Lacey Zankowitz
Summary
Focused and friendly School Nurse offering 3 years of experience providing care to students age 10 to 14; 20+ years experience in the nursing field. Known professionally for working effectively within education systems to develop innovative public and health and safety initiatives. Exemplary organization and administrative skills. Has developed close relationships with staff, students and families and collaborates with administration to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
School Nurse
St Margaret School
08.2021 - Current
- Improved overall student health by implementing comprehensive health education programs and preventive measures.
- Reduced absenteeism rates by proactively addressing student health concerns and providing timely interventions.
- Enhanced school safety by collaborating with staff, parents, and community partners in developing emergency response plans.
- Promoted a healthy school environment through regular inspections, identifying potential hazards and recommending corrective actions.
- Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
- Served as a resource for faculty and staff by providing training on first aid, blood borne pathogens, Epi-pen, and other health-related topics.
- Served as the Delegating nurse on the middle and elementary school campuses.
- Streamlined documentation processes for maintaining accurate student health records, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Facilitated early detection of health issues by conducting routine screenings for vision, hearing, among others.
- Managed immunization compliance within the school population to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- Assessed students physical and emotional well-being during daily clinic visits, providing appropriate care or referrals as needed.
- Monitored ongoing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, adjusting care plans accordingly to maintain optimal student wellness levels.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies or critical incidents at school events or activities outside of normal hours when necessary.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in healthcare delivery to continuously improve the quality of nursing services provided in the school setting.
- Collaborated with teachers to address diverse learning styles while designing inclusive classroom accommodations for students with chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Supported mental health initiatives within the school community by participating in committees focusing on social-emotional learning strategies.
- Assisted in the development of school policies that promote a positive and safe learning environment for all students.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by serving as an advocate for student health and wellness, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
- Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
- Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students.
- Educated students on various health topics to promote overall health and wellbeing.
- Participated in development of school safety plans to address areas of concern.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Registered Nurse
St. Joseph's Medical Center
08.2002 - 10.2013
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Served as charge nurse for the unit and properly delegated nursing tasks as needed.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Provided education for expectant parents on prenatal care, birthing techniques, and postpartum recovery.
- Assisted physicians in performing medical procedures such as epidurals, episiotomies, and cesarean sections.
- Streamlined communication between patients, family members, and healthcare providers to maintain a supportive environment during labor and delivery.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care from antepartum to postpartum units through detailed documentation and clear handoff reports.
- Decreased maternal stress levels by utilizing effective pain management strategies tailored to individual needs.
- Promoted breastfeeding success through early initiation, ongoing support, and lactation consultation referrals when needed.
- Identified potential high-risk pregnancies early in the process, allowing for proactive intervention and specialized care as necessary.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on best practices in labor and delivery nursing through professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, or reading relevant literature.
- Served as a preceptor for new hires or student nurses, fostering their competence in labor and delivery care through hands-on training experiences.
- Expedited admissions processes for incoming patients while ensuring accurate documentation of medical histories.
- Assisted in emergency situations such as fetal distress, maternal hemorrhage, or neonatal resuscitation by following established protocols and working closely with fellow healthcare providers.
- Advocated for patient preferences within the context of evidence-based practice guidelines, ensuring that individualized care plans are developed and followed throughout labor and delivery.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Coached new mothers with breastfeeding techniques, postpartum self-care and infant care to promote easier transition into motherhood.
- Responded to emergency situations such as pre-eclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- 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.
- Assessed infant health directly after birth using APGAR and monitored health for specified amount of time for any changes in status.
- Performed vital signs checks and administered vaccinations to infants following birth.
- Assisted obstetricians and midwives with deliveries and cared for newborns directly after birth.
- Managed epidural analgesia infusions and monitored vital signs during labor and delivery.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments and assisted with pain management.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and knowledgeable care during labor and delivery.
- Reduced complications during childbirth by closely monitoring both mother and baby''s vital signs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes throughout the labor and delivery process.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Harford Community College
Bel Air, MD05.2002
Skills
- Student Health Evaluation
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Hearing and Vision Screening
- Decision-Making
- Injury Treatment
- Acute Illness Recognition
- Epipen Administration
- Medication Administration
- Immunization Record Review
- Attention-Deficit Disorder Experience
- Mental Health Support
- Emergency Care
- Infection Control Measures
- Rapport Building
Affiliations
- Serves as the nurse on duty for Harford Soccer summer camp and ACPR gymnastics meets.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
School Nurse
St Margaret School
08.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
St. Joseph's Medical Center
08.2002 - 10.2013
Associate of Science - Nursing
Harford Community College
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