LaToya Merritt
Phenix City
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in leadership, direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Adept at managing nursing services, ensuring high quality care and monitoring compliance. Proven track record in initiatives to improve patient outcomes and resident and family satisfaction. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse PRN
Centurion
07.2024 - Current
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
Director of Nursing
Wellpath
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Evaluated work performance of 8-10 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Planned and assigned workload to 8-10-person nursing staff to direct patient care.
- Met with HSA, Medical Director and Mental Health Director weekly to discuss any clinical and unit issues.
- Conducted quarterly emergency drills per GDC SOP and as needed.
- Performed audits and log reviews in accordance with GDC and Wellpath policy and procedure as well as OHS and ACA requirements.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
Behavioral Health Charge RN
St Francis Hospital/The Bradley Center
09.2021 - 07.2023
- Delivered psychoeducational interventions to patients and families, increasing understanding of mental health conditions and coping strategies during recovery periods.
- Participated in continuous quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care delivery across the facility.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Deescalated potentially volatile situations using proven crisis intervention techniques, maintaining a safe environment for all involved parties.
Director of Nursing
Augusta University
03.2019 - 09.2021
- Ensured the provision of high quality, culturally sensitive, nursing/patient care in areas of responsibility.
- Developed, implemented and supported the philosophy, goals and objectives of nursing.
- Held the clinical areas and nursing accountable for delivery of quality patient care by monitoring and analyzing reports and/or other informational data.
- Established, defined and monitored performance achievements.
- Monitored CQI programs as they related to patient care.
- Oversaw the orientation of nursing staff.
- Verified clinical indicators were at or better than established benchmarks.
- Collaborated with the Correctional Healthcare leaders and Georgia Department of Corrections Leaders to meet defined operational objectives.
Clinical Coordinator
Davita, Inc & American Renal Associates
01.2015 - 03.2019
- Coordinated ESRD patient care and services (trend lab values, track metrics on vital signs, weight, outcome managements, etc.)
- Ensured that the clinical team delivered the highest level of care to the patients by ensuring their safety, comfort and well-being.
- Delivered care to patients who were often dealing with multiple co-morbidities which required unique treatment plans and the ability to leverage a broad range of nursing skills and knowledge.
- Oversaw a group of patients with the support of PCTs to conduct patient observations, measuring stats and machine set up.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Albany State University
Albany, GA04-2023
Associate of Science - Nursing
Albany Technical College
Albany, GA05-2018
Diploma - Practical Nursing
Albany Technical College
Albany, GA06-2003
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Wound care
- Nursing staff leadership
- Critical care
- Precepting
- Team coordination
- Complex Problem-solving
- Emergency response
- Data collection
Timeline
Registered Nurse PRN
Centurion
07.2024 - Current
Director of Nursing
Wellpath
07.2023 - 07.2024
Behavioral Health Charge RN
St Francis Hospital/The Bradley Center
09.2021 - 07.2023
Director of Nursing
Augusta University
03.2019 - 09.2021
Clinical Coordinator
Davita, Inc & American Renal Associates
01.2015 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Albany State University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Albany Technical College
Diploma - Practical Nursing
Albany Technical College
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