Karen Forsyth
Hagerstown,MD
Summary
With a distinguished career at Brook Lane Health Services, I leveraged my expertise in psychopharmacology and crisis intervention to enhance patient safety and care quality. My leadership significantly improved nursing staff proficiency and patient outcomes, demonstrating exceptional communication skills and a commitment to excellence in psychiatric nursing.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Nursing Officer
Brook Lane Health Services
07.2023 - Current
- Designed and implemented standards of care for nursing and patient care in a psychiatric hospital serving patients ages 8 thru adulthood.
- Provide direct nursing care to patients when personnel was short-staffed.
- Maintained proper staff levels within budget parameters to deliver high levels of care to every patient.
- Interviewed, hired, instructed and mentored employees and promoted high level of care quality to patients.
- Optimized workflow processes by integrating advanced technology systems into daily operations.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through regular audits, policy updates, and ongoing education for staff members.
Nurse Manager
Brook Lane
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse Supervisor
Brook Lane Health Services
12.2018 - 01.2022
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or selfharm.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Demonstrated adaptability by providing coverage in various psychiatric units as needed, maintaining high standards of care across diverse patient populations.
- Promoted a therapeutic environment by establishing rapport, maintaining boundaries, and fostering open communication with patients and families.
- Served as a resource for nursing staff, providing guidance in the application of evidence-based practices in the psychiatric setting.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Brook Lane Health Services
12.2013 - 12.2018
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or selfharm.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Demonstrated adaptability by providing coverage in various psychiatric units as needed, maintaining high standards of care across diverse patient populations.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Contributed to improved team morale by demonstrating a positive attitude, supporting colleagues during challenging situations, and celebrating shared successes.
Quality Improvement Manager
Potomac Center
07.2009 - 10.2013
- Developed and maintained the Quality Improvement Plan for a Dual Diagnosed/Intellectually Disabled facility service 65 patients.
- Successfully managed critical projects within the organization, meeting project milestones while maintaining strict adherence to established budgets.
- Managed external audits successfully while adhering to regulatory requirements.
- Completed investigations and reports on critical incidents.
- Implemented effective risk management strategies to minimize potential adverse effects on product quality or business operations.
- Recorded, analyzed, and distributed statistical information.
Nurse Manager
Potomac Center
06.1999 - 06.2009
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for staff to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Aspen University
Denver, CO01-2022
Associate of Science - Nursing
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV05-1999
Skills
- Clinical care
- Nursing staff management
- Patient care services coordination
- Patient Safety
- Mental Health Evaluation
- Crisis Intervention
- Suicide Prevention
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Safety Planning
- Psychopharmacology knowledge
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NVCI)
- Effective Communication
- Quality Improvement
- Time management abilities
Timeline
Chief Nursing Officer
Brook Lane Health Services
07.2023 - Current
Nurse Manager
Brook Lane
01.2022 - 07.2023
Psychiatric Registered Nurse Supervisor
Brook Lane Health Services
12.2018 - 01.2022
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Brook Lane Health Services
12.2013 - 12.2018
Quality Improvement Manager
Potomac Center
07.2009 - 10.2013
Nurse Manager
Potomac Center
06.1999 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Aspen University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Shepherd University
Similar Profiles
John FoxJohn Fox
Mental Health Associate at Brook Lane Health ServicesMental Health Associate at Brook Lane Health Services
Tina KelmanTina Kelman
RN at Brook Lane Health ServicesRN at Brook Lane Health Services
Cory ShivesCory Shives
Director of Hospital Therapeutic Services at Brook Lane Health ServicesDirector of Hospital Therapeutic Services at Brook Lane Health Services