Patricia DILLINGHAM
Lawrence,KS
Summary
I am seeking an opportunity as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am a seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader. Patient-oriented Nurse with 8 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with psychiatric and addiction specialty.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Manager
Treatment and Recovery Center at Bert Nash
12.2021 - Current
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Streamlined nursing operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff scheduling and resource allocation.
- Enhanced staff retention rates by fostering a supportive work culture; recognizing achievements, providing constructive feedback and promoting professional growth opportunities.
- Enhanced staff performance through ongoing training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
Charge RN Strawberry Hill Psychiatric Unit
University of Kansas Health System
03.2020 - 01.2022
- Perform mental health status examinations, monitor vital signs, administer medication, fill in as charge nurse when necessary, discuss staffing needs and scheduling, communicate with intake department and management for reviewing appropriate admissions
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
RN Clinical Research Nurse
PRA Health Sciences
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Responsible for monitoring and assessing patients for adverse reactions to clinical trial medications, administering medications, performing lab draws, starting I.V.s, collecting and recording data, quality control, charge nurse
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Reviewed study protocols regularly for compliance with federal regulations, institutional policies, and good clinical practice guidelines.
- Ensured accurate and timely completion of study documentation, maintaining consistency across all sites and minimizing data discrepancies.
RN Emergency Department and Pre-Op/PACU
Lawrence Memorial Hospital
11.2017 - 01.2019
- Carefully monitored the vital signs, progress and recovery of patients
- Provided appropriate response to emergency situations with patients and providing other critical assistance to patients as needed
- Cleaning and dressing wounds, splinting, drawing labs, starting IVs, providing medication as ordered
LPN
Stormont Vail
02.2017 - 11.2017
- Carefully monitored the vital signs, progress of patients
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Answered incoming phone calls from patients to provide basic assistance and triage medical concerns.
IDDT Case Manager
Bert Nash
06.2015 - 09.2016
- Provided ongoing support and assessment for clients
- Collaborated with social services and community resources to provide assistance for clients
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
EAP Consultant
WPO (Workplace Options)
11.2012 - 12.2014
- Providing research and referrals for clients, locating resources for clients as part of an employee assistance program including legal, counseling, health care, elder care and child care resources
- Assisted with training employees in new Panama office location.
- Developed strong referral networks with external resources, connecting distressed employees with specialized support when needed.
- Worked on special employee assistance program projects based on client and business needs.
- Monitored research, referrals and additional materials sent to clients.
Case Manager
Elizabeth Layton Center
05.2010 - 05.2012
- Assisted individuals in applying for Medicaid, SSDI, SSI and Medicare benefits
- Improved client outcomes by developing comprehensive case plans and coordinating services with community partners.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop coordinated care plans that addressed clients'' complex needs holistically.
Crisis Intake Specialist
TFI Family Services
11.2008 - 05.2010
- Identified homes for children removed from home in crisis calls to the TFI after hours crisis line in a timely manner.
- Coordinated transportation to foster homes
- Represented TFI as a liaison between the Shawnee County Court System and clients
- Managed an account valued around 50,000 dollars in Grant funds to be dispersed throughout twenty counties in the state of Kansas
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
Education Volunteer
Peace Corps
02.2008 - 02.2009
- Education Volunteer for the Peace Corps
- Educator of English and IT classes
- Responsible for teaching computer and English classes for children and adults
- Met with regularly with community members to discuss improvement in education and community development
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Practice
University of Missouri – UMKC
Kansas City, Missouri12.2024
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS05.2020
Associates in Nursing - Nursing
Mary Grimes School of Nursing
Ottawa, KS12.2017
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05.2005
Skills
- Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
- Crisis Intervention and Deescalation
- SAFE Clinch Training
- MAT
- Psychiatric Interviewing
- Department management
- Policy Development
- Staff Leadership/ Staff Supervision
- Hiring and Recruitment
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient education and advocacy
- Staff Coaching and Mentoring
- Quality Assurance
- Compassionate and Caring
Accomplishments
- Hired and Recruited over 50 staff members for the new inpatient psychiatric facility TRC (Treatment and Recover Center).
- Collaborated with team of community partners in the development of the Treatment and Recovery Center.
- Helped open and operate the Treatment and Recovery Center.
- Implemented new facility wide scheduling system.
Certification
- BSN
- RN
- LBSW
- BLS
Awards and Recognitions
- Leona B. Stroup Award for Nursing 2020 from Fort Hays State University
- Clinical Excellence Award from Mary Grimes School of Nursing December 2016
- Overall GPA 3.9
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Interests
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Camping
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
- Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
- Music
- Parent of 3 dogs
Timeline
Nurse Manager
Treatment and Recovery Center at Bert Nash
12.2021 - Current
Charge RN Strawberry Hill Psychiatric Unit
University of Kansas Health System
03.2020 - 01.2022
RN Clinical Research Nurse
PRA Health Sciences
11.2019 - 01.2021
RN Emergency Department and Pre-Op/PACU
Lawrence Memorial Hospital
11.2017 - 01.2019
LPN
Stormont Vail
02.2017 - 11.2017
IDDT Case Manager
Bert Nash
06.2015 - 09.2016
EAP Consultant
WPO (Workplace Options)
11.2012 - 12.2014
Case Manager
Elizabeth Layton Center
05.2010 - 05.2012
Crisis Intake Specialist
TFI Family Services
11.2008 - 05.2010
Education Volunteer
Peace Corps
02.2008 - 02.2009
- BSN
- RN
- LBSW
- BLS
Master of Science - Nursing Practice
University of Missouri – UMKC
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Fort Hays State University
Associates in Nursing - Nursing
Mary Grimes School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Kansas
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