JoEllen Connolly, RN, CDE
Wheatland,USA
Summary
Successful clinical nurse with 10+ years of broad-based experience in multiple modalities gained through progressively responsible positions. Experienced System Redesign Coordinator with strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Skilled in project management, communication, and problem-solving. Known for flexibility with changing needs and reliability in delivering outcomes. Prepared to make significant impact in dynamic environment utilizing a leadership mentality.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
System Redesign Coordinator RN- Quality Management
Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
- Enters data, generate reports, and produce tracking documents relating to Process Improvement Projects.
- Improves team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Enhances operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Teaches a three day Lean Yellow Belt courses quarterly and acts as the sole mentor to all yellow belt students at the facility.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering a unified approach toward shared goals.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
Community Living RN
Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center
09.2022 - Current
- Document veteran histories, performs testing, administers medications and develops patient care plans with MDS
- Prepare and administer prescribed medications and assess effectiveness
- Assist veterans with ADL’s and facilitate veteran’s active participation in all aspects of their own health care
- Promote independence by educating veterans and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills
- Record all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner
- Wound Care Champion, ensuring proper documentation and prevention of injuries and wounds
- Acting as Charge Nurse, overseeing staffing, admissions, and discharges. Ensuring safe and effective patient care by monitoring charting, assisting families and patients, and collaborating with providers and other staff to direct care. Mentor and train new staff to the unit.
Clinical Nurse Manager
Laramie Peak Rural Health Clinic
11.2020 - 08.2022
- Lead the coordination for traveling providers by maintaining close communication for their specific needs within our clinic
- Clinical practice including but not limited to: patient registration, appointment scheduling, result notification and detailed dialogue in regards to medical plan, test and prescription ordering, venipuncture and lab management, patient care coordination and triage, prior authorization, procedure scheduling, allergy clinic management, co-ag clinic management and management of CMN for multiple modalities
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and development through comprehensive training programs.
- Streamlined workflow for increased efficiency by optimizing scheduling and delegating tasks to the appropriate staff members.
- Directed day-to-day nursing and operational functions for Family Practice Clinic, ensuring exceptional delivery of care when developing well-rounded nursing teams.
- Conducted routine performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement among staff members.
Public Health Nurse, RN
Platte County Public Health
11.2016 - 11.2020
- Provide testing, treatment, education and prevention related to chronic disease, communicable diseases, vaccine preventable disease and pregnancy
- Developed and implemented a 'Self-Monitored Blood Pressure Program' in conjunction with the Target BP program
- Responsible for Cancer awareness, prevention and diagnostic access within our county
- Immunization Program Coordinator, responsible for managing vaccine inventory, cold chain management, proper administration per ACIP guidelines and recalls for approximately 2,000 adolescents within our county
- Responsible for knowing current best practice for all nine essentials of Public Health Nursing including State programs such as Children’s Special Health
- Performs Long Term Care Assessments per Wyoming State guidelines, with proper nursing documentation
- Maternal Child Health Nurse providing current and accurate care recommendations of maternal, infant and toddler cares including lactation education and monitoring
Registered Nurse-PRN
Platte County Legacy Home
11.2016 - 11.2020
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills which resulted in increased trust between nurse and patient.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills by prioritizing tasks and delegating responsibilities to nursing staff as needed.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Managed medication administration, wound care, and other essential nursing tasks for optimal patient outcomes.
IV Therapy Nurse
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
08.2016 - 11.2016
- Upheld organizational policies related to confidentiality, privacy, and informed consent when handling sensitive medical information.
- Conducted regular assessments of peripheral and central lines to detect potential issues early, reducing complications and improving patient experience.
- Ensured safety by maintaining strict adherence to infection control standards during IV insertion and maintenance procedures.
- Reduced complications with proper assessment and identification of appropriate veins for IV insertion.
Certified Diabetes Educator, RN
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Provide education related to diabetes and the disease process; medication, diet and nutritional monitoring; foot care, prevention and care of complications; blood glucose monitoring and the techniques of self-monitoring and injection
- Develop and implement educational programs
- Provide clinical resource and consultation to staff and physicians
- Assist patients in monitoring blood glucose for the purpose of medication control and adjustment for both insulin and non-insulin dependent diabetics
- Assess, monitor and implement treatment plans for patients at various stages of the disease
- Focus is on prevention of complications and management of stable diabetes
- Coordinate community outreach education classes to include the schools
Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology RN
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
02.2014 - 09.2015
- In depth knowledge and treatment of childhood endocrine disorders and coordination with primary care providers
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through participation in continuing education opportunities related to pediatric endocrinology.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing compassionate and knowledgeable care to pediatric endocrinology patients and their families.
- Enhanced patient education by creating informative materials on endocrine disorders and treatment options.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the delivery of care within pediatric endocrinology clinic.
Medical/Surgical Unit & Postpartum
Banner Health
07.2012 - 02.2014
- Perform physical assessments, administer medications, insert IV’s, and draw blood samples
- Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis and disease processes
- Dispense medications and treatments per Doctor’s orders
- Cardiac and pulmonary monitoring, assess lab values, and assist with bedside procedures
- Communication with nurses, staff and physician of patient’s condition, offering accurate nursing assessment regarding patient’s status
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and addressing individual needs.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Legacy Nursing Home
05.2011 - 11.2011
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Administration
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT06.2025
AAS - Associates Degree of Nursing
Laramie County Community College
05.2012
Skills
- MS Office
- Process Improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Meeting Coordination
- Project assistance
- Consulting
- Resource Allocation
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Data Entry
- Customer Service
- Project Coordination
Certification
- Lactation Consultant Certification IBCLC – International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association.
- Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) - Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education.
Timeline
System Redesign Coordinator RN- Quality Management
Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
Community Living RN
Cheyenne Veterans Affairs Medical Center
09.2022 - Current
Clinical Nurse Manager
Laramie Peak Rural Health Clinic
11.2020 - 08.2022
Public Health Nurse, RN
Platte County Public Health
11.2016 - 11.2020
Registered Nurse-PRN
Platte County Legacy Home
11.2016 - 11.2020
IV Therapy Nurse
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
08.2016 - 11.2016
Certified Diabetes Educator, RN
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
09.2015 - 08.2016
Pediatrics & Pediatric Endocrinology RN
Memorial Hospital of Converse County
02.2014 - 09.2015
Medical/Surgical Unit & Postpartum
Banner Health
07.2012 - 02.2014
Certified Nursing Assistant
Legacy Nursing Home
05.2011 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Administration
Western Governors University
AAS - Associates Degree of Nursing
Laramie County Community College
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