JOANNA CLAYTON
Greenwood,DE
Summary
Experienced and responsible Registered Nurse licensed in Delaware with strong clinical and people skills, excellent communication skills demonstrated by 24 years of experience in healthcare. Professionally trained with experience ensuring high standards of culturally competent care for wide variety of patients with diverse needs and medical conditions. Extensive background of Med-Surg for 15 years with transitions to cardiac step-down, case management with Highmark Health Options and home healthcare. During my career I have been a Charge nurse for Med-Surg/Telemetry for 13 Years and have precepted many new grads, new hires and college students. I have assisted co-workers and physicians in being a superuser for new hospital charting EMR of McKesson and Cerner. I have recently returned to an In-Patient Acute Care Rehab to get back to the bedside after working as a visiting nurse. Also, I have prior experience in Acute Care Rehab, Ortho and Pain Management. I worked on a pain management committee to ensure adequate pain control to patients throughout the hospital. I've been wound VAC and Med-surgical certified. Compassionate in caring for others and easily adapts to changing environments and demands. I work professionally, individually and/or with a team to meet deadlines, maintain high productivity in an efficient and quality-driven environment. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff/Charge Nurse
Bayhealth Medical Center
12.2001 - Current
- Performed all tasks with a patient-centered focus while seeking opportunities for improvement of processes and treatments
- Sound, ethical and independent decision-making ability consistent with medical protocols
- Charge nurse for 13 years Implemented new floor assignments based on evaluation of staffing requirements when in charge.
- Superuser for new computer charting programs of McKesson and Cerner.
- Evaluated patient and family needs, prioritized treatment and maintained patient flow
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions and follow-up care
- Coordinated with doctors and the medical health care team to develop care plans for patients
- Assisted in discharge planning process and evaluating patient\'s length of stays to asses needs in order to expedite the patient overall stay.
- Facilitated patient admission, transfer and discharge processes.
- Precepted new staff nurses to provide education on hospital policies and procedures, patient care skills, medical procedures and techniques and patient assessments and interventions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Streamlined nursing workflows for increased efficiency and improved patient outcomes.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Coordinated discharge planning, collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions of care.
- Facilitated ongoing education for nursing staff through in-service training sessions and workshops on relevant topics.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, enabling informed decision-making among the healthcare team members.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Worked with patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes or sepsis to asses needs and determine best options for care.
Registered Nurse
Home Health Care
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Assess, treat, and manage a case load of 20-30 patients a week in the home setting usually after discharge from IP hospital facility; ranging from but not limited to joint replacements, strokes, TBI, CHF, DM and Resp Distress
- I perform head to toe assessments, obtain VS, perform wound care as ordered, educate patients, family and caregivers on disease processes and management to help reduce re-hospitalizations
- I work hand and hand with PT, OT and ST to determine the best treatment plan for the patient to maximize their time with HH and obtain the best outcome for the patient
- I handle medication refills, dosing, and med-planner filling
- Coordinate care with physicians involved in the patients care and initiate new treatments as ordered.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values and beliefs.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
Care Coordinator
Highmark
10.2019 - 11.2021
- In this position I work with individuals to help promote independence in their daily lives
- With a case load of 40-50 members, I perform quarterly assessments, development of care plans, daily outreaches, collaboration with DDDS, PCP, Specialists, hospitals, and the internal team of Highmark to ensure the member has anything and everything they need to support daily function
- I participate in ELP meetings, placement of members if needed from home to group homes, discharge planning and assisting members in obtaining services needed.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Monitored vital signs and medication use, documenting variances and concerning responses.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Worked closely with clinical staff to support therapeutic and behavioral plans.
Staff RN
Beebe Healthcare
04.2016 - 10.2019
- I perform everyday nursing responsibilities for patient care; working on a cardic step down floor
- Thoroughly asses’ patients, document and implement new orders, and asses needs of patient in the hospital as well as home
- Advocate for all patients/families that I work with to achieve best potential outcome of specific goals set for patient
- Daily performance of monitor telemetry, cardiac drips, stroke prevention, CHF signs/symptoms and prevention/guidelines and Pneumonia work ups and treatment
- Preparation of patients for tests, surgery, cardiac caths, and a variety of procedures
- Participates in daily rounds of the patients with members of the healthcare team to monitor patient’s length of stay, prognosis and effectiveness of active treatment plan
- Actively updates physician regularly of patient’s current medical condition, concerns, new findings and needs of patient.
- Read physician orders and administered therapies, treatments and medications.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
- Explained treatment procedures, medication side effects, special diets and physician instructions to patients.
- Performed nursing rounds to complete scheduled tasks and interact with patients.
- Prioritized patient care assignments based on patient conditions to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to create, implement and adapt individualized care plans.
- Maintained reports to provide oncoming shift with full patient status.
- Instructed patients, families and caregivers on diagnoses, chronic disease management and medication self-management.
- Trained/Precepted other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
- Worked as Relief Charge nurse and Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Monitored patient vitals post-surgery, managed medical equipment and administered medications and IVs.
- Addressed rapid response and code situations by strategically organizing and delegating tasks.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing compassionate, attentive, and empathetic care.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses, sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices to improve their skills and confidence.
- Delegated tasks to nursing assistants and support staff effectively, ensuring safe and efficient care delivery.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
CNA/Unit Secretary
Bayhealth Medical Center
06.1996 - 12.2001
- Performed direct patient care aimed at increasing comfort, psycho, social and spiritual well-being by providing assistance with personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation and safety
- Took advantage of opportunities for continuing education, quality assurance and performance improvement activities
- Collects patient specimens and data, including vital signs, input/output and other delegated measurements
- Supported diagnostic procedures, assisted with technical nursing treatments and entered information in patient records and charts
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores, and surgical site wounds
- Performed procedures and uses equipment as delegated by a licensed professional, including blood draws, foley catheter removal and EKGs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Wilmington University
Georgetown, DE01.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Delaware Technical and Community College
Georgetown, Delaware01.2001
Skills
- Patient and family advocacy Reliable
- Adept at prioritizing/managing deadlines Strong clinical judgment
- Problem resolution capability Palliative care awareness
- Patient evaluation/intervention Preceptor
- Patient/family focused Successfully directs staff meetings
- In-depth knowledge of intravenous therapy High level of autonomy
- Professional bedside manner Hospice and palliative care experience Thorough physical assessments Team collaboration
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Attention to Detail
- Creative Problem Solving
- Medication Administration
- Critical Thinking
- Procedure Assistance
- Patient Care Assessment
- Decision Making
- Student Precepting
- Delegation and Motivation
- Therapy and Counseling
- Test Interpretations
- Care Coordination
- Staff Supervision
- Patient Care Assignment
- Team Leadership
- EMR Systems
- Training and Development
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Shared Governance
- Discharge Planning
- Staff Scheduling
- Clinical Leadership
- Delegation Skills
Affiliations
American Nurses Association (ANA) Member
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Home Health Care
11.2021 - 08.2022
Care Coordinator
Highmark
10.2019 - 11.2021
Staff RN
Beebe Healthcare
04.2016 - 10.2019
Staff/Charge Nurse
Bayhealth Medical Center
12.2001 - Current
CNA/Unit Secretary
Bayhealth Medical Center
06.1996 - 12.2001
Master of Science - Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Wilmington University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Delaware Technical and Community College
Similar Profiles
Michele ReddenMichele Redden
Patient Access Specialist at Bayhealth Medical CenterPatient Access Specialist at Bayhealth Medical Center
Gelsie Borja-FigueroaGelsie Borja-Figueroa
Administrative Assistant to the Director at Bayhealth Medical CenterAdministrative Assistant to the Director at Bayhealth Medical Center
Hania AhmerHania Ahmer
General Surgery Resident at Bayhealth Medical CenterGeneral Surgery Resident at Bayhealth Medical Center
Mary VossMary Voss
General Laborer / Customer Service Representative at DSWA / Onin StaffingGeneral Laborer / Customer Service Representative at DSWA / Onin Staffing
Valerie FragherValerie Fragher
Customer Service Specialist at Innovation Lab SolutionsCustomer Service Specialist at Innovation Lab Solutions