Laura Kruse
Toledo,OH
Summary
Compassionate Licensed Practical Nurse with extensive experience at Elara Hospice, skilled in medication administration and patient assessments. Proven ability to enhance patient satisfaction through effective communication and critical thinking. Adept at collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop tailored care plans, ensuring optimal outcomes for diverse patient needs.
Experienced with patient care, including administering medications and monitoring vital signs. Utilizes strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster positive patient relationships and efficient team collaboration. Track record of providing compassionate and attentive care, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
Experienced nursing professional with excellent skills in patient assessment, disease management and medication administration. Proven track record of delivering high-quality care.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
Elara Hospice
Toledo, OH
01.2025 - Current
- Administered medications and monitored patient vital signs under supervision.
- Assisted in developing care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Supported families by providing education on hospice services and emotional support.
- Documented patient progress and care activities accurately in electronic health records.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance clinical skills and knowledge of hospice practices.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety standards in accordance with healthcare regulations.
- 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.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- 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.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Lake’s of Monclova
Monclova, OH
10.2022 - Current
- Administered medications and monitored patient conditions to ensure comfort and compliance with care plans.
- Assisted in daily living activities, promoting patient independence and enhancing quality of life.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, treatment options, and hospice resources.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic health records for continuity of care.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment, adhering to infection control protocols at all times.
- Responded promptly to patient needs, demonstrating empathy and strong communication skills.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to enhance clinical skills and knowledge of best practices.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Heartland Of Waterville
Waterville, OH
03.2013 - 11.2022
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
- Educated patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care management strategies.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Supported diagnoses by taking blood samples from patients for laboratory testing.
- Managed various general office duties such as answering multiple telephone lines, completing insurance forms, and mailing monthly invoice statements to patients.
- Protected patients and healthcare team members from infection by sterilizing equipment and reusable supplies.
- Circulated assigned floor to measure and record patients' fluid and food levels, implementing measures to promote healthy intake and output as necessary.
- Administered medications and monitored patient conditions to ensure comfort and compliance with care plans.
STNA
Heartland Of Waterville
Waterville, OH
02.2005 - 03.2013
- Provided personal care assistance to residents, ensuring comfort and dignity during daily activities.
- Assisted nursing staff with patient monitoring and documentation, enhancing overall care quality.
- Implemented safety protocols and infection control measures, promoting a safe environment for residents.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans tailored to resident needs.
- Trained new staff on best practices for resident care and facility procedures, fostering a supportive team culture.
- Advocated for residents' rights and preferences, improving satisfaction and engagement within the community.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies, ensuring availability while minimizing waste through efficient resource use.
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Owens Community College
Perrysburg, OH05-2026
No Degree - Licensed Practical Nurse
Stautzenberger College
Maumee, OH09-2012
High School Diploma -
Morrison R. Waite High School
Toledo, Ohio06-2003
Skills
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Vital signs monitoring
- HIPAA compliance
- Wound care
- Physical assessment
- Clinical documentation
- Vital signs
- Clinical judgment
- Patient care
- Patient assessments
- Diabetes management
- Infection control
- Family communication
- Catheter care
- Breathing treatments
- Patient evaluations
- Pain management
- Caring for wounds
- HIPAA protocols
- Charting and recording
- Biomedical hazard disposal
- [State] licensed practical nurse
- Tracking symptoms
- EKG administration
- Samples collection
- CPR/AED
- Intravenous medications
- Specimen collection
Timeline
Licensed Practical Nurse
Elara Hospice
01.2025 - Current
Licensed Practical Nurse
Lake’s of Monclova
10.2022 - Current
Licensed Practical Nurse
Heartland Of Waterville
03.2013 - 11.2022
STNA
Heartland Of Waterville
02.2005 - 03.2013
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Owens Community College
No Degree - Licensed Practical Nurse
Stautzenberger College
High School Diploma -
Morrison R. Waite High School