Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
RegisteredNurse

Kathleeen Dixon

Fort Smith,AR

Summary

Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Mercy Hospital, skilled in developing individualized care plans and administering medications. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through effective communication and emotional support. Proficient in electronic charting and patient education, ensuring compliance with medical protocols while fostering a compassionate environment for recovery.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

Mercy Hospital Ft Smith
Fort Smith, AR
09.2021 - 12.2024
  • Confirmed proper functioning of life support equipment such as ventilators and feeding tubes.
  • Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
  • Implemented pre, intra- and post-care, evaluating response to clinical interventions with progression toward discharge.
  • Ensured compliance with all regulatory agency policies governing safe delivery of healthcare services.
  • Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
  • Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
  • Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
  • Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
  • Observed vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, weight and height measurements; documented results accurately in medical record system.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
  • Participated in continuing education programs to stay current with best practices in nursing care.
  • Monitored, recorded, and reported symptoms and changes in patients' conditions.
  • Developed individualized patient-care plans based on physician instructions and nursing assessment of patient needs.
  • Responded quickly and effectively to life-saving situations using nursing standards and protocols for treatment.
  • Compiled data from medical records for quality improvement initiatives within the unit.
  • Assessed patient's medical needs to develop and implement care plans.
  • Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.
  • Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
  • Provided emotional support for patients experiencing pain or stress due to illness or hospitalization.
  • Provided compassionate care for patients with chronic illnesses or terminal conditions.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
  • Administered medications and treatments as directed and as appropriate for patient's medical care in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient care services including medications given and response to treatments.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions and modified as needed according to evidence-based practice guidelines.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations providing necessary instruments and equipment while maintaining sterile technique.
  • Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Exhibited professionalism and leadership to peers by participating in professional activities and continuing education.
  • Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.

Registered Nurse Med-Surgery

Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR
08.2013 - 12.2017
  • Worked with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to devise individualized plans of care to meet patients' preoperative and postoperative needs.
  • Managed and maintained accurate patient records to optimize continuum of care.
  • Informed patients and caregivers on diagnoses, treatment plans and options, chronic disease management and wound management.
  • Boosted clinical accountability and reduced discrepancies by coordinating with other stakeholders to develop and roll out a new flow sheet and forms for peritoneal dialysis treatment.
  • Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in medical records.
  • Communicated with primary care physicians, or emergency care providers, to communicate patient needs.
  • Delivered care to six patients per day, including coordinating and evaluating interdisciplinary care.
  • Treated patients using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities to address various disorders, diseases and injuries.
  • Delivered quality care and comfort to patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolisms and end-stage renal disease.
  • Cared for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease coronary artery disease (CAD) and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeds.
  • Assessed and continuously monitored patients, recognized adverse telemetry and actualized emergency interventions.
  • Maintained patient charts and confidential files.
  • Applied wound management protocols and procedures to facilitate patient recovery goals.
  • Administered medications in accordance with patient care plan.
  • Planned and implemented individualized care plans, unit workflow strategies and defined priorities.
  • Responded to life-threatening emergencies.
  • Assessed patients in active withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
  • Provided necessary health education training for patients.
  • Delivered direct nursing care while following established policies, procedures and protocols.
  • Performed blood and blood product transfusions and intravenous infusions.
  • Demonstrated critical thought and judgment in delivery of care and management of acute and chronic pain.
  • Administered scheduled medications and therapies intravenously, rectally, orally, subcutaneously, and via intramuscular injections while overseeing pain management plans.
  • Followed all physician orders for treatment and care and managed medication administration.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Fort Smith, AR
2013

Skills

  • Mobility Aid Coordination
  • Proficient in Using Diagnostic Tools
  • Patient discharge
  • Administering Bladder Ultrasounds
  • Maintaining feeding pumps
  • Computerized charting specialist
  • Proficient in Medical Ethics
  • Accurate Vitals Recording
  • Flow Sheet Documentation
  • Hands-On Patient Support
  • SBAR communication
  • Catheter Insertion Proficiency
  • Family and patient support
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Emotional awareness
  • Patient Vital Signs Assessment
  • Patient education
  • Care plan development
  • Enthusiastic caregiver
  • Patient care
  • Catheter and wound care
  • Wound cleaning/care expertise
  • Medication and IV administration
  • Electronic charting
  • Broad medical terminology knowledge
  • EPIC competency

Certification

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification [2013 to present]
  • BSN, RN certification
  • Continuing Education on line to meet ASBN standards

Affiliations

  • Voluntary Community Medical Transport to Appointments/Surgeries, Pro Bono
  • In Home Assistance PRN until Medicare approval, Pro Bono

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Mercy Hospital Ft Smith
09.2021 - 12.2024

Registered Nurse Med-Surgery

Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith
08.2013 - 12.2017

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

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Kathleeen Dixon