Michele Mathews
Saylorsburg,PA
Summary
Highly-motivated registered nurse with 28 years experience providing exceptional nursing care ready to take on new challenges. Unparalleled worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Manages staff by being a role model with strong leadership skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Triage Specialist
St. Luke's University Health Network
Bethlehem, PA
01.2023 - Current
- Responds promptly and professionally to all incoming telephone inquiries from patients seeking medical advice or assistance.
- Collected data to represent symptom onset, presenting problem and medical diagnoses.
- Utilized knowledge of clinical protocols when making decisions about the urgency level of an incoming call or request.
- Rendered telephone advice according to established guidelines and protocols.
- Documented services discussed and provided details in electronic medical records in Epic.
- Cultivated professional conduct operating under triage nursing care guidelines.
- Maintained confidentiality in matters related to patient, family and client facility staff.
- Consistently meets productivity, schedule adherence and quality standards.
- Successfully utilizes Epic, Twillo, Teams, Excel, and Microsoft
Site Manager- Neurology
St. Luke's University Health Network
East Stroudsburg, PA
07.2023 - 04.2024
- Managed daily operations including but not limited too staffing, provider issues, submitted work orders, addressed patient complaints, maintained office and medical inventory, ran daily huddles.
- Interviewed and hired qualified candidates to fill open staff positions.
- Mentored new employees on policies, office procedures and protocols.
- Motivated and challenged staff to achieve results while offering developmental and educational opportunities.
- Educated teams on work priorities while empowering employees to self-organize and make informed decisions.
- Created a friendly work environment that respected and valued diverse backgrounds.
- Remained flexible with employee schedules according to availability and needed shift coverage.
- Maintained updated, confidential employee files, attendance records, and performance reviews.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members using appropriate mediation techniques for minimal staff disruption.
- Complied with operational standards and OSHA regulations.
- Delegated tasks to the Practice Coordinator
- Lead by example and embodied integrity and exemplary values in all daily affairs.
Hospice Liason
St. Luke's University Health Network
Bethlehem, PA
09.2021 - 01.2023
- Conducted patient assessments to determine eligibility for hospice services.
- Submitted documentation to hospice directors to obtain approval into the hospice program.
- Met with patient, caregivers and family to explain hospice services.
- Educated clients on options to assist in making informed decisions.
- Provided emotional support for terminally ill patients and their families during difficult times.
- Ensured that consents were completed accurately and timely according to agency guidelines.
- Ordered DME to arrive to patient's destination prior to their discharge from the hospital.
- Arranged pain pumps deliveries per physician orders.
- Planned and coordinated discharge from care facility to patient's home.
- Maintained professional relationships with healthcare providers.
Urgent Care Registered Nurse
St. Luke's University Health Network
Wind Gap, PA
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Documented detailed patient intakes including chief complaints, vital signs, pain level, medical history, medication reconciliation, patient safety in Epic.
- Provided emergency medical care to patients in an urgent care setting.
- Administered oral and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Correctly administered supplemental oxygen, nebulizer treatments, administered vaccines as ordered.
- Performed EKGs, pulmonary function tests, audiograms, mask fit tests, breath alcohol tests, urine and hair drug screens, vision screens as part of various types of physical exams including DOT, pre-employment, sports, school, annual, Workman's Comp.
- Splinted patients who sustained injuries requiring immobilization of the affected area(s) until they can follow up with a specialist.
- Improved office efficiency by organizing exam rooms, cabinets, ordered and restocked medical supplies.
- Assisted in Covid Clinics with vaccine administration, documentation and patient observation.
Pediatric Home Health Nurse Case Manager
Aveanna Heathcare
Bartonsville, PA
09.2010 - 04.2018
- Provided comprehensive care to medically fragile children including medication administration, tube feedings, trach care, wound care, glucose monitoring, insulin calculations, behavior modifications, breathing treatments, meal prep, bathing and hygiene.
- Efficiently performed complete assessments with accurate documentation of physical, psychosocial and environmental needs at each visit to maintain optimal care levels.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress notes, treatment plans, and nursing reports.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living and functional mobility to increase comfort and quality of life.
- Ensured that all safety regulations were strictly followed while providing care for pediatric patients.
- Educated patients and care givers about medications, diet, exercise and disease prevention to improve long-term outcomes.
- Observed and reported changes in patient's condition to physicians or other healthcare professionals.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Odyssey Healthcare
Allentown, PA
01.2007 - 09.2010
- Performed initial assessments of new patients to determine hospice eligibility and processed admissions.
- Educated family caregivers on providing basic nursing care such as wound dressing changes, catheter maintenance, symptom management and end-of-life care.
- Listened to patients and loved ones, offering emotional support and kindness to help with end-of-life transition.
- Conducted regular visits with assigned patients in their home setting or at long-term care facilities to assess health status changes.
- Provided guidance on managing symptoms related to terminal illnesses such as pain control techniques or nutrition counseling.
- Acted as a liaison between the patient, family members, hospice staff, and physicians regarding prognosis updates.
- Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, medications, and other relevant information.
- Attended weekly case conferences to review current cases and develop treatment plans for new admissions.
- Supervised LPNs, and medical assistant teams.
- Performed death pronouncements.
Clinical Nurse Instructor
Penn State Lehigh Valley
Center Valley, PA
09.2007 - 05.2008
- Instructed nursing students on proper documentation techniques, safety protocols, and the nursing process in the clinical setting.
- Provided guidance regarding patient care protocols, medication administration and procedures.
- Supervised patient care activities while providing instruction to nursing students.
- Offered feedback and suggestions for improvement while building confidence.
- Monitored student progress throughout clinical rotations and shared this information to faculty members.
- Evaluated individual student competencies in accordance with professional standards of practice.
- Facilitated team building exercises among nursing students to promote collaboration, communication and problem solving skills.
- Maximized success rates by serving as a role model and mentor to each student.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Completed accurate records of student performance during clinical rotations within anticipated timeframes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ09-2007
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Medicine And Dentistry
Edison, NJ05-1996
Skills
- Team Supervision
- Training and coaching
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Excellent Communication
- Customer Service
- Patient education and advocacy
- Task Delegation
Timeline
Site Manager- Neurology
St. Luke's University Health Network
07.2023 - 04.2024
Clinical Triage Specialist
St. Luke's University Health Network
01.2023 - Current
Hospice Liason
St. Luke's University Health Network
09.2021 - 01.2023
Urgent Care Registered Nurse
St. Luke's University Health Network
04.2018 - 09.2021
Pediatric Home Health Nurse Case Manager
Aveanna Heathcare
09.2010 - 04.2018
Clinical Nurse Instructor
Penn State Lehigh Valley
09.2007 - 05.2008
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Odyssey Healthcare
01.2007 - 09.2010
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Medicine And Dentistry