Leah Wheeler-Rigazzi
Burlington
Summary
Diligent nursing supervisor with background in patient care and nursing. Skilled in managing complex medical conditions and supporting patient recovery. Demonstrated expertise in critical thinking and effective communication.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN
Racine Correctional Institution
Sturtevant, WI
11.2022 - Current
- Providing direct patient care in the HSU. CPR instructor for the DOC. Diabetic foot care, hypertension education and management. I work collaboratively with physicians, and other providers to ensure that smooth continuation of patient care. Medication management, implementing orders, physical assessments, and completing patient care per DOC nursing protocol.
- Nurse supervisor/ resource nurse second shift
- Completed 8 BLS courses for DOC employees
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses in high-stress environments.
- Trained and mentored new nursing staff on best practices and institutional protocols.
- Conducted health education sessions for inmates on disease prevention and wellness strategies.
- 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.
- 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.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
RN
Froedtert South
Pleasant Prairie, WI
01.2022 - 11.2022
- ICU and IMCU critical care nurse. Working with critically ill patients in collaboration with doctors, nurses and other specialties to achieve patient care outcomes. Telemonitoring, stoke care with NIH stroke certification, cardiac and post operative nursing to ensure that the patients can be discharged to step down unit or home.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans based on thorough assessments.
- Implemented infection control measures, reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.
- Evaluated patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to improve recovery rates.
- 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.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- 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 frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- 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.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Cared for multiple patients with varied degrees of accuity.
LPN
The Addison of Pleasant Prairie
Pleasant Prairie, WI
05.2021 - 07.2021
- Second shift nurse supervisor. Medication management, blood glucose checks, attended to emergencies, and deaths.
- Supervised 15 CNA's and med techs.
- Responsible for the care of 210 residents.
- Assisted in daily living activities for residents, promoting dignity and independence in their routines.
- Trained new nursing staff on best practices and protocols, fostering a culture of excellence in patient care.
- Implemented infection control measures, contributing to a safe and hygienic environment for residents and staff.
- Conducted health assessments and screenings, identifying potential health issues for early intervention.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers, ensuring clarity in care processes.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork through active participation in unit meetings, performance improvement initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans, optimizing patient outcomes.
- Maintained meticulous records of patient care, treatments, and progress, ensuring continuity of care.
- Led training sessions for new LPNs and nursing assistants, improving team competency and patient care standards.
- Delivered wound care and managed dressings, preventing infections and promoting healing.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Clearly and thoroughly explained diagnoses, treatment options and procedures to patients and loved ones, checking in to verify understanding.
Respite Worker
State of Wisconsin
Kenosha, WI
06.2019 - 05.2021
- Home health worker for Wisconsin’s Waiver program.
- Monitored client progress and reported observations to healthcare professionals, ensuring timely interventions when necessary.
- Coordinated recreational activities tailored to individual interests, promoting engagement and socialization among clients.
- Advocated for client needs within multidisciplinary teams, influencing care strategies that improve quality of life.
- Improved client well-being by providing consistent and compassionate care during respite periods.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and their families, fostering trust and open communication.
- Established clear boundaries while still maintaining compassion when working with challenging client behaviors.
- Communicated effectively with both healthcare professionals and family members regarding any changes in client condition or behavior patterns observed during respite care sessions.
- Conducted regular assessments of client progress, adjusting care plans as needed to optimize overall wellness.
- Managed emergency situations calmly and efficiently while following established protocols to ensure client safety.
- Tracked client medications accurately, administering them according to prescribed schedules while monitoring for potential side effects or interactions.
- Prepared nutritious meals, cleaned house, laundered clothing and completed shopping tasks.
- Upheld strict confidentiality standards to protect the privacy of clients and their families at all times.
- Assisted in the development of coping strategies for families dealing with significant life changes due to medical conditions or disabilities.
- Provided individualized care and support to clients, enhancing daily living activities and overall well-being.
- Developed and implemented personalized respite plans in collaboration with families and caregivers.
Personal Care Assistant
Kelly McConahay
Eagle, WI
11.2017 - 05.2019
- Provided compassionate personal care to clients, ensuring comfort and dignity in daily activities.
- Cared for patients with stage 3 and 4 cancer
- Educated clients and families on health management strategies, enhancing overall quality of life.
- Monitored client health status, documenting changes accurately for timely reporting to medical staff.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted patients with self-administered medications.
- Monitored vital signs regularly, promptly reporting any abnormal findings to medical professionals for further evaluation.
- Facilitated client transportation to appointments, ensuring punctuality while providing emotional support during visits.
- Changed dressings, bandages, and binders to maintain proper healing and sanitary measures.
- Entrusted to handle confidential and sensitive situations in professional matter.
- Maintained entire family's schedule and organized events.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Gateway
Kenosha, WI12-2021
Skills
- Patient Care
- Assessments
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Wound care
- Medication and IV administration
- Documentation and charting
- Strong clinical judgment
- Intravenous therapy
- Nursing staff leadership
- Precepting
- Complex Problem-solving
Certification
BLS Instructor
Foot and wound care certified
Clinical rotations
- Racine Correctional Institution HSU 80 hours completed with preceptor Stephen McCullen.
- Cardiac (CVI-5) floor Ascension St. Mary’s Mount Pleasant Fall 2021
- Medical Surgical floor Aurora Hospital Burlington Fall 2020 and Spring 2021
Contact
- 30047 Bushnell Rd. Burlington WI 53105
- (262) 949-4582
- LWheelerRN@gmail.com
- Linkedin.com/in/leah-wheeler-rigazzi-94a522192
Timeline
RN
Racine Correctional Institution
11.2022 - Current
RN
Froedtert South
01.2022 - 11.2022
LPN
The Addison of Pleasant Prairie
05.2021 - 07.2021
Respite Worker
State of Wisconsin
06.2019 - 05.2021
Personal Care Assistant
Kelly McConahay
11.2017 - 05.2019
Associate of Science - Nursing
Gateway