Paula Henson
white Heath,Illinois
Summary
Seasoned patient-oriented nursing professional of 34 years offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs.
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 procedure scheduling.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
OSF Medical Group
02.2019 - 05.2025
- Administered patient care following established protocols and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized plan of care.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Equipped patients with knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, medications, and health maintenance strategies and provided them with After Visit Summary documentation.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Performed telephone triage on patients and determined appropriate recommendations.
- Scheduled patients for surgical or Cath Lab procedures and reviewed pre-procedure instructions.
Registered Nurse
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
02.2018 - 08.2019
- Administered sedation and monitored patient vital signs during endoscopic procedures.
- Educated patients on pre- and post-procedure instructions to enhance recovery experiences.
- Maintained accurate documentation of procedures, medications, and patient responses for compliance purposes.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex endoscopic procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout.
- Applied advanced nursing skills to handle emergency situations during endoscopic procedures calmly and effectively.
- Educated patients on post-procedure care, increasing adherence to discharge instructions and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Managed sedation administration for optimal pain relief during clinical sessions while monitoring vital signs closely.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Managed patients recovering from endoscopy procedures.
- Cleaned and processed scopes as recommended by manufacture guidelines to reduce the risk of crosscontamination.
Registered Nurse, Endoscopy
Presence Health
2016 - 02.2018
- Administered sedation and monitored patient vital signs during endoscopic procedures, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Collaborated with physicians to prepare patients for diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy interventions.
- Educated patients on pre- and post-procedure care, enhancing understanding and compliance with treatment plans.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients' medical histories to identify risks and ensure optimal care protocols.
- Educated patients on post-procedure care, increasing adherence to discharge instructions and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Cleaned and processed scopes as recommended by manufacture guidelines to prevent crosscontamination.
Registered Nurse
Presence Health
09.2013 - 2016
- Delivered high-quality patient care in fast-paced operating room environments.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with regulations.
- Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
- Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
- Implemented time-out protocols before starting surgeries, verifying correct patient identification and procedural details.
- Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collected, labeled, and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Provided direct support to surgical team by anticipating needs during procedures
- Served as a liaison between the surgical team and family members, providing timely updates on patient progress.
Registered Nurse, Operating Room
Kirby Medical Center
01.2012 - 05.2013
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Provided high-quality care for diverse patient populations, addressing individual needs and concerns.
- Enhanced patient safety by implementing strict adherence to surgical protocols and guidelines.
- Conducted thorough preoperative assessments to identify potential risks and address concerns prior to surgery.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Provided instruction to patients and family members before and after surgical procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Parkland College
Champaign, IL12-1991
Skills
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Patient care
- Wound care
- Compassion and empathy
- Maintaining privacy
- Call triaging
Timeline
Registered Nurse
OSF Medical Group
02.2019 - 05.2025
Registered Nurse
OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center
02.2018 - 08.2019
Registered Nurse
Presence Health
09.2013 - 2016
Registered Nurse, Operating Room
Kirby Medical Center
01.2012 - 05.2013
Registered Nurse, Endoscopy
Presence Health
2016 - 02.2018
Associate of Science - Nursing
Parkland College
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