- Avid Reader
- Watching Movies and TV Shows
- Music
- Volunteering
- Crafting and DIY Projects
- Participating in fundraising events to support local charities, schools, or community projects
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
Karen Machuca
Bonifay
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in patient assessments and care plan implementation. Known for mentoring junior staff and fostering teamwork to improve clinical outcomes and ensure high-quality patient care.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Doctor's Memorial Hospital
12.2021 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement personalized care plans for patients.
- Monitored patient vitals, reporting changes to physicians promptly for timely intervention.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, treatment options, and post-discharge instructions.
- Mentored junior nurses in best practices for patient care, enhancing team efficiency and performance.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems to improve accuracy and accessibility.
- Implemented infection control measures that reduced hospital-acquired infections within the unit.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
R.N. Unit Manager
Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center
03.2021 - 10.2021
- Oversaw daily nursing operations, ensuring adherence to care standards and regulatory compliance.
- Managed patient care plans, coordinating interdisciplinary team efforts to optimize health outcomes.
- Developed and implemented staff training programs, enhancing team skills and improving patient care quality.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations, providing feedback and fostering professional development among nursing staff.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency within the unit.
- Monitored patient progress and collaborated with physicians to adjust treatment plans as needed for optimal results.
- Facilitated communication among healthcare teams, promoting a collaborative environment for comprehensive patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
- Assisted in the development of quality improvement initiatives, leading to higher patient satisfaction scores and improved clinical outcomes.
- Supported continuous professional development of nurses through regular performance evaluations and targeted training programs.
- Bolstered morale among nursing staff through recognition programs that acknowledged outstanding contributions to patient care.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by conducting regular audits of nursing documentation and procedures.
R.N. Weekend Manager
Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center
06.2020 - 03.2021
- Led daily patient assessments and managed care plans to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient recovery and continuity of care.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, providing guidance on best practices and clinical protocols.
- Implemented infection control measures, improving overall patient safety standards within the facility.
- Developed educational materials for patients and families, promoting informed healthcare decisions.
- Facilitated training sessions on new technologies and procedures to improve team efficiency.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Supervised weekend operations, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and facility policies.
- Coordinated staff schedules, optimizing resource allocation for quality patient care.
R.N. Unit Manager
Medilodge of Westwood
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Managed inventory and procurement of medical supplies, ensuring availability while controlling costs effectively.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Contributed to a reduction in readmission rates by providing thorough post-discharge instructions and follow-up support for patients.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and thorough communication with interdisciplinary teams.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork and open communication among nursing staff members.
- Enhanced staff efficiency by developing and maintaining comprehensive nurse schedules, ensuring proper coverage for all shifts.
- Increased unit organization by creating and maintaining detailed records of patient care plans, medications, and treatments.
- Implemented infection control measures to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections within the unit.
- Maintained high-quality patient care during staffing shortages by effectively managing resources and delegating tasks appropriately.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
Registered Nurse
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
05.2017 - 03.2018
- Led quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient satisfaction scores through feedback analysis.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Registered Nurse
Bronson Lakeview Hospital
05.2007 - 03.2017
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, treatment options, and post-discharge instructions.
- Mentored junior nurses in best practices for patient care, enhancing team efficiency and performance.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems to improve accuracy and accessibility.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Spring Arbor University
Spring Arbor, MI04-1996
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
Interests
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Doctor's Memorial Hospital
12.2021 - Current
R.N. Unit Manager
Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center
03.2021 - 10.2021
R.N. Weekend Manager
Bonifay Nursing and Rehab Center
06.2020 - 03.2021
R.N. Unit Manager
Medilodge of Westwood
03.2018 - 05.2019
Registered Nurse
Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
05.2017 - 03.2018
Registered Nurse
Bronson Lakeview Hospital
05.2007 - 03.2017
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Spring Arbor University