 - 01.2023
Staff Nurse
Wilson Medical Center - Reese Campus
09.2016 - 07.2017
Baylor Home Health Nurse
Well Care Home Health
02.2016 - 08.2016
Home Health RN Case Manager
Gentiva Home Health Services
03.2015 - 03.2016
Staff Development Coordinator
Ayden Court Nursing And Rehab
12.2014 - 03.2015
Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Ayden Court Nursing And Rehab
08.2014 - 12.2014
Private Duty Nurse
Maxim Healthcare
05.2014 - 08.2014
Occupational Health Nurse
Sanderson Farms Processing Plant
05.2013 - 05.2014
Registered Nurse
Interim HealthCare
01.2013 - 05.2013
Psychiatric Pediatric Registered Nurse
Nova Behavioral Healthcare
09.2011 - 05.2013
Psychiatric Clinical Lead Nurse
Caswell Developmental Center
09.2010 - 05.2013
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Johnston Medical Center
02.2009 - 09.2010
Registered Nurse, Psychiatry
Cherry Hospital
07.2008 - 02.2009
Associate of Science - Nursing
Sampson Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Mount Olive