Karene Smerkar
Registered Nurse
Coventry,RI
Summary
Passionate nursing professional with 24 years of experience at Brentwood Nursing Home, excelling in clinical leadership and admissions processes. Proven track record in enhancing care quality through effective staff development and compassionate patient interactions. Proficient in MatrixCare, ensuring accurate documentation and seamless interdisciplinary collaboration.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Nursing Supervisor / Admissions
Brentwood Nursing Home
03.2020 - Current
- Enforced infection control protocols and tracked reportable illnesses in accordance with RIDOH and CDC guidelines
- Responsible for quality improvement initiatives and risk management processes
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards through regular audits of documentation and medication administration
- Established a positive culture within the home by modeling professionalism and compassion, including resolving conflicts among residents and staff members through mediation techniques
Interviewed, hired, and trained employees in facility protocols - Served as clinical resource and support for LPNs, CNAs, and other staff. Provided guidance on patient care, policies, and procedures
- Optimized resource utilization with careful allocation of equipment, supplies, and personnel based on patient acuity levels
- Coordinated and facilitated all patient admissions from hospitals and community settings, ensuring a smooth transition into the facility
- Ensured all admission documentation was accurate, complete, and compliant with CMS and Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) regulations
- Performed comprehensive admission assessments, including medication reconciliation, physician order verification, and baseline clinical evaluation to ensure safe and accurate initiation of care
- Assessed residents for fall risk, skin integrity, infection risk, and cognitive status upon admission
- Collaborated with social services, therapy, and dietary to initiate comprehensive interdisciplinary care planning
- Documented all admission data accurately in Matrixcare to meet regulatory requirements
- Communicated with hospitals, case managers, and families to obtain accurate clinical information and facilitate admissions
- Educated residents and families on facility policies, expectations, and resident rights
Registered Nurse
Brentwood Nursing Home
04.2014 - 03.2020
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care
- Provided support for patients' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones
Certified Nursing Assistant
Brentwood Nursing Home
01.2002 - 04.2014
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI04-2014
Skills
Proficient in MatrixCare
Medication administration
Electronic medical records
Clinical leadership
Staff development
Clinical quality improvement
Regulatory compliance
Patient Admissions
Wound care
Care planning
Certification
Infection Prevention and Control
Timeline
Infection Prevention and Control
04-2026
Infection Preventionist Specialized Training
04-2026
American Red Cross ALS BLS
04-2026
Nursing Supervisor / Admissions
Brentwood Nursing Home
03.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse
Brentwood Nursing Home
04.2014 - 03.2020
Certified Nursing Assistant
Brentwood Nursing Home
01.2002 - 04.2014
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Community College of Rhode Island