Karen Duerkop
Baraga,MI
Summary
Accomplished RN with a proven track record at Holy Cross Hospital, enhancing patient care through expert medication administration and strong clinical judgment. Spearheaded quality improvement initiatives, achieving significant patient satisfaction. Skilled in patient education and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration for comprehensive care plans. Demonstrates exceptional ability to make critical decisions in high-pressure environments, ensuring optimal health outcomes.
Overview
49
49
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Records Custodian
BCMH
09.2022 - Current
- Maintained strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines, protecting patients'' personal information and confidentiality rights.
- Coordinated with insurance companies and legal teams, providing necessary documentation for claims processing or court cases related to patient care issues.
- Supported efforts to improve overall patient satisfaction by providing accurate, up-to-date health information when required for continuity of care.
- Conducted regular quality checks on filed documents, correcting discrepancies and ensuring accurate long-term record storage.
On Call RN
Copper Country Mental Health
05.1996 - Current
- Prevented complications from arising in at-risk patients through diligent monitoring and early detection of potential issues.
- Preserved patient dignity and autonomy by respecting cultural, spiritual, and personal beliefs during the delivery of nursing care.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, interventions, and evaluations.
RN Outreach Clinic
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2008 - 09.2023
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Proficient in lab draws, EKG, Biowave application, dressing changes,
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
Home Health Nurse
Portage Home Health
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication safety, and at-home healthcare strategies to promote selfcare.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Contributed to the overall success of the home health agency by maintaining high levels of patient satisfaction and positive outcomes.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
Public Health Nurse, Branch Manager, Team Leader
Western UP District Health Department
05.1986 - 03.2008
- Educated the public on disease prevention strategies through community presentations, workshops, and written materials.
- Reduced disease transmission through administering immunizations and providing education on infection prevention.
- Increased vaccination rates within the community through targeted campaigns and educational outreach efforts.
- Safely administered flu and pneumonia vaccinations, providing education to customers on vaccines, dosage, indications, precautions, contraindications and potential side effects.
- Monitored trends in communicable diseases for early identification of potential outbreaks or emerging issues affecting the population''s health status.
- Strengthened relationships with community partners by participating in collaborative events focused on improving the local public health landscape.
- Prevented illness by education public on healthy practices to stop disease.
- Assisted in development of Superior Home Nursing Division.
RN Staff Nurse
Baraga Country Memorial Hospital
10.1985 - 11.1990
- Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication and coordination of care plans.
- Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management, promoting healthier lifestyles.
Staff RN, PM Supervisor Medical, House Supervisor
Holy Cross Hospital
06.1975 - 11.1985
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, prioritizing patient needs and addressing emergent issues promptly.
- Monitored vital signs, lab results, and other indicators to detect changes in patients'' conditions promptly.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses, sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices to improve their skills and confidence.
- Participated in unit-based quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing patient outcomes through process improvements.
- Maintained clinical competency through ongoing professional development activities such as workshops, seminars, conferences, and certifications related to nursing practice.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized care plans.
- Advocated for the needs of patients within the healthcare system while maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients'' rights.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI05.1995
Associate of Science - Nursing
North Central Technical College
Wausau, Wi05.1975
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient Assessment
Timeline
Medical Records Custodian
BCMH
09.2022 - Current
Home Health Nurse
Portage Home Health
10.2021 - 10.2022
RN Outreach Clinic
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2008 - 09.2023
On Call RN
Copper Country Mental Health
05.1996 - Current
Public Health Nurse, Branch Manager, Team Leader
Western UP District Health Department
05.1986 - 03.2008
RN Staff Nurse
Baraga Country Memorial Hospital
10.1985 - 11.1990
Staff RN, PM Supervisor Medical, House Supervisor
Holy Cross Hospital
06.1975 - 11.1985
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northern Michigan University
Associate of Science - Nursing
North Central Technical College
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