KIMBERLY BURTON

Deliver evidence-based mental health nursing care to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, seniors, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals, effectively addressing a broad range of psychiatric conditions and supporting overall mental well-being.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement individualized care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team to address the specific needs of patients with mental health disorders.
• Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
• Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
• Enhanced treatment efficacy by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive mental health care.
• Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
• Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or self-harm.
• Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.

• Responsible for providing specialized mental health care to individuals involved in the legal system, including those accused of crimes, those awaiting trial, or those serving sentences. Key responsibilities included :
• Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments, administering medications, and delivering direct nursing interventions to stabilize acute psychiatric conditions.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and legal professionals, to develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients with complex mental health and legal needs.
• Managed psychiatric emergencies, including violent or self-harming behaviors, through de-escalation techniques and crisis interventions. Additionally, ensured the safety of both patients and staff by adhering to strict security protocols, monitoring patient movements, and maintaining a therapeutic environment within the facility.

Provided comprehensive care to patients across the lifespan, from adolescents to older adults, addressing a wide range of mental health conditions, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders, and.

Key responsibilities included:

• Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, developing individualized care plans, and delivering nursing interventions to stabilize acute psychiatric crises and promote long-term recovery.
• Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
• Administered psychotropic medications, monitoring for side effects, effectiveness, and making adjustments as necessary to optimize treatment outcomes.
• Conducted crisis interventions and de-escalation techniques to ensure patient safety during high-risk situations.

Responsible for managing the daily operations of the unit and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care. Key responsibilities included:

• supervising and mentoring nursing staff, conducting performance evaluations, and providing ongoing training to ensure staff competency and adherence to best practices.
• Coordinated with hospital administration and other departments to ensure smooth unit operations, optimize resource management, and provide high-quality care to patients with complex psychiatric needs.
• Ensured compliance with clinical protocols, safety standards, and regulatory requirements. Led crisis management efforts, directing the team in managing psychiatric emergencies and implementing de-escalation strategies to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
• Monitored unit performance through regular audits and assessments, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.

Performing comprehensive mental health assessments, managing cases involving acute and long-term moderate to severe mental health conditions, and providing ongoing nursing care to individuals with psychiatric and substance abuse issues.

Key responsibilities :

• Performed thorough assessments of patients' mental health, including emotional, behavioral, and psychological evaluations, to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor for effectiveness, side effects, and potential drug interactions. Educate patients on their medications and assist with medication management.
• Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including progress notes, treatment plans, and medication administration logs, in compliance with healthcare regulations and institutional policies.
• Provided education to patients'' families regarding mental health disorders, treatment options, and community resources available for support.

Provided comprehensive mental health care, focusing on evaluating patient needs through assessments and behavioral observations

• Assessed adolescent and adult patients' mental health status by observing behavior, conducting interviews, and reviewing medical histories.
• Collaborated with other healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to the unique needs of adolescent and adult patients
• Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by psychiatrists or other healthcare providers, ensuring adherence to medication schedules and monitoring for adverse effects
• Monitored and documented patient progress, including mental status, behaviors, and response to treatment, and communicated any changes or concerns to the treatment team
• Provided therapeutic interventions and counseling to adolescent and adult patients, both individually and in group settings, to address issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse
• Educated adolescent and adult patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, and available community resources
• Assisted patients in developing and implementing strategies for managing symptoms, improving coping skills, and promoting overall mental well-being
• Participated actively in interdisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress, discuss treatment plans, and coordinate care across different disciplines
• Developed successful discharge plans to help continuity of care upon patient release.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions on various topics such as coping strategies, stress management, and medication adherence for improved patient understanding.

Responsible for providing comprehensive care to individuals experiencing a range of mental health and substance use disorders.

• Assess patients' physical and mental health, identifying symptoms of substance abuse and mental health conditions
• Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
• Monitored vital signs, nutritional intake and signs and symptoms of complications to report deviations to supervisor.
• Provide therapeutic interventions, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional support to help patients manage symptoms, cope with stress, and promote recovery

Executed prevention and health promotion programs to improve awareness of health-related issues and conditions with community members' work groups and outreach events and activities. Key responsibilities:

• Collaborated with community leaders, healthcare centers, and family members to develop personalized support networks and coping strategies for each client's unique needs
• Fostered collaborative efforts to schedule, host, and facilitate events and identify further opportunities to reach community members to support statewide and national outreach healthcare initiatives
• Trained leaders to increase community confidence in and demand for the COVID-19 vaccine through news conferences, coalitions, grassroots support, education, discounts, and advertising
• Conducted research and analysis on target communities to identify needs, interests, and potential partners in order to develop effective strategies for outreach
• Increased accessibility to COVID-19 testing sites by coordinating with community partners and stakeholders.
• Launched social media campaigns that highlighted available resources, successfully reaching wider audiences.
• Promoted mental health support services for individuals struggling with anxiety or depression due to the pandemic''s impact on daily life routines.

Managed and coordinated the care of women with complex, high-risk health needs, including chronic conditions, pregnancy complications, and other specialized health concerns

Key Responsibilities:

• Managed complex cases with multiple comorbidities by coordinated patient care activities, including appointments, procedures, and treatments
• Implemented patient tracking system to monitor treatment progress, facilitating timely adjustments to care plans
• Monitoring patient outcomes and quality metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement initiatives to enhance patient care
• Managed resources, such as equipment, supplies, and staffing, to optimize departmental efficiency and productivity
• Participated in interdisciplinary meetings and committees to address clinical and administrative issues affecting women's health services

Performed specialized care to military veterans dealing with mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders Key responsibilities:

• Conducted comprehensive and specific mental health assessments to determine patient mental health needs and ongoing suicidal risk, develop appropriate nursing diagnoses, implement the nursing process, and then evaluate for effective outcomes
• Administer medication, monitor side effects, and document effectiveness as reported by patient or changes behavior
• Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, to develop and implement holistic treatment plans
• Provided therapeutic interventions and counseling to patients individually or in groups

Managing the referral and intake process for patients seeking mental health services ensuring efficient access to mental health care:

Key responsibilities:

• Conducted initial screenings to assess patients' mental health needs, gathering relevant medical and behavioral information, and ensuring timely referrals to appropriate mental health professionals or specialized services
• Provided educate patients and families about available mental health services, treatment options, and resources, ensuring clear communication throughout the intake process.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to make appropriate referrals to psychiatrists, therapists, or specialized services based on patient needs, ensuring a seamless transition of care.
• Coordinated seamless transitions between inpatient and outpatient settings, reducing readmission rates and promoting optimal recovery.

Provide support and assist the Director of Nursing in overseeing the daily operations of the nursing department, ensuring high-quality care for residents

Key Responsibilities:

• Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
• Assisted in developing policies and procedures for safe medication administration, minimizing errors within the department.
• Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
• Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
• Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.

Float nurse across nine age-specific units with the responsibility for the delivery of quality healthcare by assessing treatment needs; developing, monitoring, and evaluating

• Observed changes in behavior and moods that could indicate a need for medication adjustments or further psychological assessment
• Administered medications according to physician orders, including IV push medications and intramuscular injections
• Actively participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss case management issues related to patient's progress towards recovery goals
• Provided crisis intervention services during acute episodes of illness or behavioral disturbances
• Conducted assessments of mental status and developed appropriate treatment plans based on evidence-based practice guidelines
• Performed therapeutic activities such as psychotherapy groups and milieu management to promote positive outcomes for the patient population

Delivered proactive, patient-focused care through a collaborative team approach, emphasizing wellness and the prevention of disease.

• Managed the care of patients with chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, through regular monitoring, medication management, and ongoing support
• Consulted with supportive service areas and/or agencies to provide clients with supportive services, and available resources to manage chronic disease
• Increased clinic efficiency by managing patient flow, coordinating appointments, and maintaining accurate records.
• Served as a liaison with a collaborative partnership approach between patients, their families, healthcare providers, hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies to reduce fragmentation and duplication of services
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• Facilitated the management and stabilization of acute psychiatric crises, supported medical detoxification from alcohol and drugs, and encouraged patient engagement in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.

Key responsibilities :

• Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
• Created and implemented group therapies and programs to help patients improve or regain coping abilities.
• Educated patients and family members about medical conditions and mental health, medications, treatments and preventive measures.
• Evaluated, ordered and interpreted psychological evaluations and basic lab tests to assess and identify patients' conditions.
• Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.