Kristine Kerns
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
Waukegan,IL
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience
Dedicated registered nurse with 17 years of diverse experience in bedside nursing, oncology care, and leadership within a Level 1 trauma center. Proven ability to deliver high-quality, compassionate patient care while effectively collaborating with medical teams to support optimal health outcomes. Committed to continuous professional development and enhancing patient experiences through evidence-based practices. Strong advocate for patient-centered care and a team-oriented approach in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Work History
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
3 Months- Assessed hospice patients, identified care needs, and updated individualized plans in coordination with interdisciplinary team.
- Coordinated physician, nurse, and social work communication to support timely symptom management and care transitions.
- Educated patients and families on hospice services, medications, comfort measures, and end-of-life expectations.
- Documented skilled nursing visits, care changes, and patient responses in electronic medical records accurately.
- Reviewed patient status and anticipated needs to prioritize visits, support workflow, and reduce avoidable delays.
Registered Nurse
7 Years 6 Months- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Administered oral, IV, and intramuscular medications and monitored patient responses to ensure effective treatment.
- Administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions.
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on diagnoses, treatment options, and disease management to promote understanding and adherence.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Coordinated care for patients undergoing various therapies and procedures to streamline treatment processes and enhance patient outcomes.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Administered chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusions to patients in a clinical setting.
Nurse Clinician II
8 Years- Worked across various departments, including step down ICU, emergency department, oncology, and medical-surgical units, enhancing patient care continuity.
- Administer complex chemotherapy regimens.
- Utilized strong assessment skills to identify and implement necessary patient care interventions, improving patient outcomes.
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Utilized strong assessment skills to determine necessary patient care.
- Evaluated patient care needs, prioritized treatment and maintained patient flow.
- Educated patients on new medications and chemotherapy regimens, empowering them to manage their treatment effectively.
Collaborative Nurse
2 Years 9 Months- Guided patients through comprehensive medical experiences, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, ensuring clarity and support at each step.
- Managed incoming patient phone calls to assess urgency and direct appropriately.
- Coordinate care to ensure that tests and procedures are conveniently scheduled.
- Facilitate referrals to surgeons and other cancer specialists, such as radiation oncologists, dietitians, psycho-social professionals, dentists and other medical specialists.
- Coordinated referrals to surgeons and cancer specialists, streamlining access to multidisciplinary care.
- Shared and explained laboratory and test results promptly, enhancing patient understanding and decision-making.
- Promptly sharing and explaining laboratory results and other test results.
- Triage patient phone calls.
- Assisted with the charge role by managing patient flow and ensuring adherence to schedules.
Permanent Charge Role
1 Year- Led 45-bed unit, ensuring prompt service recovery and facilitating shift huddles.
- Staff scheduling daily, patient rounding, interviewing potential candidates, participated in meetings with internal staff to share information or discuss status of tasks/assignments.
- Assessed potential candidates through interviews with the unit manager.
- Coordinated staffing schedule requests to meet unit needs.
- Monitored nursing care, including process assessment and implementation.
- Collaborated with doctors and staff members to ensure quality care.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation.
- Supported successful department JCAHO accreditation through active contributions.
- Conducted interviews with participants to assess eligibility.
Nurse Clinician II
4 Years 7 Months- Trained staff nurses to enhance patient care quality and ensure consistent treatment protocols.
- Administer complex chemotherapy regimens.
- Documented nursing assessments, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care to maintain comprehensive patient records.
- Provide patient education on new medications and chemotherapy regimens.
- Utilized strong assessment skills to determine necessary patient care.
- Delivered complex chemotherapy regimens to manage patients' healthcare needs effectively.
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Educated patients on new medications and chemotherapy regimens to support informed treatment decisions.
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Nursing
Associate Degree - Nursing
Skills
Registered Professional Nurse
State of Illinois #041379705
Spanish speaking
Proficiency in EPIC
Cerner and CPRS
Certification
- OCN- Oncology Certified Nurse
- ONS- Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Certificate (ONS ID 439805)
- CPR certified through American Heart
- EKG certified
- ACLS certified
MEMBERSHIPS
- Oncology Nursing Society
Timeline
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
United Health Group, Optum
07.2026 - CurrentRead More
Registered Nurse
Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center
04.2019 - CurrentRead More
Nurse Clinician II
Advocate Health Care- Condell Medical Center
08.2015 - 08.2023Read More
Collaborative Nurse
Highland Park Hospital - Kellogg Cancer Center
08.2015 - 05.2018Read More
Permanent Charge Role
Advocate Condell Medical Center
08.2014 - 08.2015Read More
Nurse Clinician II
Advocate Condell Medical Center
01.2010 - 08.2014Read More
Gateway Technical College
Associate Degree from Nursing
Read More
Olivet Nazarene University
Bachelor Of Science from Nursing
Read More