Accomplished Director of Nursing at Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, I spearheaded quality improvement initiatives and infection prevention programs, elevating patient care standards. My leadership fostered a culture of professional development and healthcare compliance, significantly enhancing staff competency and patient safety. Expert in nursing operations management and possessing a strong work ethic, I excel in driving results through effective team guidance and critical thinking.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Nursing for Intensive Services/Infection Preventionist
Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
04.2018 - Current
Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
Facilitated continuing education and training programs to drive staff competency and professional development.
Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
Engaged with local educational institutions to support the recruitment and retention of highly skilled nurses, contributing to a robust pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce.
Defined testing protocols, quality assurance initiatives and clinic policies and procedures.
School Nurse
Goshen Community Schools
08.2007 - 03.2018
Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
Monitored ongoing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, adjusting care plans accordingly to maintain optimal student wellness levels.
Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
Managed immunization compliance within the school population to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students.
Assessed student health and identified potential health concerns to provide appropriate care.
Screened for infectious diseases to help prevent spreading within school community.
Oversaw health services for school of 300 students and faculty.
Implemented emergency protocols in medical emergencies to promote safety for students and staff.
Educated students on various health topics to promote overall health and wellbeing.
Maintained upkeep on defibrillators, blood pressure monitors and first aid kits to keep resources in working condition for emergencies.
Facilitated early detection of health issues by conducting routine screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, among others.
Outpatient Nurse
Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
02.1995 - 03.2018
Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult health-related situations, fostering trusting relationships between healthcare providers and clients.
Increased overall efficiency in the outpatient setting by effectively triaging patients based on severity of presenting symptoms.
Consistently met strict documentation requirements for medical records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in the outpatient setting.
Utilized evidence-based practice recommendations to stay current on advancements in outpatient nursing, resulting in improved patient care delivery.
Delivered high-quality nursing care by adapting to diverse patient populations and addressing unique needs within the outpatient environment.
Facilitated open communication channels among healthcare teams ensuring all relevant information is shared and discussed to make the best decisions for patient care.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Mentored new nursing staff members, sharing best practices for effective communication, time management, and clinical skills development within the outpatient setting.
Managed chronic conditions effectively under physician supervision using evidence-based practice guidelines.
Contributed to a positive workplace culture through active participation in staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities.
Promoted patient safety through vigilant identification of potential risks and timely intervention to prevent complications.
Ensured accurate medication administration, closely monitoring patient responses to prevent adverse reactions.
Inpatient Psychiatric Nurse
Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
05.1991 - 12.1994
Provided compassionate care to patients experiencing suicidal ideation or engaging in self-harm behaviors, employing appropriate interventions as necessary.
Aligned therapeutic approaches with cultural sensitivities when working with diverse patient populations experiencing various mental health challenges.
Maintained a high degree of professionalism when faced with challenging or emotionally charged situations, consistently promoting a therapeutic environment for patient recovery.
Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions by regularly assessing patient progress toward treatment goals.
Advocated for patients'' rights, maintaining confidentiality and promoting autonomy throughout the treatment process.
Utilized crisis intervention skills to de-escalate volatile situations, ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
Developed individualized care plans, addressing each patient''s unique needs and goals for recovery.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of psychiatric nursing.
Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions, progress notes, and treatment plans to support continuity of care among healthcare providers.
Developed strong rapport with patients through empathetic engagement and genuine interest in their wellbeing.
Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Goshen College
Goshen, IN
05.1991
High School Diploma -
Goshen High School
Goshen, IN
05.1987
Skills
Nurse Education and Training
Leadership and Guidance
Quality Improvement
Strong Work Ethic
Professional Development
Staff recruitment and retention
Healthcare Regulations Compliance
Critical Thinking
Schedule Management
Training and mentoring
Nursing Operations Management
Nursing Ethics
HIPAA Regulations
Programs Development
Medical Equipment Services
Effective Multitasking
Behavioral Health
Affiliations
APIC National, State and Regional
Indiana District 2 Healthcare Coalition
Certification
Registered Nursing License - current
Certified in BLS CPR through AHA - current
Certified in CPI - current
Timeline
Director of Nursing for Intensive Services/Infection Preventionist