Kay Sterling, RN, MSN
Evanston,IL
Summary
Accomplished Nursing Leader with a proven track record at Advocate Medical Group, enhancing patient care through critical thinking, multidisciplinary collaboration, and clinical leadership. Demonstrated success in reducing hospital readmissions and improving patient outcomes by implementing quality improvement initiatives. Skilled in nursing management and fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence among staff. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Dedicated and detail-oriented Infection Preventionist with proven skills in establishing effective policies to minimize risks and avoid outbreaks. Expert in training, mentoring and monitoring healthcare staff to improve knowledge and performance. Hands-on professional with observant and proactive nature.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Asst Director of Nursing & Infection Preventionist
Covenant Living - Three Crowns Park
10.2022 - Current
- Take responsibility for clinical supervision in the nursing department to ensure high standards of care are being delivered per established policies and procedures and federal and state regulations.
- Supports the Director of Nursing (DON) and will assume functions of the DON in his/her absence
- Assist the nurse managers in decisions regarding nursing care
- Function as infection Control Practitioner, AQ, and restorative lead of the facility
- Helps coordinate educational offerings for the nursing department.
- Participate in Medicate and Insurance assessments, completing worksheets and evaluating conditions and cover ability.
- Monitor and track MDS schedules and therapy minutes for billing
- Participate in staff oversight including interviewing and hiring, as well as evaluations and discipline of staff
- Responsible for the facility infection prevention and control program (IPCP)and the antibiotic stewardship program (ASP), designed to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment and help prevent the development and transmission of communicable diseases and infections.
Oncology Registered Nurse Navigator
Advocate Medical Group - Oncology
07.2020 - 06.2022
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Advocate Health Care - General In-patient Hospice
07.2019 - 07.2020
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, ensuring continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate resource utilization for complex cases.
- Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
- Participated in on-call rotations to deliver after-hours care.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication through regular case conferences, promoting effective collaboration for optimal patient care.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, and social needs in order to develop individualized care plans that facilitated optimal health outcomes.
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
- Participated in patient and family planning process, as well as provided instructions and addressed question and concerns.
Registered Nurse Clinician 11
Advocate Condell Medical Center
11.2015 - 12.2017
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through open communication channels, fostering trust and confidence in the nursing care provided.
- Led team huddles to review daily goals and prioritize tasks, ensuring efficient use of resources within unit.
- Educated patients on self-care management practices, empowering them to take control of their health at home.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient treatment plans, improving overall health outcomes.
- Taught patients and families how to manage illness and injury by explaining post-treatment care needs, diet and nutrition programs and proper medication self-administration procedures.
- Provided compassionate care to patients in various stages of illness, supporting their emotional and physical wellbeing.
- Promoted a culture of safety by adhering to established policies, procedures, and guidelines for patient care delivery across the organization.
- Coordinated discharge planning processes to ensure seamless transitions from hospital to community care settings for optimal recovery rates.
- Mentored new nurses during orientation programs, sharing clinical expertise to strengthen their skills and knowledge base.
- Administered medications accurately and efficiently, ensuring patient safety and proper dosage.
- Utilized strong critical thinking skills in making clinical decisions that best supported overall health outcomes for patients served.
- Managed complex caseloads while maintaining accurate documentation of all assessments, treatments, interventions provided on an ongoing basis.
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Manor Care Rehabilitation Center
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during challenging situations.
- Addressed patient concerns promptly by investigating issues thoroughly and collaborating with appropriate personnel to resolve problems efficiently.
- Served as a liaison between administration, medical staff, and nursing team for seamless communication and coordination of care efforts.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts while minimizing overtime costs.
- Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs, and ancillary staff.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities in accordance with regulatory requirements, ensuring timely completion of reports as necessary for compliance purposes.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Leadership
National Louis University
Chicago, ILAssociate of Science - Nursing
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, ILDoctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing Leadership
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL08.2025
Master of Science - Nursing
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL08.2020
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Purdue University - North Central
Westville, IN08.2017
Skills
- Nursing Management
- Case Management
- Critical Thinking/Decision-Making
- Clinical Leadership
- Quality Improvement/Quality Assurance
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Shift Scheduling
- Nurse Education and Training
- Strong Work Ethic
- Policies Compliance Enforcement
- Critical Thinking
- Acute Care, Skilled Care
American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Member
AONL provides nurse leaders with critical resources for professional development.
Timeline
Asst Director of Nursing & Infection Preventionist
Covenant Living - Three Crowns Park
10.2022 - Current
Oncology Registered Nurse Navigator
Advocate Medical Group - Oncology
07.2020 - 06.2022
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Advocate Health Care - General In-patient Hospice
07.2019 - 07.2020
Registered Nurse Clinician 11
Advocate Condell Medical Center
11.2015 - 12.2017
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Manor Care Rehabilitation Center
01.2014 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Leadership
National Louis University
Associate of Science - Nursing
William Rainey Harper College
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing Leadership
Benedictine University
Master of Science - Nursing
Benedictine University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Purdue University - North Central
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