Mary Ann Ferguson
RN, MSN
Signal Mountain,TN
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
3
3
Certifications
7
7
years of post-secondary education
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
RN COVID Investigator
Medasource
Southeast Region of Tennessee, Tennessee
07.2020 - 06.2021
- Identified COVID positive patients in the Southeast Regional Territory of Tennessee.
- Phoned each patient that tested positive for COVID in the Southeast Region of Tennessee and inquired about date of onset of symptoms, types of symptoms and household and non-household contacts.
- For minor children, the above information was obtained by a parent/guardian. If non-English speaking, the language line was used to obtain data.
- Extensive education was provided to the patient as well as information to provide to contacts during the quarantine period.
- Home care, self care and quarantine date education was also provided.
- Performed contact tracing for each patient.
- Identified COVID clusters and outbreaks.
- Provided education on COVID vaccination.
- Mailed/Maintained 'return to duty' letters.
- Managed up to 12 patient phone calls per day.
- Abstracted charts of COVID positive patients requiring hospitalization.
Staff RN GI Lab Preop/PACU
CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN
03.2020 - 06.2020
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Demonstrated ability to advocate for and strive to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Delivered timely and effective physical, social and emotional nursing care according to established standards.
- Comforted and reassured patients and family members and patiently answered questions and conveyed important care information.
- Kept meticulous charting notes regarding patient assessments including treatment and IVs administered and discharge instructions using the EPIC system.
- 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.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Assessed evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Participated in education activities, including evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
Staff RN Operating Room
Erlanger Medical Center
Chattanooga, TN
08.2019 - 01.2020
- Monitored surgical patients and delivered quality level of care before, during and after operations to promote positive outcomes.
- Kept count of all surgical instruments and sponges used during operations and procedures.
- Used aseptic techniques to maintain sterile fields and actively monitored situations to prevent breaches in aseptic techniques.
- Positioned patients in operating rooms to prepare for surgical procedures, using supine, prone and sitting surgical positions.
- Performed preoperative assessments on patients and evaluated overall health.
- Maintained sterile surgical environment and secured confidential data to protect patients' health and privacy.
- Collaborated with members of patients' healthcare team to deliver appropriate level of care.
- Created warm, supportive atmosphere to keep patients feeling safe and comfortable immediately before and after surgery.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Prepared operating rooms by maneuvering operating room lamps for illumination and laying out sterile instruments and supplies on stainless steel tables, including gauze sponges, magnifying glasses and medications.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals to assess, plan and implement patient care plans.
- Assessed team members' workloads and pitched in to help in areas where need was most evident.
- Documented procedure plans, surgery notes and progress updates to facilitate communication among healthcare providers.
- Coordinated and consulted with healthcare teams to plan, implement, assess and evaluate patient care plans.
- Verified patient information to make licensed staff aware of relevant health factors.
- Connected with patients and families from variety of cultural and economic backgrounds to establish and maintain open communication for improved patient outcomes.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
Staff RN Orthopedic Preop/PACU
Emory Clinic
Atlanta, GA
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Assessed evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Explained course of care and medications, including side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to advocate for and strive to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Helped patient stand, change dressings and use restroom facility to complete discharge process.
- Delivered timely and effective physical, social and emotional nursing care according to established standards.
- Comforted and reassured patients and family members and patiently answered questions and conveyed important care information.
- Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
- Assessed patient incision site, monitored body temperature and tracked other indicators of stability or complications.
- Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures.
- Monitored vital signs and levels of consciousness to verify sedation wore off properly and patient regained consciousness.
- Evaluated patient pain, nausea, difficulty breathing and fear and agitation in recovery room and employed various nursing interventions to manage vulnerabilities.
RN Quality Resources
Northside Gwinnett Healthcare System
Lawrenceville, GA
11.2005 - 06.2014
- Abstracted random charts for the CMS Quality program to include Heart Failure, Pneumonia, Surgical Care Improvement and Acute Myocardial Infarction Projects.
- Abstracted and maintained the CARES project (out of hospital cardiac arrest) for Gwinnett County EMS.
- Prepared charts not meeting CMS criteria for hospital CMO prior to peer review meetings.
- Ensured charts met > 80% abstraction accuracy in order for the hospital to receive a 4% market adjustment quarterly for nine years.
- Led monthly meetings for the Surgical Care Improvement Project to further educate leaders, staff and key stakeholders to maintain our > 90 % rating.
- Reported repeated issues to supervisors and other departments, collaborating to identify issue roots and rectify problems.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Anesthesia PAT
Gwinnett Anesthesia Services
Lawrenceville, GA
06.2011 - 12.2012
- Coordinated patient care as an integral part of the interdisciplinary team.
- Performed pre-anesthesia assessment of up to 15-20 patients each day in physician office.
- Educated and guided patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits in preparation for anesthesia through verbal and written material.
- Discussed proposed anesthesia techniques, risk and potential complications with supervising anesthesiologist and patient to obtain proper patient informed consent.
- Attended monthly patient case conferences and staff meetings to educate staff and facilitate good communication.
Perianesthesia RN Clinician
Northside Gwinnett Healthcare System
Lawrenceville, GA
01.2001 - 11.2005
- Identified anesthesia adverse conditions by conducting health screenings and reviewing patient histories.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care, including power or system outages, patient or family grievances, security issues and employee issues.
- Maintained highest levels of patient satisfaction, generating referrals to maintain productivity levels.
- Participated in Patient Education, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, Pain Committee, Quality Committee and Nursing Standards Committee to discuss policies, propose revisions and implement changes.
- Onboarding and orientation of all staff at 3 campuses: Endoscopy, Pain Management, Inpatient and Outpatient Preop/PACU, 23 hr OBV and Outpatient Treatment Center (chemo)
- Taught BCLS, ACLS and PALS
- Taught 2 Perianesthesia Internships
- Created a Surgical Patient Care Pathway that was incorporated into EPIC.
Staff RN Preop/PACU
Northside Gwinnett Healthcare System
Lawrenceville, GA
05.1995 - 01.2001
- Identified anesthesia concerns and high risk health conditionsby conducting health screenings and reviewing patient histories.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Participated in education activities, including evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Assessed evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Explained course of care and medications, including side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Demonstrated ability to advocate for and strive to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Helped patient stand, change dressings and use restroom facility to complete discharge process.
- Kept meticulous charting notes regarding patient assessments and medications, later transferring information into records management system.
- Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge.
- Delivered timely and effective physical, social and emotional nursing care according to established standards.
- Comforted and reassured patients and family members and patiently answered questions and conveyed important care information.
- Monitored vital signs and levels of consciousness to verify sedation wore off properly and patient regained consciousness.
- Evaluated patient pain, nausea, difficulty breathing and fear and agitation in recovery room and employed various nursing interventions to manage vulnerabilities.
Staff RN Pediatric PACU (Inpatient and Outpatient)
Egleston Children's Hospital
Atlanta, GA
01.1992 - 05.1995
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Participated in education activities, including evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Assessed evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Explained course of care and medications, including side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures, including facilitating wound care, ostomy care, pressure ulcer prevention and pain management.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Demonstrated ability to advocate for and strive to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Kept meticulous charting notes regarding patient assessments and medications, later transferring information into records management system.
- Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge.
- Delivered timely and effective physical, social and emotional nursing care according to established standards.
- Comforted and reassured patients and family members and patiently answered questions and conveyed important care information.
- Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
- Assessed patient incision site, monitored body temperature and tracked other indicators of stability or complications.
- Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures.
- Monitored vital signs and levels of consciousness to verify sedation wore off properly and patient regained consciousness.
- Evaluated patient pain, nausea, difficulty breathing and fear and agitation in recovery room and employed various nursing interventions to manage vulnerabilities.
Staff RN PICU
The Children's Hospital Of Alabama
Birmingham, AL
06.1990 - 12.1992
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Established staff schedules and assignments based on facility needs and equipment availability.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Met with parents/guardians to discuss and distribute information on health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Came up with treatment plans and communicated with patients about options, medications and self-management.
- Educated patients and families on diagnosis, neurological conditions and processes, treatments and expected outcomes.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Evaluated charting procedures for adherence to best practices.
- 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.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Assisted patients in performance of routine recovery and mobility exercises, providing support when getting in and out of bed as well as walking and stretching.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Helped patients eat and drink when necessary for safe consumption of food consistent with recovery guidelines.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Coordinated with physicians to perform bedside procedures such as intravenous injections, vascular line insertions and bronchoscopies.
- Protected confidentiality of all information related to patient care activities and EMS operations.
- Followed proper procedure for installation and removal of catheters, IVs and PIC lines.
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting all data in electronic records.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, health educations and discharge support.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Identified learning needs of patients and families and responded with advocacy and health education.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures and nursing best practices.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care and discharge instructions.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, including physicians, case managers and social workers.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic and cognitive status of patients.
- Educated patients and families regarding disease processes, interventions and lifestyle changes.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical ability, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA 06.2005 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 09.1986 - 06.1990
Skills
Data Collection
Patient counseling
Infection control measures
High level of autonomy
Indirect Patient Care
EMR / EHR
Family Education
Strong clinical judgment
Family advocacy
Relationship building
Patient Assessments
Managing deadlines
Patient and family advocacy
Preventative health
Certification
Registered Professional Nurse GA Compact License -Expires 1/2022
Timeline
RN COVID Investigator
Medasource
07.2020 - 06.2021
Staff RN GI Lab Preop/PACU
CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga
03.2020 - 06.2020
Staff RN Operating Room
Erlanger Medical Center
08.2019 - 01.2020
Staff RN Orthopedic Preop/PACU
Emory Clinic
08.2017 - 12.2017
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Anesthesia PAT
Gwinnett Anesthesia Services
06.2011 - 12.2012
RN Quality Resources
Northside Gwinnett Healthcare System
11.2005 - 06.2014
Master of Science - Nursing
Georgia State University
06.2005 - 05.2008
Perianesthesia RN Clinician
Northside Gwinnett Healthcare System
01.2001 - 11.2005
Staff RN Preop/PACU
Northside Gwinnett Healthcare System
05.1995 - 01.2001
Staff RN Pediatric PACU (Inpatient and Outpatient)
Egleston Children's Hospital
01.1992 - 05.1995
Staff RN PICU
The Children's Hospital Of Alabama
06.1990 - 12.1992
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Auburn University
09.1986 - 06.1990