Monica Blucher, RN, BSN
Amarillo,TX
Summary
Registered Nurse with over 3+ years of critical care experience, recently COVID Crisis RN deployed in NYC and South Texas area. I practiced in COVID ICU’s, cardiovascular and surgical post-operative recovery and intensive care, and 8+ years of Community Nursing, with organized and time management skills, along with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Extensive experience and thorough understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacology of critically ill and the home based patient.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
ICU Staff Nurse/Med Surge Nurse
Vibra LTAC
Amarillo, TX
10.2020 - Current
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tubes.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in LTAC critical care units.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
Crisis ICU/CCU/TELE RN
Krucial Staffing
Harlingen, TX
06.2020 - 10.2020
- Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns.
- Updated patient charts using Software with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Explained health care issues and ramifications to patients and families to promote informed medical care choices.
- Followed all HCA ethical values and principles and adhered to HIPAA medical record regulations to promote patients' privacy.
- Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Supervised new employees and student nurses to promote adherence to established patient care standards and practices.
- Developed and implemented patient care plans based on physicians' instructions and generally accepted nursing practices.
- Maintained respectful treatment environment that honored patients' and families’ cultural and religious traditions and preferences.
ICU CRISIS NURSE
Krucial Staffing
New York, NY
10.2019 - 06.2020
- Responded rapidly to critical codes to coordinate stabilization treatments and restore vital functions.
- Managed needs of chronically ill and acute patients with well-coordinated treatment strategies.
- Operated critical care equipment to keep patients stable and promote recovery.
- Administered medications to treat patients' symptoms and address underlying disease progression.
- Protected critically ill patients from unnecessary risks by limiting visitors, using proper PPE and using strong infection control procedures.
- Delivered top-notch care exceeding department, hospital and Joint Commission standards.
- Completed diagnostic tests and patient assessments to evaluate treatment progress.
- Worked with intubated and ventilated patients, monitoring and reporting on conditions to maintain stats within optimal levels.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in COVID critical care units.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tubes.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Provided targeted care and treatment to Type patients.
- Guided and educated patients and caregivers on diagnoses, disease management, preventative measures, medication use and self-care to foster consistency in care administration.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Accolade Homecare And Hospice
Amarillo, TX
05.2011 - 09.2019
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
- Consulted with clinicians to devise and manage effective ongoing care plans for at-risk patients
- Developed care plans based on nursing diagnosis and incorporated therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative nursing methods
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety
- Participated in patient and family planning process, as well as provided instructions and addressed question and concerns
- Conducted regular re-evaluations to address changes in needs and conditions, introducing revisions to care plans as needed
- Reduced care costs without sacrificing quality through effective service coordination and multidisciplinary collaboration
- Educated patients and loved ones about different treatment options and outside care approaches, reducing burden on hospital resources
- Authored initial assessments of patients and family to develop plans for individual home care needs. ·
- Directed appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing processes and protocols·
- Thorougly assessed and examined patients and documented history of current and previous conditions, diseases and injuries along with medications currently being taken
- Administered physical examinations and documented history of current and previous conditions, illnesses and injuries
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes
- Negotiated with suppliers and vendors to procure medical equipment, supplies and services
Registered Nurse ICU/CCU
North West Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo, TX
12.2000 - 12.2003
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress
- Performed patient treatment according to urgency of condition while multitasking and delegating treatment needs to qualified staff to ensure effective and safe care to promote better outcomes
- Provided targeted care and treatment to critically ill patients
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tubes
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements
- Delivered outstanding patient care in Cardiac and Intensive critical care units
- Diagnosed and treated patients with chronic and acute health problems such as MI, arrhythmias, asthma, COPD and pneumonia
- Ordered and read lab tests, x-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, and EKGs
- Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge
CNA
Amarillo VA Health Care System
Amarillo, TX
02.1998 - 05.2000
- Wiped down equipment with proper cleaning products after each patient transport to reduce instances of infection
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment
- Complied with all company-specific guidelines and performed hands-on nursing care to patients under RN supervision
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking
- Gathered dietary information, assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives and support wellness goals
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically-relevant symptoms
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport
- Monitored patient specimen samples and test results to effectively alert supervisors of potentially unhealthy changes
- Facilitated activities of daily living, including personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation
- Employed mobility devices and equipment to lift patients from chairs to beds, following all safety procedures to avoid injuries
- Agreed to take on additional shifts and extra hours during busy periods and holidays to maintain proper staffing and floor coverage
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX05.2000
Bachelor of Science - Biology
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX12.1997
Skills
Team player
attention to detail
punctual
organized
time management
collaboration
flexible
reliable
Timeline
ICU Staff Nurse/Med Surge Nurse
Vibra LTAC
10.2020 - Current
Crisis ICU/CCU/TELE RN
Krucial Staffing
06.2020 - 10.2020
ICU CRISIS NURSE
Krucial Staffing
10.2019 - 06.2020
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Accolade Homecare And Hospice
05.2011 - 09.2019
Registered Nurse ICU/CCU
North West Texas Healthcare System
12.2000 - 12.2003
CNA
Amarillo VA Health Care System
02.1998 - 05.2000
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Biology
West Texas A&M University