Debra Jones
Waterloo,IA
Summary
Dynamic LPN Charge Nurse with proven expertise in emergency care and critical thinking, honed across roles at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center and other leading healthcare facilities. Excelled in geriatric and end-of-life care, boosting patient satisfaction through compassionate support and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrates strong leadership in nursing staff supervision and a commitment to ethical practice and HIPAA compliance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
LPN Charge Nurse
Care Initiatives
03.2023 - Current
- Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
- Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
- Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.
- Delivered direct quality care to patients by evaluating medical conditions and managing and assessing treatments.
- Served as a mentor to new nurses, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Coordinated patient transfers to other facilities.
- Provided patient education on health care issues and prescribed medications.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
- Enhanced staff morale by fostering a supportive work environment, recognizing outstanding performance, and addressing concerns effectively.
- Updated patient medical records with services provided, health conditions, and response to treatments using [Software].
- Maintained accurate medical records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills and explaining conditions and medications.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
LPN Charge Nurse
NursePro
11.2022 - 03.2023
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
- Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills and explaining conditions and medications.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
- Maintained accurate medical records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
- Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.
- Delivered direct quality care to patients by evaluating medical conditions and managing and assessing treatments.
- Updated patient medical records with services provided, health conditions, and response to treatments using [Software].
- Served as a mentor to new nurses, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care.
- Provided patient education on health care issues and prescribed medications.
- Supported diagnoses by taking blood samples from patients for laboratory testing.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Coordinated patient transfers to other facilities.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Helped long-term care residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities.
- Provided diagnosis information, treatment possibilities, disease management tips and wound care advice to patients, loved ones and caregivers.
LPN Charge Nurse
Grape Tree Medical Staffing
07.2021 - 11.2022
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
- Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills and explaining conditions and medications.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
- Maintained accurate medical records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
- Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.
- Delivered direct quality care to patients by evaluating medical conditions and managing and assessing treatments.
- Updated patient medical records with services provided, health conditions, and response to treatments using [Software].
- Improved infection control measures by closely monitoring staff adherence to proper hand hygiene protocols.
- Implemented evidence-based nursing practices to improve patient health and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care.
- Served as a mentor to new nurses, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Enhanced staff morale by fostering a supportive work environment, recognizing outstanding performance, and addressing concerns effectively.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
- Provided patient education on health care issues and prescribed medications.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Coordinated patient transfers to other facilities.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Helped long-term care residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities.
LPN Charge Nurse
Western Home Communities
11.2019 - 07.2021
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
- Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills and explaining conditions and medications.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
- Maintained accurate medical records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
- Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.
- Delivered direct quality care to patients by evaluating medical conditions and managing and assessing treatments.
- Served as a mentor to new nurses, fostering a positive work environment and promoting professional growth.
- Updated patient medical records with services provided, health conditions, and response to treatments using [Software].
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes and deliver high-quality care.
- Enhanced staff morale by fostering a supportive work environment, recognizing outstanding performance, and addressing concerns effectively.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Coordinated patient transfers to other facilities.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Helped patients complete bathing, dressing and eating.
- Clearly and thoroughly explained diagnoses, treatment options and procedures to patients and loved ones, checking in to verify understanding.
- Helped long-term care residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities.
- Provided diagnosis information, treatment possibilities, disease management tips and wound care advice to patients, loved ones and caregivers.
LPN/Scheduling Coordinator
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
08.2017 - 11.2019
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Supported company growth by effectively managing an increasing volume of scheduling requests without compromising service quality.
- Fostered a positive work environment by addressing employee schedule concerns in a timely manner and with empathy.
- Developed strong working relationships with management and executive team through effective scheduling and communication skills.
- Increased patient satisfaction through timely appointment scheduling and proactive management of wait times.
- Collaborated with other schedulers across different departments to share best practices for efficient coordination methods throughout the organization.
- Cultivated positive relationships with vendors and external partners to secure favorable terms for resource bookings and accommodations when necessary.
- Negotiated and secured software and services to streamline and optimize company schedule management.
- Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, escalating major problems to manager.
Scrub Licensed Practical Nurse
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
12.2001 - 08.2017
- Continuously updated knowledge of new techniques, tools, and best practices in the field of nursing through ongoing training opportunities.
- Ensured optimal patient outcomes by monitoring vital signs and administering medications as directed by physicians.
- Promoted a safe working environment through adherence to OSHA regulations and hospital policies.
- Supported surgeons in emergency situations, quickly responding to urgent needs and adapting to changing conditions.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to remain informed about departmental changes, updates, and improvements.
- Provided mentorship to newly hired LPNs on scrub techniques, policies, and procedures within our facility.
- Enhanced patient care by providing efficient assistance to surgeons during various medical procedures.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering collaboration among team members while adhering to professional guidelines and standards of practice.
- Assisted in the reduction of postoperative complications by following strict infection control protocols.
- Ensured seamless transitions between surgeries by assisting with room turnover, minimizing downtime between cases.
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different surgical specialties, quickly learning specific preferences for each surgeon.
- Maintained confidentiality at all times, complying with HIPAA regulations regarding protected health information.
- Improved patient safety with consistent sterilization of instruments and equipment before and after surgeries.
- Consistently maintained accurate medical documentation, ensuring proper record keeping for each procedure.
- Assisted in the development of streamlined processes for surgical supply inventory management, reducing waste and controlling costs.
- Increased patient satisfaction through compassionate care and effective communication during pre-and post-operative processes.
- Reduced surgery preparation time by maintaining a clean and organized work environment for surgical teams.
- Facilitated efficient surgical procedures by setting up operating rooms with necessary equipment prior to each case.
- Developed strong rapport with patients'' families, addressing concerns or questions compassionately throughout the perioperative process.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Observed surgeon's body language, movements, and demeanor during operations to anticipate needs.
- Administered medications as prescribed and checked for contradictions or potential complications.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging and updated surgical procedures to select correct instruments for specific surgeries.
- Prepared OR by ensuring it met asepsis standards, as well as setting out, organizing and counting tools and equipment for each procedure.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Collaborated effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients.
Purchasing Agent( Substitute)
Mercy One Medical Center
12.2001 - 08.2017
- Facilitated smooth operations through accurate tracking of purchase orders, invoices, and payments.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through collaboration, professional development, and open communication among team members.
- Communicated with vendors regarding inventory needs and negotiated prices to maintain profit margins.
- Maintained complete documentation and records of all purchasing activities.
- Ensured timely delivery of materials through effective planning and coordination with suppliers.
- Computed and created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions and expedite customer orders.
- Negotiated policies and contracts with vendors to achieve optimal pricing and consistent availability.
- Tracked inventory shipments and prepared spreadsheets detailing item information.
- Created purchase orders to monitor stock levels, verify purchase requisitions, and expedite customer orders.
- Improved supplier relationships through regular communication and proactive problemsolving.
- Supported company growth by identifying new suppliers and expanding the vendor base.
- Streamlined purchasing processes for increased efficiency and reduced operational costs.
- Maintained documentation for all purchases.
- Accepted and processed supply requests from staff, and placed orders per procedures.
- Searched for hard-to-find items and found high-quality, reliable vendors.
- Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.
- Worked with departments to find new and better items to fulfill diverse needs.
- Identified and resolved supply chain issues to mitigate delays and production disruptions.
LPN
MercyOne Hospital
05.2001 - 12.2001
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
- Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
- Managed complex wound care cases, applying advanced knowledge of wound healing principles to achieve optimal results.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
- Assisted physicians during procedures, demonstrating strong clinical knowledge and attention to detail for successful outcomes.
- Maintained accurate medical records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
- Managed daily staff assignments and patient scheduling to guarantee clinic coverage and flow.
- Updated patient medical records with services provided, health conditions, and response to treatments using [Software].
- Achieved successful unit leadership by providing quality nursing care to [Number] to [Number] patients per day in [Number]-bed unit.
- Monitored patient health conditions to report changes to assigned physician.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
- Provided patient education on health care issues and prescribed medications.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Coordinated patient transfers to other facilities.
- Helped patients complete bathing, dressing and eating.
Education
No Degree - Hospitality Management
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA02.2025
No Degree - Billing And Coding Certification
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA05.2020
Diploma - LPN
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, IA05.2001
Skills
- Vital signs monitoring
- Nursing Documentation
- Geriatric Care
- End of life care
- Emergency Care
- Policy compliance
- Home Health Care
- Health Promotion
- Ethical Practice
- Surgical care
- Medication Administration
- Patient Charting
- Critical Thinking
- Wound Care
- Patient Education
- CPR/AED
- Dementia Knowledge and Care
- Responsible and Dependable
- Infection Control
- Nursing Staff Supervision
- Attention to Detail
- HIPAA Compliance
- Activities of Daily Living ADLs
- Patient support
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Call Answering and Assistance
- Patient Observation
- Staff Supervision
- Medical Paperwork Processing
- Adaptable and Flexible
- Procedure Explanation
- Patient Positioning and Transporting
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Conflict Resolution
- Conditions Reporting
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Medical examination
- Inventory Assessment
- Recordkeeping and Maintenance
- Needs Assessment
- Epic Systems
- ICD-10
- Examination and Test Preparation
- Administrative Functions
- Activity Scheduling
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Relationship Building
- Self Motivation
Timeline
LPN Charge Nurse
Care Initiatives
03.2023 - Current
LPN Charge Nurse
NursePro
11.2022 - 03.2023
LPN Charge Nurse
Grape Tree Medical Staffing
07.2021 - 11.2022
LPN Charge Nurse
Western Home Communities
11.2019 - 07.2021
LPN/Scheduling Coordinator
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
08.2017 - 11.2019
Scrub Licensed Practical Nurse
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
12.2001 - 08.2017
Purchasing Agent( Substitute)
Mercy One Medical Center
12.2001 - 08.2017
LPN
MercyOne Hospital
05.2001 - 12.2001
No Degree - Hospitality Management
Hawkeye Community College
No Degree - Billing And Coding Certification
Hawkeye Community College
Diploma - LPN
Hawkeye Community College
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