Kara Merritt
Smyrna,TN
Summary
Caring and certified Nurse Navigator with 3 years of experience and specializing in interventional radiology. Superior knowledge of hospital systems and modes of communication with dedication to exceptional patient care and education. Nurse Navigator demonstrates critical thinking, initiative and expertise in medical imaging to assist patients in achieving optimum health, reduced hospitalization and increased quality of life. Leverages comprehensive knowledge of general nursing theory to function autonomously in patient care, resource management and other areas of professional practice. Drives clinical, quality and cost effective outcomes for patient population by identifying best practices and targeting performance improvement efforts.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Navigator
Ascension St. Thomas West
01.2022 - Current
- Scheduled appointments, educational meetings and follow-ups for patients and family members.
- Provided information about health system navigation, patient rights and health information privacy.
- Compiled data and tracked outcomes to formulate recommendations for process improvement.
- Administered medications, charted patient vitals and communicated findings with doctors, healthcare professionals, patients and family members.
- Organized discharge and designed comprehensive discharge schedules for doctors, patients, family members and support staff.
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Telemetry
Ascension St. Thomas West
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Charge Nurse, Cardiac Decision Unit
Ascension St. Thomas West
12.2018 - 08.2019
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- 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.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
Nurse Extern
Ascension St. Thomas Midtown
04.2015 - 08.2016
- Recorded vital signs and intake and output of patients and documented information in Cerner.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported any changes to nursing staff.
- Assisted with specimen collection and handled appropriately to facilitate laboratory testing.
- Assisted with activities of daily living by helping patients with bathing, changing clothes, eating, and daily hygiene tasks.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN05.2023
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Nashville State Community College
Nashville, TN05.2018
No Degree - Nursing
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN05.2017
Skills
- Patient Education
- Community Program Referrals
- Educational Material Development
- Patient Health Information Privacy
- Accurate Documentation
- Unit Oversight
- Compassionate and Caring
- Administer Medication
- Following Up with Patients
- Delegation and Motivation
- Care Coordination
Certification
Basic Life Support
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
Timeline
Nurse Navigator
Ascension St. Thomas West
01.2022 - Current
Charge Nurse, Cardiac Decision Unit
Ascension St. Thomas West
12.2018 - 08.2019
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Telemetry
Ascension St. Thomas West
07.2018 - 12.2019
Nurse Extern
Ascension St. Thomas Midtown
04.2015 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Austin Peay State University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Nashville State Community College
No Degree - Nursing
Bethel University
Similar Profiles
Niki Johnson JacksonNiki Johnson Jackson
Registered Respiratory Therapist at Ascension St. Thomas WestRegistered Respiratory Therapist at Ascension St. Thomas West
Grace CarterGrace Carter
Clinical Research Coordinator at Ascension St. Thomas West HospitalClinical Research Coordinator at Ascension St. Thomas West Hospital
HALEY SHAWHALEY SHAW
Travel CTOR RN at Ascension St. Thomas West NashvilleTravel CTOR RN at Ascension St. Thomas West Nashville
Diaa HelmyDiaa Helmy
Physician Assistant Cardiology at Ascension St. Thomas West HospitalPhysician Assistant Cardiology at Ascension St. Thomas West Hospital
Anthony LinaresAnthony Linares
Press Room Technician at Wegmann AutomotivePress Room Technician at Wegmann Automotive