Lorena Racey
Chicago,IL
Summary
Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Ambulatory RN 2
Rush Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
05.2016 - Current
- Duties upon hire consisted of various infusion administration-Tysabri, Lemtrada, Rituxan, Ocrevus, IV steroids
- Peripheral IV placement
- Monitoring vital signs and reactions during infusions
- Duties now consist of working directly with the MS specialist, seeing MS patients in clinic, preparing patients for their appointment with our specialist
- Also patient care phone triage for symptoms and needs, insurance coordination for various medications and treatments
- Assistance with out patient needs such as FMLA, disability forms and work accommodation forms.
- Medication refills and assistance with resolving medication issues such as contraindications and allergic reactions.
- Enhanced patient care by providing thorough assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize the delivery of comprehensive patient care.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications, and self-care techniques for better long-term management.
- Ensured a safe environment for patients within the ambulatory setting by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining clean workspaces.
- Streamlined communication between team members by utilizing electronic medical records and timely documentation of interventions.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by building rapport with patients and addressing their concerns promptly and empathetically.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between departments for diagnostic testing or specialized treatment while minimizing delays in care provision.
- Served as a preceptor for new hires, guiding them through orientation processes and sharing best practices to ensure quality nursing care delivery.
- Maintained compliance with organizational policies, procedures, and regulatory standards through regular audits and process reviews.
- Managed emergency situations effectively, initiating appropriate interventions while coordinating additional support as needed from other healthcare professionals.
- Contributed to staff development initiatives by participating in continuing education opportunities relevant to ambulatory nursing practice.
- Assisted with implementing evidence-based practice guidelines within the ambulatory setting to improve patient care quality and outcomes.
- Coordinated care for patients with complex needs, collaborating with social workers, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive strategies.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Supplemental Staff Nurse
RUMC
10.2005 - 05.2016
- Duties consist of direct patient care
- Departments include general population patients as well as neurology, orthopedics, oncology, psychiatry, geriatrics, rehab, cardiology and post surgical patients.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and individualized treatment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for a diverse patient population.
- Streamlined documentation processes, resulting in improved efficiency and communication among healthcare professionals.
- Provided high-quality, compassionate care to patients across various medical units, including emergency, pediatric, and intensive care.
- Managed demanding workloads while maintaining accuracy in medication administration and treatment procedures.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to quickly assess and respond to urgent situations or changes in patient conditions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and evidence-based practices.
- Served as a resource nurse for colleagues seeking guidance on complex cases or challenging situations.
- Coordinated with case managers to facilitate safe discharges and continued care planning for patients transitioning home or to other facilities.
- Maintained accurate electronic health records while safeguarding patient privacy according to HIPAA regulations.
- Actively engaged patients and families in educational activities related to disease prevention, management, and self-care techniques.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas of opportunity within the nursing practice environment.
- Delivered culturally competent care tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse patient populations served by the facility.
- Advocated on behalf of patients during interdisciplinary team meetings, ensuring that their preferences were considered when developing treatment plans.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
Staff Nurse
Loyola University Medical Center
01.2002 - 10.2005
- Duties consisted of above mentioned tasks but also included EVD bolt monitoring, maintenance of lumbar drains, swan-ganz cathether for homodynamic monitoring, arterial line and cordis maintenance
- Care of ventilated patients and use of paralytics.
Loyola University Medical Center
07.2002 - 01.2005
- Duties included status post neuro-surgical care, stroke care, maintenance of tracheostomies, continuous bladder irrigation, peritoneal dialysis, phlebotomy, IV insertion, care of central venous lines, patients in traction, care of dobb hoffs and NG tubes
- PCA, EEG monitoring, and telemetry
- Charge nurse duties included delegation, assignment of patients to staff, general maintenance of the unit.
Education
BSN -
Western Governor’s University
05.2016
Associate Degree of Nursing -
Richard J. Daley College
05.2002
Cosmetologist -
Futurama Beauty Academy
Chicago, IL01.1994
High School Diploma -
Lourdes H.S.
Chicago, IL05.1991
Skills
- Stress Management
- Active Listening
- HIPAA Compliance
- Quality Improvement
- Professionalism
- Documentation Accuracy
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Education
- Home Care Coordination
- Family Support
- Electronic Health Records
- Patient Triage
- Patient Advocacy
- Clinical Judgment
- Appointment Scheduling
- Precepting
- Care Planning
- Chart Updating
- Call Triaging
Certification
- Certified in Multiple Sclerosis
Timeline
Ambulatory RN 2
Rush Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
05.2016 - Current
Supplemental Staff Nurse
RUMC
10.2005 - 05.2016
Loyola University Medical Center
07.2002 - 01.2005
Staff Nurse
Loyola University Medical Center
01.2002 - 10.2005
BSN -
Western Governor’s University
Associate Degree of Nursing -
Richard J. Daley College
Cosmetologist -
Futurama Beauty Academy
High School Diploma -
Lourdes H.S.