Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Paula Andrews

Paula Andrews

Lamarque,Tx

Summary

I am an Infusion RN with multiple years of experience in the home (one on one with the patient) and in the infusion suite. I am proficient with IVIG infusions, Chemotherapy, IV antibiotics, Remicade, Rituxan, Tysabri infusions, BIOLOGICS, TPN and multiple other medications. I am comfortable with CADD pumps, Sabortec, Syringe pumps, Elastomeric infusion pumps, and most ambulatory infusion pumps. I have a calming spirit and care deeply for the best care of my patients and a talent for IV iv finding the vein. I enjoy my job.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Infusion Nurse

Choice Infusion
10.2024 - Current
  • Assisted with scheduling outpatient infusions to ensure timely treatment delivery
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and progress in electronic medical records systems
  • Recognized potential complications related to infusion therapy and intervened appropriately
  • Assessed patient condition before, during, and after infusion therapy

Alternate DON

Dignified Nursing Home Health Care Services
06.2019 - 10.2024
  • Responded to customer inquiries and resolved issues promptly
  • Provided mentorship and guidance to less experienced nurse managers within organization
  • Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to nursing practices and patient care
  • Coordinated training sessions for newly hired nurses as part of their orientation process into organization
  • Recruited hired, and trained exceptional healthcare professionals to build a dedicated team focused on providing quality patient care.
  • Ensured patient safety and satisfaction by regularly updating policies and procedures based on industry best practices.

Director of Nursing

Choice Infusion
06.2021 - 04.2022

Led efforts towards continuous improvement initiatives focused on enhancing overall efficiency within nursing department

  • Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standard.
  • Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
  • Mentored new nurses through orientation programs, facilitating their integration into the team and fostering their professional growth.
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment within the nursing department.
  • Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
  • Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.

Hospice Nurse

Absolute Hospce
01.2019 - 06.2020
  • d stabilizing for transport
  • Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
  • Coordinated with physicians to adjust medications as needed for optimal palliative care outcomes.
  • Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
  • Promoted a peaceful and supportive environment for patients and their families during the end-of-life transition.
  • Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.

Home Health RN

Core Medical Group
08.2012 - 12.2018
  • Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
  • Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.

Infusion Nurse

Southside Home Health
06.2011 - 07.2012
  • Reduced complications by closely monitoring patients for adverse reactions during infusion therapy sessions.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate care and administering medications through IV infusion.
  • Ensured safety by adhering to infection control protocols and handling hazardous materials according to regulatory guidelines.
  • Minimized discomfort during needle insertion by utilizing proper techniques and offering distraction methods as needed.
  • Prepared chemotherapy doses and iron infusions for patient treatments as per physicians' orders.
  • Created warm and inviting atmosphere through use of soft music to help patients feel less stressed while undergoing treatment.
  • Supported optimal vascular access device function by assessing patency regularly and troubleshooting issues promptly when identified.

Infusion Nurse

Critical Care/Infinity Infusion Care
02.2008 - 12.2011
  • Identified appropriate venous access sites and inserted IV catheters as needed
  • Educated patients and families on infusion process, side effects, and self-care techniques
  • Administered intravenous medications and fluids to patients
  • Managed inventory of medications, supplies, and equipment needed for infusion services
  • Assessed patient condition before, during, and after infusion therapy
  • Communicated effectively with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare providers about changes in patient status or treatment orders
  • Ensured proper disposal of biohazardous waste materials according to regulatory guidelines
  • Troubleshot issues with infusion pumps or other equipment as necessary
  • Followed protocols for infection control and prevention to maintain safe environment for all patients
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and progress in electronic medical records systems
  • Advanced knowledge base through regular attendance at continuing education seminars related to infusion nursing practice standards and emerging treatment options.
  • Reduced complications by closely monitoring patients for adverse reactions during infusion therapy sessions.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate care and administering medications through IV infusion.

Infusion Coordinator

Memorial Herman Home Health
05.1997 - 12.2006
  • Streamlined communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring timely delivery of infusion therapy.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient treatments, documenting all pertinent information for future reference.
  • Actively contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings, sharing insights from Infusion Coordinator perspective to inform clinical decision making.
  • Increased patient adherence to treatment plans by providing thorough education on infusion therapies and procedures.
  • Provided compassionate emotional support to patients undergoing challenging treatments, fostering a positive therapeutic environment.

Education

Associate in Science (A.S.) - Nursing

ST CLAIR COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
06.1987

Diploma - General Studies

Marysville High School
06.1977

Skills

  • Records Management
  • Nurse Education and Training
  • HIPAA Regulations
  • Relationship Building
  • Personnel Evaluations
  • Process Improvements
  • Policy Development
  • Goal Planning
  • Home health services
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Continuity of care
  • Home safety evaluation
  • Family Support
  • Patient Monitoring
  • IV Infusions
  • Wound Care
  • Line Care
  • Drug Education
  • Management of infusion suites
  • Chemotherapy infusion
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Complication stabilization
  • Chemotherapeutic drug administration
  • Infusion pump operation
  • PICC line maintenance
  • Home infusion coordination
  • Care plan implementation
  • Tourniquet application
  • Hydration therapy
  • Patient observation
  • Support and education
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Blood transfusion
  • Caregiver education
  • Vital sign collection
  • Patient care coordination
  • Home care coordination
  • Patient assessment
  • Medication administration
  • IV infusion treatments
  • Immunoglobulin therapy
  • Patient care implementation
  • Discharge planning
  • Geriatric infusions
  • Central line management
  • Patient education
  • Electronic medical records
  • Total parenteral nutrition
  • Vascular access devices
  • Antibiotic administration
  • Peripheral IV insertion
  • Compassionate care
  • Infusion medication administration
  • Patient assessments
  • Venipuncture expertise
  • Clinical decision making
  • Immunoglobulin infusion
  • Medication dosage calculation
  • Blood product administration
  • Vascular Access device care
  • IV therapy administration
  • Documentation
  • IV management
  • Written communication
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Intake and discharge
  • Physical assessment
  • ICD-10
  • Health promotion
  • Geriatric care
  • Training staff
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Adaptability
  • IV drug therapy management
  • Chronic disease management
  • Clinical judgment
  • Nurse education and training

Timeline

Infusion Nurse

Choice Infusion
10.2024 - Current

Director of Nursing

Choice Infusion
06.2021 - 04.2022

Alternate DON

Dignified Nursing Home Health Care Services
06.2019 - 10.2024

Hospice Nurse

Absolute Hospce
01.2019 - 06.2020

Home Health RN

Core Medical Group
08.2012 - 12.2018

Infusion Nurse

Southside Home Health
06.2011 - 07.2012

Infusion Nurse

Critical Care/Infinity Infusion Care
02.2008 - 12.2011

Infusion Coordinator

Memorial Herman Home Health
05.1997 - 12.2006

Diploma - General Studies

Marysville High School

Associate in Science (A.S.) - Nursing

ST CLAIR COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Paula Andrews