LINDA HELMS
Waurika,OK
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse Case Manager with expertise in care coordination, patient management, and resource utilization. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through effective collaboration and mentorship.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse Case Manager/Utilization Review Nurse
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
01.2022 - 02.2026
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance care delivery and improve patient satisfaction.
- Mentored junior nursing staff in case management best practices, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate resource utilization for complex cases.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Developed professional relationships with community partners to enhance available support services for patients transitioning from acute care settings.
- Coordinated rehabilitative and preventive nursing processes and procedures.
- Worked with suppliers and vendors on provision of medical equipment, items and services.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Implemented fall prevention strategies to minimize patient injuries and promote a safe environment within the medical-surgical unit.
- Mentored new staff members and nursing students, fostering a supportive learning environment within the unit.
- Utilized Meditech to document data related to patient care such as medications, interventions and patient responses.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
10.2020 - 01.2021
- Assisted medical-surgical unit during COVID-19 to support patient care and alleviate workload for healthcare staff.
- Performed essential nursing duties to uphold quality patient services.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Jefferson County Hospital
Waurika, OK
07.2020 - 10.2020
- Provided critical nursing support in both floor and emergency room settings during COVID-19 to maintain high standards of patient health and safety.
Registered Nurse Ambulatory Care Unit
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
11.2017 - 07.2020
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring patient safety and compliance with protocols.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team, facilitating timely interventions.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit/Emergency
Jefferson County Hospital
Waurika, OK
08.2017 - 11.2017
- Chosen to assist staff transitioning to updated policies and procedures at newly acquired sister hospital. Fostered a collaborative environment to ensure smooth integration of teams.
- Administered patient care, including medication management and vital sign monitoring.
- Led quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and satisfaction metrics.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Administered medications and monitored patient vital signs in accordance with established protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on discharge care and disease management strategies.
- Supervised junior nursing staff, providing mentorship and guidance during complex procedures.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate patient condition changes, ensuring timely interventions as needed.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
REGISTERED NURSE SKILLED REHAB
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
04.2014 - 08.2016
- Worked weekends as floor nurse on skilled unit and case management during the week.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure safety and effectiveness.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge instructions.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
12.2012 - 08.2016
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and improving team performance.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, identifying critical health issues for timely interventions.
- Managed patient education initiatives, enhancing understanding of treatment plans and health maintenance strategies.
- 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.
- 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.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Aspire Home Healthcare
05.2011 - 10.2012
- Coordinated patient care plans to ensure adherence to treatment protocols and improve health outcomes.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and develop tailored interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to facilitate communication and optimize care delivery.
- Monitored patient progress, adjusting care plans based on evolving health conditions and feedback.
- Educated patients and families about disease management, medication adherence, and health maintenance strategies.
- Participated in on-call rotations to deliver after-hours care.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Nurse Technician
DRH Health
Duncan, OK
05.2010 - 05.2011
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patient condition.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient areas and equipment.
- Assisted nursing staff with essential tasks, ensuring efficient delivery of high-quality care to patients.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Supported daily activities, ensuring comfort and safety for patients.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Western Oklahoma State College
Lawton, OK05-2011
Skills
- Direct patient care
- Goal setting
- Care coordination
- EMR / EHR
- Geriatric care
- Discharge planning
- Home care management
- Staff management
- Resource utilization
- Referral coordination
- Patient management
- Healthcare regulations
Timeline
Registered Nurse Case Manager/Utilization Review Nurse
DRH Health
01.2022 - 02.2026
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
DRH Health
01.2021 - 01.2022
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
DRH Health
10.2020 - 01.2021
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Jefferson County Hospital
07.2020 - 10.2020
Registered Nurse Ambulatory Care Unit
DRH Health
11.2017 - 07.2020
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit/Emergency
Jefferson County Hospital
08.2017 - 11.2017
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
DRH Health
08.2016 - 08.2017
REGISTERED NURSE SKILLED REHAB
DRH Health
04.2014 - 08.2016
Registered Nurse Case Manager
DRH Health
12.2012 - 08.2016
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Aspire Home Healthcare
05.2011 - 10.2012
Nurse Technician
DRH Health
05.2010 - 05.2011
Associate of Science - Nursing
Western Oklahoma State College