Megan J McDonald
VA Medical Center
Martinsburg,WV
24
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Patient-oriented Nurse with 20+ years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking, prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise in managing and caring for seriously/terminally ill patients and their families.
Work History
RN
4 Years 6 Months- Developed and evaluated comprehensive care plans for patients requiring symptom management and end-of-life care using the nursing process
- Assessed the interdisciplinary needs of the patient and family/caregivers and updated IDT.
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on hospice philosophy and end-of-life transitions, ensuring understanding and support during critical times
- Educate patient, family and caregivers on Hospice philosophy and EOL transition when appropriate
- Administer and evaluate effectiveness of medication (PO, PR, IV/Alaris pump) as well as non-pharmacological interventions
- Provide simple and complex wound care per plan of care
- Managed care operations in hospice and palliative care unit.
RN
8 Years 1 Month- Use the nursing process to develop, initiate, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive plan of care for patients requiring symptom management as well as end of life care
- Assessed the interdisciplinary needs of the patient and family/caregivers and updated IDT.
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on hospice philosophy and end-of-life transition, enhancing understanding and support
- Provided psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support to patients, families, and caregivers, fostering a compassionate care environment
- Educate patient, family and caregivers on Hospice philosophy and EOL transition when appropriate
- Provide psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support to patient, family and caregivers as appropriate
- Provided on-call triage services in inpatient facility to assess patient needs and ensure timely care.
RN
3 Years 10 Months- Used the nursing process develop, initiate, implement and evaluate a comprehensive plan of care primarily for patients with cardiac illness
- Initiated and maintained cardiac infusions to ensure stable patient hemodynamics
- Initiated and maintained cardiac infusions
- Educated patients on cardiac-related procedures and post-procedure care
- Initiated and maintained peripheral IV sites
- Provided education on various cardiac-related procedures, as well as post-procedure care
- Served as back-up charge nurse to support unit operations and enhance patient care
- Medical Telemetry
RN
2 Years 9 Months- Used the nursing process develop, initiate, implement and evaluate a comprehensive plan of care for patients requiring symptom management as well as End of Life care
- Assessed the interdisciplinary needs of the patient and family/caregivers and collaborate with IDT
- Educated patient, family and caregivers on hospice philosophy and EOL transition.
- Provided psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support to patients, families, and caregivers to enhance overall well-being during critical times.
- Administered and evaluated effectiveness of medications and non-pharmacological interventions to optimize patient comfort and care outcomes.
- Provided wound care per protocol, including maintaining and changing wound vac dressings
- Initiated, maintained and discontinued IV and subcutaneous infusions
- Maintained PEG tubes and administered continuous and bolus feedings
- Provided care in inpatient facility setting.
RN
1 Year- Used the nursing process develop, initiate, implement and evaluate a comprehensive plan of care for symptom management, End of Life, and Respite care patients
- Assessed the interdisciplinary needs of the patient and family/caregivers and collaborate with IDT
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on hospice philosophy and end-of-life transition to facilitate understanding and support
- Provided psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual support to patients, families, and caregivers.
- Administered medications and evaluated effectiveness to ensure optimal symptom management
- Provided wound care per protocol
- Initiated, maintained and discontinued subcutaneous infusions
- Inpatient Facility
Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist
3 Years 8 Months- Collaborated with Phase I, II, and III cardiac rehab patients to support recovery and enhance cardiovascular health
- Educated MI, angioplasty, and open heart patients on coronary artery disease prevention and risk factor management to promote long-term health
- Supervised and educated patients during telemetry-monitored exercise classes, ensuring safety and effective blood pressure management
- Provided supervision, education, and blood pressure readings during telemetry-monitored exercise classes
- Provided psychosocial support to patients and families both as inpatients and outpatients
- Worked full-time in Cardiac Rehab, providing comprehensive patient care.
- PRN
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Master of Science - Exercise Physiology
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Physiology
Skills
IV administration
Direct patient care
Patient assessments
Clinical judgment
Palliative care
End-of-life planning
Precepting
Critical thinking
Collaborative teamwork
Relationship building
Compassion and empathy
Professional bedside manner
Family advocacy
Certification
eNLC Multi-state
Timeline
RN
VA Medical Center
04.2022 - CurrentRead More
RN
Hospice of the Panhandle
02.2014 - 03.2022Read More
RN
Winchester Medical Center
03.2010 - 01.2014Read More
RN
Hope Hospice at Shell Point
06.2007 - 03.2010Read More
RN
Hope Hospice and Community Services
05.2006 - 05.2007Read More
Cardiac Rehab Exercise Physiologist
HealthPark Medical Center
09.2002 - 05.2006Read More
Edison College
Associate of Science from Nursing
Read More
West Virginia University
Master of Science from Exercise Physiology
Read More
West Virginia University
Bachelor of Science from Exercise Physiology
Read More