MARILYN GIBSON-BALKCOM

• Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
• Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
• Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
• Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
• Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers and discharges.
• Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
• Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.

• Achieved successful unit leadership by providing quality nursing care to 20 to 34 patients per day in 97-bed unit.
• Took samples such as blood and urine to complete diagnostic and routine assessment tests.
• Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
• Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge.
• Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills and explaining conditions and medications.
• Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
• Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
• Delivered basic patient care and treatments, including taking temperature or blood pressure, dressing wounds, treating bedsores and catheterizations.
• Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
• Utilized nursing knowledge to identify patient needs and offer appropriate remedies.
• Completed clinical tasks in accordance with hospital policy.
• Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care.
• Evaluated patients' progress in treatment, communicating observations to physician on duty to maintain or adjust prescribed care.
• Documented all information in (Caredox) patients' electronic medical record, relaying information to Unit Manager and care providers to facilitate continuity of care.

The responsibilities of a school nurse is multi-faceted and includes;

• Developing plans for student care based on assessment, interventions, and identification of outcomes, and the evaluation of care.
• Serving as consultants with other school professionals, such as food service personnel, physical education teachers, coaches, and counselors on medical concerns and/or infection control measures.
• Providing health-related education to students and staff in both individual and group settings.
• Monitoring immunizations, managing communicable diseases, and assessing the school environment as to prevent injury and ensure safety.
• Overseeing infection control measures throughout the school.
• Overseeing medication administration, health care procedures, and the development of healthcare plans for the students.
• Providing health advice to school educational teams, such as the Committee on Special Education and the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) team.

• Pass medication to youths within the orders as prescribed by physician.
• Collect and assess sick calls request submitted by youths and either answered sick call request personally or forward to appropriate physician for follow-up.
• Respond to any emergency medical care of youths pertaining to any injury incurred or other medical needs.
• Performed rounds in units according to the policy and procedure of State requirements.
• Take off orders as prescribed by the physician whether written or verbal.
• Ascertain any additional medical information on youths from other facilities as needed for continued care.
• Perform any medical function as needed within my scope of training.
  
• Performed lab tests and communicated results.
• Liaised between youths and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
• Monitored youths' reactions to drugs and carefully documented progress of individuals participating in clinical trials.
• Ensured HIPAA compliance.
• Followed infection control procedures.
• Assisted doctors with non-invasive procedures.
• Ordered drug refills and provided detailed prescription information to pharmacies.
• Performed monthly inventory and maintained office and medical supply counts.

• Held position of Health Service Coordinator that was in charge of the medical care of approximately 242 inmates under direction of primary care physician.
• Performed physical assessments, received doctors orders and implemented them.
• Obtained blood sugars and coverage as necessary.
• Charted as per facility policy.
• Obtained lab work as appropriate
• Performed medical assessment of inmates upon intake to determine any medical needs and referred to physician for additional medical follow-up if needed.
• Completed monthly statistical reports as required by corporate office and facility within expected time frame.
• Completed intake and discharge paperwork as required.
• Monitored chronic care inmates according to State policy and procedures.
• Was in charge of completing paperwork for inmates that was be treated by a physician outside of facility and assessing inmate upon return.
• Conducted mandated health screenings, physicals and special education assessments.
• Identified chronic care inmates upon intake and managed their care under direction of primary care physician.
• Ensured HIPAA compliance.
• Provided on-call care at all times of day and night.
• Followed infection control procedures.
• Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared them for lab testing.
• Performed monthly inventory and maintained office and medical supply counts.
• Prepared all medical documents necessary for the transfer of an inmate to another facility whether for permanent transfer of for off-site medical care.

Worked with spinal cord injury patients as well as severe head trauma patients in a home setting.