Kaleena Virag
Braddock Hills,PA
Summary
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 14 years of nursing experience providing comprehensive care to patients with acute and chronic mental health diagnoses. Strong knowledge of state laws, including patient rights, and advance directives for mental health treatment. Acts as a patient advocate for the best possible outcome. Experienced nursing professional bringing demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Proficient in working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Nurse
Merakey- Dual Diagnosis Treatment Team
Penn Hills, PA
11.2015 - Current
- Conducted independent risk assessment for self-directed violence, analyzing risk factors, protective factors, mental status and current triggers.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, social workers, physicians, psychologists and others to ensure continuity of care for each patient.
- Counseled patients on healthy coping strategies for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
- Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
- Provided psychotherapy to patients dealing with mental health issues.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
Registered Nurse
HealthSouth Harmarville Rehab Hospital and Home Health
Pittsburgh, PA
10.2010 - 01.2021
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Developed educational materials for use in teaching sessions with patients or their families.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Bridges Hospice & Home Health
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2013 - 01.2016
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Provided education and counseling on health promotion, risk reduction strategies, disease prevention and self-care techniques to patients and their families.
- Conducted home visits to assess the physical and mental condition of assigned patients.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss treatment options for complex cases.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Community Life
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2012 - 11.2014
- Identified potential risks related to medication use or inadequate follow up care after discharge from the hospital.
- Participated in on-call rotations, delivering daily continuous quality care to patients.
- Advocated for patients by identifying insurance coverage, communicating care preferences to practitioners and verifying interventions met patients' treatment goals.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Monitored patient progress through regular follow-up appointments and assessments.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Collaborated in consults, patient care plans development, patient monitoring and evaluations.
Education
Psychiatic Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Certificate -
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02-2024
Masters in Nursing Leadership -
California University of PA
05.2018
Bachelor's in Nursing -
California University of PA
05.2017
CCAC Community College of Allegheny County
12-2010
Skills
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Care
- Health Promotion
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Suicide Prevention
- Patient Health Education
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dual Diagnosis Expertise
Timeline
Mental Health Nurse
Merakey- Dual Diagnosis Treatment Team
11.2015 - Current
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Bridges Hospice & Home Health
06.2013 - 01.2016
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Community Life
01.2012 - 11.2014
Registered Nurse
HealthSouth Harmarville Rehab Hospital and Home Health
10.2010 - 01.2021
Psychiatic Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Post Certificate -
Walden University
Masters in Nursing Leadership -
California University of PA
Bachelor's in Nursing -
California University of PA
CCAC Community College of Allegheny County
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