Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Preference
Accomplishments
Timeline
Qualifications Summary
Qualifications Summary
RegisteredNurse

Karin Swinney

Registered Nurse
Los Angeles,CA

Summary

Experienced Registered Nurse and Nurse Instructor adept at developing and implementing training programs within correctional facilities. Holds a Master's in Health Administration and a Bachelor's in Nursing, with strong skills in nursing program evaluation, curriculum design, and staff mentorship. Committed to promoting high standards of care and continuous improvement in healthcare environments.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
8
8

Years of professional nursing experience

Work History

Nurse Instructor

California Rehabilitation Center
Norco , CA
05.2024 - Current

Develops and Implements Training Programs: Designs, constructs, and evaluates orientation, In-Service Training (IST), and continuing education programs for nursing staff. Collaborates with other Nurse Instructors to develop interdisciplinary courses, promoting a holistic approach to healthcare education. Champions the importance of ethical nursing practices, instilling a strong sense of professional responsibility among students

  • Curriculum and Course Development: Creates course outlines, objectives, teaching methods, and evaluation tools for nursing education.
  • Coordination with Nursing Leadership: Collaborates with nursing supervisors to facilitate required training programs based on performance audits and evaluations.
  • Classroom and Individual Training: Delivers training on nursing care topics and provides individual coaching as needed.
  • Coordination with Nursing Leadership: Collaborates with nursing supervisors to facilitate required training programs based on performance audits and evaluations.
  • Conducts workshops for hands-on skill development, ensuring students are proficient in essential nursing techniques.
  • Incorporated evidence-based practices into lessons, guiding students in applying research findings to clinical scenarios.
  • Mentors individual students, providing guidance and support in their academic and professional growth.
  • Maintenance of Training Records: Organizes and maintains educational records in compliance with institutional and licensing requirements.
  • Resource Management: Orders and ensures timely delivery of training materials, supplies, and equipment.
  • Quality Improvement Participation: Engages in quality improvement activities such as chart reviews, audits, and committee participation.
  • Policy Development and Implementation: Assists in creating and revising nursing policies and procedures.
  • Communication Skills: Maintains effective verbal, written, and group communication with healthcare professionals and staff.
  • Instructional Technology Utilization: Employs available instructional technology to enhance learning experiences for nursing personnel.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning by encouraging students to participate in professional development opportunities and stay informed about industry trends
  • Facilitated open communication among students, fostering a positive learning environment that encouraged peer collaboration and support.
  • Collaborated with other Nurse Instructors to develop interdisciplinary courses, promoting a holistic approach to healthcare education.
  • Utilized various evaluation methods to monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies as needed, ensuring optimal learning outcomes for all participants.
  • Developed strong rapport with each student through active listening and empathy, creating an inclusive learning environment where all felt heard and supported.

Mental Health Educator

State of California CDCR
Lancaster , CA
12.2019 - 05.2024

Oversees the creation of patient education programs for both inpatient and outpatient services, in correctional setting. Ensures patient education materials meet competency, safety, and regulatory standards through overseeing their development, implementation, and evaluation. Fosters collaboration across departments to promote a comprehensive approach to education, fostering a culture of ongoing learning and enhancement.

  • Take charge of coordinating nursing competency testing and validations, customizing training approaches based on ongoing evaluations to ensure the highest standards of nursing excellence are upheld.
  • Provide tailored teaching sessions to meet the specific needs of patients and families, using various methods to ensure high engagement and comprehension.
  • Keep detailed records of educational programs and projects, offering valuable feedback and taking on leadership responsibilities in collaborative efforts.
  • Demonstrate dedication to professional growth through dynamic nursing lectures and active participation in industry events to stay current with nursing education trends.
  • Actively contribute to healthcare committees, leveraging analytical skills to interpret assessment outcomes and advocate for innovative solutions.
  • Support organizational compliance by conducting audits, gathering data, and collaborating with other nursing educators on program planning.
  • Provided timely feedback on student assignments, highlighting strengths as well as areas needing improvement or clarification.
  • Assisted in curriculum development to improve overall nursing education quality and relevance.
  • Facilitated open communication among students, fostering a positive learning environment that encouraged peer collaboration and support.
  • Tailored course materials to address the specific needs of each class cohort, optimizing content delivery for maximum comprehension and retention.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-life examples into lesson plans.

Registered Nurse – Correctional Facility

State of California CDCR
Lancaster , CA
12.2019 - 05.2024

Establishes collaborative partnerships with healthcare professionals, adeptly applying nursing principles to assess, evaluate, and meticulously document symptoms. Possesses profound expertise in nursing principles, prioritizing a secure work environment within correctional healthcare settings. Assumes responsibility for assessments, procedures, and medications, actively engaging in care team activities and spearheading quality improvement endeavors. Applies nursing principles to assess, evaluate, and document symptoms and behavior

  • Ensures a safe work environment by adhering to safety precautions and reporting any concerns promptly
  • Assisted mentees in setting and achieving educational and career goals to encourage independence.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality in all situations unless abuse, neglect, or threats identified.
  • Delivers comprehensive nursing care in various correctional healthcare settings
  • Conducts thorough assessments, plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates individualized Plans of Care
  • Takes accountability for nursing assessments, procedures, medications, and supervising nursing staff
  • Actively participates in care team huddles, population management, and quality improvement initiatives
  • Utilizes decision support tools to monitor treatment planning and contributes to the success of the Quality Improvement Team.

Registered Nurse – Clinical Psychiatric Acute/Unit Educator

Silver Lake Medical Center
Los Angeles , CA
06.2015 - 11.2019

In this role I was able to collaborate on interdisciplinary care, develop nursing education curricula, deliver impactful training, and provide mentorship for staff development. Additionally, I contributed to quality improvement initiatives, conducted audits, and streamlined management of educational programs. Perform comprehensive assessments to identify mental health disorders and devise care plans.

  • Effectively manage crisis situations, offering immediate support to individuals in psychiatric distress.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to deliver holistic mental health care.
  • Develop and implement nursing education curricula in accordance with policies and standards.
  • Conduct impactful training programs and mentor nursing staff for professional development.
  • Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, audits, and ongoing enhancement of nursing education.
  • Streamline management of educational programs, including scheduling and resource coordination.
  • Apply technology to enrich educational programs and ensure staff stays current on healthcare advancements.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Perioperative Nurse

California Hospital Medical Center
Los Angeles , CA
01.2018 - 11.2019

As a PACU nurse, I delivered vigilant and compassionate care to patients in the post-anesthesia care unit, conducted thorough assessments, monitored vital signs, and managed pain effectively, contributing to a 15% reduction in patient discomfort scores. Additionally, my collaboration with interdisciplinary teams improved patient satisfaction ratings by 25% over the course of one year.

  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.

Client Care Representative

Animal Specialty Group Emergency and Specialty
Glendale , CA
06.2009 - 11.2019

As a client care representative at the emergency veterinary hospital, I greeted clients warmly, managed inquiries, and provided vital service information. During emergencies, I responded promptly, guiding clients to appropriate care resources. By empowering clients with education on care and treatment plans, I facilitated informed decision-making. Additionally, I played a key role in updating client consent forms, increasing patient satisfaction by over 20%.

  • Ensured strict compliance with regulations, prioritizing confidentiality in client interactions
  • Guided clients on health concerns, conducted effective appointment triage and efficiently prioritized urgent cases
  • Collaborated seamlessly with the veterinary team, facilitating clear communication between clients and veterinarians
  • Upheld policies related to animal care, client interactions, and medical procedures
  • Contributed to the creation and update of client consent forms, emphasizing the importance of informed consent while increasing patient satisfaction more than 20%
  • Actively participated in staff training sessions, staying informed about updated policies and procedures
  • Implemented rigorous quality assurance measures through regular audits, ensuring the highest standard of client care.
  • Reduced process inconsistencies and effectively trained team members on best practices and protocols.
  • Demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting client privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and industry regulations during all interactions with clients
  • Coordinated with other departments to resolve complex issues efficiently and effectively for clients
  • Adapted quickly to changing circumstances or updated processes while remaining focused on providing excellent service

Education

Master of Arts - Health Administration- Organizational Leadership

West Coast University
Anaheim, CA
11.2016 - 04.2018

Master of Science - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
06.2020 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

West Coast University
North Hollywood, CA
06.2024 - 06.2024

Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice

Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA
06.2024 - 06.2024

Skills

Subject Matter Expert (SME) Emergency Response

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementPersonal development programs

Accomplishments

  • Recipient of the Special Recognition Award for saving a human life
  • Supervision - Led onboarding process for new nursing staff and transferring nursing staff
  • Training - Trained team of staff nurses in medical office procedures to ensure consistent quality of care.
  • Collaborated with team in the development of Nurse led Therapeutic Groups
  • Collaborated with team in the development of Annual Nurse Trainings
  • Achieved 20% increase in client satisfaction by creation and update of client consent forms, with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.

Timeline

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

West Coast University
06.2024 - 06.2024

Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice

Los Angeles City College
06.2024 - 06.2024

Nurse Instructor

California Rehabilitation Center
05.2024 - Current

Master of Science - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Walden University
06.2020 - Current

Mental Health Educator

State of California CDCR
12.2019 - 05.2024

Registered Nurse – Correctional Facility

State of California CDCR
12.2019 - 05.2024

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Perioperative Nurse

California Hospital Medical Center
01.2018 - 11.2019

Master of Arts - Health Administration- Organizational Leadership

West Coast University
11.2016 - 04.2018

Registered Nurse – Clinical Psychiatric Acute/Unit Educator

Silver Lake Medical Center
06.2015 - 11.2019

Client Care Representative

Animal Specialty Group Emergency and Specialty
06.2009 - 11.2019

Qualifications Summary

Licensed Registered Nurse: State of California

Licensed Public Health Nurse: State of California

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • T4T Level 1 Educator
  • Subject Matter Expert: Emergency Medical Response
  • Subject Matter Expert: Nurse Led Therapeutic Groups

Qualifications Summary

Licensed Registered Nurse: State of California

Licensed Public Health Nurse: State of California

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
  • T4T Level 1 Educator
  • Subject Matter Expert: Emergency Medical Response
  • Subject Matter Expert: Nurse Led Therapeutic Groups
Karin SwinneyRegistered Nurse