Patricia Black-Tracy
Aberdeen,SD
Summary
Driven Registered Nurse and Infection Prevention Coordinator at Avera St. Luke's Hospital, adept in implementing cutting-edge infection control measures and enhancing patient safety. Demonstrated leadership in cross-departmental collaboration and compliance, leveraging skills in complex problem-solving and emotional intelligence to elevate healthcare standards and outcomes.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Infection Prevention Coordinator
Avera St. Luke's Hospital
305 South State Street, Aberdeen, SD 57401
01.2005 - Current
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Streamlined communication between departments regarding infection control issues, enabling faster response times to potential problems.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by providing expertise in infectious disease management and control measures.
- Safeguarded patient well-being through diligent implementation of isolation precautions when necessary, minimizing cross-contamination risks among vulnerable populations.
- Enhanced patient safety by implementing infection control policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations by staying abreast of current legislation affecting infection prevention practices within the organization.
- Improved compliance with regulatory standards by monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of infection prevention programs.
- Played an integral role in emergency preparedness planning, addressing potential infectious disease threats and outlining response procedures.
- Created a safe environment for patients by conducting regular environmental rounds to identify potential sources of infection transmission.
- Assisted in maintaining accreditation status through meticulous documentation and reporting of infection control data.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop strategies for preventing and controlling infections in high-risk areas.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD12.2025
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD 05.2006
Skills
- Infection control measures
- Patient education and counseling
- Compassion and Empathy
- Licensed RN
- Nursing staff leadership
- Team Coordination
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Maintaining privacy
- Relationship Building
- High level of autonomy
- Data Collection
- Emotional Intelligence
- Managing deadlines
Accomplishments
- Participated in Avera Nurse Leadership, Aberdeen Leadership Chamber of Commerce, and Avera Care Team.
- Earned Avera Quality Congress Award for implementing a process to decrease post-op surgical site infections.
- Educate nurses and staff at orientations, staff meetings, skills fairs, rounding.
Certification
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - SD State Board of Nursing.
- CPR/AED Certification
- First Aid Certification
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
Volunteer Work
- Aberdeen Lions Club to support sight/vision.
- South Dakota School for the Blind in Aberdeen, SD.
- Bikes for Kids. Volunteer giving free bikes to children in our community.
- Brown County Fair Avera Volunteer.
- Gypsy Day Parade, Northern State University, Avera Volunteer.
- Fundraising project to buy a snow machine and snow groomer for Baird Hill Sledding Park.
- Care Team and Administration activity volunteer, Avera.
Additional Information
APIC-Association for Professionals in Infection Control, national and 2 local chapters in South and North Dakota. Board Member in 2023.
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Infection Prevention Coordinator
Avera St. Luke's Hospital
01.2005 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of South Dakota