Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
RN License 098928
Timeline
Generic

Laura K. Thraen

Harlan,United States

Summary

With experience working in a locked behavioral health unit, day program, clinic specializing in psychiatric needs and residential and skilled nursing homes a clear understanding of the value of the program offered by Senior Life Solutions is greatly appreciated. Experience working in residential and skilled nursing homes has allowed a glimpse of the despair, loneliness and fear age sometimes brings. Along with despondency, I have also witnessed success in learning how to adjust and cope with aging and the challenges it brings. With individual and group therapy, combined with adjustments to anti-psychotic and antidepressant medications as indicated while in a safe and comfortable milieu is paramount to healing, coping and learning strategies to live the best life possible.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Case Manager

Myrtue Medical Center
10.2012 - Current
  • Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
  • Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being, including referrals to Senior Life Solutions/MealsOnWheels.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
  • Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Facilitated successful transitions between levels of care by developing detailed discharge plans and coordinating resources.
  • Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.

Assisted Living Director

Elm Crest Retirement Community
05.2008 - 10.2012
  • Improved resident satisfaction by implementing personalized care plans and regularly assessing progress for approximately 40 residents.
  • Enhanced staff of 8-10 efficiency through comprehensive training programs and consistent performance evaluations.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by conducting thorough internal audits and addressing identified issues promptly.
  • Conducted regular assessments of residents'' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being to adjust care plans accordingly.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions for new residents by coordinating move-in processes and providing ongoing support during their adjustment period.
  • Kept families informed about their loved ones'' progress through regular communication channels such as newsletters, phone calls, or email updates.
  • Actively participated in industry conferences or workshops staying current on trends, best practices, and innovations within the assisted living field.

Child Care Specialty Clinics

University Of Iowa
03.2006 - 05.2008
  • Assisted practitioners with intake of children with special and/or psychological needs.
  • Monitored tele-health appointments with children in Council Bluffs office and psychologist in Iowa City.
  • Communicated with family/educators and CCSC provider regarding behaviors and need for medication adjustments.
  • Educated family members on benefits and side effects of anti-psychotic medication in children.

SW Iowa Regional Child Care Nurse Consultant

West Central Development
04.2004 - 03.2006
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within Child Care Nurse Consultant duties for at home childcare providers and early childhood day care facilities.
  • Trained public health nurses in the role of Child Care Nurse Consultants in one-on-one settings and in quarterly meetings in 17 SW Iowa counties.
  • Inspected cleanliness and safety of childcare providers homes and facilities to meet regulations and qualify for grants.

Clinical Nurse for Dr. Timothy Brelje

Myrtue Medical Center
02.2002 - 04.2004
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
  • Streamlined workflow processes, improving overall efficiency within the unit.
  • Drew Labs, administered vaccines, scheduled appointments, communicated with other health care staff regarding patient needs.

Nurse Manager

Salem Lutheran Homes
05.1998 - 02.2002
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, ensuring quality care and consistency in nursing practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
  • Established strong relationships with patients'' families, providing support and education throughout the treatment process.
  • Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.

Inpatient Behavioral Health Nurse

Cass Health
11.1996 - 05.1998
  • Established rapport with patients, fostering trust and encouraging engagement in the therapeutic process.
  • Promoted family involvement in treatment planning by providing education on mental health conditions and available resources.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of psychiatric medications, enabling effective management of medication regimens for patients with complex needs.
  • Utilized de-escalation techniques effectively to manage crisis situations while maintaining a safe environment for all involved parties.
  • Collaborated closely with psychiatrists to develop comprehensive treatment plans addressing both medical and psychosocial needs of patients.
  • Partnered with social workers, counselors and doctors to develop plans of care.
  • Assisted in calming patients using recognized best practice techniques with help from assistants and guards.
  • Educated patients and families about mental health, diagnoses and treatment options.
  • Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
  • Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
  • Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
  • Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
  • Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Health Care Management

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
05.1998

Associate of Science - Nursing

Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, IA
05.1997

LPN - Practical Nursing

Ozarka Vo-Tech
Melbourne, AR
06.1991

Skills

  • Client Advocacy
  • Care Coordination
  • Case Management
  • Needs Assessment
  • Family Education
  • Positive Attitude
  • Active Listening
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Time management abilities

RN License 098928

Active Iowa RN License

Timeline

Case Manager

Myrtue Medical Center
10.2012 - Current

Assisted Living Director

Elm Crest Retirement Community
05.2008 - 10.2012

Child Care Specialty Clinics

University Of Iowa
03.2006 - 05.2008

SW Iowa Regional Child Care Nurse Consultant

West Central Development
04.2004 - 03.2006

Clinical Nurse for Dr. Timothy Brelje

Myrtue Medical Center
02.2002 - 04.2004

Nurse Manager

Salem Lutheran Homes
05.1998 - 02.2002

Inpatient Behavioral Health Nurse

Cass Health
11.1996 - 05.1998

Bachelor of Science - Health Care Management

Bellevue University

Associate of Science - Nursing

Iowa Western Community College

LPN - Practical Nursing

Ozarka Vo-Tech
Laura K. Thraen