Nicole Cook
Charles Town,WV
Summary
Compassionate Charge Nurse offers 23 years of patient care and advocacy within MedSurg units. Highly skilled in charting, managing patient intake and discharges and monitoring care plans. Well-versed in promoting policies and protocols to achieve core measures. Demonstrated success in cultivating strong patient rapport to drive outcome goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Charge Nurse
Winchester Medical Center
Winchester, VA
12.2014 - Current
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Implemented quality patient care techniques to align with safety, health and organizational regulations.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes and treatment implementations.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking and administration.
- Collaborated with various healthcare professionals to determine specific and individualized care plan based on goals and long-term health.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
- Educated patients and caregivers of various available external resources to support wound management, disease management and medication administration.
- Managed various medications and treatments such as peritoneal dialysis, IV push, oral, subcutaneous, IV infusion and and intramuscular injections.
- Identified unit areas of inadequacy and adjusted procedures to close gaps and improve policies.
- Supervised patient admissions and discharges from hospital to home care, rehabilitative facility or self-care.
- Documented medications administered, treatments and patient procedures performed in appropriate records according to privacy requirements.
- Managed JP drains and chest, nasogastric, G and peg tubes.
- Directed patient care activities, guided and trained RNs, LPNs and residential advisors during shift.
- Documented information in patients' electronic medical record, relaying information to clinicians and care providers to facilitate continuity of care.
- Interacted smoothly with patients and loved ones, updated on care plans and advocated for needs.
- Cared for patients' wounds and changed dressings.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Administered medications to patients and monitored response to medications.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Orthopedic Registered Nurse
Winchester Medical Center
Winchester, VA
10.2012 - 12.2014
- Participated in falls policy committee to discuss policies, propose revisions and implement changes.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Assessed and evaluated mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
- Administered medications to many patients and monitored response to medications.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- 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.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
Certified Nursing Aide
Fresno & Surgical Heart Hospital
Fresno , CA
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Prepared patients for IV infusion for CHF and cardioversion treatments by transporting, positioning and draping patient.
- Assisted nurses by taking patient blood pressure, measuring heartbeat and recording vital signs in physical examinations.
- Conferred with multidisciplinary healthcare team to help effectively manage patient conditions with regular testing and vitals assessments.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Maintained complete confidentiality with patient information to provide professional, secure medical services.
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport.
- Agreed to take on additional shifts and extra hours during busy periods and holidays to maintain proper staffing and floor coverage.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
Pharmacy Technician
Frederick Memorial Hospital
Frederick, MD
04.2001 - 06.2003
- Prepared intravenous solutions, admixtures, respiratory drugs and other solutions using aseptic techniques.
- Ordered medicines daily to replenish stock and increase inventory in anticipation of need.
- Counted, measured, and compounded medications following standard procedures.
- Stocked, labeled and inventoried medication to keep accurate records.
- Restocked automated medication dispensing equipment.
- Counted and labeled prescriptions with correct item and quantity.
- Counted, measured and compounded medications following standard procedures.
- Maintained proper drug storage procedures, registries, and records for controlled drugs.
- Assisted pharmacist by filling prescriptions for customers and responding to patient questions regarding prescription and medication-specific issues.
- Restocked pharmacy shelves with current merchandise to drive consistent peripheral sales.
- Calculated dosage, filled prescriptions and prepared prescription labels with absolute accuracy.
- Performed various pharmacy operational activities with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency and service quality.
- Performed wide range of pharmacy operations with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency and service quality.
Hospital Corpsman
United States Navy
02.1996 - 04.2001
- Provided emergency medical care and conducted physical exams and interviews to gain medical history and relevant health data.
- Administered medical care for range of conditions and basic health concerns.
- Coordinated and executed transport of sick and injured patients.
- Followed decontamination and mandatory reporting procedures when dealing with infectious individuals.
- Evaluated injured or ill persons to determine nature and extent of concerns.
- Kept up with continuing education requirements to maintain certification.
- Gave medication according to doctor's orders.
- Team lead for safety. Kept detailed records ensuring all employees were in compliance with the Navy's protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01.2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Fresno City College
Fresno, CA12.2011
Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Compassionate and Caring
- Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Problem Solving
- Loyal
- Dependable
Certification
- Certified Orthopeadic Nurse since 2018
Timeline
Charge Nurse
Winchester Medical Center
12.2014 - Current
Orthopedic Registered Nurse
Winchester Medical Center
10.2012 - 12.2014
Certified Nursing Aide
Fresno & Surgical Heart Hospital
01.2010 - 12.2011
Pharmacy Technician
Frederick Memorial Hospital
04.2001 - 06.2003
Hospital Corpsman
United States Navy
02.1996 - 04.2001
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Fresno City College