LIZABETH "Kay" RICHARDS
Tomball
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with 31 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Demonstrated ability to quickly assess patient needs and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Adept at using electronic health records (EHR) to document patient data, maintain medical records and track treatment progress. Committed to evidence-based practice and continuing education to stay abreast of developments in the healthcare field.
Developed compassionate care and patient advocacy skills in hospice environment, seeking to transition into new field. Expertise in patient communication and emotional support, along with proficiency in administering medications and managing care plans. Looking to apply these transferrable skills to make meaningful impact in new professional setting.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Registered Nurse
Oasis Hospice
10.2020 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions, recognize complications and intervene appropriately
- Managed multiple tasks while providing timely, high quality patient care
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and hospital policies
- Demonstrated strong communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes
- Provided direct patient care, including assessment and evaluation of health status, development of individualized plans of care and implementation of nursing interventions
- Monitored vital signs as part of ongoing assessment process
- Educated patients about their diagnosis, medications, nutrition requirements, pain management strategies
- Kept accurate records and charts related to medications and treatments according to policies, procedures, and physician orders
- Reported symptoms, condition changes and vital signs to primary care doctors, patients, and families
- Performed accurate documentation in the electronic medical record according to established standards
- Prioritized workloads based on changing clinical situations
- Protected patients' rights and dignity by delivering care without judgment or discrimination
- Assessed and evaluated patient physical, mental, and emotional status to assist with care needs
- Assumed leadership role when supervising staff nurses or students in clinical rotations
- Educated patient and family members on symptom management and supportive treatments to improve continuity of care
- Performed therapeutic nursing interventions to promote patient well-being
- Assisted physicians during examinations and procedures as needed
- Prepared patients for examinations, operations, and treatments and assisted during procedures
- Developed individualized plan of care to perform appropriate treatments as ordered by physician
- Coordinated discharge planning activities for patients transitioning from acute care setting to home care or other post-acute settings
- Compared patient response with observable outcomes to evaluate effectiveness of care
- Provided emotional support for families dealing with difficult situations or diagnoses
- Coordinated hospice services including volunteer programs, bereavement counseling, spiritual care services
- Conducted home visits for health assessment, education and monitoring of patient progress
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and develop appropriate interventions
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to deliver holistic care to the patient
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment of physical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs
- Counseled family members on coping strategies related to grief associated with death and dying process
- Maintained strict adherence to HIPAA regulations for confidentiality purposes
- Provided compassionate care and support to terminally ill patients and their families
- Educated patients and families about end-of-life issues such as pain management, symptom control and advance directives
- Counseled patient and family regarding symptom control, medications and pain relief
- Used specific criteria for admissions and re-certifications to hospice care to establish appropriate levels of care and patient eligibility
- Taught primary caregiver skills necessary to care for patient at home
- Initiated ongoing comprehensive assessments of terminal disease impact on patient's physical, functional and psychological needs
- Assessed ability of caregiver to meet immediate patient needs upon admission and throughout care
- Determined scope and frequency of service needed based on acuity and patient and family needs
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Cleveland Emergency Hospital
07.2018 - 10.2020
- Developed a comprehensive plan of care for patients with complex medical issues
- Adhered to all safety protocols while administering treatments or medications to ensure patient safety
- Demonstrated strong clinical skills in providing direct patient care, including wound care and medication administration
- Monitored patient progress by assessing symptoms, evaluating treatments and interventions, responding to changes in condition quickly
- Performed detailed assessments of patient's health status, including physical exams, lab results, diagnostic tests, vital signs
- Actively participated in professional development activities such as continuing education courses or certifications
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to coordinate the delivery of quality care to patients
- Utilized evidence based practice guidelines when formulating nursing interventions for specific conditions or diagnoses
- Prioritized workload efficiently according to changing needs of patients throughout shift
- Communicated effectively with physicians regarding treatment plans for individual patients
- Administered medications to patients and monitored for reactions or side effects
- Followed infection control procedures to prevent or stop spread of infections
- Used computers to complete necessary patient charts and documentation on patients' progress
- Assisted physicians with examinations, procedures and other medical tasks
- Educated individuals and families on health education and disease prevention
- Assessed patient's physical and psychosocial status to determine readiness for discharge
- Prepared examination rooms with sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies
Staff Registered Nurse, ICU
Kindred Hospital
05.2016 - 06.2018
- Maintained a safe environment for both staff members and patients through proper use of PPE and adherence to infection control guidelines
- Educated patients about their conditions, medications and treatment options while providing emotional support as needed
- Actively participated in performance improvement initiatives to enhance quality of care provided by the ICU staff
- Demonstrated expertise in critical thinking, clinical decision-making, problem solving and time management
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining focus on providing compassionate and holistic nursing care
- Identified potential complications or changes in patient condition and took appropriate actions accordingly
- Assessed patient's physical condition by reviewing medical records, conducting interviews and performing physical examinations
- Utilized advanced technological equipment such as ventilators, cardiac monitors and infusion pumps for the delivery of optimal healthcare services
- Administered medications and treatments according to physicians' orders while adhering to hospital policies and procedures
- Performed emergency life-saving measures when necessary including CPR and intubation techniques
- Provided direct patient care and assessment in a fast-paced ICU setting
- Developed and implemented individualized plans of care based on patients' needs, abilities and preferences
- Monitored vital signs, blood glucose levels, nutrition intake and output levels and other data related to patient health status
- Documented all patient assessments, interventions, medications administered and responses in an accurate manner
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality patient care outcomes
- Participated actively in daily rounds with physician team members to discuss plan of care for each assigned patient
- Participated in code blue and rapid response teams, providing timely and effective emergency care in critical situations
- Administered and managed advanced life support interventions, including ventilator management, cardiac monitoring, and hemodynamic monitoring
- Set up and monitored medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators, and alarms, oxygen delivery devices, transducers, and pressure lines
- Administered blood and blood products, monitoring patients for signs and symptoms related to transfusion reactions
- Monitored patients for changes in status and indications of conditions such as sepsis and shock and institute appropriate interventions
- Prioritized nursing care for assigned critically ill patients, based on assessment data and identified needs
- Administered medications intravenously, by injection, orally, through gastric tubes, and by other methods
- Monitored patients' fluid intake and output to detect emerging problems, such as fluid, and electrolyte imbalances
- Advocated for patients' and families' needs, or provided emotional support for patients and families
- Conducted pulmonary assessments to identify abnormal respiratory patterns or breathing sounds that indicate problems
- Collected specimens for laboratory tests
- Identified patients' age-specific needs and altered care plans as necessary to meet those needs
Registered Nurse, Hospice DON
Seasons Hospice
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Provided post-mortem care
- Compiled and analyzed data obtained from monitoring and diagnostic tests
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions, recognize complications and intervene appropriately
- Managed multiple tasks while providing timely, high quality patient care
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and hospital policies
- Demonstrated strong communication skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes
- Provided direct patient care, including assessment and evaluation of health status, development of individualized plans of care and implementation of nursing interventions
- Educated patients about their diagnosis, medications, nutrition requirements, pain management strategies
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and safety protocols
- Kept accurate records and charts related to medications and treatments according to policies, procedures, and physician orders
- Reported symptoms, condition changes and vital signs to primary care doctors, patients, and families
- Assumed leadership role when supervising staff nurses or students in clinical rotations
- Educated patient and family members on symptom management and supportive treatments to improve continuity of care
- Performed therapeutic nursing interventions to promote patient well-being
- Consulted and coordinated with health care team members to assess and evaluate patient care plans
- Identified opportunities for improvement within the unit's processes and systems
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Good Shepherd Hospice
07.2015 - 08.2015
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process, promoting dignity and comfort.
- Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication regimens for symptom control in terminally ill patients.
- Improved patient care by developing and implementing comprehensive hospice nursing plans tailored to individual needs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on patient acuity levels.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless delivery of hospice services.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient interactions, assessments, interventions, and responses to care.
- Educated patients and families about illness progression, treatment options, and available resources for additional support.
- Efficiently managed caseloads while adhering to regulatory guidelines ensuring compliance with Medicare conditions of participation.
- Ensured timely delivery of medical treatments for optimal symptom management while maintaining a high level of compassion.
- Promoted an environment conducive to open communication among staff members regarding complex cases or challenging situations.
- Monitored and evaluated patient progress, adjusting care plans accordingly for best possible outcomes.
Hospice Registered Nurse
Lighthouse Hospice
08.2010 - 07.2014
- Performed community outreach activities related to hospice awareness campaigns
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and develop appropriate interventions
- Assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated patient care in accordance with established policies and procedures
- Provided compassionate care and support to terminally ill patients and their families
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to deliver holistic care to the patient
- Counseled family members on coping strategies related to grief associated with death and dying process
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, medications administered and other pertinent data points
- Participated in interdisciplinary meetings to discuss treatment plans for patients at end-of-life stages
- Facilitated referrals for additional services needed by the patient and family
- Administered medications according to physician orders while adhering to policy guidelines
- Maintained strict adherence to HIPAA regulations for confidentiality purposes
- Conducted home visits for health assessment, education and monitoring of patient progress
- Coordinated hospice services including volunteer programs, bereavement counseling, spiritual care services
- Attended continuing education courses and workshops as required by state regulations
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment of physical, psychosocial, spiritual and cultural needs
- Educated patients and families about end-of-life issues such as pain management, symptom control and advance directives
- Counseled patient and family regarding symptom control, medications and pain relief
- Used specific criteria for admissions and re-certifications to hospice care to establish appropriate levels of care and patient eligibility
- Taught primary caregiver skills necessary to care for patient at home
- Initiated ongoing comprehensive assessments of terminal disease impact on patient's physical, functional and psychological needs
- Informed physician and other personnel of changes in patient needs and outcomes of interventions
- Assessed ability of caregiver to meet immediate patient needs upon admission and throughout care
- Determined scope and frequency of service needed based on acuity and patient and family needs
- Prepared clinical and progress notes demonstrating advancement toward established goals
- Developed strong relationships with patients through compassionate communication techniques
- Provided emotional support for families dealing with difficult situations or diagnoses
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital
06.2009 - 09.2010
- Exhibited strong critical thinking skills in responding to emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage or neonatal resuscitation, collaborating with the healthcare team to provide prompt interventions and stabilize patients'' conditions.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- Assisted physicians in performing various procedures such as epidurals, cesarean sections, vacuum-assisted deliveries, and forceps deliveries for optimal patient outcomes.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Managed high-risk pregnancies effectively by collaborating with specialized healthcare teams to develop tailored care plans for each patient''s unique needs.
- Responded to emergency situations such as pre-eclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
- Maintained current knowledge of obstetrical nursing best practices through continuous professional development and participation in relevant workshops or conferences.
- Educated patients on postpartum care including self-care measures, infant care basics, warning signs of complications, and follow-up appointments.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and thorough education on labor and delivery procedures.
- Coached new mothers with breastfeeding techniques, postpartum self-care and infant care to promote easier transition into motherhood.
- Recognized early signs of distress in both mother and baby during labor; intervened appropriately to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Assisted obstetricians and midwives with deliveries and cared for newborns directly after birth.
- Coordinated care of low and high-risk laboring women of childbearing age and immediate stabilization of newborn following delivery.
- Enhanced team efficiency by effectively collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals during labor and delivery processes.
- Administered medications as ordered by physicians while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions.
- Worked closely with doctors and midwives in coaching pregnant women through childbirth and post-natal recovery.
- Contributed to unit quality improvement initiatives by participating in regular staff meetings, offering suggestions for process improvements, and implementing changes as necessary.
Registered Nursed Labor and Delivery
St Joseph's Hospital
09.2004 - 06.2009
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Responded to emergency situations such as pre-eclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- Assessed infant health directly after birth using APGAR and monitored health for specified amount of time for any changes in status.
- Managed epidural analgesia infusions and monitored vital signs during labor and delivery.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments and assisted with pain management.
- Maintained a safe and sterile environment, ensuring optimal conditions for successful deliveries.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, individualized care throughout the labor and delivery process.
- Administered medications accurately and safely under physician guidance during labor induction or augmentation processes.
- Educated expectant mothers on available pain management options during the birthing process while respecting individual preferences.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between prenatal care, labor, delivery, postpartum care, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex medical procedures, including cesarean sections and forceps deliveries.
- Promoted maternal-infant bonding by educating new parents on infant care techniques such as breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, sharing best practices and offering guidance to ensure a high level of patient care.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Telemetry Registered Nurse
St Joseph Hospital
08.1995 - 09.2000
- Decreased patient complications through diligent monitoring of vital signs, lab results, and other telemetry data.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately interpreting cardiac monitor readings and promptly reporting critical findings to healthcare team.
- Prevented life-threatening complications by quickly recognizing early warning signs of deterioration in critically ill patients under close observation.
- Administered prescribed medications safely and effectively while closely monitoring potential side effects or adverse reactions.
- Enhanced teamwork within the telemetry unit through active participation in daily huddles, shift handoffs, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
- Maintained accurate and comprehensive electronic health records for all patients under care, facilitating seamless communication among healthcare team members and continuity of care across shifts.
- Administered heart and blood pressure medication to cardiac patients as prescribed by physicians.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores through attentive listening, empathetic support, and timely addressing of concerns.
- Ensured patient safety through vigilance in infection control practices, falls prevention strategies, and medication administration protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients with complex conditions.
- Observed patient health and side effects from treatments and medications, noting all details in patient chart.
- Mentored new nursing staff members by sharing expert knowledge on cardiac monitoring techniques, medication administration protocols, and evidence-based interventions for common conditions seen in telemetry units.
- Managed complex patient caseloads with varying acuity levels, effectively prioritizing care needs and allocating resources as necessary.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth through ongoing participation in continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences related to telemetry nursing best practices.
- Facilitated seamless transitions of care from ICU to telemetry unit by coordinating necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates by conducting thorough discharge planning and follow-up assessments.
- Streamlined communication between nursing staff and physicians, ensuring timely intervention for urgent issues.
- Advocated for patient needs, ensuring personalized and compassionate care.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Registered Staff Nurse
Columbia Medical Center
06.1993 - 08.1995
- Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.
- Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention .
- Maintained strong working relationships with physicians and ancillary staff, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care delivery.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
- Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
- Administered medications and treatments to manage patient's condition.
- Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify early indications of deterioration in a patient''s condition, enabling prompt intervention when needed.
- Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient records, contributing to improved quality assurance measures.
- Monitored patients, evaluated results, and recommended further courses of treatment to quickly improve patient outcomes.
- Stayed current with health system initiatives and incorporated evidence-based practice and research into care routine.
- Handled patient discharge planning, arranging for follow-up care after leaving healthcare facility.
- Maintained accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with regulatory standards.
- Coordinated seamless transitions between levels of care by effectively communicating with multidisciplinary team members throughout the process.
- Served as a patient advocate, ensuring individual needs were met and concerns addressed promptly.
- Implemented individualized nursing care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient population served.
Education
Associate Degree of Nursing - Nursing
Blinn College
Bryan, Texas05.1993
Skills
- Pain assessment
- Patient safety
- Clinical documentation
- Emotional support
- End-of-life care
- Ethical practice
- Safety management
- Family support
- Palliative care expertise
- Family education
- Grief counseling
- Holistic patient care
- Nursing assessment
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Response evaluation
- Advance care planning
- Symptom management
- Oxygen therapy
- Compassionate care
- Clinical assessment
- Medication administration
- Care planning
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Patient evaluation
- Emergency response
- Pain control
- Physician communication
- EMR updating
- Admissions support
- IV and venipuncture
- Evidence-based care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Medication and IV administration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Basic life support
- Reliability
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Direct patient care
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Patient and family advocacy
- Monitoring vital signs
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Physical assessment
- Critical care nursing
- Professionalism
Certification
Registered Nurse
I have previously held certifications including CPR, ACLS and Hospice/Palliative Care Certification.
As these certifications were not needed for my current position, they have expired. However, I am willing to renew any certifications or education required for a new position.
Timeline
Hospice Registered Nurse
Oasis Hospice
10.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Cleveland Emergency Hospital
07.2018 - 10.2020
Staff Registered Nurse, ICU
Kindred Hospital
05.2016 - 06.2018
Registered Nurse, Hospice DON
Seasons Hospice
08.2015 - 05.2016
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Good Shepherd Hospice
07.2015 - 08.2015
Hospice Registered Nurse
Lighthouse Hospice
08.2010 - 07.2014
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
Christus Santa Rosa Hospital
06.2009 - 09.2010
Registered Nursed Labor and Delivery
St Joseph's Hospital
09.2004 - 06.2009
Telemetry Registered Nurse
St Joseph Hospital
08.1995 - 09.2000
Registered Staff Nurse
Columbia Medical Center
06.1993 - 08.1995
Registered Nurse
Associate Degree of Nursing - Nursing
Blinn College
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