MICHELLE L. DALTON
Heyworth,IL
Summary
Skilled nursing professional with more than 14 years of experience and passion for providing highest quality of care. Compassionate and empathetic advocate for patients and families. Skillfully assesses health status and manages care for patients with acute and chronic concerns. Experienced in structured and unstructured environments, smoothly coordinating multiple activities and competing priorities.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Small Business Co-Owner
SignsDirect, Inc
Bloomington, IL
01.2015 - Current
- Trained and mentored team members on product knowledge and sales techniques for improved performance.
- Oversaw quality control measures to maintain high standards in products and services delivered.
- Collaborated with co-owner on critical decision-making regarding business growth opportunities and strategic partnerships.
- Handling customer inquiries.
- Oversaw staff hiring process, selecting candidates who aligned with company values and had relevant skills for each role.
- Negotiated price and service with customers and vendors to decrease expenses and increase profit.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Data entry in regards to invoicing from Vendors.
- Creation and sending of invoices to customers in a timely manner.
- Pack, process and ship packages up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to prioritize work assignments.
- Maintain assorted office supply levels,
RN - Anticoagulation Nurse
OSF Medical Group
Bloomington, IL
08.2008 - 08.2009
- Initiate and implement new policy and procedures in regards to Anticoagulation. Check and track patients' PT and INR and adjust anticoagulant levels based on test results.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Educated patients on post-treatment care plans, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive patient care strategies.
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols to ensure patient safety.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols
- Educated patients and families on health management and preventive care
- Evaluated care delivery processes, identifying areas for quality improvement
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
- Managed multiple office anticoagulation testing, appointments, results, medication adjustment and patient education.
RN
OSF Medical Group
Bloomington, IL
07.2002 - 08.2008
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care outcomes.
- Well practiced in obtaining nasal, oral and blood specimens for laboratory testing.
CNA Instructor
Heartland Community College
Bloomington, IL
11.2007 - 05.2008
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for Certified Nursing Assistant courses.
- Facilitated hands-on training sessions in clinical skills and patient care techniques.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and practical demonstrations.
- Provided mentorship to students, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments, adjusting instructional strategies to optimize learning outcomes.
- Increased student satisfaction by fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that catered to individual needs and goals.
- Promoted teamwork among students through group projects, reinforcing collaboration skills necessary for success in healthcare settings.
- Prevented potential safety hazards by teaching proper usage of equipment and adhering to strict guidelines during training sessions, resulting in a safe learning environment for all participants.
- Enhanced CNA trainees'' skills by implementing hands-on learning experiences and interactive simulations.
- Determined readiness of each CNA to take on additional responsibility and work independently based on multi-factor analyses.
- Maintained detailed records of students' activities and training progress.
- Protected patients' dignity, rights, and safety while providing students numerous learning opportunities each day.
- Assessed student knowledge levels and abilities with detailed assessments.
- Prepared course materials such as syllabi, homework assignments and handouts for distribution or use within classroom.
- Oversaw laboratory and clinical environments to help students advance knowledge and abilities.
- Oversaw a group of 2-10 students in lecture, lab and clinical settings.
RN
Asta Care Center
Bloomington, IL
10.1994 - 07.2002
- I supervised CNAs and cared for 30-35 residents. My duties also included the dispensing of medication, assessment, tracheostomy care, gastrostomy care and replacement, initiation of IV therapy. I performed various treatments including the removal of staples from surgical sites. I also gained experience as the Assistant Director of Nurses from April 2000 through February 2001. As A.D.O.N., my responsibilities included staffing, care plans, "Minimum Data Sheets", and took turns "on call".
- (Note: When I was hired in 1994, Asta Care Center was called Heartland Healthcare)
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify patient needs and coordinate appropriate interventions.
- Trained new nursing staff on protocols, enhancing team efficiency and service delivery.
- Implemented safety protocols resulting in improved infection control measures within the unit.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- 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.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care outcomes.
Education
Anticoagulation Management Certificate - Nursing
University of Southern Indiana
Evansville, Indiana01-2008
Train the Trainer - Nursing
Heartland College
Normal, Illinois01-2007
R.N. I.V. Course - Nursing
Enloe's Infusion Services
Peoria, IL01-1995
Associate of Applied Science Degree - R.N.
Kaskaskia College
Centralia, Illinois01-1994
General Education - History Education
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois01-1992
Skills
- Medication and IV administration, Collecting vitals
- Tracheostomy care, Wound care, Vitals monitoring
- Family education, Diabetes management, Chronic disease management, Clinical judgment, Patient condition monitoring
- Specimen collection, Blood draw and sample collection, Immunizations and vaccinations
- Emergency care, Geriatric nursing, Palliative care, Direct patient care
- HIPAA protocol adherence
- Accurate documentation, Attention to detail
- Compassionate and caring
Accomplishments
- Perfect Attendance Award - Asta Care Center (March 2001)
- Employee Of The Month - Asta Care Center (June 1998)
- Perfect Attendance Award - Heartland Healthcare
- Employee Of The Month - Heartland Healthcare (April 1995)
- Award for "Outstanding Contribution to the Student Nurse Organization" at Kaskaskia College
ORGANIZATIONS
Student Nurse Organization at Kaskaskia College President 1993-1994
Student Nurse Organization at Kaskaskia College Vice President 1992-1993
Scouts of America: Assistant Scout Leader, Outdoor Coordinator, Order of the Arrow, National Youth Leadership Training Staff, Wood Badge Participant and Staff(Adult leader training) 2013 - 2019
Heyworth Wrestling: Concessions Coordinator 2017-2018
The Forgotten Initiative, Journey bag Mission Lead at New Horizon Christian Church 2018-2026
Vacation Bible School Co-director at New Horizon Christian Church 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021
Certification
Anticoagulation Management Certificate - see Education
Timeline
Small Business Co-Owner
SignsDirect, Inc
01.2015 - Current
RN - Anticoagulation Nurse
OSF Medical Group
08.2008 - 08.2009
CNA Instructor
Heartland Community College
11.2007 - 05.2008
RN
OSF Medical Group
07.2002 - 08.2008
RN
Asta Care Center
10.1994 - 07.2002
Associate of Applied Science Degree - R.N.
Kaskaskia College
Anticoagulation Management Certificate - Nursing
University of Southern Indiana
Train the Trainer - Nursing
Heartland College
R.N. I.V. Course - Nursing
Enloe's Infusion Services
General Education - History Education
Illinois State University
AWARDS
Employee Of The Month - Asta Care Center (June 2002), Perfect Attendance Award - Asta Care Center (March 2001), Employee Of The Month - Asta Care Center (June 1998), Perfect Attendance Award - Heartland Healthcare, Employee Of The Month - Heartland Healthcare (April 1995), Award for "Outstanding Contribution to the Student Nurse Organization" at Kaskaskia College
PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Date of Birth: July 1, 1971
- Married: 36 years - husband is self employed
- Children: 35 year old and a 25 year old, 2 grandchildren
- We have 3 dogs and 5 chickens
- We have a small orchard