Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Nancy Heister, RN, BSN

West Point,VA

Summary

I am a Registered Nurse with extensive critical care experience at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center as well as other major medical centers. My strengths include my broad knowledge base of critical care medicine with a focus on critical thinking to merge science with the bedside nurse.


I try to incite my passion for medical science with the hands on skills when I care for my own patients and when I am mentoring new nurses to the critical care setting. No question is a bad question.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse, Critical Care

Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center
06.2018 - Current
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patient's acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Initiated informal educational opportunities for coworkers.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • 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.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • 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.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.

RN Case Manager

Genex Services
08.2014 - 05.2018
  • Field case manager for workers compensation patients (WC) to assess degree of injury, clinical pathways for return to pre-injury health including facilitating timely diagnostics and alignment with providers that could implement treatment for their return to work.
  • On call for Catastrophic Injury Team. Arrived on site for catastrophic injuries to ensure that patients and their families understand the medical diagnosis. Updated carriers regarding diagnoses to begin rehabilitative plans.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
  • Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care process.
  • Promoted adherence to treatment plans by conducting regular follow-up visits and providing ongoing support to patients.
  • Optimized resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost containment while maintaining quality of care.
  • Advocated for patients with insurance companies, securing coverage for necessary treatments and medications.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients and their families, providing support and education on health management.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.

Registered Nurse, Clinician III

UVA Medical Center-Family Medicine Primary Csre
04.2011 - 04.2014
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient treatment plans, improving overall health outcomes.
  • Educated patients on self-care management practices, empowering them to take control of their health at home.
  • Mentored new nurses during orientation programs, sharing clinical expertise to strengthen their skills and knowledge base.
  • Served as a liaison between patients, caregivers, providers offering guidance support throughout each step along their healthcare journey.
  • Provided compassionate care to patients in various stages of illness, supporting their emotional and physical wellbeing.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families through open communication channels, fostering trust and confidence in the nursing care provided.
  • Promoted a culture of safety by adhering to established policies, procedures, and guidelines for patient care delivery across the organization.
  • Assessed patient's conditions through regular monitoring and vital sign recordings, enabling timely interventions when needed.
  • Utilized advanced assessment skills in identifying potential or existing health issues among individuals across diverse populations served by the facility.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Advocated for patient's rights within the healthcare environment, ensuring they received appropriate care according to their unique needs and preferences.

Care Coordinator, Clinician III

UVA Hand Center
12.2004 - 03.2011


  • Was available 24/7 via pager for all areas of Virginia that had an acute/traumatic upper extremity injury, triaged patient to appropriate service, ensured that Residents and Attendings were aware of urgent care referrals.
  • Was able to generate medical record numbers and alert financial aid coordinator of imminent visit to help with scheduling interventions.
  • Collaborated with developing educational events for staff of clinics and residents.
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners, facilitating referrals and collaboration on behalf of patients.
  • Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
  • Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Assessed patient needs and connected them with appropriate resources to ensure optimal health outcomes.
  • Improved communication among healthcare providers, streamlining the coordination of services for patients.
  • Facilitated appointments and transportation for patients, streamlining access to essential medical services.
  • Contributed to the development of organizational policies and procedures related to care coordination, ensuring alignment with industry standards and best practices.
  • Streamlined referral process to specialists, reducing wait times for critical treatments.
  • Streamlined patient intake processes, reducing wait times and improving patient satisfaction.
  • Coordinated with external healthcare services to arrange necessary patient treatments, ensuring continuity of care.
  • Facilitated multi-disciplinary team meetings to ensure comprehensive care plans, enhancing patient outcomes.
  • Collaborated with social services to connect patients with resources for housing, nutrition, and financial assistance, improving their overall wellbeing.
  • Negotiated with insurance providers to secure coverage for necessary treatments, alleviating financial stress for patients.
  • Developed patient education materials on chronic disease management, empowering patients to take active role in their health.
  • Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
  • Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
  • Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.

Registered Nurse-PACU

Bon Secoours Saint Mary's Hospital
11.2001 - 12.2004
  • Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
  • Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-anesthesia care and monitoring vital signs.
  • Decreased medication errors by meticulously administering medications following proper protocols and verifying dosages.

Registered Nurse, Clinician II

Medical University Of South Carolina
12.1994 - 02.1999
  • Critical Care Nurse-Clinician II: Delivered quality and effective critical care nursing care to population inclusive of acute on chronic pathologies paired with current best practices in a teaching environment at a Level 1 Trauma Center.
  • Developed direct patient care protocols for ventilated patients utilizing a care pathway for parylization, sedation and agitation to minimalize extended ventilator days in the critical care setting including education for staff on how to calculate QTc for high dose medications that can leave the patient vulnerable to cardiac arrhythmias.
  • Was Primary Nurse Coordinator for NIH grant ACCESS
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge on best nursing practices and advancements within the field.
  • Advocated for patients'' rights within the healthcare environment, ensuring they received appropriate care according to their unique needs and preferences.
  • Taught patients and families how to manage illness and injury by explaining post-treatment care needs, diet and nutrition programs and proper medication self-administration procedures.
  • Observed, recorded and evaluated patient symptoms, reactions and daily progress to inform assigned physicians of concerns.

Registered Nurse-Clinician II

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
06.1993 - 12.1994
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge on best nursing practices and advancements within the field.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of current nursing practices through continuous quality improvement initiatives, leading to enhanced patient satisfaction levels.
  • Administered medications accurately and efficiently, ensuring patient safety and proper dosage.
  • Prepared and administered prescribed medications to patients, orally, subcutaneously and through IV.
  • Delivered culturally competent care by adapting communication strategies based on individual patient backgrounds.
  • Utilized strong critical thinking skills in making clinical decisions that best supported overall health outcomes for patients served.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.

Registered Nurse-Clinician I

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
06.1992 - 06.1993
  • Graduate nurse to on a Cardiac/Medical floor that specialized in the adult Cystic Fibrosis population.
  • Cared for the evolving HIV/AIDS population
  • Acquired a strong management of basic nursing skills prior to advancing to Medical Intensive Care at a leading teaching facility.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Rutgers College of Nursing
Newark
05-1992

Skills

  • Medication and IV administration
  • Direct patient care
  • Patient assessments
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Infection control measures
  • Professional bedside manner
  • Physical assessments
  • Family education
  • Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Emergency response
  • Relationship building
  • High level of autonomy
  • Diabetes and nutrition education
  • Palliative care awareness

Interests

I have become fascinated with cooking in the last few year and enjoy sharing my efforts with friends, family and coworkers


I am very mechanically inclined and this has helped me innumerous times to help with patient/family education on disease process and interventions


I enjoy writing and reading the work that my son shares with me


Most of all, I love learning and having new experiences come to me

Timeline

Registered Nurse, Critical Care

Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center
06.2018 - Current

RN Case Manager

Genex Services
08.2014 - 05.2018

Registered Nurse, Clinician III

UVA Medical Center-Family Medicine Primary Csre
04.2011 - 04.2014

Care Coordinator, Clinician III

UVA Hand Center
12.2004 - 03.2011

Registered Nurse-PACU

Bon Secoours Saint Mary's Hospital
11.2001 - 12.2004

Registered Nurse, Clinician II

Medical University Of South Carolina
12.1994 - 02.1999

Registered Nurse-Clinician II

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
06.1993 - 12.1994

Registered Nurse-Clinician I

Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
06.1992 - 06.1993

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Rutgers College of Nursing
Nancy Heister, RN, BSN