Kathleen Perkins, BSN RN
Beaver Cove,ME
Summary
Compassionate, independent, and collaborative individual with deep understanding of medical care and patient needs. Possesses strong analytical skills, familiarity with healthcare regulations and patient documentation, coupled with advanced clinical skills in patient assessment and treatment planning. Committed to driving patient outcomes, optimizing healthcare resources, and fostering collaborative team environment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nursing Manager, Emergency Department & Inpatient Units
Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital
01.2024 - Current
- Manages and supports 60+ RNs, LPNs, and CNAs and nursing activities in 25-bed critical access hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Provides leadership and guidance to the entire Nursing department towards improving patient care, financial planning, staff performance, systems improvements, and continuing education.
- Participates in both local and system-wide teams and committees to review, plan, and implement strategies to enhance and streamline care delivery in alignment with system goals and financial parameters.
- Maintains a safe environment for employees, patients, and visitors in compliance with policy and procedure.
- Reviews, documents, and addresses all incidents and safety violations within the Nursing department.
- Contributes to patient discharge planning in daily Multi-Disciplinary Rounds and oversees Care Management team and all discharge planning activities.
- Leads staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Assesses staffing needs accurately during crucial times such as holidays or flu season to ensure adequate coverage without overstaffing or creating unnecessary financial burden.
- Continuously evaluating and optimizing unit schedules and individual work assignments to maximize patient safety and quality of care, maintain employee satisfaction, and meet fiscal goals.
- Recruited, hired, and trained all nursing talent to strengthen our team's capabilities over a 2-year period, resulting in the highest onboarding numbers with lowest turnover rate in many years.
- Collaborated with Senior Leadership to spearhead initiatives to improve employee retention rates and decrease turnover through laddering program, competitive compensation re-evaluations, differential adjustments, expanded tuition benefit programs, and recognition of outstanding performance.
- Responsible for the Clinical Education needs of all C.A. Dean hospital employees across all disciplines, to include: all licensing and regulatory requirements, mandatory certifications, unit-based competency requirements, and administrator for web-based education platform (Healthstream).
- Fosters a culture of continuous improvement by seeking input from hospital staff regarding education opportunities, leading team training sessions on new technologies, aligning with best practices, and offering education through various modalities (web-based, in-person, self-directed, mock codes, and group classes).
Nursing Supervisor & Clinical Educator
Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital
12.2022 - 01.2024
- Day shift Nursing Supervisor responsible for staffing management within the entire Nursing department.
- Delegated tasks and provided leadership for 60+ RNs, LPNs, and CNAs in a 25-bed critical access hospital.
- Responsible for providing, creating, and maintaining clinical competencies and education for all C.A. Dean employees (in-person and via learning management platforms) from employee onboarding to continuing education opportunities.
- Effective coach and mentor to all clinical employees, particularly during the orientation process, with a reduction in turnover rates within the Nursing department.
- Provided clinical education and clinical support, both scheduled and on demand.
- Provided primary shift coverage to the ED and Inpatient units as needed.
- Participated in both local and system-wide teams and committees to enhance and streamline clinical education.
- Managed BLS, ACLS and PALS certifications, and all other required certifications for all C.A. Dean employees.
- Maintained annual fit testing and respirator compliance for all C.A. Dean employees.
- Responsible for completing various Monthly & Quarterly chart audits for Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement projects, identifying opportunities for improvement, and creating education resources and/or new processes to increase compliance and optimize best patient care practices.
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital
06.2020 - 12.2022
- Provided emergency nursing care and interventions to patients (infant to geriatric) from urgent care to trauma and critical care level visits
- Ensured regulatory compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and protocols, maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Coordinated continuing education opportunities for Nursing staff members across all hospital units, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
- Championed a positive work environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect among all staff members across all care units and ancillary departments.
- Monthly & Quarterly chart audits
Skilled Operations Nurse Manager
Hibbard Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center, First Atlantic Healthcare
12.2017 - 06.2020
- Responsible for all Nursing operations on the Skilled Rehab unit in a 93-bed facility.
- Clinical oversight of all patients on the combined unit (skilled-level and long-term care).
- Patient care monitoring, chart auditing, and staff education/training.
- Daily collaborative meetings with ancillary departments to achieve patient-centered care goals.
- Identified opportunities for improvement, created education and staff resources, and executed multiple new processes within the Nursing department, resulting in a deficiency-free State Survey in 2020.
Nurse Care Coordinator for Population Health
Beacon Health, Eastern Maine Health Systems
05.2014 - 11.2017
- Hybrid telephonic position (85% remote, 15% on-site) coordinating outpatient clinical care for complex disease management with the goal of maximizing positive patient outcomes while reducing hospital readmissions.
- Responsible for coordinating across inpatient and outpatient environments to promote seamless patient transitions from hospital to home.
- Provided patient and family education daily, as well as on-site staff education to support patient needs.
- Collaborated with Primary Care Providers and Specialty services, connected patients to appropriate ancillary services and home care providers, arranged appointments, completed medication reconciliations, facilitated refills, provided social services resources, coordinated and expedited urgent referrals, and created resources and education to meet the needs of each patient.
Charge Nurse, Outpatient Cardiology Clinic
Texas Children's Hospital
01.2012 - 03.2014
- Charge Nurse Duties: assisted the Unit Manager in the daily staffing and clinic operations providing care to 70-80+ patients per day, including but not limited to: staff scheduling, coordinating resources for patients and families close to their home (nationwide and international), Coumadin management, high-risk medication management, patient and family education.
- Triage Nurse Duties: Triaging new patient referrals and coordinating new patient visits and diagnostic studies with most appropriate Cardiac specialty group in the appropriate timeframe.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Facilitated cross-departmental communication, enhancing efficiency of patient care coordination.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for high-risk or complex patients.
- Educated patients on self-care strategies and preventative measures to minimize future health complications.
- Advised patients on pre- and post-operative instructions, medication administration and symptoms indicating emergency care.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Trauma nurse & staff nurse duties in a Level II Trauma Center (120,000 visits / year)
- Pediatric ED staff nurse
- Provided emergency care and interventions for patients across the lifespan
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians and mid-level providers as needed.
- Upheld professional nursing standards and ethical principles when advocating for patients'' rights, respecting their autonomy, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment for both patients and staff members by adhering to infection control protocols, maintaining equipment, and following safety guidelines.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Winchester Medical Center
11.2008 - 10.2009
- Trauma nurse & staff nurse duties in a Level II Trauma Center (75,000 visits / year)
- Provided emergency care and interventions for patients across the lifespan
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- 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.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Central Maine Medical Center
09.2007 - 10.2008
- Triage nurse & staff nurse duties in a Level II Trauma Center (75,000 visits / year)
- Provided emergency care and interventions for patients across the lifespan
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- 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.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
Charge Nurse, Pediatric Inpatient Unit
Central Maine Medical Center
09.2005 - 09.2007
- Charge nurse & staff nurse duties on a Pediatric unit that provided care to a mixed patient population (infant to adult, post-op adults, cardiac catheterization care pre- and post-procedure)
- Cross-trained for NICU coverage
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Southern Maine
South Portland, ME08.2005
Skills
- Expert, ethical nursing practice
- Quality and compassionate patient-centered care
- Patient education and counseling
- Strong clinical judgement and critical thinking
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize goals in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
- Self-motivated and productive with minimal oversight
- Expert in navigating electronic medical records
- Familiar with TEAMS and Zoom meeting platforms
- Proficient utilization of Microsoft Office applications (70 WPM)
Degree
BSN RN
Certification
- BLS Instructor
- PALS
- ACLS
- MOAB
- NRP
- S.T.A.B.L.E.
- TNCC
- ENPC
Additional Information
Registered Nurse, Maine License # RN51702 (Compact State License)
Accomplishments
- Voted Nurse of the Year 2022 by my peers at NL C.A. Dean Hospital.
- Maine Office of Child & Family Services: Resource Parent (2021-present)
- Town of Greenville Recreation Committee: Board Member (2023-2024)
- Beaver Cove School Committee: Board Member (2024-present)
- Little Schoolhouse Childcare: Healthcare Consultant (2024-present).
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CulturePersonal development programsWork from home option4-day work weekCareer advancement401k matchPaid sick leaveHealthcare benefitsPaid time offFlexible work hoursStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingTimeline
Nursing Manager, Emergency Department & Inpatient Units
Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital
01.2024 - Current
Nursing Supervisor & Clinical Educator
Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital
12.2022 - 01.2024
Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Northern Light C.A. Dean Hospital
06.2020 - 12.2022
Skilled Operations Nurse Manager
Hibbard Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center, First Atlantic Healthcare
12.2017 - 06.2020
Nurse Care Coordinator for Population Health
Beacon Health, Eastern Maine Health Systems
05.2014 - 11.2017
Charge Nurse, Outpatient Cardiology Clinic
Texas Children's Hospital
01.2012 - 03.2014
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Clear Lake Regional Medical Center
01.2010 - 12.2011
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Winchester Medical Center
11.2008 - 10.2009
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Central Maine Medical Center
09.2007 - 10.2008
Charge Nurse, Pediatric Inpatient Unit
Central Maine Medical Center
09.2005 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Southern Maine
- BLS Instructor
- PALS
- ACLS
- MOAB
- NRP
- S.T.A.B.L.E.
- TNCC
- ENPC
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