Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Karen Wethington

Owensboro,KY

Summary

Proactive Quality Improvement Specialist and Registered Nurse with extensive experience in healthcare process validation, compliance, and Lean Six Sigma optimization. Expertise in training, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Strong skills in critical thinking, workflow optimization, and strategic planning, driving continuous improvement and quality assurance.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

Quality Improvement Specialist

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
08.2015 - Current
  • Developed and executed validation protocol for healthcare processes, ensuring compliance with hospital regulations and customer expectations.
  • Provided training and mentorship to team members on quality assurance methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the hospital.
  • Conducted regular gap analysis of the organization''s quality management system against external standards such as healthcare benchmarks.
  • Implemented Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize workflows, reducing cycle times and increasing productivity without sacrificing quality.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, streamlining processes across departments.

Registered Nurse

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
06.1998 - 08.2015
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.

Registered Nurse

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
07.1997 - 06.1998
  • Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
  • Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
  • Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
  • Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
  • Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
  • Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.

Registered Nurse

River Valley Behavioral Health
07.1994 - 07.1997
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
09.2024

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Madisonville Community College
Madisonville, KY
05.1994

High School Diploma -

Bremen Consolidated School
Bremen, Kentucky
05.1990

Skills

  • Customer Satisfaction
  • Auditing Techniques
  • Workflow Optimization
  • ISO Standards
  • Process Mapping
  • Lean Six Sigma
  • Strategic Planning
  • Process improvement expertise
  • Innovation and Creativity
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Performance Improvements
  • Audit Compliance
  • Project management abilities

Timeline

Quality Improvement Specialist

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
08.2015 - Current

Registered Nurse

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
06.1998 - 08.2015

Registered Nurse

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital
07.1997 - 06.1998

Registered Nurse

River Valley Behavioral Health
07.1994 - 07.1997

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Western Governors University

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Madisonville Community College

High School Diploma -

Bremen Consolidated School

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Karen Wethington