Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Karen Lauer

Huntersville,NC

Summary

Proactive Clinical Instructor and Clinical Lead Nurse with extensive experience in supervising students, managing staffing levels, and fostering a culture of safety. Skilled in quality improvement, discharge planning, and chronic disease management. Bring expertise in interdisciplinary collaboration, patient education, and developing comprehensive care plans to enhance patient outcomes.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Instructor

ECPI University
07.2023 - Current
  • Supervised students when administering medications to maintain patient safety.
  • Fostered a culture of safety within the learning environment by emphasizing proper use of equipment, infection control measures, and patient privacy guidelines.
  • Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
  • Supervised students during clinical rotations, providing immediate feedback on their performance and suggesting areas for improvement when necessary.
  • Instructed students on how to perform head-to-toe assessments on patients and how to intervene in medical emergencies.
  • Provided nursing skill demonstrations for medication administration, dressing changes and clinical logs.

Clinical Lead Nurse

Atrium Healthcare
03.2022 - Current
  • Managed staffing levels effectively, balancing patient needs with the available workforce to maintain optimal ratios and high-quality care.
  • Promoted patient satisfaction by actively addressing concerns and maintaining open lines of communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
  • Established a culture of safety within the unit through rigorous adherence to infection control protocols and ongoing staff education.
  • Spearheaded quality improvement initiatives aimed at boosting clinical performance and reducing medical errors.
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on best practices in nursing through continuing education courses and industry publications.
  • Contributed to successful accreditation reviews by ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in all aspects of unit operations.

RN Case Manager

Catholic Health
04.2015 - 12.2021
  • Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
  • Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
  • Educated patients and families on available community resources, facilitating access to necessary support services.
  • Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
  • Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care process.
  • Coordinated care conferences with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring all perspectives were considered in the development of comprehensive treatment plans.

Health and Wellness Director

Sunrise Senior Living
09.2008 - 02.2015
  • Oversaw ongoing professional development opportunities for staff members to stay current on industry trends and best practices.
  • Developed comprehensive health education materials for diverse populations, promoting preventive healthcare practices.
  • Established strategic partnerships with community organizations to provide accessible healthcare options for underserved populations.
  • Increased overall employee productivity through the development and execution of targeted wellness initiatives.
  • Promoted a culture of wellness within the organization, leading workshops on stress reduction, nutrition, and exercise.
  • Led a team of dedicated professionals, providing mentorship and guidance to enhance their skills and performance levels.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

State University of New York At Stony Brook
Stony Brook, NY
05.1991

Skills

  • Supervising students
  • Patient Safety
  • Student evaluations
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Team Management
  • Quality Improvement
  • Discharge Planning
  • Multidisciplinary Approach
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Oasis Documentation

Certification

Wound care Certified- 2019

BLS/ACLS- AHA Current

Timeline

Clinical Instructor

ECPI University
07.2023 - Current

Clinical Lead Nurse

Atrium Healthcare
03.2022 - Current

RN Case Manager

Catholic Health
04.2015 - 12.2021

Health and Wellness Director

Sunrise Senior Living
09.2008 - 02.2015

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

State University of New York At Stony Brook
Karen Lauer