Paula Heustess
West columbia,SC
Summary
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse with extensive experience at Prisma Health Richland Hospital, excelling in comprehensive wound management and patient education. Proven ability to enhance recovery outcomes through effective care coordination and evidence-based practices. Skilled in developing individualized care plans while fostering collaboration within interdisciplinary teams.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON)
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Columbia, South Carolina
06.1987 - Current
Facilitated comprehensive wound management , ostomy and continence care to enhance patient recovery outcomes.
Administered patient care services tailored to diverse needs from neonatal to geriatric populations.
Assisted trauma team in delivering advanced care for intricate wounds and fistulas, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in Level 1 trauma center.
Delivered comprehensive education to patients and family members regarding post-discharge care of wounds, ostomies/fistulas.
Clinic Nurse
Palmetto SeniorCare PACE Program
Columbia, SC
08.1997 - 06.2012
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for seniors.
- Educated patients and families on disease management and preventive health measures.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate patient needs and adjust care strategies accordingly.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PABachelor of Science - Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing
Emory University
Atlanta, GA05-2016
Skills
- Assesses the physical and educational needs of patients undergoing ostomy surgery or continent diversions, or patients with wounds, fistulas, incontinence, percutaneous tubes or pressure ulcers Communicates patient needs to appropriate members of the health care team Provides discharge teaching as requested
- Identifies opportunities for system-wide improvement in skin, ostomy, wound or continence care; develops/revises Nursing Policies and Procedures, Standards of Care, and protocols based on current research Evaluates the outcomes and effectiveness of system wide improvements
- Develops plans for care management based on patient needs through consultation and collaboration with other members of the patient's health care team; coordinates care in an efficient, cost-effective manner
- Based on protocols, procedures and guidelines, implements and evaluates the plan of care for individual patients
- Identifies actual/potential issues of resource management/patient care, works with health care team to identify cost-effective alternatives; facilitates discharge
- Educates patients, families and staff on evidence-based skin and wound care practices Promotes health care, in area of expertise, in the community through education
- Participated in quarterly Pressure Injury Prevalence Studies and facilitates performance improvement activities related to analysis of results and serves as a resource Performs other duties as assigned
Timeline
Clinic Nurse
Palmetto SeniorCare PACE Program
08.1997 - 06.2012
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse (CWON)
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
06.1987 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Science - Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing
Emory University