Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
PRIMARY SPECIALTY
SECONDARY SPECIALTY
Timeline
Generic
Kelly Knappen

Kelly Knappen

Sidney

Summary

Dedicated registered nurse with a robust background in patient care and medical support, recognized for fostering collaborative relationships with healthcare teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality care tailored to evolving patient needs. Expertise in patient assessment, medication administration, and compassionate care, combined with strong critical thinking and effective communication skills. Committed to utilizing extensive medical knowledge to facilitate patient recovery and manage complex health conditions while adhering to established healthcare protocols. Passionate about education with substantial experience in clinical instruction across classroom, lab, and clinical settings; interest in pursuing an MSN degree in nursing education to enhance teaching capabilities and contribute to the development of future nursing professionals.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse/BNA Instructor, Acute care

Sidney Regional Medical Center
04.2015 - Current
  • Staff
  • House Supervisor and Charge Nurse. Assist in the ER, ICU, OB and Med/Surg as well as completing staffing assignments.
  • Relevant Skills or Experiences: Ability to triage, Sepsis, Medication titration, ORTHO, EKG/Cardiac Monitoring, Knowledge of central lines
  • Charting System: Epic
  • Facility Type: Critical Access
  • Position Discipline: RN
  • Float Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Position Specialty: Acute Care
  • Charge Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Facility Attributes: Critical access facility
  • Shift: Day
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • 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.

Registered Nurse, RN

Sidney Regional Medical Center
04.2015 - Current
  • Staff
  • ER, ICU, MED/SURG RN in a critical access hospital. Also, I am currently working as a House Supervisor or Charge Nurse. I am approved as a CNA/MA instructor.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Relevant Skills or Experiences: Ability to triage, EKG/Cardiac Monitoring, Knowledge of central lines, ORTHO, Sepsis, Medication titration
  • Float Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Charge Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.

Adjunct Instructor, Educator

Western Nebraska Community College
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Staff
  • Instructing the BNA and Medication Aide Courses as well as a clinical instructor for the LPN program.
  • Facility Type: Community College
  • Position Discipline: RN, Adjunct Faculty
  • Managed classroom effectively to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, assignments, and grades, ensuring timely communication with stakeholders regarding academic progress.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and industry trends.
  • Monitored student progress through regular assessments, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Strengthened critical thinking skills through problem-solving exercises and open-ended questions.
  • Collaborated with department head to create dynamic, ongoing curriculum development, and instruction improvement program.
  • Examined and graded assignments and assessments to report grades to appropriate personnel.
  • Tailored lesson plans to accommodate various learning styles, resulting in better understanding for all students.
  • Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
  • Consistently communicated with students to acknowledge and reward positive strides and discuss areas of improvement.
  • Mentored struggling students with targeted one-on-one assistance, leading to improved academic performance.
  • Promoted active learning by encouraging class participation and hands-on experiences during lessons.
  • Used lectures, discussions and demonstrations to increase learning and classroom success.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues and administrators, fostering a collaborative educational community.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and educational tools.
  • Created and implemented course agendas, lesson plans and activities to successfully meet course objectives.
  • Boosted collaboration among students with group projects and interactive activities.
  • Improved student understanding by efficiently managing teaching materials and answering students' discussion inquiries.
  • Defined and articulated goal learning outcomes, performance metrics, and changes to improve student learning.
  • Created unique, student-centered lesson plans and assignments for each class to promote maximum learning and knowledge retention.
  • Used technological equipment to enhance process of students' learning.
  • Submitted daily class roster to accurately maintain attendance records.
  • Participated in school retention initiatives by providing regular, accurate and timely feedback to students and school concerning academics, behavior and attendance.
  • Taught Basic Nurses Assistant and Medication Aide courses, providing instruction to undergraduate and pre-nursing students
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Used exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Float Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Position Specialty: Educator
  • Charge Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Shift: Day
  • Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
  • Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
  • Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
  • Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
  • Incorporated instructional technologies in course delivery for both in-class and online instruction.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
  • Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
  • Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
  • Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
  • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Implemented classroom technology to enhance learning and make lessons more accessible to all students.
  • Facilitated positive learning environment, establishing clear expectations and supportive classroom culture.
  • Enhanced student critical thinking skills through problem-based learning activities.
  • Guided students in setting and achieving personal and academic goals.
  • Enhanced student engagement by integrating interactive technologies into lesson plans.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum and share best teaching practices, improving overall department effectiveness.
  • Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
  • Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized attention and success.
  • Chose materials and developed lesson plans to enhance skills for individual students.
  • Provided constructive feedback on assignments, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and academic growth.
  • Assessed student performance and provided feedback to facilitate student success.

Adjunct Clinical Instructor, MED/SURG

Western Nebraska Community College
01.2017 - 01.2019
  • Travel
  • Adjunct clinical instructor for the local LPN school.
  • Float Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Charge Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Evaluated student performance through ongoing assessment, providing constructive feedback and promoting academic growth.
  • Facilitated skill development through hands-on clinical training, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application.
  • Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
  • Analyzed clinical settings' success in helping students achieve course and program outcomes.
  • Evaluated students' competencies through written assignments and examinations.
  • Implemented instructional presentations to communicate coursework goals.
  • Incorporated instructional aids and motivational strategies to eradicate learning gaps.
  • Provide clinical instruction to LPN students in clinical settings on MED/SURG units
  • Provided educational lectures and facilitated discussions on weekly basis.
  • Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
  • Provided nursing skill demonstrations for medication administration, dressing changes and clinical logs.
  • Instructed students on how to perform head-to-toe assessments on patients and how to intervene in medical emergencies.
  • Delivered individualized instruction on observation, assessment, decision-making and patient health teaching.
  • Assigned students to patients based on students' learning objectives and patient needs.
  • Supervised students when administering medications to maintain patient safety.
  • Maintained professional competence by engaging in continuous professional development activities related to nursing education and practice.
  • Provided a supportive learning environment by addressing individual student needs and fostering open communication.
  • Served as an approachable mentor for students, offering guidance on career planning and professional networking opportunities.
  • Supported student success by actively participating in academic advising sessions, identifying areas for improvement, and developing targeted interventions.
  • Managed classroom dynamics effectively, fostering a positive atmosphere conducive to learning while maintaining professionalism at all times.
  • Supervised students during clinical rotations, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures while promoting patient safety and quality care delivery.
  • Promoted cultural competence among students through exposure to diverse patient populations during clinical experiences.
  • Delivered high-quality instruction using a variety of teaching methods tailored to diverse learning styles and individual needs of students.
  • Collaborated with fellow faculty members to share resources, exchange ideas, and improve the overall effectiveness of the program.
  • Inspired students to continue their education and professional development beyond graduation by sharing personal experiences and highlighting opportunities within the nursing field.

Registered Nurse, Acute care

Chadron Community Hospital
09.2011 - 03.2015
  • Staff
  • ER, ICU, MED/SURG, OB RN in a critical access hospital.
  • Relevant Skills or Experiences: C Sections, Ability to triage, EKG/Cardiac Monitoring, Knowledge of central lines, Medication titration, Post-Partum, Sepsis
  • Charting System: Other
  • Facility Type: Critical Access
  • Position Discipline: RN
  • Float Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Position Specialty: Acute Care
  • Charge Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Facility Attributes: Critical access facility
  • Shift: Days & Nights
  • Mitigated risk factors associated with falls or pressure injuries by conducting regular skin assessments and implementing preventative measures tailored to each patient''s specific needs.
  • Delivered proficient pain management to patients by assessing pain levels, administering appropriate medications, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
  • Facilitated seamless transitions of care by effectively coordinating with case managers, social workers, and physicians.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams in the development and implementation of evidence-based protocols, contributing to improved patient outcomes across the unit.
  • Maximized resource utilization by leveraging advanced skills in intravenous therapy management including central lines and PICC lines maintenance.
  • Optimized patient safety through diligent assessment, accurate medication administration, and thorough documentation.
  • Achieved faster patient recovery times through active engagement in physical assessments, wound care management, and post-operative care planning.
  • Ensured timely interventions for critical patients, utilizing strong clinical judgment and knowledge of evidence-based practices.
  • Streamlined discharge planning processes to ensure a smooth transition for patients returning home or transferring to long-term care facilities.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple medical conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, respiratory issues, and renal failure.
  • Contributed to decreased infection rates by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques and infection control protocols.
  • Boosted team efficiency by mentoring new nurses, sharing best practices, and participating in unit-based committees.
  • Deescalated challenging situations involving agitated or confused patients using effective communication techniques and non-pharmacological interventions when appropriate.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by developing individualized care plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by actively participating in quality improvement initiatives related to acute care nursing practice.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by floating to various units throughout the hospital as needed, providing high-quality acute nursing care in diverse clinical settings.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality acute care nursing services and closely monitoring vital signs.
  • Maintained regulatory compliance with nursing policies and procedures while delivering exceptional patient care in a fast-paced environment.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate communication, advocacy, and comprehensive education on disease management.
  • Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
  • Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Educated families and patients regarding conditions, symptoms and care plans.
  • Met with patients to gather vitals, evaluate symptoms and assess conditions, ordered diagnostic tests and interpreted laboratory results.
  • Managed patients' pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, monitoring patients' responses and changing care plans accordingly.
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.

Registered Nurse: Long Term Care, Long term care

Golden Living Center-Black Hills
06.2010 - 09.2011
  • Staff
  • Facility Type: Long Term
  • Position Discipline: RN
  • Float Nurse Experience: No
  • Charge Nurse Experience: Yes
  • Shift: Evening
  • Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
  • Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.

Education

BSN - Nursing

University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
12.2015

ASN - Nursing

University of South Dakota
Rapid City, South Dakota
05.2009

Skills

  • Medication and IV administration
  • Direct patient care
  • Documentation and charting: EPIC EHR
  • Patient assessment: from basic head to toe to complex critical assessments in ER, ICU and Med/Surg Proficiency in focused assessments
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Infection control measures
  • Compassion and empathy
  • Patient monitoring
  • IV setup
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Care planning
  • Professional bedside manner
  • Patient evaluation
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Family education
  • Licensed RN
  • Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
  • Taking vitals
  • Critical care
  • Collecting vitals
  • Nursing staff leadership
  • Medication distribution
  • Tracheostomy care
  • Precepting
  • Patient discharge
  • Lab result interpretation
  • Team coordination
  • Performing EKG's
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • EMR systems
  • Proper catheter insertion/removal
  • Intake and discharge
  • Emergency response
  • Maintaining privacy
  • Relationship building
  • Vaccine administration
  • Chart updating
  • Insulin medication assistance
  • EMR / EHR
  • High level of autonomy
  • Procedure preparations
  • Chronic disease management
  • Medical assessment
  • ADL assistance
  • Patient counseling
  • Staff supervision
  • Personal care needs
  • Patient relations
  • Chest pain management
  • Emergency procedures
  • Treatment Planning
  • Emotional awareness
  • Data collection
  • HIPAA education
  • Emergency care
  • Administering immunizations
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Cardiac care
  • Acute care expertise
  • Hospice and palliative care
  • Long-term care
  • Geriatric nursing
  • Oxygen saturation standards
  • Mobility assistance
  • Removing sutures
  • Palliative care awareness
  • FLUENT IN English
  • Managing deadlines
  • Family advocacy
  • Seizure management
  • Feeding assistance
  • At-risk patient care
  • Medical evaluation
  • Microsoft use
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Evaluations

Accomplishments

TNCC: Trauma Nursing Core Course

ACLS: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

PALS: Pediatric Advanced Life Support

NRP: Neonatal Resuscitation Program

BLS: Basic Life Support

STABLE: Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood Pressure, Lab Work, Emotional Support

ENPC: Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course

Certification

  • Nebraska, RN
  • Kelly Knappen
  • License #73382, NLC License
  • Expires – Oct 31, 2026

Languages

English

PRIMARY SPECIALTY

Acute Care (16 years)

SECONDARY SPECIALTY

Educator (8 years)

Timeline

Adjunct Instructor, Educator

Western Nebraska Community College
01.2017 - 01.2019

Adjunct Clinical Instructor, MED/SURG

Western Nebraska Community College
01.2017 - 01.2019

Registered Nurse/BNA Instructor, Acute care

Sidney Regional Medical Center
04.2015 - Current

Registered Nurse, RN

Sidney Regional Medical Center
04.2015 - Current

Registered Nurse, Acute care

Chadron Community Hospital
09.2011 - 03.2015

Registered Nurse: Long Term Care, Long term care

Golden Living Center-Black Hills
06.2010 - 09.2011

ASN - Nursing

University of South Dakota

BSN - Nursing

University of South Dakota

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