Nicole Ockerman
Aurelia
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Maintains positive working relationship with all disciplines within the hospital. Dedicated to streamlining processes to decrease cost while improving efficiency.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Behavioral Health
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
01.2023 - Current
- Built and maintained positive staff relationships to promote teamwork and better serve clients.
- Responsible for extracting data from patient charts for Joint Commission submission.
- Monitoring of provider MIPS scores and ensuring meaningful use guidelines are followed.
- Responsible for the financial performance of the unit through FTE management, monitoring inventory usage, and maintaining the budget.
- Assisted with department redesign to promote cost-saving opportunities while improving the workflow on the unit.
- Collaborated with staff, management and external corporations to coordinate patient care.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and local, state and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, patient care guidelines, and general liability.
- Responsible for oversight of staff on the unit, including annual reviews, disciplinary action, and initiating the development of positive relationships between staff to eliminate discord on the unit.
- Participated in marketing opportunities at Iowa Hospital Association events to promote the unit and the services the unit provides.
- Experience with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, assisted with obtaining prior authorizations for inpatient treatment.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Loring Hospital
04.2022 - Current
- PRN employee, took a hiatus in September, 2023 to focus on schooling and returned to Loring in March, 2024.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, personalized nursing care tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing evidence-based discharge planning and coordinating follow-up appointments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Mentored nursing students, fostering a supportive learning environment within the unit.
Registered Nurse, Operating Room Supervisor
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
08.2008 - 12.2022
- Monitored surgical patients and delivered quality level of care before, during and after operations to promote positive outcomes.
- Provided high level of individualized care to adult patients across multiple medical specialties.
- Directly supervised RNs and CSTs to ensure highest quality of care provided at all times.
- Managed day to day staffing as needs changed based on surgery schedule, acuity of patients, and fluctuations in case loads.
- Maintained open communication with vendors and surgeons to ensure streamlining of surgical procedures to decrease unnecessary case cancellations.
- Assisted with managerial duties in the absence of the Department Director.
- Cross-trained to Med-Surg and Obstetrics during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Registered Nurse
Methodist Manor Retirement Community
06.2016 - 03.2020
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care and discharge instructions.
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic and cognitive status of patients.
- Administered medication according to physician orders.
- Completed wound dressing changes, monitored skin conditions and updated the appropriate physician per order.
- Collaborated safe care with other nurses and CNAs to deliver safe and effective care.
Certified Nurse's Aide
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
07.2003 - 08.2008
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Participated in group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory and provide light entertainment.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Assisted patients with therapy exercises as specified by care team.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS05.2017
Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, IA05.2008
Master of Healthcare Administration -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT05.2024
Skills
- Staff Supervision
- Precepting
- Infection Control and Aseptic Procedures
- Staff assignments
- Direct Patient Care
- Electronic charting expertise
- Hiring and recruitment
- Training and mentoring
- Relationship building
- Finance and capital budget management
Accomplishments
Recipient of 100 Great Iowa Nurse award 2017.
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ALS- Advanced Life Support
- BLS- Basic Life Support
- CNOR- Certified Nurse Operating Room
Timeline
Director of Behavioral Health
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
01.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Loring Hospital
04.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse
Methodist Manor Retirement Community
06.2016 - 03.2020
Registered Nurse, Operating Room Supervisor
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
08.2008 - 12.2022
Certified Nurse's Aide
Buena Vista Regional Medical Center
07.2003 - 08.2008
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
Master of Healthcare Administration -
Western Governors University
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ALS- Advanced Life Support
- BLS- Basic Life Support
- CNOR- Certified Nurse Operating Room
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