Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
RegisteredNurse

Karen Langford

RN
Opp,AL

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Hardworking Registered Nurse with success providing individualized patient care. Committed to delivering best-in-class patient care through effective education and counseling. Proven leadership focused on increasing and enhancing patient care and satisfaction. Streamline safety protocols for comprehensive patient care.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

RN

Opp Health Rehab
09.2023 - Current
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Implemented infection control measures within unit, maintaining safe environment for both patients and staff members.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
  • Managed approximately 30 incoming calls, emails and faxes per day

RN

Crenshaw Community Hospital
06.2022 - 09.2023
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions, revising care plans as needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes and satisfactory
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments upon admission to determine appropriate level of care required based on individual needs.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Educated patients on disease prevention and management, promoting healthier lifestyles.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
  • Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.

RN Floor Manager

Opp Health Rehab
10.2021 - 06.2022
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
  • Developed strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.

RN, ICU

Mizell Memorial Hospital
06.2020 - 10.2021
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing clinical outcomes while reducing costs associated with ICU care delivery.
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
  • Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices related to ICU nursing care management strategies.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
  • Served as advocate for patients and their families, addressing concerns and facilitating open lines of communication between healthcare providers and loved one
  • Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates for critical patients through thorough discharge planning and patient education.
  • Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
  • Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans and coordinate appropriate treatment interventions.
  • Conducted ongoing assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, and psychological needs to inform targeted interventions and support holistic care approaches.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Improved pain management for critically ill patients by assessing pain levels, recommending appropriate interventions, and monitoring effectiveness of chosen treatments.
  • Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
  • Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing high-quality care in the ICU setting.
  • Streamlined communication among team members, ensuring timely updates on patient conditions and progress towards recovery goals.
  • Optimized resource utilization within the ICU by coordinating staff assignments and efficiently managing workload distribution.
  • Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
  • Provided emotional support for patients'' families during times of crisis by maintaining open lines of communication, offering guidance on coping strategies, and connecting them with available resources as needed.
  • Administered medications accurately according to physician orders while closely monitoring for potential adverse reactions or interactions.
  • Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
  • Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs, identifying early warning signs of complications, and taking prompt action in emergent situations.
  • Implemented infection control measures to minimize risk of cross-contamination among critically ill patients.
  • Facilitated smooth handoff processes during shift changes by maintaining accurate documentation of patient status updates, treatments provided, and pending tasks requiring immediate attention from incoming staff members.
  • Mentored new nursing staff in ICU-specific procedures, fostering professional growth and promoting a positive work environment.
  • Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
  • Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
  • Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.

RN /Marketing Liaison

Beacon Behavioral Hospital
09.2018 - 06.2020
  • Taught CE classes for nurses and social workers approved by Alabama Board of nursing
  • Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
  • Collaborated with other departments, identifying and addressing areas needing improvement.
  • Delivered comprehensive reports summarizing project progress, challenges faced, and potential solutions in timely manner .
  • Worked with other hospitals in South Alabama as well as juvenile probation officers , schools, pediatrician's, and many others involved with well fair of children, and was able to successfully placed many children with psychological diagnosis for evaluation and treatment at Beacon Behavioral Hospital

RN - Emergency Department/Shift Supervisor/Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Mizell Memorial Hospital
02.2007 - 06.2018
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
  • Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
  • Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
  • Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.

RN Floor Nurse

Andalusia Regional Medical Center
08.2006 - 02.2007
  • Administered medication such as insulin and monitored patients' responses to detect problems.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
  • Upheld regulatory compliance within the nursing practice through adherence to state mandates, facility policies, and established ethical guidelines.
  • Worked under registered nurses to care for patients and manage basic care.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Facilitated timely discharges through efficient coordination with case managers, social workers, and physicians.
  • Improved patient care by providing compassionate and comprehensive nursing support on a busy hospital floor.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.

Education

Associate of Science - RN

Lurleen B Wallace Community College
Opp, AL
06.2005

Associate of Science - LPN

Lurleen B. Wallace Community Collage, Opp, Al
Opp, AL
08.1995

High School Diploma -

Opp High School
Opp, AL
05.1988

Skills

  • Decision-Making
  • Setting up referrals
  • Performing EKGs
  • HIPAA Education
  • Patient Examination
  • Wound Care
  • Pediatric Basic Trauma Life Support (PBTLS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support
  • Personal care needs
  • Documentation
  • Unit Administration
  • Administering immunizations
  • Initial Trauma Life Support (ITLS)
  • Pediatric Basic Trauma Life Support
  • Clinical judgment
  • Vaccine administration
  • Medical Screening
  • Managing deadlines
  • Critical Thinking
  • Training staff
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
  • Critical Care
  • ADL Assistance
  • Resource Allocation
  • Medication Administration
  • Cardiac Care
  • Preventive health
  • Intake and discharge
  • Heartsaver CPR AED (CPR AED)
  • Certified in CPR
  • Chest pain management
  • Nursing staff leadership
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Accurate Documentation
  • IV setup
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Taking vitals
  • Seizure Management
  • Patient Condition Monitoring
  • Patient Evaluation
  • Patient Assessments
  • Maintaining privacy
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

Timeline

RN

Opp Health Rehab
09.2023 - Current

RN

Crenshaw Community Hospital
06.2022 - 09.2023

RN Floor Manager

Opp Health Rehab
10.2021 - 06.2022

RN, ICU

Mizell Memorial Hospital
06.2020 - 10.2021

RN /Marketing Liaison

Beacon Behavioral Hospital
09.2018 - 06.2020

RN - Emergency Department/Shift Supervisor/Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Mizell Memorial Hospital
02.2007 - 06.2018

RN Floor Nurse

Andalusia Regional Medical Center
08.2006 - 02.2007

Associate of Science - RN

Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Associate of Science - LPN

Lurleen B. Wallace Community Collage, Opp, Al

High School Diploma -

Opp High School
Karen LangfordRN