Jo Ann Clark

• First and foremost I was the children's advocate in the classroom, in home, and by working closely with state welfare agencies to report and if possible help prevent abuse. Administered medication to students as prescribed by their physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions, more specifically, diabetes, allergies, and asthma. Worked closely with the food department by keeping them informed of all conditions that may require adjustment to the student's diet. Maintained immunization compliance within the school. Entered all immunizations into the state data base. Prepared all annual reports and prepared for random state audits. Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students. Contributed to a positive school culture by serving as an advocate for student's health and wellness. Provided faculty and staff with first aid and CPR certifications. Maintained upkeep on defibrillators, blood pressure monitors and first aid kits. Facilitated early detection of health issues by conducting routine screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, among others. Developed strong relationships with student's Physicians and parents as well as working with other local healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care for students requiring specialized services. Developed care plans and made referrals as necessary for students with health concerns or injuries. Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

Observed patients during in home visits, provided accurate and timely charting and reporting to the Physician any changes in patient's conditions, such as adverse reactions to medication or treatment, recent falls or anything out of the ordinary. Provided basic patient care or treatments, such as taking vital signs, included but not limited to height, weight, temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. With Physician's orders; provided wound care, catheterizations, blood draws and other healthcare measures that were in my scope of practice. Worked as part of a healthcare team to assess patient needs. Plan and modify care, and implement interventions. Prepared patients for examinations, tests, or procedures and explained the particular procedures. Evaluated nursing intervention outcomes, conferring with other healthcare team members as necessary. Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences. Time management was a must to ensure that all patients were seen in a timely manner without compromising quality of care. Timely documentation was a must. The ability to multi-task was a strong and beneficial plus. Demonstrated strong clinical judgment by assessing symptoms quickly and prioritizing appropriate interventions accordingly. Patient and family teaching was priority for disease management, medication administration, and at-home care techniques, empowering them to take control of their health. Dementia and Alzheimer teaching were given to caregivers and family members for their benefit to help care for the patient. Must have the ability to assess a situation and make a judgment call to protect the mental and physical well being of patients.

Observation of patients, documentation, communication, compassion and good rapport with Physicians and family members are important in working at a long term care facility. As a charge nurse you are responsible for your floor. You oversee and help the CNA's. You are never "too good" to do CNA work, having a good support team by earning respect is of utmost importance while providing quality patient care. A treatment nurse is responsible for all wound care as well as other duties. Assessment of wounds especially "bedsores" is detrimental to the patient's health.

Observation of patients, documentation, communication, compassion and good rapport with Physicians and family members are important in working at a long term care facility. As a charge nurse you are responsible for your floor. You oversee and help the CNA's. You are never "too good" to do CNA work, having a good support team by earning respect is of utmost importance while providing quality patient care.