Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Hobbies and Interests
Community Service
Publications
Qualifications
Timeline
Generic

Laila Walani

Collierville,TN

Summary

Experienced Clinical Research Associate proficient in utilizing Current Research Information System (CRIS) and RedCap Cloud for data collection and management, as well as electronic health care records. Skilled in client services and problem resolution through effective communication, including discussing patient cases and infectious disease investigations with health authorities. Demonstrates strong multitasking abilities in fast-paced environments, with excellent time management and critical thinking skills. Proactive and goal-oriented professional known for reliability and adaptability, with a quick ability to learn and apply new skills. Committed to driving team success and contributing to organizational growth.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Clinical Research Associate II - RN

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
11.2018 - Current
  • Reviewed clinical data, source documentation, verify accuracy, and and create case report in the form of Survivorship Care Plan.
  • Aware of the various electronic data capturing systems (CRIS, RCC/RedCap) and adhered with the clinical research guidelines.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully meet project timelines and deliverables.
  • Enhanced data quality by utilizing meticulous data abstraction skill/expertise and ensuring accurate data collection.
  • Facilitated timely resolution of issues through effective communication with the supervisor and other stakeholders.
  • Managed multiple data abstraction related projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
  • Reviewed data queries and offer solution to resolve data discrepancies.
  • Trained Clinical Research Associates to achieve maximize success of clinical research.
  • Liaised with Advance Practice Provider (APP), physician, nurses, functional assessment, audiology, neurocognitive, and other department personnel to communicate important clinical data related events.
  • Promoted awareness of project-specific quality and performance standards to support documentation, communication and understanding.
  • Developed and maintained accurate and up-to-date case report (Survivorship Care Plan) and source documents in the designated secure folders.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date report forms and source documents for traceability.
  • Complied with research protocols by providing ongoing quality control audits to the completed files.
  • Collected, accurately maintained, evaluated, and shared collected data with the cancer survivors and their local local healthcare providers.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better long term health outcomes.
  • Trained new nurses and other CRAs in proper data collection techniques, standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Organized and maintained research report files in the shared binder to maintain accuracy, transparency, and integrity.
  • Reviewed and interpreted various components of the medical record, such as pathology reports, imaging (x-rays, CT, MRI, ultrasound), ECG, ECHO, physical exam, treatment modalities (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgeries, transplants) and used that collected data to formulate comprehensive cancer Survivorship Care Plan.
  • Applied extensive clinical experience to conduct chart abstraction for the complicated cases such as Aplastic Anemia, Hodgkin and non- Hodgkin Lymphoma, Neuroblastoma, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Hepatoblastoma, Wilms tumor, and complicated brain tumors (Craniopharyngioma, Glioblastoma).
  • Knowledge of various oncology protocols including therapeutic and non-therapeutic protocols utilized at the organization, as well as outside the organization.

Epidemiology Nurse

The Shelby County Health Department
02.2016 - 11.2018

Hepatitis Nurse Navigator and Epidemiology Nurse

  • Optimized resource allocation during outbreaks by creating detailed response plans based on potential scenarios and risk assessments.
  • Improved vaccination coverage in target populations through the design and implementation of targeted immunization campaigns.
  • Championed a patient-centered approach to care delivery by incorporating cultural competence and health literacy principles into daily practice, ensuring equitable access to services for diverse populations.
  • Increased public awareness on infection control measures by educating them in in-person and through presentations.
  • Contributed to the development of innovative training materials for healthcare professionals in epidemiology nursing practices, such as for the hepatitis B and C screening, prevention, and cure.
  • Provided expert consultation services for healthcare providers regarding disease transmission, management, and prevention methods.
  • Enhanced community health outcomes through effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams for disease prevention initiatives.
  • Streamlined data collection processes, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of epidemiological information to the state (Tennessee Department of Health).
  • Conducted thorough case investigations to identify risk factors, contributing to more effective prevention strategies.
  • Collaborated with local health departments (within Tennessee) to utilize evidence-based interventions for controlling infectious diseases in the community.
  • Mentored new hires in epidemiology nursing practices, enhancing their skills and professional growth within the field.
  • Reduced disease outbreak response time by efficiently coordinating surveillance and investigation activities.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Performed surveillance and data collection as part of an overall infection prevention and control program in the Epidemiology section of the Shelby County Health Department.
  • Investigated infections that are reportable to the Tennessee Department of Health and the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by utilizing software such as National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS),Research Electronic Data Capture (Redcap), and Tennessee Immunization Information System (TennIISS).
  • Investigated hospital acquired infections, community acquired infections, food and water borne diseases, blood borne infections, airborne infections, vector borne infections and vaccine preventable diseases.
  • Collected, analyzed, and reported data concerning hospital acquired infections, and health care associate infections.
  • Maintained knowledge regarding emerging infections in the healthcare system.
  • Provided resources to the staff, clinician, organizations, and community regarding isolation precautions, prevention,
    and the infection control measures.
  • Identified causes and associated risk factors regarding infections and formulated plan of care for the preventive measures specific to the disease.
  • Worked with the epidemiology department to establish infection control standards. Educated staff, clinicians, and the infection control department on reportable and notifiable diseases.
  • Informed appropriate state (Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama) for any reportable infection that can cause a multistate disease outbreak.
  • Investigated disease outbreak and perform laboratory testing at the Health Department to identify potentially infected patients and their families.
  • Ensured clinicians followed appropriate vaccine preventable disease guidelines to increase vaccinations rates within the population.
  • Performed testing of the patients at the health department for Hepatitis A, B, and C and also provided assistance in developing the Hepatitis C testing and nursing protocol under the guidance of Tennessee Department of Health.
  • Worked as Hepatitis C navigator in the Shelby County Health Department and assisted patients with linkage to care.
  • Was responsible as on-call staff during after hours for the Epidemiology Section.
  • Performed surveillance and data collection for the patients who visited Shelby County Health Department for the Hepatitis C testing.
  • Provided pretest counseling to the patients on the preventive measures for Hepatitis A, B, C and informed results to the patients once received from the Tennessee Department of Health.
  • Provided post-test counseling and education on risk reduction, disease prevention, and transmission.
  • Coordinated patient care with the Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic staff.
  • Investigated acute cases of Hepatitis C in the Shelby County and performed contact tracing.
  • Provided patient education on the available resources by coordinating patient care with the Social workers.
  • Maintained a log record for the patients tested at the Health Department.
  • Analyzed findings for the risk factors, co-infections (HIV+Hep C) and maintained and monitored related data.
  • Presented recorded findings to Shelby County Health Department and Tennessee Department of Health.

Trauma and Orthopedic Nurse / Clinical Coach

Medical Center of Plano
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Promoted a safe environment with diligent infection control measures and strict compliance with patient safety protocols.
  • Provided emotional support for patients coping with chronic pain or facing complex trauma related surgeries, enhancing their overall wellbeing.
  • Took patient vital signs, prepared and administered medications at physician direction, monitored patient symptoms and comfortability and documented outcomes.
  • Managed patients with the injuries such as, cervical, thoracic and lumber spine, lung contusion, ribs fractures, abdominal trauma, liver lacerations and fractures.
  • Assessed and cared for the patients with minor and major surgical procedures such a facial injuries, tracheotomy, spinal fusions, chest tubes, bladder trauma, open and close reduction, hip and knee replacement, and many more.
  • Assisted patients in execution of physical therapy exercises and interventions, providing both physical and motivational support.
  • Supported pain management through administration of prescribed medications and non-pharmacological approaches.
  • Supported physician diagnosis by communicating with patients regarding symptoms, medical histories and notable events relating to ailments.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on nature of diagnosis and specifics of treatment plans.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Monitored and documented patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses to allocate room accordingly.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Led team as nurse coordinator/team leader in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Participated in the development of comprehensive nursing training programs, resulting in increased staff competency and confidence.
  • Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Analyzed and evaluated training effectiveness and program outcomes.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

Trauma/orthopedic and Neurospine Nurse

Medical Center of McKinney
01.2010 - 01.2011
  • Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Managed patients with Cerebrovascular accident, epilepsy, meningitis, head injuries, brain tumors, cerebral aneurysm, brain
    hemorrhage and many other conditions.
  • Provided care to the patient with acute Alcohol toxicity and utilized alcohol withdrawal protocol.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
  • Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
  • Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
  • Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
  • Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on 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.
  • Created an efficient shift handover process which improved continuity of care between nursing shifts.
  • Streamlined communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive understanding of care plans.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

Medical Surgical Telemetry Nurse

Medical Center of McKinney
01.2009 - 01.2010
  • Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
  • Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
  • Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
  • Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Educated patients on self-care management, empowering them to take an active role in their overall health and wellbeing.
  • Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
  • Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
  • Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing empathetic, compassionate care to diverse populations.
  • Provided exceptional pre-and post-operative care, reducing recovery times and complications for surgical patients.
  • Managed complex wound care, utilizing advanced techniques to promote healing and prevent infection.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of care plans regularly, making adjustments as needed based on individual patient needs and progress toward goals.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches effectively.
  • Served as an advocate for patients and families, ensuring their voices were heard within the healthcare system.

Clinical Supervisor Medical Surgical/ Tele-monitor Unit

Medical Center of McKinney
01.2009 - 01.2010
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs, ensuring comprehensive support was provided across all domains of life functioning.
  • Served as a liaison between clinical staff and administration to address concerns and optimize workflows.
  • Lead and directed team of 20 clinical personnel and support staff.
  • Mentored junior staff members in clinical best practices, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
  • Increased clinic efficiency by optimizing scheduling systems, reducing patient wait times and maximizing staff productivity.
  • Fostered collaborative environment, encouraging interdisciplinary teamwork to enhance patient outcomes.
  • Responded to patient complaints and concerns, restoring trust and maintaining clinic reputation for quality care.

Medical Surgical and Oncology Nurse

Rio Grande Regional Hospital
01.2007 - 01.2009
  • Provided high-quality patient care, ensuring timely administration of medications and treatments.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess patients'' needs quickly while prioritizing tasks accordingly based on urgency level.
  • Educated patients and families on disease management, self-care, and at-home treatment options.
  • Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients that facilitated trust, open communication, and mutual goal setting for optimal health outcomes.
  • Administered chemotherapy and plasma/blood transfusions to patients.
  • Monitored and provided care to the oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, blood transfusion and radiation.
  • Provided intervention for the adverse effects associated with the Oncology procedure.
  • Oriented, and mentored new nurses to the policies and protocol of the oncology unit.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, sharing best practices for clinical excellence and professional growth.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • 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, such as with breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, SLE, and many other hematology/oncology conditions.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.

Nurse Case Management Coordinator - Neuro Surgery

The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi
01.2002 - 01.2006
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Reviewed and developed intake and discharge planning strategies to encourage client engagement and retention.
  • Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
  • Leveraged case management tools and conflict management techniques to help interdisciplinary teams achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
  • Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops and conferences.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, families, providers, and community resources to facilitate seamless transitions throughout the continuum of care.
  • Served as a mentor to new case management coordinators, providing guidance and support throughout the onboarding process.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Served as case coordinator, assuming responsibility for complex neurosurgery patients, high-volume assignments and guiding endeavors to successful completion.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Referred clients to appropriate team members and external resources to meet treatment and discharge needs.
  • Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with standards.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
  • Developed teaching materials such as VP Shunt, care of totally dependent with stroke, and Craniotomy.

Registered Nurse

The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi
01.1998 - 01.2002
  • 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.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • 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.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing

McKendree University
Lebanon, IL
07-2022

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Texas in Arlington
Arlington, TX
01-2014

Associate of Science - Nursing

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
Karachi, Pakistan
01-1998

Skills

  • Clinical Data Abstraction
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Data collection technology
  • Research Database such as CRIS, RedCap Cloud
  • ICH guidelines
  • Adverse event reporting
  • Commitment to patient safety
  • Data collection
  • Quality control
  • Team Training
  • Project management
  • Report preparation
  • Data analysis
  • Effective communication
  • Effective listening
  • Team collaboration
  • Organizational skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Leadership skills
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Database organization
  • Case documentation oversight
  • Research SOP understanding
  • Microsoft and Excel
  • Good clinical practice

Certification

  • Tennessee Nursing License - RN
  • Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
  • Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)


Hobbies and Interests

Listening to music

Bowling 


Community Service

Aga Khan Health Board Volunteer: Healthcare volunteer who works with the community organization (Aga Khan Health Board). Assists with the health screening, mammogram arrangement, screening, resource utilization, etc. Provide resources to the community members such as for low cost medical and dental clinic information, teaching materiel on the chronic conditions., Serves community in the health fairs, health related walks, wellness clinics, and emergency response team for the disaster/crises management.

Publications

  • Research - Prepared poster on West Nile Virus rates and it`s long term effects on the residents of Shelby County who are diagnosed with West Nile Virus neuroinvasive disease. It is presented in the American Public Health Association (APHA) conference (November, 2017).
  • Received Best PICO poster award in May 2015 "What is the effect of Nurse-Initiated Remote Telemetry in hospitalized patients suspected of cardiac abnormalities? "
  • Presented study "nursing contribution to patient safety: neurosurgical Experience". (Presented on the International nurses’ day May, 2005, Pakistan).
  • Publications- Published an article in the hospital news week on the patient’s safety (“In front” Medical Center of Plano. 2013).
  • Published an article "Nurse Case Manager: patient care implications at a Pakistani University (British Journal of Nursing).

Qualifications

MSN, BSN, RN

CMSRN, CCRP

Timeline

Clinical Research Associate II - RN

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
11.2018 - Current

Epidemiology Nurse

The Shelby County Health Department
02.2016 - 11.2018

Trauma and Orthopedic Nurse / Clinical Coach

Medical Center of Plano
01.2011 - 01.2015

Trauma/orthopedic and Neurospine Nurse

Medical Center of McKinney
01.2010 - 01.2011

Medical Surgical Telemetry Nurse

Medical Center of McKinney
01.2009 - 01.2010

Clinical Supervisor Medical Surgical/ Tele-monitor Unit

Medical Center of McKinney
01.2009 - 01.2010

Medical Surgical and Oncology Nurse

Rio Grande Regional Hospital
01.2007 - 01.2009

Nurse Case Management Coordinator - Neuro Surgery

The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi
01.2002 - 01.2006

Registered Nurse

The Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi
01.1998 - 01.2002

Master of Science - Nursing

McKendree University

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Texas in Arlington

Associate of Science - Nursing

The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi