Linda Falgoust RNC
Registered Nurse
Covington,LA
Summary
Registered nurse with 36 years of experience supporting and advocating for patients and patient's families of many backgrounds and cultures. Committed to honest and open communication with fantastic multitasking skills and extensive knowledge of ongoing personalized patient care. Looking to work long-term for a fulfilling position supporting patients with dynamic needs.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
RN Navigator Pre-kidney
Tulane University Hospital and Clinics
New Orleans, LA
09.2017 - Current
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Utilized computerized resources and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems: EPIC/Pheonix, eClinic Works, Transchart and Meditech.
- Delivering information regarding medical history and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Updating referring physicians and/or dialysis centers on patient's progress with transplant candidacy progress, including referral denials and requirements for re-referrals.
- Reviewing and evaluating diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's candidacy for moving forward in evaluation process.
- Presenting patients at weekly Candidate Selection Committee meetings for discussions on candidacy.
- Arranging outreach education days for dialysis centers focusing on education to patients, families and dialysis staff regarding organ transplantation and kidney living donation.
CVRA RN (Cardiovascular Recovery Area)
Tulane University Hospital and Clinics
New Orleans, LA
01.2017 - 09.2017
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Preoperative assessment and preparation for cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology patients including starting IVs, administering intravenous fluids and preoperative medications
- Collected lab specimens, ordering diagnostic tests and timely communication of lab results to treating physicians/medical disciplines.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Postoperative recovery of cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology patients.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history including medication reconciliation
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- From June through September 2017, I functioned as the scheduler for the cardiac catheterization lab and interventional radiology.
Risk Management RN
Tulane University Hospital and Clinics
New Orleans, LA
02.2013 - 11.2016
- Liaised with hospital's legal counsel to facilitate processes including depositions, affidavits, nursing process review, documentation review, nursing policy review, manage settlement mediations and attorney/client meetings.
- Accountable for multifaceted duties related to Tulane's legal requests, patient issues, and quality of patient care, i.e., managing potential hazards & liabilities, risk of errors, accidents and other adverse events
- Reviewed documents to guarantee quality, consistency and adherence to criteria.
- Hospital occurrence report review
- Facilitating Root Cause Analysis process
- Assisting with staff deposition preparation
- Facilitation of Louisiana Patient Compensation Fund enrollment &renewal for providers
Staff RN-Neonatal ICU
Tulane University Hospital and Clinic
New Orleans, LA
06.1996 - 03.2015
- Read physician orders and administered therapies, treatments and medications.
- Explained treatment procedures, medication side effects, special diets and physician instructions to patients.
- Reviewed physician orders and participated in medication management to optimize patient safety.
- Maintained reports to provide oncoming shift with full patient status.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to create, implement and adapt individualized care plans.
- Mentored new nurses on practices and procedures to drive patient outcome goals.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
- In my 19 years in Tulane's Level IIIR NICU, I held many roles, all of which I still cherish. I was a nursing preceptor for 17 years, an ECMO technician, the education hospitalist from 2009 until 2013, CPR instructor for parents, Neonatal Resuscitation Program Instructor, part of the transport team and charge nurse when needed.
RN Staff RN-NICU
Woman's Hospital Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
08.1994 - 08.1997
- Managed day-to-day routines for newborn babies by administering medication and fluids and checking vital signs regularly.
- Utilized valuable communication skills to deliver information to family members regarding patient treatment, care and medical options.
- Delivered exceptional care to neonatal ICU patients in a level III setting
- Attended hight risk infant deliveries
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
Travel Nurse-NICU/PICU RN
USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA
06.1989 - 05.1994
- I initiated my work experience with USC Medical Center as a travel nurse. Once my second contract was complete, I extended my employment with them as a 218 Flexpool RN in their level III NICU and stepdown nursery.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Attended hight risk infant deliveries
- Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
- Discharge teaching, including infant CPR to parents and family members
Staff RN, NICU
Charity Hospital New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
05.1988 - 05.1989
- Read physician orders and administered therapies, treatments and medications.
- Reviewed physician orders and participated in medication management to optimize patient safety.
- Maintained reports to provide oncoming shift with full patient status.
- Attended high risk infant deliveries
- Ended this employment after one year to begin travel nursing.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, LA05.2010
Diploma of Nursing - Nursing
Charity Hospital School of Nursing
New Orleans05.1988
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing prerequisite courses
Nichols State University
Thibodeaux, LASome College (No Degree) - Nursing pre-requisite courses
University of New Orleans
New Orleans, LASkills
- CPR certified
- Staff Development and Precepting
- Ventilator care
- Medication and IV administration
- IV drug therapy management
- Multitasking
- Basic math
- Colostomy care familiarity
- Body mechanics knowledge
Affiliations
- Recipient of Florence Nightingale Clinical Award for Excellence, 2010
- RNC Certification in Neonatal Nursing 1994-2026
Timeline
RN Navigator Pre-kidney
Tulane University Hospital and Clinics
09.2017 - Current
CVRA RN (Cardiovascular Recovery Area)
Tulane University Hospital and Clinics
01.2017 - 09.2017
Risk Management RN
Tulane University Hospital and Clinics
02.2013 - 11.2016
Staff RN-Neonatal ICU
Tulane University Hospital and Clinic
06.1996 - 03.2015
RN Staff RN-NICU
Woman's Hospital Baton Rouge
08.1994 - 08.1997
Travel Nurse-NICU/PICU RN
USC Medical Center
06.1989 - 05.1994
Staff RN, NICU
Charity Hospital New Orleans
05.1988 - 05.1989
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Loyola University New Orleans
Diploma of Nursing - Nursing
Charity Hospital School of Nursing
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing prerequisite courses
Nichols State University
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing pre-requisite courses
University of New Orleans
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