Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Katherine Rifenbark

Worcester,NY

Summary

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
  • Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.

Inpatient Pediatric Nurse Educator

Bassett Medical Center
04.2016 - 09.2020
  • Monitored pediatric patient conditions to identify changes and respond promptly.
  • Administered medications and treatments to pediatric patients to manage symptoms and promote healing.
  • Utilized nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.
  • Educated patients and families on health topics, medications and treatments to increase understanding and improve health outcomes.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and families to enhance patient experience and promote healing.
  • Cultivated rapport with patients and caregivers, utilizing proactive communication with parents and children.
  • Documented pediatric patient care to maintain accurate and complete medical records.
  • Helped young patients feel comfortable with procedures and immunizations.
  • Responded to emergencies and critical situations to provide prompt and appropriate care.
  • Complied with ethical and legal standards to maintain professional integrity and meet regulatory requirements.
  • Maintained current knowledge of healthcare practices and developments to provide evidence-based care.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide optimal patient care.
  • Mentored junior nurses to promote professional development and enhance overall quality of care.
  • Liaised with social workers and other support services to provide comprehensive care and address social and emotional needs.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Implemented and conducted skill set scenerios
  • scheduled nurses and worked in lawson
  • worked on multiple protocols and policies
  • worked with surveyors


Assistant Nurse Manager Inpatient Pediatric Unit

Bassett Medical Center
01.2013 - 06.2016
  • Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
  • Managed budgetary finances of facility to monitor accuracy of patient fees and billing.
  • Verified facility remained up-to-date and compliant with laws and regulations.
  • Kept organized records of facility's services and utilization of inpatient beds.
  • Integrated evidence-based nursing into practice environment for 16 nurses.
  • Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
  • Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage.
  • Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients.
  • Communicated with members of medical staff and department heads during weekly update meetings.
  • Streamlined steps in rapid response situations by prioritizing and delegating tasks.
  • Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
  • Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
  • Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
  • Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
  • Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
  • Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training.
  • Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols.
  • Evaluated skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity.
  • Developed strategy to target nursing and patient satisfaction issues, improve response and patient care quality and suggest actionable improvements to promote hospital-wide quality and safety initiatives.
  • Managed 16 nurses and nursing activities in 14-bed hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
  • Reviewed department performance and adjusted coverage to compensate for changing conditions.
  • Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
  • Reviewed patient transfer records routinely to verify patients received appropriate levels of care.

Staff RN Inpatient Pediatrics

Bassett Medical Center
06.2007 - 01.2013
  • Monitored and obtained vital signs to identify abnormalities and communicate results to physicians.
  • Recommended comprehensive therapeutic treatment plans and non-pharmacological strategies.
  • Analyzed and interpreted patients' histories, symptoms and diagnostic findings to develop appropriate diagnoses.
  • Monitored ventilator to verify appropriate settings and maintain adequate oxygen and breathing saturation.
  • Delivered ambulatory and acute nursing care for infants, children, adolescents and newborns, ranging from routine health exams and wellness visits to treatment for illnesses and life-threatening conditions.
  • Educated families and patients on issues related to special care of medically fragile or critically ill children.
  • Prepared, administered and recorded prescribed medications and reported any adverse reactions.
  • Collected samples from patients to prepare for laboratory testing.
  • Followed treatment and rehabilitation plans per doctor's orders to accelerate patient recovery, minimize pain and optimize patient outcomes.
  • Instructed parents in care of newborns, treatment of minor injuries and normal childhood behavior and nutrition.
  • Monitored pediatric patient conditions to identify changes and respond promptly.
  • Liaised among multiple-person interdisciplinary team to modify and implement treatment care plans to meet objectives.
  • Administered medications and treatments to pediatric patients to manage symptoms and promote healing.
  • Utilized nursing process to assess, plan, implement and evaluate care.
  • Educated patients and families on health topics, medications and treatments to increase understanding and improve health outcomes.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and families to enhance patient experience and promote healing.
  • Cultivated rapport with patients and caregivers, utilizing proactive communication with parents and children.
  • Documented pediatric patient care to maintain accurate and complete medical records.
  • Helped young patients feel comfortable with procedures and immunizations.
  • Responded to emergencies and critical situations to provide prompt and appropriate care.
  • Administered immunizations and other preventative care measures to promote health and prevent disease.
  • Complied with ethical and legal standards to maintain professional integrity and meet regulatory requirements.
  • Maintained current knowledge of healthcare practices and developments to provide evidence-based care.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide optimal patient care.
  • Mentored junior nurses to promote professional development and enhance overall quality of care.
  • Liaised with social workers and other support services to provide comprehensive care and address social and emotional needs.

RN Inpatient Medical Unit

Bassett Medical Center
06.2005 - 07.2007
  • Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
  • Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
  • Assisted with wound care, dressing changes and NG tube placement to maintain stable patient conditions.
  • Performed nursing assessments and developed patient-specific treatment plans to deliver comprehensive care.
  • Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
  • Managed caseload of 14 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
  • Provided inpatient care to diverse population of adult medical patients.
  • Administered IV medications, monitoring and documenting patient responses to address complications.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to facilitate comprehensive patient-centered care.
  • Administered blood products and monitored vital signs to address immediate concerns.
  • Provided patient-centered discharge planning and education to reduce complications and readmissions.
  • Educated patients and families on disease diagnosis, prognosis and post-operative care.
  • Liaised with physicians to coordinate and assist with patient examinations and treatments.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
  • Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

SUNY IT
Utica, NY
05.2006

Associate of Science - Nusing

SUNY Delhi
Delhi, NY
05.2004

High School Diploma -

Worcester Central School
Worcester, NY
06.2002

Skills

  • Well Visit Procedures
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Education
  • Setting Up Referrals
  • Physical Assessment
  • Managing Deadlines
  • Follow-Up Calls
  • Family Education
  • Patient Care
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Medical Laboratory Procedures
  • Diabetes and Nutrition Education
  • Team Coordination
  • Patient Monitoring
  • Intravenous Therapy
  • Administering Immunizations
  • Call Triaging
  • IV Drug Therapy Management
  • Monitoring Vital Signs
  • Emergency Diagnostics
  • Infection Control Procedures
  • Floor Assignments
  • Team Supervision
  • Aseptic Techniques
  • Patient Treatment
  • Immunizations and Vaccinations
  • Patient Intakes
  • Creative Thinking
  • Intramuscular Injections
  • Outpatient Procedures
  • Patient Care Assessment
  • Diagnostic Procedures
  • Customer Service
  • Routine Examinations
  • Blood Draw and Sample Collection
  • Compassionate and Caring
  • Accurate Documentation
  • Medication Administration
  • Wound Dressing
  • Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
  • Dietary Requirements
  • Clear Patient Communication

Timeline

Inpatient Pediatric Nurse Educator

Bassett Medical Center
04.2016 - 09.2020

Assistant Nurse Manager Inpatient Pediatric Unit

Bassett Medical Center
01.2013 - 06.2016

Staff RN Inpatient Pediatrics

Bassett Medical Center
06.2007 - 01.2013

RN Inpatient Medical Unit

Bassett Medical Center
06.2005 - 07.2007

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

SUNY IT

Associate of Science - Nusing

SUNY Delhi

High School Diploma -

Worcester Central School
Katherine Rifenbark