Lori Dowers
Shepardsville,IN
Summary
Hardworking seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths, technical abilities, quality-focused and efficiency-driven leadership abilities. Adaptable, reliable and resilient with strong attention to detail, time management, critical thinking skills, clinical expertise and emergency response bringing a 28-year record of success in nursing and desiring the Structural Heart Program Coordinator position with Union Hospital Health Group.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Staff Nurse-Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Union Hospital Health Group
Terre Haute, Indiana
08.2020 - Current
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services such as diagnostic angiography, cardiac and peripheral interventions, structural heart procedures, pacemaker and defibrillator insertions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically ill patients.
- Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of patients in challenging environments.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as airway and circulatory system support management.
- Supported healthcare team by maintaining responsibility for electrocardiogram and hemodynamic monitoring, medication administration and patient response, and utilization of emergency cardiac life support interventions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Identified patient and family/caregiver learning needs and provide individualized instruction based on specific learning needs and styles.
- Trained and mentored new nurses and students in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, staffing, and task administration.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
- Identified process improvements in day-to-day functioning of department.
Staff Nurse-Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Terre Haute Regional Hospital
Terre Haute, IN
08.2018 - Current
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services such as diagnostic angiography, cardiac and peripheral interventions, pacemaker and defibrillator insertion and interventional radiology procedures.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically ill patients.
- Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of patients in challenging environments.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as airway and circulatory system support management.
- Supported healthcare team by maintaining responsibility for electrocardiogram and hemodynamic monitoring, medication administration and patient response, and utilization of emergency cardiac life support interventions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
- Identify patient and family/caregiver learning needs and provide individualized instruction based on specific learning needs and styles.
- Identified process improvements in day-to-day functioning of department.
Staff Nurse Emergency Room
Union Hospital Health Group
Terre Haute, IN
07.2015 - 07.2018
- Administered nursing care to patients in a 50 plus-bed emergency room, including 4 trauma rooms, supporting fellow nurses, care providers and physicians/nurse practitioners/physician assistants in delivering outstanding treatment to patients.
- Triaged incoming patients based on level of injury or illness. Assessed and evaluated health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Received and transcribed/checked physician's orders in a timely manner.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds multiple types of trauma, stroke, heart attack and other critical events for patient populations from infant to adult.
- Remained compassionate and cool tempered in all situations.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
- Communicated clinical outcomes with patient and family.
- Followed facility policies, OSHA safety rules and HIPAA regulations to maintain legal compliance.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Performed charge nurse duties.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Provided teaching and information to patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans and medications.
- Participated in multidisciplinary hospital wide committees as a representative of the Emergency Department.
Quality Improvement Specialist
Union Hospital Health Group
Clinton, IN
06.2016 - 07.2017
- Documented and reported issues with compliance, standards of care and quality assurance requirements.
- Developed quality improvement plans, policies and operational guidelines.
- Evaluated competency of clinical staff, documenting performance and recommending improvements.
- Assessed ongoing operations against standards.
- Applied nursing and clinical knowledge to objectively make insightful observations of deviations and successes and develop corrective action plans with staff to correct deficiencies.
- Completed departmental visits to conduct assessments.
- Prepared, assessed and presented data for quality improvement activities to various departments, committees, hospital administration, medical staff, HFAP, CMS and other accrediting agencies.
- Worked independently without on-site supervision.
Staff Nurse-Cardiothoracic Surgical Services
Union Hospital
Terre Haute, Indiana
10.2008 - 07.2015
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Prepared operating room for surgical procedures.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex cardiothoracic and vascular surgical procedures.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Adhered to hospital, AORN and HFAP standards of operating room care and sterile techniques.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Acted as assistant to Cardiac Surgery Team Leader and also performed charge nurse duties in general surgery.
- Anticipated usual and unexpected events during surgical procedure and responded appropriately.
- Participated in multi-disciplinary hospital committees to evaluate and improve hospital policies and procedures, standards of service excellence and employee satisfaction.
Staff Nurse-Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Union Hospital
Terre Haute, Indiana
05.2000 - 10.2008
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services such as diagnostic angiography, cardiac and peripheral interventions, pacemaker and defibrillator insertions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically ill patients.
- Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of patients in challenging environments.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as airway and circulatory system support management.
- Supported healthcare team by maintaining responsibility for electrocardiogram and hemodynamic monitoring, medication administration and patient response, and utilization of emergency cardiac life support interventions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Identify patient and family/caregiver learning needs and provide individualized instruction based on specific learning needs and styles.
- Trained and mentored new nurses and students in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, staffing, and task administration.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
- Identified process improvements in day-to-day functioning of department.
- Attended WYTT monitoring system training and acted as a WYTT superuser within the lab.
Staff Nurse-Medical Intensive Care Unit
Union Hospital
Terre Haute, Indiana
12.1994 - 05.2000
- Prioritized nursing care for assigned critically ill patients based on assessment data and identified needs.
- Responded to life-saving situations, using nursing standards and protocols for treatment.
- Performed various nursing interventions including hemodynamic monitoring, specimen collection, intubation, arterial, venous and swan ganz catheter insertions and removals, ICP monitoring, chest tube insertion and removal and wound dressing
- Ordered, interpreted and evaluated diagnostics tests to identify and assess the patient’s condition.
- Administered oral, intramuscular, and intravenous fluids and medications as per doctor’s order.
- Documented patients’ medical histories, assessment findings, treatment plans, interventions, outcomes and plan revisions.
- Consulted and coordinated with multidisciplinary health care team members about whole patient care plans.
- Explained health care issues and ramifications to patients and families to promote informed medical care choices.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures and nursing best practices.
- Maintained respectful treatment environment that honored patients' and families' cultural and religious traditions and preferences.
Staff Nurse-Progressive Care/Intensive Care
Terre Haute Regional Hospital
Terre Haute, Indiana
04.1994 - 08.1995
- Progressive Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit-Terre Hospital Regional Hospital
- Duties included direct patient care of telemetry unit and intensive care unit patients, charge nurse responsibilities, precepting new employees, proficiency in use of equipment used in critical care areas, hemodynamic monitoring, participating in patient care conferences with physicians and families.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units.
- Identified learning needs of patients and families and responded with advocacy and health education.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures and nursing best practices.
Education
Bachelor’s degree - Nursing
Chamberlain University
Downers Grove, IL07.2018
Associates Degree of Science - Nursing
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN12.1993
Skills
- Medical Procedure and Treatment Preparation
- Creative Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Direct Patient Care Oversight and Coordination
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Attention to Detail
- Clear Patient Communication
- Compassionate and Caring
- Critical Thinking and Time Management
- Accurate Documentation
- Procedure Room Preparation and Assistance
- Microsoft Office
- Emergency Response
- Patient and Family/Caregiver Needs Assessment
- Diagnostic Test Ordering and Interpretation
- Infection Control
- Delegation and Motivation
- Leader, Preceptor and Mentor to students and staff
- Collaborative teamwork
Accomplishments
Professional Activities/Memberships
Member-AORN, AACN, ENA
Past Surgical Services Shared Governance committee chairperson
Member-Union Hospital Policies and Procedures committee
Member-Union Hospital Professional Development committee
Member-Union Hospital Evidence Based Practice committee
Member-Union Hospital Peer Review committee
Member-Union Hospital Surgical Services Safety committee
Member/Presenter-Union Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Committee
Education Committee-Surgical Services
Achievement of CN4 on clinical ladder
Developed new Comprehensive Procedural Site Marking/Safety Checklist and presented hospital wide inservices to educate all clinical staff
Participant in Union Hospital “Final Time Out” video for hospital wide education
Personal Activities/Memberships
Volunteer – Vigo County 4H Horse and Pony Club
Participant – March of Dimes Walk America
Member Wabash Valley Harley Owners Group
Participant and Team Coordinator – National MS Walk
Participant – Susan G Komen Run for the Cure
Participant – Ride for Riley Children's Hospital
Volunteer - Girl Scout Daisy Troop #01149
Participant - National Epilepsy Walk
Participant - National Walk to End Alzheimer's
Member – Wabash Valley YMCA
Member-West Side Christian Church
Coordinator of fundraiser for Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivors sponsored by Wabash Valley Harley Owners Group
Personal Data
Birthdate: October 16, 1967
Hobbies/Pastimes: Spending time with family, riding and training horses, exercising, being outdoors, riding UTV's, kayaking, hiking, traveling, woodworking, teaching kids about horses, watching Alabama football and Chicago Cubs baseball.
Affiliations
BLS certification
ACLS certification
TNCC
Past Surgical Services Shared Governance committee chairperson
Member-Union Hospital Policies and Procedures committee
Member-Union Hospital Professional Development committee
Member-Union Hospital Evidence Based Practice committee
Member-Union Hospital Peer Review committee
Member-Union Hospital Surgical Services Safety committee
Member/Presenter-Union Hospital Morbidity and Mortality Committee
Education Committee-Surgical Services
Past Team Coordinator for MS Walk, Coordinator of fundraiser for Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivors 2010 sponsored by
Wabash Valley Harley Owners Group
6/25/10- “Femoral Cannulation/use of CPS Machine”-presented to Cardiac Cath Lab staff by Lori Dowers, RN and Steve Peterson, CCP
7/1/10-“Set up and Use of Cell Saver machine”-presented to Surgical Services Staff by
Lori Dowers, RN
10/2/10-“Swan Set up/Insertion and Cell Saver machine set up”-presented at Surgical
Services Education Day by Lori Dowers, RN
1/14,18,19/11-Mandatory Hospital Wide Education regarding “Final Time Out and
Procedure Verification/Site Marking Forms”-presented to Union Hospital staff by Lori Dowers, RN
7/14/11-“Proper Use and Trouble Shooting of Medrad Power Injector”-presented to
Surgical Services staff by Lori Dowers, RN
7/29/11-“Use of Phillips Heartstart Monitor/Defibrillator”-presented to Surgical Services
staff by Lori Dowers, RN
10/2011 Achievement of CN4 on clinical ladder
2/12/12 – participant in Union Hospital “Final Time Out” video for hospital wide education
10/2013-Development of new Comprehensive Procedural Site Marking/Safety Checklist
Personal Activities/Memberships
Volunteer – Vigo County 4H Horse and Pony Club
Participant – March of Dimes Walk America
Member Wabash Valley Harley Owners Group
Participant – National MS Walk
Participant – Susan G Komen Run for the Cure
Participant – Ride for Riley Childrens Hospital
Participant National Epilepsy Walk
Member – Wabash Valley YMCA
Personal Data
Birthdate: October 16, 1967
Children: daughter Shelby 31, grandchildren Cashlynn 6 and Gentry 3
Additional Information
Short term objectives:
- Maintain position as RN team member of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab Continue to serve as a preceptor to new employees and students.
- Assist management in developing cost saving and/or cost reduction plans.
- Continue to serve as a charge nurse/resource person for the cardiac catheterization lab.
- Pursue continuing education and training opportunities.
- Assist management in developing strategies to facilitate staff retention and new staff recruitment.
- Continue to serve as a member of departmental and hospital wide committees.
Long term objectives:
- Obtain management/supervisory level position in the cardiac catheterization lab.
- Obtain Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification (CV-BC).
- Take courses to expand knowledge of echocardiography.
Certification
BLS
ACLS
TNCC
NIHSS
Timeline
Staff Nurse-Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Union Hospital Health Group
08.2020 - Current
Staff Nurse-Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Terre Haute Regional Hospital
08.2018 - Current
Quality Improvement Specialist
Union Hospital Health Group
06.2016 - 07.2017
Staff Nurse Emergency Room
Union Hospital Health Group
07.2015 - 07.2018
Staff Nurse-Cardiothoracic Surgical Services
Union Hospital
10.2008 - 07.2015
Staff Nurse-Cardiac Catheterization Lab
Union Hospital
05.2000 - 10.2008
Staff Nurse-Medical Intensive Care Unit
Union Hospital
12.1994 - 05.2000
Staff Nurse-Progressive Care/Intensive Care
Terre Haute Regional Hospital
04.1994 - 08.1995
Bachelor’s degree - Nursing
Chamberlain University
Associates Degree of Science - Nursing
Indiana State University