Laura Lyons
Summary
Clinical Coordinator RN at Akron Children's Hospital with a proven track record in enhancing patient safety and implementing quality improvement initiatives. Skilled in clinical documentation and interdisciplinary collaboration, I excel in developing training programs that elevate care standards, resulting in improved patient outcomes and staff performance.
Background in coordinating clinical activities to ensure streamlined patient care and operational efficiency. Successfully managed interdisciplinary teams and implemented process improvements that enhanced patient outcomes and staff performance. Demonstrated expertise in patient assessment and electronic health records management.
Analytical Supervisor successful in leveraging evidence-based data to improve nurse education, patient outcomes and audit results. Skilled in developing robust training and education programs to build strong integrated nursing teams.
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
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Coordinator RN
Akron Children's Hospital
10.2020 - Current
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based clinical practices and protocols.
- Assisted in the recruitment, interviewing, selection process of qualified nursing personnel to maintain high-quality clinical staffing levels.
- Supported departmental goals by actively participating in committee meetings, contributing to policy revisions, and staying informed on current industry trends.
- Developed educational materials and presentations for both internal staff members and community outreach programs related to healthcare topics.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to continuously enhance patient care standards and overall performance metrics.
- Managed clinical projects from inception to completion, ensuring that goals were met within budget constraints and timeframes.
- Evaluated employee performance regularly; provided feedback on areas requiring growth or improvement; rewarded achievements accordingly.
- Promoted a culture of safety by identifying potential risks, implementing preventive measures, and conducting staff training sessions.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate documentation, adhering to policies, and participating in audits.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and address complex medical issues.
- Served as liaison between the nursing team and other healthcare professionals involved in patients'' care plans.
- Coordinated seamless transitions between healthcare settings by collaborating closely with case managers and other care providers.
- Upheld quality assurance procedures to maintain patient safety and satisfaction.
- Implemented new policies and educated staff on changes.
- Supervised and managed daily activities of clinical team consisting of all Critical Care and ALS level transport teams consisting of RN, RT, and Paramedic on each team. Encompassing 3 clinical bases 24 hour coverage.
- Devised and implemented clinical protocols to ensure high-quality patient care.
- Assessed clinical policies and procedures for compliance with changing regulations.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Led teams 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.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
Critical Care Transport Nurse
Akron Children's Hospital
09.2018 - 10.2020
- Coordinated effectively with other healthcare professionals involved in patient care during the transfer process, ensuring proper handoff of information pertaining to treatment plans and progress notes.
- Implemented advanced life support measures when necessary, stabilizing patients prior to arrival at destination facilities.
- Played a key role in the development and implementation of transport protocols, leading to more efficient operations and improved patient outcomes.
- Contributed to ongoing quality improvement initiatives within the critical care transport team by identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
- Assisted with the development of new policies and procedures within the critical care transport team, resulting in improved safety protocols and overall effectiveness of operations.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life support for critically ill patients and their families during transport.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in critical care nursing and transport medicine.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines governing critical care transport nursing, upholding the highest standards of professionalism at all times.
- Conducted thorough assessments of each patient''s needs upon arrival at referring hospitals before initiating any treatments or interventions during transport.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses joining the critical care transport team, sharing valuable knowledge and experience while fostering a positive learning environment.
- Maintained accurate patient records throughout the transport process, contributing to effective communication among healthcare providers.
- Enhanced patient care by providing rapid and efficient critical care transport services.
- Operated medical equipment efficiently during transports, including ventilators, IV pumps, and monitoring devices.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment in identifying potential complications early on during transports; prioritizing interventions based on severity.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient conditions en route between facilities, modifying treatment plans as needed for optimal outcomes.
- Educated patients and family members about the critical care transport process, addressing any concerns or questions they had.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
- Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.
PICU RN
Akron Children's Hospital
12.2005 - 08.2018
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and providing high-quality care in critical situations.
- Upheld regulatory compliance standards through diligent record-keeping practices, ensuring accurate documentation of medication administration, vital signs tracking, intervention implementation, and patient progress notes.
- Enhanced the overall quality of patient care by actively participating in unit-based committees and contributing valuable insights on best practices and policy development.
- Supported family members during challenging times, offering emotional support, resources, and clear explanations of complex medical conditions to alleviate anxieties surrounding the critical care experience.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to fluctuating workloads while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure, effectively managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on advancements in critical care nursing through continuing education opportunities and professional affiliations.
- Implemented individualized care plans based on thorough assessment data, regularly evaluating plan effectiveness and adjusting as needed to promote optimal recovery trajectories.
- Mentored new nurses, offering guidance on best practices and fostering a supportive learning environment within the critical care setting.
- Provided expert clinical judgment during rapidly evolving situations, initiating appropriate interventions to maximize patient outcomes.
- Promoted patient safety by adhering to strict infection control protocols and actively monitoring for potential complications.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between departments by coordinating patient transfers and maintaining open lines of communication with other healthcare professionals.
- Served as a trusted resource for colleagues seeking guidance on complex clinical situations, offering evidence-based recommendations and expertise gained from years of experience in critical care nursing.
- Contributed to facility-wide quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for improvement in practice standards and working collaboratively to implement changes.
- Increased efficiency of unit operations by collaborating with staff to streamline processes and optimize resources.
- Consistently received positive feedback from patients and their families for providing exceptional bedside manner, compassionate support, and clear communication throughout the critical care journey.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary communication through comprehensive documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely information sharing among team members.
- Collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams, fostering strong relationships to ensure comprehensive patient care in a critical care setting.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
- Provided targeted care and treatment to congenital heart patient both pre and post operatively, CRRT patient, and all critically ill patients.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in Pediatriccritical care units.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Akron
Akron, OH05-2011
Skills
- Nursing management
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient safety
- Patient confidentiality
- Clinical documentation
- Clinical assessment
- Quality improvement
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical leadership
- Direct patient care
- Patient education
- Clinical education
- Physical assessments
- Developing training programs
- Infection control
- Clinical inventory control
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Medical database expertise
- Staff scheduling
- Clinical instruction
- Clinical quality improvement
- Staff development
- Records management
- Process improvements
- Clinical supervision
- Data compilation
- Clinical data collection
- Improving clinical quality outcomes
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
- Earned "Excellence in Nursing Award" for Leardership.
- Devised effective policies and protocols resulting in 95% compliance with audit requirements.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Supervise team of 50 staff members.
- Collaborated in the development of the following Quality Improvement projects: Increasing the Use of Continuous Sedation in Intubated Transported Pediatric Patients. Reduction in the inappropriate use of Neuromuscular Blockade in Intubated Transported Pediatric Patients. Reduction of Unintentional Neonatal Hypothermia Increasing 1st Attempt IV start
Certification
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) - American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- Intelligence for Quality Improvement
- Project to Publication Quality Improvement
Excellence in Nursing Award
I was nominated and awarded this honor in 2021 by my supervisor for at the time, my informal leadership within the Critical Care transport team. I had identified an area of needed improvement for better outcomes of our intubated patient population. I discovered that there was a significant misuse of Neuromuscular Blockade (NMB) in our intubated patients with potentially leading to our patient being under sedated while receiving the NMB agent. During this process I developed at Quality Improvement project and was able to increase our use of continuous sedation to >80% from a baseline of 30% and decrease the use of NMB to
Timeline
Clinical Coordinator RN
Akron Children's Hospital
10.2020 - Current
Critical Care Transport Nurse
Akron Children's Hospital
09.2018 - 10.2020
PICU RN
Akron Children's Hospital
12.2005 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Akron