JODY SMITH
Gaston,SC
Summary
Experienced RN with strong clinical and people skills. Professionally trained with experience ensuring high standards of competent care for wide variety of patients with diverse needs. Registered Nurse with 15 years total experience including clinical settings, home care and hospice providing nursing care to diverse populations. Acted as an RN Supervisor for 2 years in a LTC facility of 700 residents. Current hospital floor nurse with valid SC State RN License and CPR certification. Enthusiastic RN with excellent people skills and dedicated work ethic. During an epidemic, cared for COVID patients in isolation. Registered Nurse with experience offering comprehensive patient care in outpatient environments. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospital Floor Registered Nurse
Lexington Medical Center
09.2021 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
Travel Registered Nurse
Trustaff
07.2021 - 09.2021
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Safeguarded patient privacy rights through diligent compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with medical records and personal information.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, ensuring a safe environment for patients and colleagues alike.
- Provided comprehensive care for patients in high-stress environments, leading to notable increases in patient satisfaction and recovery rates.
Home Care Nurse
Kindred Home Health
03.2021 - 07.2021
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans.
- Led patient education sessions on topics such as nutrition, medication management and safety precautions within the home environment.
- Provided skilled wound care, managing complex cases with various stages of healing.
- Managed chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, closely monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatments as necessary.
- Prevented complications by closely monitoring high-risk patients, proactively addressing any emerging concerns or issues.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, building trust through empathetic communication skills.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge planning and follow-up services.
- Administered injections, IVs, and other medications safely, accurately following physician orders.
Travel Nursing
Trustaff, Triage
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Travel nurse in Wilkes Barre, PA, Scranton, PA,Myrtle Beach, SC, Orangeburg SC, Aiken, SC.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information and vital signs, supporting seamless communication among healthcare providers.
- Contributed to the reduction of hospital readmissions by closely following care plans and promptly addressing any changes in patients'' conditions.
- Managed challenging behaviors displayed by patients with mental health issues or dementia, maintaining a safe environment for all involved parties.
- Assessed vital signs, pain levels, and physical needs daily, adjusting care accordingly to optimize patient wellness.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for each patient''s specific needs.
- Facilitated patient mobility by providing safe and effective ambulation assistance.
- Prevented infections through diligent adherence to infection control protocols, including proper hand hygiene and equipment sterilization techniques.
- Assisted nurses with patient monitoring, contributing to a safer and more efficient healthcare environment.
- Supported patients'' emotional well-being through active listening and empathetic communication.
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Gracedale Nursing Home
11.2015 - 12.2018
- Oversee a 700 bed LTC County facility
- Able to oversee and manage with encouragement among staff of over 125 members
- Maintain high quality care while staying in compliance with DOH and maintaining HIPPA rules
- Supportive guidance to new nurses and employees
- Assist staff with troubleshooting and problem solving with safety in mind for residents and staff
- Daily organize floor staff scheduling for middle shift.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during challenging situations.
- Addressed patient concerns promptly by investigating issues thoroughly and collaborating with appropriate personnel to resolve problems efficiently.
Hospice Nurse
Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice
07.2015 - 02.2017
- Case manager for up to 25 hospice patients in home settings and facilities
- Encourage self-autonomy with care and thoughts/beliefs
- Education to patients and families regarding the dying process, reduction of chronic disease exacerbation, pain control with meds and other non-med options
- Offered high-quality care with respect and just as the patient desired
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration for comfort via Music Therapy, Massage, PT/OT/Speech Therapy, Spiritual support, and volunteers for companionship
- Managed frequency of visits according to patients' needs
- Medication management and monitoring according to needs.
- Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
- Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
Pediatric Home Health Nurse
Nursing Around the Clock
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Cared for pediatric and adult patients in the home setting
- Experience with vented patient
- Chronic medical illnesses
- Assessment and Vital Sign monitoring
- Oral Medication administration.
- Served as a trusted resource for patients and their families by providing expert advice on pediatric health matters and addressing concerns promptly.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and their families through effective listening skills combined with consistent followup.
Home Care Nurse
Lehigh Valley Hospital
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Primary care, assessment, and evaluation daily of 5-6 home patients
- Chronic patient care, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care
- Patient and family education of disease process and pain control
- Education on recognizing signs and symptoms of infection, health maintenance, and when to call the physician
- Assessed need for, ordered, obtained, and interpreted appropriate lab tests
- Managing travel.
- Managed complex medical equipment such as ventilators or feeding tubes as needed for specialized patient populations.
- Educated family members on proper caregiving techniques, promoting a safe and supportive home environment for patients.
Home Care Nurse
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
08.2013 - 03.2014
- Home care RN/Case Manager caring for 5-6 patients in a home setting daily.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by closely monitoring vital signs, medication adherence, and overall wellness.
- Updated and developed care plans to establish goals based on patient's nursing diagnosis.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Provided expert guidance on nutrition and lifestyle modifications tailored to individual patient requirements, enhancing overall health status.
- Administered medications and provided wound care as per physician orders, ensuring accurate treatment delivery.
- Coordinated and collaborated with various multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and promote patient safety and health.
- Administered medications and oversaw activities of daily living such as bathing, hygiene, and ambulation.
- Managed complex medical equipment such as ventilators or feeding tubes as needed for specialized patient populations.
- Served as a primary liaison between patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and seamless transitions between settings.
RN
Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg
03.2011 - 09.2013
- Registered Nurse on Med/Surg Acute Care ER Overflow Unit
- Responsible for caring for 6 patients of varying chronic and acute medical issues, post-op, cardiac issues, DM, Renal Conditions, etc
- Telemetry monitoring
- IV medication, pain medication pumps, different drips, hemodialysis, Plurex Drains, Jackson Pratt Drains, Nephrostomy Drains, Cholecystotomy Drains, etc
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Unit Charge nurse
- Preceptor to new nurses
- Delegation amongst multidisciplinary team- CNA, PICC Team, PT/OT/Speech, Respiratory Team, Chaplain.
Transitional Skilled Unit RN
Lehigh Valley Hospital
11.2009 - 03.2011
- RN responsible for 8-10 patients with acute and chronic medical conditions, post-op patients - knees, hips, pedal surgeries
- Unit Charge Nurse
- Preceptor for new nurses
- IV medications, IV Drips, Pain Med Pumps, Drains, Plurex Drains, Nephrostomy Drains, Cholecystotomy Drains, Jackson Pratt Drains, Parietal Dialysis, et
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Experience with CPM Machines
- Multidisciplinary Team-CNA's, PT/OT/Speech, Chaplain.
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse Diploma
St. Luke's School of Nursing
Bethlehem, PA01.2009
Skills
- Strong clinical judgment and assessments
- Preceptor experience
- High level of autonomy
- Patient/family focused education
- Dedicated, thorough, quality care
- Positive Team Leadership experience as Supervisor
- Many years experience in Magnet Status hospital
- Hospice philosophy understanding and care experience
- Experience as Charge Nurse
- Able to recognize disease exacerbations
- Good communication skills with staff
- Patient centered
- Follow HIPPA rules
- CPR Certification
- Pursuing Medical Surgical Certification
- Physical assessments
- Patient care planning
- Team Coordination
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Lab result interpretation
- Complex Problem-Solving
Certification
CPR Certification
Timeline
Hospital Floor Registered Nurse
Lexington Medical Center
09.2021 - Current
Travel Registered Nurse
Trustaff
07.2021 - 09.2021
Home Care Nurse
Kindred Home Health
03.2021 - 07.2021
Travel Nursing
Trustaff, Triage
02.2019 - 02.2021
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Gracedale Nursing Home
11.2015 - 12.2018
Hospice Nurse
Heartland Home Health Care & Hospice
07.2015 - 02.2017
Pediatric Home Health Nurse
Nursing Around the Clock
07.2014 - 07.2015
Home Care Nurse
Lehigh Valley Hospital
09.2013 - 04.2014
Home Care Nurse
Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
08.2013 - 03.2014
RN
Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg
03.2011 - 09.2013
Transitional Skilled Unit RN
Lehigh Valley Hospital
11.2009 - 03.2011
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse Diploma
St. Luke's School of Nursing
CPR Certification
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