Outgoing Psychiatric Staff Nurse with terrific people skills, friendly demeanor and strong talents in caring for individuals. Effective leader consistently finding ways to improve healthcare quality.
Hi, I’m
Karen McIntosh
Saratoga Springs,NY
Summary
Overview
19
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Four Winds Hospital
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
08.2021 - Current
Job overview
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- 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.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Saratoga County Correctional Facility
Correctional Registered Nurse
06.2008 - 02.2024
Job overview
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Complied with all security regulations within prison system and administered care in safest possible environment.
- Created and implemented care plans for prisoners suffering from chronic conditions.
- Stabilized prisoners suffering from falls, stab wounds or other injuries prior to hospital transfer.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- 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.
Community Hospice Of Saratoga And Washington Count
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
06.2008 - 10.2023
Job overview
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
- Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
- Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
Saratoga Hospital
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
02.2005 - 06.2008
Job overview
- Managed caseload of 8 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Monitored patients before, during and after surgical operations to evaluate patient care.
- Provided inpatient care to diverse population of adult medical and surgical patients.
- Administered blood products and monitored vital signs to address immediate concerns.
- Provided patient-centered discharge planning and education to reduce complications and readmissions.
Education
Adirondack Community CollegeQueensbury, United States
Associate of Applied Science from Registered Nursing
12.2004
University Overview
Saratoga Central Catholic High School, United StatesSaratoga Springs, United States
High School Diploma
06.1984
University Overview
Skills
- Direct Patient Care
- Group therapy facilitation
- Suicide Prevention
- Patient Assessments
- Treatment Planning
- Crisis Intervention
- Family Education
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Medication Administration
- Psychopharmacology knowledge
- Discharge Planning
- Therapeutic Intervention
- Addiction Treatment
- HIPAA Compliance
- Clinical Documentation
- Chemical Dependency Care
- Patient Observation
- Substance Abuse Knowledge
- Medication Education
- Mental Health Assessment
- Positive Reinforcement
Certification
- Basic Life Saving
Timeline
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Four Winds Hospital
08.2021 - Current
Correctional Registered Nurse
Saratoga County Correctional Facility
06.2008 - 02.2024
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Community Hospice Of Saratoga And Washington Count
06.2008 - 10.2023
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Saratoga Hospital
02.2005 - 06.2008
Adirondack Community College
Associate of Applied Science from Registered Nursing
Saratoga Central Catholic High School, United States
High School Diploma