Nakeshia Lewis
Summary
Board-Certified Psychiatric Registered Nurse with over 12 years of diverse experience in psychiatric care and leadership. Demonstrated expertise in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives while developing efficient processes aligned with organizational goals. Known for a collaborative approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, particularly in launching and leading high-risk inpatient units, achieving zero Joint Commission deficiencies, and fostering a culture of safety. Received multiple honors for outstanding contributions to patient care and operational leadership, reflecting a deep dedication to advancing the field of psychiatric nursing.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Time away from work
Personal Sabbatical
01.2023 - 01.2025
- After a 26-year military career, took time away from the workforce to focus on personal development, travel, self-care and family matters. Also completed several personal writing projects. During this period, remained current in all licenses and CEU's, preparing for a fresh return to the healthcare field.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Clinical Instructor
Germanna Community College
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided clinical instruction to 58 first and second semester nursing students in patient care practices on medical/surgical floors. Trained students in working with a nursing/medical and interdisciplinary team in the hospital setting, how to perform basic ADL's and various nursing skills. Utilized over 10 daily medical concepts to perform focused and detailed patient head to toe assessments. Coached and educated students on operating the Pyxis system and proper medication administration utilizing the patient rights for oral and intravenous medications, and IM/Subcutaneous injections. Graded and/or provided feedback on care plans/concept maps, case study papers, and Sim charting.
- Fostered a culture of safety within the learning environment by emphasizing proper use of equipment, infection control measures, and patient privacy guidelines.
Registered Nurse RN
CVS Health
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Administered 20-30 Covid-19 and other other vaccines, such as Hep A/B, Influenza, Shingrix, Tetanus, Pneumovax, and HPV, to a community population over 67,000. Utilized RxConnect electronic medical system to verify patient appointments/information Processed/documented immunization administrations via Iron Man handheld electronic device.
Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager
U S Army
04.2018 - 08.2020
- Managed daily operations of a 20-bed Residential Treatment Facility and supervised 28 employees, RN's, LPN's, and support personnel. Oversaw scheduling, budgeting, evaluations, and coordination of patient care with a multidisciplinary team. Facilitated complex discharge planning, especially for overseas transfers, and ensured the unit remained Joint Commission ready through staff training and mock drills. Championed safe, effective care through leadership in medical and behavioral health protocols and establishment of a nursing shared governance through the Unit Practice Council.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager
U S Army
07.2017 - 04.2018
- Led newly launched, pilot adolescent behavioral health unit, gradually expanded from 4-12 beds. Supervised 26 civilian and military employees of RN's, LPN's, techs and other support personnel. Directed daily operations, staffing, budgeting, and patient care coordination with a multidisciplinary team. Conducted a comprehensive safety risk assessment that resulted in unit renovations and improved protocols. Developed and guided a task force to implement training on de-escalation, restraints, mock codes, and group therapy, ensuring Joint Commission readiness and safe patient outcomes. Instrumental in the advocating of additional nursing positions, and the conversion of contract positions into permanent government positions, for safer staff to patient ratios.
Registered Nurse/Deputy Director Clinical Nurse Transition Program
U S Army
10.2015 - 06.2017
- Directly responsible for the onboarding, mentorship, and performance evaluations for newly commissioned military nurses in a 6-month residency program. Designed curriculums for 8 educational seminars, facilitated skills labs, and coordinated rotations across 4 medical units and other outlying clinics. Developed and managed a 2-day preceptor program, ensuring effective nurse-preceptor pairings. Successfully graduated 40 nurses through structured education and formal ceremonies.
Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager
U S Army
08.2014 - 10.2015
- Managed daily operations of a 15-bed Adult Inpatient Behavioral Health unit, and supervised 29 military and civilian employees, to include RN's, LPN's, techs, and support personnel. Oversaw nursing schedule, budgeting, staff training, civilian pay and evaluations. Coordinated with a multidisciplinary team, complex patient care, from overnight stays of overseas military personnel, to proper placement of special needs young adults. Conducted a comprehensive risk assessment, resulting in renovations and rearranging of unit for safety of staff and positive patient outcomes. Remained Joint Commission ready through extensive trainings in restraints, de-escalation techniques, mock codes, and creating a TJC pocket guide.
Registered Nurse Psychiatric Staff Nurse
U S Army
07.2010 - 06.2014
- Psychiatric Staff and Charge Nurse on a 12-bed Inpatient Behavioral Health unit. Managed a workload of 6-8 patients. Coordinated medical and behavioral health care, conducted group therapy sessions, medication management, multidisciplinary team meetings with providers and ancillary staff, and discharge planning. Trained in restraints and de-escalation and provided training to new staff members. Assisted nurse manager with daily unit operations and functioning, and oversaw nurse schedule. Utilized workload management tool to input patient care hours. Prepared patient care report for nursing supervisor. Instrumental in revamping of overall unit functioning for safer more efficient patient care, including development of a daily nursing task sheets for nursing staff, assisting with the development of a patient skills book for individual and group therapy sessions. Created a welcome pamphlet for admitting patients and their unit commanders. Increased staff and patient satisfaction to over 80%.
Registered Nurse/Nurse Resident/Motherbaby/Medical Surgical Staff RN
U S Army
07.2009 - 07.2010
- Resident nurse in a 6-month training program. Paired with preceptor trained RN's on various medical units and clinics. Attended morning huddles with physicians/nurses and followed organizational safety protocols in providing safe optimal patient care to a patient load of 4-7. Conducted routine medical assessments, admissions/discharge planning and education on medication and health, blood draws, IV insertions, post surgery assessments/monitoring and proper dressing changes, medication administration, pain management, assisted charge nurse as needed, performed safety checks on equipment such as the crash cart/AED. Documented nursing assessments into electronic medical record.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing
University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, Texas01.2015
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma01.2009
Associate in Science - undefined
Cameron University
Lawton, Oklahoma01.2007
Skills
- Psychosocial/crisis intervention/de-escalation skills
- Effective communication
- Electronic Medical Records
- Case Management/Comprehensive discharge strategies
- Educational Evaluation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving/Attention to detail
- Mental health evaluation
- Direct patient care
- Critical thinking
- Computer skills
- Organization and time management
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with nursing leadership, HR, and BH team in establishment of 6 new RN positions and 6 BH technician positions for increased patient safety
- Supervised team of over 90 nursing staff members
- Achieved 100% medical and BH training of 3 BH units, meeting TJC safety protocols and zero TJC deficiencies
- Completed Behavioral Health course 2011
- Completed 80-hour nurse manager course 2014
- Spearheaded first pilot program 18-month-long nurse residency program for newly graduated civilian RN's (2016)
- Received Commanders coin for the successful and exceptional graduation ceremonies of over 40 nursing residents
- Received Commanders coin for leadership/management excellence and increased patient satisfaction (2017)
- Delivered presentation to over 100 attendees at the Association of military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) annual conference as expert on adolescent BH pilot program (2018): Received 30 CEU's
- Achieved zero mishaps during outfitting of Residential Treatment unit into 19-bed medical-surgical unit during COVID-19 operations––increased bed capacity by 25%. Coordinated and facilitated medical-surgical in-services and skills training for 12 BH nursing personnel (2020)
Certification
- Received Certificate of Achievement and Meritorious
- Psychiatric Nurse Board Certification
- BLS for Healthcare Providers
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Nurse Educator
LANGUAGES
English - Intermediate
Awards
Army Commendation Medal (4), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Army Achievement Medal (6), University of Texas-3.8 GPA
Timeline
Time away from work
Personal Sabbatical
01.2023 - 01.2025
Clinical Instructor
Germanna Community College
08.2022 - 05.2023
Registered Nurse RN
CVS Health
09.2021 - 02.2022
Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager
U S Army
04.2018 - 08.2020
Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager
U S Army
07.2017 - 04.2018
Registered Nurse/Deputy Director Clinical Nurse Transition Program
U S Army
10.2015 - 06.2017
Registered Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager
U S Army
08.2014 - 10.2015
Registered Nurse Psychiatric Staff Nurse
U S Army
07.2010 - 06.2014
Registered Nurse/Nurse Resident/Motherbaby/Medical Surgical Staff RN
U S Army
07.2009 - 07.2010
Associate in Science - undefined
Cameron University
Master of Science in Nursing - Nursing
University of Texas At Arlington
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
The University of Oklahoma
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