Kelli L. Bahr
WINNEBAGO
Summary
Emergency Department Registered Nurse with a growing focus on clinical education, seeking a nurse educator position to drive staff competency, engagement, and patient safety outcomes. Proven ability to translate complex clinical concepts into practical, hands on learning experiences through precepting, simulation, and real time coaching. Experienced in mentoring new nurses, facilitating hands on learning, and integrating patient safety initiatives into clinical workflows. Committed to supporting system level safety initiatives and fostering a culture of accountability, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Department Registered Nurse (ED RN)
Mercy Health Hospital and Trauma Center
Janesville, WI
01.2023 - Current
- Deliver high-acuity, patient-centered care in a fast-paced emergency setting, managing trauma, cardiac, pediatric, and critically ill populations
- Perform rapid assessments and prioritize care using evidence-based triage to support timely clinical decision-making
- Serve as a clinical resource and informal educator to new nurses, students, and travel staff, providing real-time guidance in high-pressure situations
- Precept and support onboarding through bedside teaching, return demonstrations, and competency validation
- Reinforce clinical protocols, promote critical thinking, and support adherence to patient safety and best practice standards
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to improve communication, workflow efficiency, and team-based care delivery
- Integrate evidence-based practice aligned with The Joint Commission standards and organizational policies
- Accurately document patient care and education in the Epic electronic health record
- Demonstrate leadership in fostering a culture of safety, continuous learning, and professional development
- Design and deliver interactive education using adult learning principles (scenario-based learning, teach-back, return demonstration)
- Participate in shared governance through Nurse Practice Council, contributing to practice standards and staff development
Student Nurse Intern/Nurse
Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute
Rockford, IL
01.2021 - 01.2025
- Provide direct patient care activities appropriate to training for assigned patients with direct supervision of RN.
- Expand clinical knowledge, gain clinical experience, develop and improve skillsets, strengthen confidence, learn nursing procedures while assisting RN/LVN in completing tasks that support patient care activities.
- Contributes to exceptional patient satisfaction by establishing a compassionate environment, timely responses to patients’ needs, open communication, and providing emotional and psychological support.
- Contributes to safety and quality care by relaying information via charting and communicating to team members.
Youth Counselor
Norman Sleezer Youth Home
Freeport, IL
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Provide a safe environment with ongoing supervision
- Maintain bed check requirements
- Conduct safety and risk management checks
- Assisting utilization of coping skills while addressing behavioral problems, and teaching basic life skills
- Review Medicaid billing for compliance
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Burgess Square Healthcare and Rehab Center
Westmont, IL
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Adhere to strictest safety guidelines to mitigate COVID-19 transmission
- Provide timely, respectful, and safe care to patients to include:
- Groom, bathe, and feed patients
- Check blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation
- Document information such as food and liquid intake and vital signs
- Train new staff on protocols, procedures, and software
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05-2026
Associate’s Degree in Nursing - undefined
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL05-2023
Associate Degree of General Studies - undefined
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL05-2021
Skills
- Strong clinical judgment
- Compassion and empathy
- Professional bedside manner
- Emergency care
- Precepting
Certification
Licensure
- Registered Nurse (RN), Illinois & Wisconsin
Clinical Certifications
- ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC
Specialty & Safety Certifications
- NIHSS, CPI, TACT
Quality & Education
- Basic Certificate in Quality and Safety – IHI
Timeline
Emergency Department Registered Nurse (ED RN)
Mercy Health Hospital and Trauma Center
01.2023 - Current
Student Nurse Intern/Nurse
Van Matre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Institute
01.2021 - 01.2025
Youth Counselor
Norman Sleezer Youth Home
01.2021 - 01.2023
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Burgess Square Healthcare and Rehab Center
01.2020 - 01.2021
Associate’s Degree in Nursing - undefined
Highland Community College
Associate Degree of General Studies - undefined
College of DuPage
Bachelor of Science -
Northern Illinois University