KAREN THOMAS-CHAMBERS
Westchester,IL
Summary
Dedicated Dialysis Nurse with a strong 19-year background in acute and chronic settings. Expertise in crisis intervention and patient education has significantly improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Proven ability to implement effective care plans while maintaining compliance with health regulations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Hemodialysis Registered Nurse
Sanderling Renal Service
Chicago, IL
04.2023 - Current
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Analyzed emergency situations and took prompt action to save lives.
- Administered medications to 16 patients and monitored response to medications.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- 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.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Assessed and evaluated mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Identified and resolved issues impacting patient care quality, collaborating with staff to mitigate factors affecting care standards.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Promoted patient rights and wellbeing through advocacy. and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patients.
- Utilized feedback and process improvement opportunities to enhance safety and health standards, fostering increased patient satisfaction.
- Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication and conflict resolution by redirecting negative behaviors.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication and conflict resolution by redirecting negative behaviors.
Facility Administrator
Fresenius Dialysis
Chicago, IL
03.2000 - 05.2003
- Coordinated and documented patient and clinical care activities, ensuring compliance with care standards.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Supervised and managed daily activities of clinical team consisting of 5 nurses and support staff.
- Developed and adjusted work schedules for Dialysis RN's & staff.
- Created weekly schedules for nurses, taking into account sick days and vacation time.
- Streamlined hiring process for Dialysis personnel by interviewing applicants and providing targeted recommendations.
- Mentored clinical staff by setting an example and actively demonstrating best practices.
Education
Certificate - Legal Nurse Consultant
Kaplan University
Davenport, IA11-2014
Associate of Science - Nursing
Malcolm X College
Chicago, IL06-1996
Associate of Science - Nephrology
Malcolm X College
Chicago, IL06-1989
Skills
- Medication administration
- Intravenous therapy
- Patient assessment
- Dialysis infection management
- Dialysis equipment management
- Vascular Access management
- Care planning
- Patient education
- Chronic disease management
- Direct patient care
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Healthcare software
- EMR proficiency
- HIPAA compliance
- Quality improvement
- Dialysis infection management practices
- Team leadership
- Decision-making
- Problem solving
- Documentation
- CPR certification
- Preventive care strategies
- Family advocacy
- Nursing assessment
- Documentation
Timeline
Hemodialysis Registered Nurse
Sanderling Renal Service
04.2023 - Current
Facility Administrator
Fresenius Dialysis
03.2000 - 05.2003
Certificate - Legal Nurse Consultant
Kaplan University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Malcolm X College
Associate of Science - Nephrology
Malcolm X College