Laura Essman
Jay
Summary
Attentive Registered Nurse with 20 years experience, composed and polished even in high-stress situations.
Results-driven nurse specializing in patient care providing competent, evidence-based care to primary care patients. Expertise in critical thinking, effective communication, and team collaboration.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Restorative Registered Nurse
Betty Ann Nursing Center
Grove
01.2026 - Current
- Supervised daily operations of a psychiatric unit and ensured patient/staff safety.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses effectively.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Provided emotional support for patients during times of distress or crisis.
- Maintained medical records in accordance with HIPAA guidelines while ensuring accuracy of information entered into the system.
Nurse Coordinator/Charge Nurse
Oklahoma Forensic Center
Vinita
10.2023 - 10.2025
- Supervised daily operations of a psychiatric unit and ensured patient/staff safety.
- Assisted in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and provided quality improvement and outcomes utilization.
- Administered medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influenced care outcome by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Managed assigned records, utilized registries, and ensured appropriate evaluation and access was provided to patient records.
RN Weekend Supervisor
Grove Nursing Center
Grove
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Assessed competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity and safety.
- Implemented and directed clinical services and operations to deliver competent, quality care.
- Administered executive supervision, exercising independent judgment to select proper course of action in policies and procedures.
- Developed and maintained staffing schedule in accordance with contract terms, budget mandates and accreditation standards for nursing coverage.
Director of Nursing
Betty Ann Nursing Center
Grove
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Administered psychiatric assessments to evaluate patient mental health needs.
- Conducted recruitment and retention activities to develop highly skilled nursing team.
- Directed the provisions of nursing education, orientation, competencies and provided quality improvement and outcome utilization.
- Implemented changes needed to correct deficiencies found during government inspections.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Vialife Home Health
Pryor
03.2022 - 08.2022
- Monitored patients prescribed psychotropic medications to assess medications' effectiveness and side effects.
- Collaborated with prescribing professionals to get patients necessary medications.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Psych/Skilled Nurse Case Manager
Amedisys Home Health
Grove
03.2016 - 03.2022
- Monitored patients prescribed psychotropic medications to assess medications' effectiveness and side effects.
- Met patient needs by devising and coordinating highly tailored care plans for each individual.
- Recorded comprehensive patient histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members.
Director of Nursing
Betty Ann's Nursing Home
Grove
09.2013 - 03.2016
- Assessed competency of clinical staff to promote quality, continuity and safety.
- Assessed residents for psychological needs and coordinated with physicians any medication suggestions to help with behavior
- Improved patient driven care by resolving experience issues such as coordination of care, timeliness or process issues, common themes of dissatisfaction, or environment of care concerns for the immediate practice setting.
- Conducted recruitment and retention activities to develop highly skilled nursing team.
Case Manager
Oklahoma Healthcare Solutions
Jay
01.2011 - 07.2013
- Developed appropriate care plans for at-risk individuals and high-risk families.
- Collaborated with various healthcare providers to facilitate delivery of services.
- Facilitated communication among clients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Educated clients on available resources and support systems.
School Nurse
Jay Public Schools
Jay
08.2010 - 01.2011
- Coordinated with families, school personnel and healthcare professionals on behalf of students to advocate for healthcare needs and provide medical information to appropriate parties.
- Evaluated students with health concerns or injuries to develop plan of care or provide reference to appropriate healthcare providers.
Medical/Surgical Nurse
Integris Hospital
Grove
08.2006 - 06.2010
- Applied clinical knowledge/judgment to lead staff involvement in planning, decision-making, and evaluating outcomes within the immediate practice setting.
- Responsible for providing competent, evidence-based care to primary care patients and oversight of licensed nurses/nursing assistants
- Provided health promotion, health education and coaching on wellness, disease prevention and chronic care management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science
Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Bartlesville, OK02.2011
Associate of Science - Nursing
NEO A&M
Miami, OK07.2008
Skills
- Clinical assessment
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Staff development
- Staffing coordination
- Medication management
- Training development
- Staff coaching and mentoring
- Critical thinking
Additional Information
U.S. Army SGT/E-5, 7 yr 9 mo: Light Wheel Mechanic/63B20
ETS date 8/22/1997 Honorable Discharge
Timeline
Restorative Registered Nurse
Betty Ann Nursing Center
01.2026 - Current
Nurse Coordinator/Charge Nurse
Oklahoma Forensic Center
10.2023 - 10.2025
RN Weekend Supervisor
Grove Nursing Center
07.2023 - 08.2023
Director of Nursing
Betty Ann Nursing Center
08.2022 - 06.2023
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Vialife Home Health
03.2022 - 08.2022
Psych/Skilled Nurse Case Manager
Amedisys Home Health
03.2016 - 03.2022
Director of Nursing
Betty Ann's Nursing Home
09.2013 - 03.2016
Case Manager
Oklahoma Healthcare Solutions
01.2011 - 07.2013
School Nurse
Jay Public Schools
08.2010 - 01.2011
Medical/Surgical Nurse
Integris Hospital
08.2006 - 06.2010
Associate of Science - Nursing
NEO A&M
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science
Oklahoma Wesleyan University