Kimberly Cowles
Registered Nurse
Fredericksburg,Virginia
Summary
Hardworking Registered Nurse with success providing individualized patient care. Committed to delivering best-in-class patient care through effective education, counseling and advocacy. Proven leadership focused on increasing and enhancing patient care and satisfaction. Streamline safety protocols for comprehensive patient care.
Dedicated with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced critical care environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations in the clinic setting and in the field. Consistently developing skills, knowledge, and strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Smart and determined in giving each patient an exceptional level of care through assessments, medication administration and dedicated service and support to all. Enthusiastic and eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Clear understanding of nursing scope and skill set. Motivated to learn, grow and excel at the veterans clinic.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2
2
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Childrens Hospital Of Richmond At VCU Health
Richmond, VA
02.2019 - Current
- Collaborated with over 50 physicians of 20 different specialties at pediatric outpatient clinic to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions and keep patients out of hospital.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
Registered Nurse
Flex RN
Fredericksburg, VA
10.2018 - Current
- Collaborated with over 50 attending physicians, fellows, residents, and medical students to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Assessed, evaluated and cared for neonate and pediatric patients.
- Communicated with family members and loved ones to provide information about patient care, treatments and medical options.
- Administered medications and fluids and checked vital signs on critically ill newborns.
- Provided high level of quality care for each and every patient in neonatal ICU unit.
- Followed policies, procedures and hospital regulations for protocol compliance and patient safety.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Carried out day-day-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Transport Nurse
VCU Health
Richmond, VA
05.2015 - 02.2019
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
- Assessed, evaluated and cared for neonate and pediatric patients.
- Administered medications and fluids and checked vital signs on critically ill newborns.
- Communicated with family members and loved ones to provide information about patient care, treatments and medical options.
- Provided high level of quality care for each and every patient in 50-bed neonatal ICU unit.
- Followed policies, procedures and hospital regulations for protocol compliance and patient safety.
- Crafted tailored nursing care plan for each patient and evaluated it daily for effectiveness.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed critically ill neonates on high frequency jet and oscillator ventilation
- Managed critically ill neonates on ECMO (heart and lung bypass).
- Manged critically ill neonates on dialysis and titrated fluids according to doctor orders.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Attended high risk vaginal deliveries and caesarean sections to care for neonate and resuscitate as needed.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medication
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems. As well as during bereavement care
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate nursing assignments
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Strengthened training and nursing knowledge by taking part in continuing education programs and workshops as well as educating student nurses and precepting new graduate nurses
- Lead instructor for STABLE, NRP, CPR, and Car seat Technician
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Formulated plans of care to optimize child's health potential and minimize physical and psychological complications.
- Provided anticipatory guidance to pediatric patients and families concerning areas such as vaccine administration, developmental milestones and nutrition and hygiene practices.
- Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate medical questions.
- Evaluated patient progress and responses to various treatments.
- Discharge teaching to families taking NICU graduates home to include: infant CPR, safe back to sleep, car seat safety and equipment training
Registered Nurse, NICU
Mary Washington Healthcare
Fredericksburg, IA
05.2000 - 07.2016
- Provided exceptional care to critical care and especially fragile patients needing complex care such as strict intake and output, airway and ventilator management, extensive wound care, central line care and rehabilitation.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans
- Performed arterial line insertions, inserted central lines and inserted endotracheal tubes as part of transport and PICC team
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
- Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care
- Picked up and transported critically ill patients from outlying hospitals up to 50 miles to Mary Washington Hospital
- Managing patient care in back of rescue squad and leading team
Unit Secretary and Patient Care Tech
Potomac Hospital
Woodbridge, VA
12.1997 - 05.2000
- Organized paperwork such as charts and reports for unit and patient needs.
- Managed incoming calls, patient call lights on 24 bed medical floor plus 24 bed surgical floor and 12 bed telemetry floor then directed to appropriate departments.
- Provided information for patient admissions and discharges to foster timely processing.
- Facilitated lab orders and medication administration.
- Maintained rapport with physicians, nurses and other healthcare personnel.
- Executed administrative duties to facilitate unit tasks and meet team goals.
- Maintained current and accurate medical records for patients.
- Transcribed doctors' medication orders, lab test requests and care plans.
- Collaborated with assistants and medical/ surgical doctors to prepare and set up rooms with adequate supplies and equipment as well as for procedures.
- Performed patient vital signs, EKGs, skin and wound care.
- Assisted with chest tube placements and PICC line dressing changes.
- Greeted visitors and initiated triage processes for clients to streamline patient flow
Unit Secretary, CNA
Mary Washington Hospital
Fredericksburg, VA
10.1996 - 12.1997
- Organized paperwork such as charts and reports for office and patient needs.
- Executed administrative duties to facilitate unit tasks and meet team goals.
- Transcribed doctors' medication orders, lab test requests and care plans.
- Maintained rapport with physicians, nurses and other healthcare personnel.
- Monitored inventory levels and advised management of need for replenishment.
- Processed lab paperwork and requests according to physicians' orders.
- Managed incoming calls and directed to appropriate department.
- Provided information for patient admissions and discharges to foster timely processing.
- Documented patient medical information, case histories and insurance details to facilitate smooth appointments and payment processing.
- Maintained current and accurate medical records for patients.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing and teeth brushing.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment on ten bed unit.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas and nurse stations.
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments and evaluating patient needs on ten bed pediatric unit that had adults as overflow.
- Checked patient blood sugar levels.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN12.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Science
Germanna Community College
Locust Grove, Va05.2001
High School Diploma -
North Stafford High School
Stafford, Va06.1993
Skills
- Venipuncture, IV, PAL, PICC and NGT placement
- I/O urinary cauterization, intubation, and needle thoracentesis
- Port access
- Cerner and Epic Systems
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Organization and Time management
- Immunizations and Vaccinations
- COVID swabs
- Appointment Scheduling
- Nursing Consultation
- Medical Supply Management and Supply management
- Care Coordination
- Medication Administration
- Specialized Healthcare Referral
- Equipment Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Administrative Tasks
- Supervision and delegation
- Prescription Drug Refills and Pharmacy Correspondence
- Diagnostic Test Scheduling and Pre-authorizations
- Patient Eligibility Requirements
- EHR Software, Copier, Fax and other medical equipment
- HIPAA Compliance
- Flexible Schedule
- Prescription Drug Refills
- Diagnostic Test Scheduling and Preauthorizations
- Patient Eligibility Requirements
- EHR Software, Copier, Fax and other medical equipment
- Delegation and Motivation
- HIPAA Compliance
- Patient Referral
- Computer Proficiency
- Pharmacy Correspondence
- Medical Records Verification
- Message and Report Transcription
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Health Information Access
- Test Interpretations
- Office Coordination
- Order Purchasing
- Healthcare Personnel Supervision
- Flexible Schedule
- Prescription Drug Refills
- Diagnostic Test Scheduling and Preauthorizations
- Patient Eligibility Requirements
- EHR Software, Copier, Fax and other medical equipment
- Delegation and Motivation
- HIPAA Compliance
- Patient Referral
- Computer Proficiency
- Pharmacy Correspondence
- Medical Records Verification
- Message and Report Transcription
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Health Information Access
- Test Interpretations
- Office Coordination
- Order Purchasing
- Healthcare Personnel Supervision
- Flexible Schedule
- Preventive health
- Patient and family advocacy
- Intravenous therapy
- Foley catheters
- Strong clinical judgment
- Critical care
- Patient Assessments
Accomplishments
I have been awarded 3 Daisy Awards while at VCU Health. Two came from families and one came from my coworker.
Certification
- Certified Pediatric Nurse , Pediatric Nursing Certification Board from July 2020 to present
- National Child Passenger Safety Technician, Safe Kids Worldwide from 2017
- S.T.A.B.L.E (instructor), American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009 to present
- Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care, National Certification Corporation from 2009 to present
- NRP Certification (Instructor), Neonatal Resuscitation Program, 2001- present
- CPR/BLS (Instructor), American Heart Association from 1996-present
- Registered Nurse, VA Board of Nursing from June 2001- present
- Certified Nurses Aide, VA Board of Nursing from December 1996- December 2000
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Registered Nurse
Childrens Hospital Of Richmond At VCU Health
02.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
Flex RN
10.2018 - Current
Transport Nurse
VCU Health
05.2015 - 02.2019
Registered Nurse, NICU
Mary Washington Healthcare
05.2000 - 07.2016
Unit Secretary and Patient Care Tech
Potomac Hospital
12.1997 - 05.2000
Unit Secretary, CNA
Mary Washington Hospital
10.1996 - 12.1997
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Walden University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Science
Germanna Community College
High School Diploma -
North Stafford High School
- Certified Pediatric Nurse , Pediatric Nursing Certification Board from July 2020 to present
- National Child Passenger Safety Technician, Safe Kids Worldwide from 2017
- S.T.A.B.L.E (instructor), American Academy of Pediatrics, 2009 to present
- Registered Nurse Certified in Neonatal Intensive Care, National Certification Corporation from 2009 to present
- NRP Certification (Instructor), Neonatal Resuscitation Program, 2001- present
- CPR/BLS (Instructor), American Heart Association from 1996-present
- Registered Nurse, VA Board of Nursing from June 2001- present
- Certified Nurses Aide, VA Board of Nursing from December 1996- December 2000
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