Kelly Northern
Oglethorpe,GA
Summary
I have been a Registered Nurse since 2012, and have been an Licensed Practical Nurse since 1986. My first love has always been emergency nursing, but have worked many avenues of nursing, thus enhancing my skills. I pride myself in my ability to adapt quickly to numerous conditions and diagnoses. I am a critical thinker and work well under pressure. One of my favorite jobs was being a paramedic instructor. I am seeking to transition into new field, leveraging my ability to manage complex situations. I would love to be able to share my knowledge and experience with upcoming nurses.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Taylor Regional Hospital
01.2024 - Current
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
- 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.
- Reduced patient wait times by efficiently triaging patients based on acuity levels and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Optimized patient flow within the Emergency Department by collaborating with charge nurses in coordinating bed assignments and discharges according to capacity constraints.
- Delivered important medications and treatments to control symptoms and improve current state of health.
- Acted as a resource for colleagues by sharing clinical expertise, participating in educational opportunities, and serving as a preceptor for new nurses joining the Emergency Department team.
- Upheld professional nursing standards and ethical principles when advocating for patients'' rights, respecting their autonomy, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment for both patients and staff members by adhering to infection control protocols, maintaining equipment, and following safety guidelines.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Provided valuable support to families during critical situations by offering emotional support, answering questions, and assisting with decision-making processes related to their loved one''s care.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of emergency nursing care delivery within the department.
- Contributed to improvement of patient care procedures through feedback and participation in departmental meetings.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing empathetic care and clear communication during treatment.
- Conducted patient assessments to determine care priorities, improving treatment outcomes.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by delivering prompt and accurate care in life-threatening situations.
Wound Care Registered Nurse
Montezuma Health & Rehabilitation Center
06.2023 - 01.2024
- Treated and carefully tended to vascular and diabetic ulcers.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to implement interventions for wound healing and skin breakdown prevention.
- Instructed patients and caregivers on how to clean and dress wounds and how to prevent infections.
- Assessed and treated draining of wounds and burns.
- Implemented plans to prevent pressure ulcers and other wound developments.
- Documented and examined patient recovery and reported progress to doctors for effective management.
- Managed inventory and ordering of wound care supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels for timely patient treatment and cost savings for the facility.
- Reduced wound healing time for patients through the use of advanced wound care techniques.
Registered Nurse, Endoscopy
Piedmont Hospital, Columbus
04.2023 - 12.2023
- Assisted physicians in performing complex endoscopic procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout.
- Applied advanced nursing skills to handle emergency situations during endoscopic procedures calmly and effectively.
- Educated patients on post-procedure care, increasing adherence to discharge instructions and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Managed sedation administration for optimal pain relief during clinical sessions while monitoring vital signs closely.
- Reduced procedure times by efficiently preparing patients, rooms, and equipment for endoscopic examinations.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care during endoscopy procedures.
Travel Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions
10.2015 - 05.2022
- Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Safeguarded patient privacy rights through diligent compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with medical records and personal information.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, ensuring a safe environment for patients and colleagues alike.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications, treatments, and IV therapies.
- Improved patient outcomes by diligently monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, including central line placements, lumbar punctures, and thoracenteses.
- Enhanced patient care by efficiently managing multiple cases in high-stress environments.
- Provided critical care to patients in emergency situations, stabilizing conditions and facilitating swift recovery.
- Enhanced efficiency in emergency response procedures, contributing to hospital's ability to handle critical situations effectively.
- Increased patient comfort and support with empathetic communication and attentive bedside manner.
Outpatient Surgery Registered Nurse
Surgery Center of Des Moines
12.2013 - 10.2015
- Consistently adhered to established protocols for medication administration, infection control measures, and emergency response situations during surgery.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills while coordinating multiple responsibilities including admissions, discharges, and ongoing patient care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in nursing and surgical care.
- Educated patients on post-surgical self-care techniques to facilitate successful recoveries at home without complications.
- Developed strong rapport with surgeons through effective communication skills and demonstration of clinical competence during procedures.
- Assisted with equipment setup prior to surgeries, ensuring proper function and availability when needed most during critical moments of operations.
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Iowa Hospice
09.2012 - 12.2014
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process, promoting dignity and comfort.
- Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication regimens for symptom control in terminally ill patients.
- Improved patient care by developing and implementing comprehensive hospice nursing plans tailored to individual needs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on patient acuity levels.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions, assessments, interventions, and responses to care.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless delivery of hospice services.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team collaboration through proactive communication and coordination of patient services.
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
Medical/Surgical Nurse
Clarke County Hospital
01.2008 - 05.2011
- Demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills during emergent situations, collaborating with team members to deliver timely interventions and stabilize patients.
- Monitored patients before, during and after surgical operations to evaluate patient care.
- Provided high level of individualized care to adult patients across multiple medical specialties.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Educated patients and families on illnesses, medications and treatment plans.
- Efficiently managed complex caseloads of diverse patient populations while maintaining attention to detail in documentation.
- Facilitated seamless transitions of care between units by effectively communicating pertinent information about each patient's status.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Manor Care Health Services
03.2006 - 02.2008
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
LPN/Paramedic
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
08.1987 - 10.1996
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Performed wound care treatments using sterile techniques, promoting healing and preventing complications.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and closely monitoring vital signs.
LPN Charge Nurse
Davis County Hospital
06.1986 - 05.1988
- 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.
- Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Kaplan University
Johnston, IA06-2012
No Degree - Paramedic
Indian Hills Community College
Ottumwa, IA06-1989
Practical Nursing - Nursing
Indian Hills Community College
Centerville, IA05-1986
High School Diploma -
Davis County High School
Bloomfield, IA05-1984
Skills
- EKG interpretation
- Patient assessments
- Pediatric advanced life support
- Medication administration
- Compassionate care
- Intravenous therapy
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Emergency triage
- Critical thinking
- Trauma nursing core course (TNCC)
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Student precepting
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Patient and family advocacy
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- CPR/AED Certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Taylor Regional Hospital
01.2024 - Current
Wound Care Registered Nurse
Montezuma Health & Rehabilitation Center
06.2023 - 01.2024
Registered Nurse, Endoscopy
Piedmont Hospital, Columbus
04.2023 - 12.2023
Travel Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions
10.2015 - 05.2022
Outpatient Surgery Registered Nurse
Surgery Center of Des Moines
12.2013 - 10.2015
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Iowa Hospice
09.2012 - 12.2014
Medical/Surgical Nurse
Clarke County Hospital
01.2008 - 05.2011
Licensed Practical Nurse
Manor Care Health Services
03.2006 - 02.2008
LPN/Paramedic
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
08.1987 - 10.1996
LPN Charge Nurse
Davis County Hospital
06.1986 - 05.1988
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- CPR/AED Certification
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Associate of Science - Nursing
Kaplan University
No Degree - Paramedic
Indian Hills Community College
Practical Nursing - Nursing
Indian Hills Community College
High School Diploma -
Davis County High School
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