Laurie Smith
Johnson City
Summary
Dynamic RN with extensive experience at UHS, recognized for implementing evidence-based practices that significantly reduced patient falls. Skilled in medication administration and patient education, I excel in critical care environments, fostering strong relationships with patients and families while ensuring optimal recovery outcomes through compassionate care and effective communication.
Am able to maintain schedules for MD's and care team. Work closely with team members. Ask for help when I don't know something. Manage triage calls in a timely manner. Able to evaluate a patient over the phone.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
RN
UHS
01.2025 - Current
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Worked as the RN for a specific care team within the office.
- Managed MD schedule's.
- Scheduled patient's for appropriate appointments.
- Managed patient triage calls.
- Roomed patient's and accurately filled out medication's, monitored vital signs and performed EKG's
- Prepared medication prescriptions for providers.
- Relayed lab and testing results to patient's.
RN, CVICU
UHS Wilson Medical Center
12.2004 - 01.2025
- Assessed patient conditions to determine appropriate care interventions and ensure safety during critical situations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Executed medication administration protocols adhering to safety standards, minimizing risks associated with drug interactions.
- Monitored vital signs and critical care parameters, promptly identifying changes that required immediate clinical response.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care, fostering understanding of treatment plans and recovery expectations.
- Implemented evidence-based infection control practices to reduce hospital-acquired infections and enhance patient outcomes.
- Conducted thorough documentation and reporting of patient progress, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
- Coordinated emergency response actions during code situations, contributing to rapid stabilization of critically ill patients.
- Utilized advanced critical care technologies to monitor patients, enhancing accuracy of assessments and interventions.
- Trained and mentored junior nursing staff, promoting best practices in critical care and fostering professional development.
- Maintained effective communication with patients and families, addressing concerns and providing emotional support during crises.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities for enhancing care delivery and patient safety.
- Reviewed and updated nursing protocols regularly to align with current guidelines and improve care efficiency.
- Provided critical care support during surgical procedures, ensuring patient stability and adherence to safety protocols.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to fluctuating workloads while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure, effectively managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Contributed to facility-wide quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for improvement in practice standards and working collaboratively to implement changes.
- Implemented individualized care plans based on thorough assessment data, regularly evaluating plan effectiveness and adjusting as needed to promote optimal recovery trajectories.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on advancements in critical care nursing through continuing education opportunities and professional affiliations.
- Provided expert clinical judgment during rapidly evolving situations, initiating appropriate interventions to maximize patient outcomes.
- Developed cultural competence through collaboration with diverse patient populations, ensuring that language barriers or cultural differences did not impede the delivery of high-quality care.
- Enhanced the overall quality of patient care by actively participating in unit-based committees and contributing valuable insights on best practices and policy development.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between departments by coordinating patient transfers and maintaining open lines of communication with other healthcare professionals.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices and providing high-quality care in critical situations.
- Achieved high levels of patient satisfaction through empathetic communication, addressing concerns promptly, and involving patients in decision-making processes.
- Upheld regulatory compliance standards through diligent record-keeping practices, ensuring accurate documentation of medication administration, vital signs tracking, intervention implementation, and patient progress notes.
- Collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams, fostering strong relationships to ensure comprehensive patient care in a critical care setting.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cared for patient's that had open heart surgery, heart attacks, pacemakers, ventilators, IABP's. Impellas and Ecmo's.
- Cared for all critically ill patient's in the unit.
- Taught yearly credentialing with staff.
RN
Lourdes Hospital
09.1994 - 12.2004
- Provided direct patient care in various departments, ensuring comfort and safety during treatment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Administered intravenous medications and therapies while monitoring patient responses to treatment.
- Conducted routine health assessments to evaluate patient conditions and identify potential complications.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, medication regimens, and lifestyle modifications.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Documented patient care activities accurately in electronic health records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated discharge planning by coordinating with social services and community resources.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Trained nursing students and new staff on clinical procedures and best practices in patient care.
- Responded swiftly to emergency situations, utilizing advanced life support skills as necessary.
- Monitored vital signs and lab results, promptly notifying healthcare providers of any significant changes.
- Assisted in the management of chronic illnesses through patient education and regular follow-up care.
- Conducted pre-operative assessments and provided patient education regarding surgical procedures and recovery expectations.
- Coordinated with pharmacy staff to reconcile medications and prevent potential drug interactions.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
- 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.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- 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.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
SUNY Broome Community College
Binghamton, NY05-1994
High School Diploma -
Vestal High School
Vestal, NY06-1991
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Patient assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Patient care
- Wound care
- Compassion and empathy
- IV setup
- Intravenous therapy
- Care planning
- Patient management
- Patient monitoring
- Care plan development
- Professional bedside manner
- Physical assessments
- Patient evaluation
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
- Taking vitals
- Critical care
- Collecting vitals
- Medication distribution
- Tracheostomy care
- Precepting
- Patient discharge
- Lab result interpretation
- Team coordination
- EMR systems
- Performing ekgs
- Complex Problem-solving
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Intake and discharge
- Emergency response
- Maintaining privacy
- Relationship building
- Vaccine administration
- Chart updating
- Diabetes management
- Insulin medication assistance
- EMR / EHR
- High level of autonomy
- Procedure preparations
- Chronic disease management
- Medical assessment
- ADL assistance
- Patient counseling
- Staff supervision
- Personal care needs
- Patient relations
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Chest pain management
- Emergency procedures
- Treatment Planning
- Emotional awareness
- Data collection
- HIPAA education
- Cardiac care
- Acute care expertise
- Hospice and palliative care
- Case management
- Oxygen saturation standards
- Removing sutures
- Seizure management
- Feeding assistance
- At-risk patient care
- Medical evaluation
- Appointment scheduling
- Call triaging
- Supply restocking
- Setting up referrals
Timeline
RN
UHS
01.2025 - Current
RN, CVICU
UHS Wilson Medical Center
12.2004 - 01.2025
RN
Lourdes Hospital
09.1994 - 12.2004
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
SUNY Broome Community College
High School Diploma -
Vestal High School