Laretta V. Dodson
Louisville,Ky.
Summary
Dynamic APRN with extensive experience in managing care for patients with chronic and acute illnesses, dedicated to leveraging clinical expertise to enhance health and wellness within diverse patient populations while aligning with organizational goals. Proficient in conducting advanced clinical assessments and developing comprehensive treatment plans, consistently utilizing evidence-based practices to improve health outcomes and elevate patient satisfaction. Demonstrated ability to foster effective communication and collaboration within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. Committed to continuous professional development and staying current with the latest advancements in healthcare delivery.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Adult Clinic
Park DuValle Community Health Center
Louisville, KY
01.2013 - Current
- Performed thorough health evaluations to design tailored care plans addressing unique needs of various patient demographics.
- Conduct comprehensive health assessments and develop individualized care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and improve health outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on disease management, preventive health practices, and available community resources.
- Implement evidence-based practices to enhance quality of care and ensure adherence to clinical guidelines.
- Lead initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency within clinical workflows and patient services.
- Utilize electronic health record systems to document patient interactions accurately and maintain confidentiality standards.
- Advocate for patients' needs within the healthcare system, ensuring access to necessary medical services and support networks.
- Provided education for patients and families on disease management, treatment options, and preventative measures.
- Diagnosed and responded to illnesses and physical conditions through prescription of medication and health counseling and education.
- Recommended medications and other treatments such as physical therapy and inhalers for variety of different health conditions.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry advancements through continuous professional development activities.
- Served as a clinical preceptor for nursing students, fostering their professional growth in advanced practice nursing roles.
- Administered medications safely and accurately according to established protocols, minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
- Prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Administered immunizations and performed other preventive health measures.
Nurse Manager (Newburg Clinic)
Park DuValle Community Health Center
Louisville, KY
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Mentored nursing team members, fostering professional development and enhancing skill sets.
- Directed nursing staff in delivering high-quality patient care and improving operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans tailored to community health needs.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Staff Nurse
Norton Audubon Hospital
Louisville, KY
01.1999 - 01.2007
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and patient care plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop comprehensive patient care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, procedures, and health management techniques.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported significant changes to appropriate medical staff promptly.
- Streamlined nursing workflows by implementing efficient documentation processes in electronic health records systems.
- Mentored junior nurses, providing guidance on best practices and clinical skills development.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Register Respiratory Therapist
Veterans Hospital
Louisville, KY, USA
01.1990 - 01.1996
- Administered respiratory therapies and treatments to improve patient outcomes and comfort.
- Monitored patients' vital signs, ensuring timely interventions as needed for optimal care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Educated patients and families on respiratory health management and equipment usage.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on advanced respiratory therapy techniques and best practices.
- Administered oxygen therapy, aerosol therapy and inhalation therapy to improve patients' breathing and lung function.
- Provided emergency response assistance in cases of respiratory distress or failure as part of a rapid response team.
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to remove mucus and secretions from patient lungs and improve lung function.
- Tested pulmonary function and analyzed arterial blood gas to identify abnormalities and issues with patient lung function.
- Administered pulmonary function tests and monitored changes in patients' respiratory status.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Spalding University
Louisville, KY01-2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
McKendre College
Louisville, KY08-2006
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Jefferson Community And Technical College
Louisville, KY12-1997
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY08-1988
Skills
- Ability to independently assess and determine plans of treatment for patients with chronic and acute illnesses
- Proficient in the use of EHR and PM systems to document results of patient assessments
- Use of electronic systems to prescribe medication
- Ability to collaborate with members of treatment team for best patient outcomes
- Ability to provide direct care to stabilize patients and prepare them for transport to medical facilities
- Provide on-call after hours and weekend support for Adult Clinic
- Precept Nurse Practitioner’s students
- Adult health management
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Clinical judgment
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Medication prescribing
- Telehealth proficiency
- Health promotion
- Wellness strategies
- Lab results interpretation
- Prescription refills
- Immunizations
- Routine patient testing
- Screenings
- Cost-effective innovations
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Patient safety
- Physical examination
- Primary care
- Prescription writing
- Electronic charting
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Registered Respiratory Therapist
- BLS Certified
Personal Information
Title: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Certification
Family Nurse Practitioner
Timeline
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse – Adult Clinic
Park DuValle Community Health Center
01.2013 - Current
Nurse Manager (Newburg Clinic)
Park DuValle Community Health Center
01.2007 - 01.2013
Staff Nurse
Norton Audubon Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2007
Register Respiratory Therapist
Veterans Hospital
01.1990 - 01.1996
Master of Science - Nursing
Spalding University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
McKendre College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Jefferson Community And Technical College
Associate of Science - Respiratory Therapy
University of Louisville