Nicole Lester
Winnebago,IL
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional skilled in patient care, critical thinking, and communication. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring efficient and compassionate care in dynamic environments. Equipped with expertise in medical procedures, patient assessments, and care coordination.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse- Surgical Services Nurse Navigator
FHN Memorial Hospital
Freeport, IL
10.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and disease prevention strategies.
- Streamlined patient admission procedures, improving overall workflow efficiency in the unit.
- Led quality improvement initiatives, ensuring adherence to best practices and safety protocols.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate patient conditions and adjust care accordingly.
- Implemented evidence-based practices that enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction levels.
- 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.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- 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.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- 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.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Provided direct patient care, administering medications and monitoring vital signs.
Registered Nurse- Intensive Care Unit
FHN Memorial Hospital
Freeport, IL
06.2009 - 04.2022
- Administered critical care interventions for diverse patient populations in fast-paced ICU environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions, adjusting care strategies as needed.
- Provided emotional support and education to patients and families facing complex health challenges.
- Mentored junior nursing staff on best practices in intensive care management and protocols.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and safety standards.
- Utilized advanced medical equipment and technology for effective patient monitoring and treatment.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify changes in patient status, ensuring timely interventions.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
- Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
- Streamlined workflow by efficiently prioritizing tasks during high-stress situations, leading to better overall performance of the ICU team.
- Enhanced ICU team efficiency by providing continuous education on best nursing practices and protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on best practices and advancements within the field of critical care nursing.
- Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the ICU unit and promoting a supportive workplace culture.
- Worked with physicians and nursing staff to develop treatment protocols addressing patients' current symptom presentation as well as underlying conditions.
- Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Promoted a safe environment by enforcing infection control policies and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations while fostering trust between medical staff and patients'' families.
- Supported needs of medically complex patients with skilled nursing care.
- Delegated work to nursing support staff and monitored performance to protect patients and maintain optimal care standards.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL05.2009
Skills
Proficient in Time management strategies
Proficient in Coordination of Intradepartmental Patient Care
Knowledge and experience with Process Improvement Strategies
Knowledge and experience with the use of Meditech Medical System
Super-user for Alaris IV Pumps
Member of Patient Portal Committee to Improve Electronic Patient Access
Member of Meditech Physician Access/Documentation Team
Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word and Outlook
Knowledge in the use of Microsoft Excel
Proficient in Art line setups
Knowledge of critical care interventions, medications, and processes
Ability to perform moderate sedation under the RN scope of practice
Ability to assist with intubations under the RN scope of practice
Delivering Service Excellence to the customer-updated annually
Patient Confidentiality-updated annually
Recognize cardiac dysrhythmias and treatment
Care of the acute stroke patient-updated annually
Timeline
Registered Nurse- Surgical Services Nurse Navigator
FHN Memorial Hospital
10.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse- Intensive Care Unit
FHN Memorial Hospital
06.2009 - 04.2022
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Highland Community College