Liz Barnum
Louisville,KY
Summary
Adept at improving patient outcomes and satisfaction, my tenure at Norton Healthcare showcased my expertise in care of the patient receiving radiation therapy and exceptional interpersonal communication. Leveraging established nursing procedures and psychosocial care, I mentored staff and enhanced care coordination, significantly contributing to our department's achievements in patient care excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Oncology Nurse
University of Louisville Medical Center, BCC
02.2024 - Current
- Mentored new oncology nurses, sharing knowledge gained from years of experience in specialized cancer care settings.
- Coordinated complex care plans, working closely with Radiation Oncologists, social workers, and radiation therapists to optimize patient outcomes.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based oncology nursing practices.
- Participated in continuous learning opportunities to stay current on advancements in oncology treatments and nursing techniques.
- Educated patients on such topics as nutrition, medication side effects, and proper skin treatments after radiation.
- Established rapport with diverse patient populations by demonstrating empathy and understanding during difficult periods of illness or treatment.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families coping with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
- Enhanced quality of care through close collaboration with interdisciplinary medical teams.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes using electronic health record systems.
- Counseled patients and provided listening ear and emotional support.
- Assessed patients during course of treatment to identify concerning reactions.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering compassionate, attentive care during all phases of the cancer journey.
- Recorded all patient discussions and transactions in charts for future reference.
- Advocated for patients'' rights, ensuring access to appropriate pain management options during end-of-life care.
- Educated fellow nurses on best practices in oncology care through presentations at staff meetings and professional development sessions.
- Streamlined patient flow in an outpatient radiation clinic by efficiently managing schedules and resources.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Travel Nurse Radiation Oncology
Indiana University Medical Center Radiation
05.2023 - 11.2023
- Improved patient outcomes through careful monitoring and thorough documentation of vital signs, medical histories, and treatment plans.
- Demonstrated adaptability in rapidly adjusting to changing unit assignments, consistently maintaining high-quality care delivery across various clinical settings.
- Utilized strong assessment skills in identifying early warning signs of complications or deterioration in patients'' conditions, allowing for prompt interventions when necessary.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to meet patients'' specific needs.
- Developed relationships with patients and families to understand medical history and care needs.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Promoted a positive work environment through mentorship, collaboration, and effective conflict resolution among team members.
- Served as a resource for colleagues seeking guidance on clinical best practices and procedures, fostering an atmosphere of continuous learning and professional development.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Travel Nurse Radiation Oncology
Charleston Area Medical Center Health System Inc.
09.2022 - 04.2023
- Improved patient outcomes through careful monitoring and thorough documentation of vital signs, medical histories, and treatment plans.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and timely nursing care to diverse populations.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Strengthened continuity of care by maintaining detailed records on each patient''s progress throughout their stay at the facility.
- Streamlined communication between nursing staff and physicians, ensuring timely updates on critical patient information and facilitating optimal care coordination.
Clinical Nurse/Interim Manager/PRN Staff Nurse
University of Louisville, BCC
08.2018 - 02.2023
- Maintained strong working relationships with physicians and ancillary staff, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care delivery.
- Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention .
- Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and team building within the unit.
- Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care outcomes.
- Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient records, contributing to improved quality assurance measures.
- Promoted a culture of safety by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and reporting potential hazards.
Travel Nurse Radiation Oncology
Mercy Hospital Springfield
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Documented all elements of care and updated patient charts and confidential files to reflect changes in care plans, interventions applied, and observations.
- Strengthened continuity of care by maintaining detailed records on each patient''s progress throughout their stay at the facility.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to meet patients'' specific needs.
- Utilized strong assessment skills in identifying early warning signs of complications or deterioration in patients'' conditions, allowing for prompt interventions when necessary.
Travel Nurse Interventional Radiology Pre/post Op
University of Kentucky Medical Center
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Delivered high-quality patient care during emergency situations, remaining calm under pressure and effectively prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
- Improved patient outcomes through careful monitoring and thorough documentation of vital signs, medical histories, and treatment plans.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Assessed patient conditions by taking vital signs and evaluating symptoms to determine appropriate treatment.
- Demonstrated adaptability in rapidly adjusting to changing unit assignments, consistently maintaining high-quality care delivery across various clinical settings.
RN Clinician Radiation Oncology
Baptist Health Medical Center
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
RN Clinician Radiation Oncology
Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana
05.2013 - 08.2015
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
RN, Nursing Supervisor Radiation Oncology
Norton Cancer Institute
08.2006 - 05.2013
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Aligned nursing goals with department objectives to enhance overall performance metrics within the healthcare facility.
- Championed quality improvement initiatives within the unit by identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based strategies.
RN Charge Nurse, Med Surg Oncology
Norton Audubon Hospital
02.2004 - 08.2006
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Aligned nursing goals with department objectives to enhance overall performance metrics within the healthcare facility.
- Championed quality improvement initiatives within the unit by identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based strategies.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
Onboarding Educator for Foreign Nurses
Norton Healthcare
06.2004 - 04.2006
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized attention and success.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing student learning through interdisciplinary connections.
- Created and implemented assessments to measure student progress.
Clinical Instructor
Bellarmine University
04.2003 - 03.2006
- Supervised students when administering medications to maintain patient safety.
- Fostered a culture of safety within the learning environment by emphasizing proper use of equipment, infection control measures, and patient privacy guidelines.
- Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
- Supervised students during clinical rotations, providing immediate feedback on their performance and suggesting areas for improvement when necessary.
Medical Surgical Educator
Norton Audubon Hospital
02.2002 - 02.2004
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized attention and success.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing student learning through interdisciplinary connections.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to keep learner attention.
Contract Registered Nurse
Norton Healthcare
04.1999 - 02.2002
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and closely monitoring vital signs.
- Effectively utilized electronic medical records systems for accurate documentation of patient information and treatment plans.
- Facilitated patient education, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
- Consistently received positive feedback from patients and family members on bedside manner and compassionate care delivery.
Education
No Degree - BSN
University of Phoenix
Honolulu, HIDiploma RN - Nursing
Baptist System School of Nursing
Little Rock, AR12.1980
LPN - Nursing
Baptist System School of Nursing
Little Rock, AR07.1977
High School Diploma -
Sylvan Hills High School
Sherwood, AR06.1976
Skills
- End of life care
- Interpersonal Communication
- Recording vital signs
- Patient Records Documentation
- Established nursing procedures
- Support and education
- Psychosocial care
- Patient Education
- Medical Documentation
- Family Support
- Nutrition Support
- Physician communication
DIY home projects, gardening, volunteering in the community
Charter member of FUSION 502 ( Friends United in Our Neighborhood) - A group of friends recognized ongoing needs within our community and decided to do something about it. Activities include feeding the homeless, back to school parties at homeless shelter, Bingo parties at underserved Nursing Home, and Halloween party for girls shelter along with Christmas coordination of gifts for all the above mentioned.
Recent basement remodel to provide housing for travel nurses. Assembling of furniture and decorating apartment.
Timeline
Clinical Oncology Nurse
University of Louisville Medical Center, BCC
02.2024 - Current
Travel Nurse Radiation Oncology
Indiana University Medical Center Radiation
05.2023 - 11.2023
Travel Nurse Radiation Oncology
Charleston Area Medical Center Health System Inc.
09.2022 - 04.2023
Travel Nurse Radiation Oncology
Mercy Hospital Springfield
06.2022 - 08.2022
Travel Nurse Interventional Radiology Pre/post Op
University of Kentucky Medical Center
01.2022 - 06.2022
Clinical Nurse/Interim Manager/PRN Staff Nurse
University of Louisville, BCC
08.2018 - 02.2023
RN Clinician Radiation Oncology
Baptist Health Medical Center
08.2015 - 08.2018
RN Clinician Radiation Oncology
Radiotherapy Centers of Kentuckiana
05.2013 - 08.2015
RN, Nursing Supervisor Radiation Oncology
Norton Cancer Institute
08.2006 - 05.2013
Onboarding Educator for Foreign Nurses
Norton Healthcare
06.2004 - 04.2006
RN Charge Nurse, Med Surg Oncology
Norton Audubon Hospital
02.2004 - 08.2006
Clinical Instructor
Bellarmine University
04.2003 - 03.2006
Medical Surgical Educator
Norton Audubon Hospital
02.2002 - 02.2004
Contract Registered Nurse
Norton Healthcare
04.1999 - 02.2002
No Degree - BSN
University of Phoenix
Diploma RN - Nursing
Baptist System School of Nursing
LPN - Nursing
Baptist System School of Nursing
High School Diploma -
Sylvan Hills High School
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