Kristine Balash
Sault Ste Marie,Michigan
Summary
Caring, hardworking and service-oriented registered nurse with several years of experience. Well-versed in offering evidence-based, therapeutic care. Collaborative and motivational leader with expertise in training new nursing staff while providing top-notch service to patient populations. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Bay Mills Indian Community-Mashkawizii CAC
Brimley , Michigan
02.2024 - Current
- Maintained proper chain-of-custody when handling evidence related to criminal investigations.
- Participated in case reviews with multidisciplinary teams to discuss patient care plans and outcomes.
- Facilitated communication between victims, their families, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders.
- Performed physical examinations of sexual assault survivors to document evidence, collect specimens and provide treatment.
- Provided emotional support, crisis intervention and referrals to appropriate resources for sexual assault victims.
- Ensured patient confidentiality throughout the examination process.
- Performed data entry into electronic health records systems.
- Assessed the need for emergency contraception or prophylaxis against sexually transmitted infections.
- Developed educational materials on topics such as consent, healthy relationships and bystander intervention.
- Documented findings in a comprehensive medical-legal report according to state laws and protocols.
- Attended court hearings as an expert witness when needed by prosecutors or defense attorneys.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
Unit Manager
Medilodge
Sault Ste. Marie , Michigan
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Ensured that the unit was compliant with safety standards and protocols set by the organization.
- Managed team of 75 employees and ensured their productivity.
- Monitored daily operations, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Created reports on departmental activities for senior management review.
- Developed effective strategies to improve employee morale, motivation, and engagement.
- Provided guidance, coaching, and mentoring to staff members.
Clinical Quality Manager
War Memorial Hospital
Sault Ste Marie , Michigan
09.2019 - 04.2023
- Oversight of Core Measures Program performance, Value-Based Purchasing, and Pay-for-Performance programs
- Root Cause Analysis Leader
- Clinical Process Improvement Leader
- Data analysis for driving outcomes improvement.
- Provided leadership during times of organizational change or crisis situations.
- Established processes to ensure efficient workflow throughout the organization.
- Created monthly reports for senior management summarizing operational performance metrics.
- Implemented process improvements, resulting in an increase in operational efficiency.
Behavioral Health RN
War Memorial Hospital
Sault Ste Marie , Michigan
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Staff nurse in an Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit
- Provided compassionate nursing care to highly acute Behavioral Health patients
- Provided interdisciplinary care planning and implementation for patients with psychiatric diagnoses, focusing on patient-centered goals.
- Led Group Therapy sessions and provided individual counsel to patients under the direction of board-certified Psychiatric MD and NP.
- Coached clients on healthy coping skills such as relaxation techniques or stress management strategies.
- Assessed client responses to medication regimes and reported any adverse reactions.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities for psychiatric patients.
- Assisted with crisis intervention when needed.
RN Hospice Case Manager
The Medical Team
Flint , Michigan
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Maintained responsibility for the management and coordination of patient care for those facing end-of-life issues
- Executed comprehensive care plans to ensure optimal comfort and improve overall quality of life for patients.
- Provided education on healthcare decision-making and evidence-based treatment modalities to dying patients, families, and caregivers.
- Contributed to weekly multidisciplinary team meetings by providing updates on plans of care and promoting effective communication within the care team.
- Ensured that all documentation was completed accurately and timely according to agency guidelines.
- Monitored pain levels in hospice patients and implemented appropriate interventions as needed.
- Responded promptly to phone calls from family members or caregivers regarding end-of-life issues.
- Assessed patient's physical, psychological, social, spiritual and environmental needs.
RN Case Manager/RN On-Call
Heart to Heart Hospice
Flint , Michigan
09.2015 - 09.2017
- Managed caseload and provided relief of symptoms during off-hours and weekends for at-home terminally ill patients
- Ensured optimal comfort and quality of life for patients through adherence to care plans
- Facilitated understanding of evidence-based treatment options for the terminally ill through education of patients, families, and caregivers
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, updating plans of care and facilitating communication among care team members.
- Facilitated referrals for additional services such as social work counseling or spiritual care when necessary.
- Provided guidance on managing symptoms related to terminal illnesses such as pain control techniques or nutrition counseling.
- Identified medical equipment and supplies needed by patient; arranged for delivery and set up as appropriate.
- Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, medications, and other relevant information within the electronic medical record system.
Registered Nurse Manager
Charter Endoscopy Center
Flint , Michigan
03.2015 - 09.2015
- Scheduled patients, trained staff, and oversaw clinic operations
- Screened and scheduled endoscopy patients prior to procedures
- Provided comprehensive care to patients during their diagnostic gastrointestinal procedures
- Managed supply inventory and ensured availability of procedure equipment.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nursing staff, technicians, and other medical personnel involved in providing care for a patient undergoing an endoscopic exam.
- Evaluated patient response to treatment plan prescribed by physician after completion of endoscopic exam.
- Conducted follow-up phone calls with patients who recently had an Endoscopy Procedure.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal quality of care for patients undergoing an endoscopic procedure.
RN Hospice Case Manager
The Medical Team
Flint , Michigan
03.2014 - 07.2015
- Managed caseload for terminally ill patients in an at-home setting
- Followed plans of care to ensure optimal comfort and quality of life for patients.
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers about healthcare decision-making and evidence-based treatment options for terminally ill patients
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to update plans of care and facilitate communication among care team members.
- Facilitated referrals for additional services such as social work counseling or spiritual care when necessary.
- Provided guidance on managing symptoms related to terminal illnesses such as pain control techniques or nutrition counseling.
- Assessed patients' physical and psychological needs, developed individualized care plans, and monitored progress in meeting goals.
- Developed effective communication strategies with families to provide support throughout the course of illness.
- Identified medical equipment and supplies needed by patient; arranged for delivery and set up as appropriate.
- Provided patient and family education regarding disease process, symptom management, end-of-life issues, and available resources.
RN Hospice On-Call
Gentiva Health Services, an affiliate of Kindred at Home
Flint , Michigan
10.2011 - 03.2014
- Provided compassionate care to at-home terminally ill patients through symptom relief management on off-hours and weekends.
- Maintained patients' optimal comfort and quality of life by following prescribed care plans
- Enhanced patient understanding of healthcare decision-making and evidence-based treatment options for the end-of-life care by providing education to patients, families, and caregivers.
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to update plans of care and facilitate communication among members of the care team.
- Facilitated communication between the patient and family and all members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals including social workers, chaplains, and doctors to ensure quality care is provided throughout the hospice experience.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations such as pain crisis or respiratory distress.
- Actively participated in community outreach activities promoting awareness about available hospice services.
- Provided physical, emotional, and spiritual support to patients and their families.
Director of Care Delivery
HCR ManorCare (Fostrian Manor)
Flushing , Michigan
05.2011 - 10.2011
- Nursing leader overseeing patient care delivery and enhancing care systems for improved patient outcomes.
- Managed nursing operations, staffing, and patient care coordination at a skilled nursing/rehabilitation facility
- Planned patient care, coordinated efforts, and implemented strategies.
- Coordinated safe patient aftercare upon discharge from inpatient rehab setting within a multidisciplinary team.
- Implemented strategies for promoting collaboration among members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for patients in the restorative program.
- Created written protocols outlining expectations related to job performance, professional conduct and quality assurance standards.
- Identified areas requiring improvement within the facility's restorative nursing program.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist-Cardiothoracic Surgery
McLaren Regional Medical Center-Flint
Flint , Michigan
02.2009 - 05.2011
- Collaborated with cardiothoracic surgeons and executive leadership in a statewide quality collaborative to implement clinical best practice standards
- Utilized Society of Thoracic Surgeons data collection standards to collect and analyze specific data
- Provided staff education to ensure compliance with quality indicators and standards of care during a major clinical change project
- Developed internal clinical improvement activities based on interpreted clinical data.
- Monitored implementation of changes related to clinical quality improvement activities.
- Facilitated communication between departments within the organization regarding matters related to clinical quality improvement.
- Prepared presentations summarizing research findings or project results for internal review boards or external organizations.
- Conducted needs assessments, identified gaps in service delivery, and proposed solutions to promote quality assurance.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary teams focused on resolving complex problems related to patient care delivery.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions by tracking trends in patient outcomes over time.
- Participated in root cause analysis investigations as part of incident management system process reviews.
Assistant Nurse Manager-Perioperative Services
McLaren Regional Medical Center-Flint
Flint , Michigan
04.2007 - 02.2009
- Managed a team of 55 full-time equivalents in a high-volume surgical unit
- Formed unit-based teams to foster employee relations in a union environment
- Ensured delivery of efficient care by streamlining processes and eliminating resource waste.
- Spearheaded initiatives to enhance unit productivity, streamline recovery room stay, and optimize cost-per-patient in a high-volume surgical unit.
- Managed quality assurance programs designed to monitor outcomes of surgical procedures.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, technicians, administrative personnel and other departments throughout the hospital.
- Provided leadership support to nursing staff during emergency situations or when difficult decisions needed to be made quickly.
- Prepared monthly reports summarizing key metrics such as patient throughput times, staffing levels.
- Conducted periodic reviews of employee job descriptions ensuring they accurately reflected duties being performed.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care services.
- Participated in meetings with hospital administration to discuss operational needs within the department.
Agency Nurse
First Assist, Inc
Utica , Michigan
09.2003 - 09.2005
- Provided nursing services per assignment through a recognized nursing agency.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt and excel in new work environments
- Scheduled and relocated to various work locations, demonstrating adaptability and flexibility.
- Served patients in multiple healthcare settings to meet the demands of Metro Detroit agencies.
- Utilized evidence based practice guidelines to provide safe patient care.
- Adhered to infection control policies and procedures when performing duties related to patient care.
- Managed multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards.
- Assessed and evaluated patient's medical condition to determine the best course of treatment.
- Demonstrated excellent communication skills while interacting with patients, family members, physicians and other health professionals.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients with acute, chronic, and complex conditions.
Post Ambulatory Care Unit Staff Nurse
McLaren Bay Region
Bay City , Michigan
10.2001 - 12.2003
- Provided acute care to post-surgical patients in both ambulatory and inpatient settings
- Provided effective airway management for postoperative patients in acute care environments
- Managed postoperative patient symptoms in the acute setting
- Conducted assessments to determine the appropriateness of surgical interventions for patients.
- Managed emergency situations such as airway obstruction, cardiac arrest and shock.
- Assessed patients' post-operative physical condition, including vital signs and oxygen saturation levels.
- Developed individualized discharge instructions for each patient based on their diagnosis.
- Provided patient education regarding recovery process and pain management techniques.
- Administered medications as ordered by physicians via various routes.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients by adhering to established policies and procedures.
RN Staff Nurse
McLaren Bay Region
Bay City , Michigan
10.1998 - 10.2001
- Worked as a staff nurse in an acute care setting, specifically on a high-volume neurosurgical inpatient unit.
- Provided symptom management and acute monitoring for neurosurgical and ortho-surgical patients.
- Performed assessments on acutely ill surgical patients and implemented necessary nursing interventions.
- Planned, implemented, and delivered care in an acute care setting.
- Implemented evidence-based practice standards into daily practice decisions.
- Performed wound care including dressing changes, debridement and irrigation; monitored healing progress.
- Instructed patients and family members on proper post-operative homecare techniques.
- Participated in activities related to continuous improvement initiatives within the department.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with patients, families and healthcare team members.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through observation of clinical indicators such as pain level, breathing rate or laboratory values.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Bay Special Care Center
Bay City , Michigan
10.1997 - 10.1998
- Provided expert nursing management for patients in a long-term acute care hospital
- Enhanced telemetry monitoring
- Administered wound care treatments
- Provided tracheostomy care and managed ventilators.
- Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring and others.
- Developed individualized plans of care for each patient based on assessment data collected.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary team members such as doctors, nurses and social workers to ensure quality patient care was provided.
- Instructed patients and their families about disease prevention, proper nutrition, medication management and other health related topics.
- Participated in educational programs to keep up-to-date on new developments in nursing practice.
- Provided direct physical and emotional support to patients and their families.
- Observed, charted, and reported developments in patient health conditions for nursing supervisor.
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate-Psychiatric/Mental Health NP - Psychiatry
Chamberlain University
Chicago, IL08.2024
Master of Science in Nursing-Health Policy Concentration - Nursing Practice
Chamberlain University
Chicago, IL02.2021
Bachelor of Science -Nursing -
Chamberlain University
02.2018
Bachelor of Science-Nursing Administration -
Ohio University
Associate degree-Nursing -
Davenport University
Skills
- Evidence collection
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Data Collection
- Medical assessment
- Compassionate communication
- Psychological Assessment
- Medical Documentation
- Emotional Support
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Patient education and counseling
- Trauma recovery
- Coordinating referrals
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Professional Bedside Manner
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Care
- Patient-centered care
- Behavioral therapy
- Substance abuse treatment
- Mental health counseling
- Professional Demeanor
Affiliations
- Member National Association of Healthcare Quality 2019-2021
- Member American Society of Healthcare Risk Managers 2019-2021
- Member American Nurses Association 2018-present
- Member Michigan Nurses Association 2018-present
- Co-Founder Upper Peninsula Nursing Activism and Advocacy Coalition 2020
- Sigma Theta Tau 2021-present
- Member IAFN 2024-present
- Member Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Association 2023-present
Awards
- STARS award nominee 2019 and 2020, War Memorial Hospital
- Genesee County Hospice Caregiver of the Year Award 2017
- Heart to Heart Hospice Employee of the Year 2016
- Heart to Heart Hospice Customer Service Excellence 2015
Volunteer Experience
- Board Member Genesee County Elder Abuse Alliance 2015-2017
- Volunteer, Our Dreams Do Come True 2014-2017
- Volunteer, Lake Superior State University Nursing Simulation Lab 2019-present
- Volunteer-COVID vaccine clinics 2021
Accomplishments
- Successful completion of IAFN-recognized SANE-A and SANE-P curriculum 2024
- Expert Witness Training-National Advocacy Center 2024
- Successful completion of IAFN-recognized Child Physical Abuse curriculum2024
Certification
- Michigan Registered Nurse license 1997-present
Timeline
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Bay Mills Indian Community-Mashkawizii CAC
02.2024 - Current
Unit Manager
Medilodge
05.2023 - 11.2023
Clinical Quality Manager
War Memorial Hospital
09.2019 - 04.2023
Behavioral Health RN
War Memorial Hospital
07.2018 - 09.2019
RN Hospice Case Manager
The Medical Team
03.2017 - 07.2018
RN Case Manager/RN On-Call
Heart to Heart Hospice
09.2015 - 09.2017
Registered Nurse Manager
Charter Endoscopy Center
03.2015 - 09.2015
RN Hospice Case Manager
The Medical Team
03.2014 - 07.2015
RN Hospice On-Call
Gentiva Health Services, an affiliate of Kindred at Home
10.2011 - 03.2014
Director of Care Delivery
HCR ManorCare (Fostrian Manor)
05.2011 - 10.2011
Clinical Quality Improvement Specialist-Cardiothoracic Surgery
McLaren Regional Medical Center-Flint
02.2009 - 05.2011
Assistant Nurse Manager-Perioperative Services
McLaren Regional Medical Center-Flint
04.2007 - 02.2009
Agency Nurse
First Assist, Inc
09.2003 - 09.2005
Post Ambulatory Care Unit Staff Nurse
McLaren Bay Region
10.2001 - 12.2003
RN Staff Nurse
McLaren Bay Region
10.1998 - 10.2001
Licensed Practical Nurse
Bay Special Care Center
10.1997 - 10.1998
Post-Graduate Certificate-Psychiatric/Mental Health NP - Psychiatry
Chamberlain University
Master of Science in Nursing-Health Policy Concentration - Nursing Practice
Chamberlain University
Bachelor of Science -Nursing -
Chamberlain University
Bachelor of Science-Nursing Administration -
Ohio University
Associate degree-Nursing -
Davenport University
- Michigan Registered Nurse license 1997-present
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