Karen Merrill
Seymour,CT
Summary
Seasoned Registered Nurse with 33 years of experience, with 22 years at Yale New Haven Health System, excelling in medication administration and patient education. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through strong clinical judgment and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Recognized for implementing evidence-based practice in her daily role as well as her willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Yale New Haven Health System
New Haven, CT
10.2003 - Current
- Observed and reported changes in patient conditions to nursing staff promptly.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate documentation of patient interactions and treatments.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- 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.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient care areas to ensure safety and efficiency.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- 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.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- 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.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
Registered Nurse Traveler
Clinical One
Weymouth, MA
10.1998 - 10.2003
- Delivered high-quality patient care across diverse clinical settings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient treatment plans.
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs to ensure patient safety.
- Educated patients and families on health management and discharge instructions.
Education
Diploma - Nursing
Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing
Bridgeport, CT06-1992
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Infection control measures
- Nursing staff leadership
- Tracheostomy care
- Precepting
- Complex Problem-solving
- Chest pain management
Certification
BLS
Florence Nightingale Award as well as a Nursing Great Catch Award.
The Florence Nightingale Award is prestigious honor given to nurses who demonstrate exceptional dedication, compassion, leadership, and excellent in patient care.
The Great Catch Award is a patient-safety recognition given to nurses who identify and stop a potential harmful event before it reaches the patient.
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Yale New Haven Health System
10.2003 - Current
Registered Nurse Traveler
Clinical One
10.1998 - 10.2003
Diploma - Nursing
Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing