Karen Swinkey
Inman,SC
Summary
I have been working in Healthcare for the last 11 years, I have gained a lot of experience, such as using EHR programs, Customer Service, Documentation, Leadership, Team Collaboration, Customer support
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Activity Director
TerraBella
Hendersonville, NC
09.2023 - Current
- Enhanced resident engagement by planning and executing diverse recreational activities tailored to individual interests and abilities.
- Boosted social interaction among residents through organizing regular events, outings, and group activities.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure adequate resources were allocated for all planned activities and events.
- Supervised volunteer staff in the planning and implementation of various activities, ensuring a high level of service was consistently provided for all residents.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Maintained activity records and reports to evaluate program success and identify areas for improvement.
- Stretched minimum annual budget to cover planned activities through creative use of resources.
- Implemented creative marketing strategies to promote upcoming events and encourage maximum participation from residents.
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Arranged outings as part of recreational program.
- Networked with community organizations and leaders for volunteer opportunities and cooperative engagements.
Activity Director
Pelican Health of Asheville
01.2022 - 01.2023
- As an Activities Director, my primary objective is to create a warm and welcoming environment that fosters a sense of community among residents
- I am committed to providing diverse and engaging activities that meet the needs and interests of each individual, while also encouraging socialization and group participation
- Whether it's through gardening, fair-style events, or other recreational activities, I strive to create a vibrant and fulfilling experience for residents and the community.
- Trained new activity staff members on program development procedures and best practices for engaging diverse populations of older adults.
- Increased physical fitness levels among residents by designing exercise programs tailored to individual abilities and preferences.
- Integrated cognitive stimulation techniques into daily programming for improved mental health outcomes among participants suffering from dementia or related conditions.
- Addressed challenging behaviors exhibited by some residents during group settings through effective communication strategies that maintained a positive atmosphere.
- Monitored overall health and well-being for participants in activity programs by regularly reviewing medical records and communicating with healthcare providers as needed.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Maintained activity records and reports to evaluate program success and identify areas for improvement.
- Supervised Activities Assistant and conducted performance evaluations.
- Restored customer loyalty by resolving complaints with workers, activities or services rendered.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
Activity Aide
Willow Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
07.2021 - 09.2022
- Provide activities to help cognitively disabled residents
- Assist with coordinating events
- Collaborate with different departments
- Provide group and one on one activities
- Communicate with Residents to determine what works best for the individual
- Sustain a positive and patient attitude.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Givens Estates
07.2017 - 01.2022
- Dedicated and enthusiastic caregiver to my residents
- CPR Certified
- Multitasking and critical thinking
- Adaptable in any given situation
- Charting paperwork/computer
- Extremely patient and understanding of mentally and physically disabled residents
- Work well with others and very respectful
- Bathing and basic care
- Total care
- Cross trained in Homecare.
Medicine Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant
Restwell
02.2014 - 07.2018
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse
- Responded appropriately to the physical, emotional and developmental needs of patients
- Tested and recorded blood glucose levels
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress and concerns
- Changed sterile dressings
- Obtained information about clients' medical history, drug history, complaints and allergies
- Assisted patients with bathing, oral hygiene, grooming, feeding and elimination
- Helped patients move in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs and automobiles
- Cooked appetizing and satisfying meals and snacks
- Maintained a clean, healthy and safe environment
- Assisted with patient transfer and ambulation
- Performed clerical duties, such as word processing, data entry, answering phones and filing
- Followed safe lifting techniques and individual resident lifting instructions
- Assisted patients with ambulation and crutch walking
- Answered patient calls for care and feeding
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and muscular dystrophy
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores, and surgical site wounds
- Documents objective data and routine aspects of patient care
- Reported any unusual circumstances in the patients' condition or environment
- Collects patient specimens and data, including vital signs, input/output and other delegated measurements
- Provided a comforting and soothing environment
- Helped residents programming goals and increase their independence
- Answered call lights and aided in patient comfort and safety by adjusting beds, lights, bed rails, pillows, patients' clothing and bedside tables/equipment
- Performed direct patient care aimed at increasing comfort, psycho, social and spiritual well-being by providing assistance with personal hygiene, physical comfort, nutrition, elimination, prevention of skin breakdown, rehabilitation and safety
- Member in good standing with Nurse Aide Registry
- Took advantage of opportunities for continuing education, quality assurance and performance improvement activities
- Monitored expiration of medical supplies and medications.
Education
Nursing
Isothermal Community College
Spindale, NCSkills
- Treatment coordination
- Event planning experience
- Activity Organization
- Therapy planning
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Organizational Skills
- Understanding of budgeting
- Multitasking
- Time Management
- Effective Communication
- Analytical Thinking
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Interpersonal Communication
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking Abilities
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Written Communication
- Team Exercises
- Orientation and Onboarding
- Virtual Learning Management
- Video Conferencing
- Familiarization with PCC and Matrix Care
- Use of EHR Programs
Timeline
Activity Director
TerraBella
09.2023 - Current
Activity Director
Pelican Health of Asheville
01.2022 - 01.2023
Activity Aide
Willow Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
07.2021 - 09.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant
Givens Estates
07.2017 - 01.2022
Medicine Technician/Certified Nursing Assistant
Restwell
02.2014 - 07.2018
Nursing
Isothermal Community College