Kristina Kester-Neifert
Tamaqua,Pennsylvania
Summary
A compassionate registered nurse with experience offering comprehensive patient care in outpatient environments. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Gastroenterology/Hepatology Registered Nurse
St Luke's Physician Group
05.2022 - Current
- Facilitated continuity of care by communicating effectively with primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers regarding patient progress and needs.
- Ensured safety in the workplace by strictly adhering to infection control practices, implementing proper waste disposal procedures, and maintaining a clean environment for patients and staff members.
- Collaborated effectively with administrative staff members to streamline paperwork processing for increased accuracy in billing systems.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, such as identifying areas for potential improvement or developing new office protocols that enhance overall efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes through comprehensive care planning and execution.
- Promoted patient education with one-on-one consultations, guiding treatment options, and preventive measures.
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illnesses or complex diagnoses through empathetic listening and genuine compassion.
- Improved patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized care plans, and administering medications as prescribed.
- Conducted detailed chart reviews to accurately document patient conditions, treatments provided, and progress made throughout care.
- Maintained compliance with industry regulations by staying up-to-date on best nursing practices, adhering to HIPAA guidelines for privacy protection, and completing required continuing education courses.
- Utilized electronic health record systems proficiently to input patient data efficiently while minimizing errors and protecting sensitive information.
- Enhanced office efficiency by managing patient appointments, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring timely communication between patients and healthcare providers.
- Developed strong rapport with patients by addressing their concerns thoroughly and providing prompt assistance.
- Provided valuable feedback to healthcare providers regarding treatment effectiveness, facilitating adjustments in care plans to achieve optimal results for each patient.
- Completed paperwork and prior authorizations and scheduled appointments for patients.
- Tracked, reviewed, and monitored diagnostic test results and assisted in managing patient care between visits.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications, and treatments.
- Reinforced health education, counseling, and advice to patients and families assessed patient educational needs, prioritized learning needs, identified barriers to learning, and used educational tools to encourage non-adherent patients.
- Assessed patient health status based on presented symptoms and directed the patient to the appropriate level of care or acceptable alternative venue.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Fusion Medical Staffing, Travel Position
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery, and postpartum.
- Responded to emergencies such as preeclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
Mother-Baby, Labor and Delivery RN
Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest
11.2006 - 08.2021
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Responded to emergency situations such as pre-eclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- Assessed infant health directly after birth using APGAR and monitored health for specified amount of time for any changes in status.
- Managed epidural analgesia infusions and monitored vital signs during labor and delivery.
- Coached new mothers with breastfeeding techniques, postpartum self-care and infant care to promote easier transition into motherhood.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Coordinated care of low and high-risk laboring women of childbearing age and immediate stabilization of newborn following delivery.
- Worked closely with doctors and midwives in coaching pregnant women through childbirth and post-natal recovery.
- Assisted obstetricians and midwives with deliveries and cared for newborns directly after birth.
- Performed vital signs checks and administered vaccinations to infants following birth.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments and assisted with pain management.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve labor and delivery processes and patient outcomes.
- Educated expectant mothers on available pain management options during the birthing process while respecting individual preferences.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum care, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
- Reduced complications during childbirth by closely monitoring patients and providing timely interventions.
- Provided emotional support to patients experiencing difficult births or pregnancy complications.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, sharing best practices and offering guidance to ensure a high level of patient care.
- Advocated for patient autonomy by involving them in decision-making processes regarding their birth plan.
- Promoted maternal-infant bonding by educating new parents on infant care techniques such as breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, individualized care throughout the labor and delivery process.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases, leading to more effective treatment plans.
- Improved overall patient outcomes by continuously updating clinical knowledge through professional development opportunities.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices in labor and delivery procedures.
- Prevented infections by diligently adhering to proper hand hygiene standards as well as utilizing personal protective equipment when required.
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers, fostering a supportive atmosphere for patients and families.
- Administered medications accurately and safely under physician guidance during labor induction or augmentation processes.
- Anticipated potential complications early in the labor process through vigilant assessment of both mother and fetus vital signs data.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Maintained a safe and sterile environment, ensuring optimal conditions for successful deliveries.
Obstetrical Registered Nurse
Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic
09.1998 - 11.2006
- Improved infant health outcomes by closely monitoring vital signs and promptly addressing concerns.
- Identified early signs of postpartum depression or anxiety in mothers, providing emotional support and appropriate referrals when needed.
- Provided exceptional overnight care for newborns, allowing parents to rest and recover while ensuring infants received attentive, nurturing support.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for families bringing home their newborns, offering guidance on establishing routines and adapting to new roles.
- Maintained open lines of communication between family members and healthcare professionals regarding updates on the mother's recovery status or the infant's needs during the postpartum period.
- Strengthened bonding between parents and infants through skin-to-skin contact guidance, soothing techniques, and interactive playtime activities.
- Assisted with infant sleep training strategies to establish healthy sleep habits and promote restful nights for both baby and parents.
- Empower new parents with evidence-based information and resources to make informed decisions about their newborns'' care.
- Boosted parents' confidence in caring for their infants with a comprehensive education on feeding, bathing, and sleep routines.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans for mothers recovering from childbirth complications or surgeries.
- Provided exceptional postnatal care to high-risk pregnancies or multiples by implementing specialized care plans tailored to unique circumstances.
- Supported mothers experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding by offering patience, reassurance, and practical solutions based on individual needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care postpartum.
- Coordinated with other members of the maternity care team to ensure seamless continuity of services, contributing to an overall positive experience for families during the postpartum period.
- Promoted breastfeeding success through tailored lactation support, positioning techniques, and troubleshooting common issues.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Explained the course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined the severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- I educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
- Implement infection control measures that significantly reduce hospital-acquired infections.
- Utilized clinical solid judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging trends in nursing practice to enhance effectiveness in delivering quality care.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Provided emotional support to the patient's family during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team.
- Consistently adhere to strict safety guidelines while administering medications or performing invasive procedures.
- 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.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Penn State University
University Park, PAdiploma -
Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing
Pottsville, PA1998
BSN - Nursing
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA1995
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Documentation and Charting
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Compassion and Empathy
- IV setup
- Intravenous therapy
- Patient Management
Certification
Current:
- Registered Nurse License (RN)— PA State Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Advanced Life Support Certification (ACLS)
Timeline
Gastroenterology/Hepatology Registered Nurse
St Luke's Physician Group
05.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Fusion Medical Staffing, Travel Position
08.2021 - 03.2022
Mother-Baby, Labor and Delivery RN
Lehigh Valley Health Network Cedar Crest
11.2006 - 08.2021
Obstetrical Registered Nurse
Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic
09.1998 - 11.2006
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Penn State University
diploma -
Pottsville Hospital School of Nursing
BSN - Nursing
Cedar Crest College
Current:
- Registered Nurse License (RN)— PA State Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Advanced Life Support Certification (ACLS)
Similar Profiles
Amy HouchinAmy Houchin
Patient Engagement Partner at St. Luke's Physician GroupPatient Engagement Partner at St. Luke's Physician Group
Nancy DoyleNancy Doyle
Telephone Triage Nurse at St Luke's Physician GroupTelephone Triage Nurse at St Luke's Physician Group
Laura HunterLaura Hunter
Clinical Coordinator at St. Luke's Health Network Intensive Care UnitClinical Coordinator at St. Luke's Health Network Intensive Care Unit