PAULA MCDONALD
Family Nurse Pracitioner
Heidelberg,MS
Summary
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.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School District Nurse
East Jasper School District
Heidelberg, MS
08.2020 - Current
- Attended educational workshops to maintain current competency and licensure in nursing specialty.
- Collaborated with other health-focused organizations and agencies to promote community health.
- Maintained confidentiality in matters related to patient, family and client facility staff.
- Communicated with physicians and practitioners for patient care concerns to obtain orders and intervention protocols.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Mississippi State Veterans Home
3261 Us 49 Collins Mississippi
08.2018 - 08.2020
- Managed infection control and critical incidents and made procedural changes and improvements.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
Medical/Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Amedisys Home Health
18 Melody LN, Collins, Mississippi
10.2010 - 10.2018
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Utilized multi-modal diagnostic tools to diagnose and treat several patients with memory difficulties and dementia.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
East Mississippi State Hospital
4555 Highland Park Drive, Meridian, Mississippi
12.2005 - 09.2010
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
- Monitored vital signs, nutritional intake and signs and symptoms of complications to report deviations to supervisor.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Alliance Health Center
5000 MS-39 Meridian, Mississippi
08.1993 - 08.2004
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Monitored vital signs, nutritional intake and signs and symptoms of complications to report deviations to supervisor.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Assessed and evaluated mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Charge Registered Nurse
Rush Foundation Hospital
1314 19th Ave, Meridian, Mississippi
03.1993 - 06.1996
- Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Performed patient assessments and adjusted care plans accordingly.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes and treatment implementations.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking and administration.
- Documented information in patients' electronic medical record, relaying information to clinicians and care providers to facilitate continuity of care.
- Worked with patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes or sepsis to asses needs and determine best options for care.
- Managed JP drains and chest, nasogastric, G and peg tubes.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
- Cared for patients' wounds and changed dressings.
- Supervised patient admissions and discharges from hospital to home care, rehabilitative facility or self-care.
- Implemented quality patient care techniques to align with safety, health and organizational regulations.
- Documented medications administered, treatments and patient procedures performed in appropriate records according to privacy requirements.
- Managed various medications and treatments such as peritoneal dialysis, IV push, oral, subcutaneous, IV infusion and and intramuscular injections.
- Directed patient care activities, guided and trained RNs, LPNs and residential advisors during shift.
- Educated patients and caregivers of various available external resources to support wound management, disease management and medication administration.
Education
Certification - Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS12.2021
Master of Science - Nursing Practice
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Practice
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS05.2003
Associate of Science - Nursing Practice
Meridian Community College
Meridian, MS05.1993
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Rust College
Holly Springs, MS05.1987
Skills
- Medication Identification
- Staff Development
- Clear Patient Communication
- Intramuscular Injections
- Crisis Prevention Intervention
- Home Visits
- Standards Administration
- Student Screening
- Resource Allocation
- Health Screening
- Creative Thinking
- Therapy and Counseling
- Advocating for Students
- Hearing Screenings
- Treatment Coordination
- Microsoft Office
- Infusion Administration
- Medication Side Effect Knowledge
- Community Relationships
- Nursing Performance Assessment
- Diagnostic Test Evaluations
- Universal Precautions
- Test Interpretations
- Community Healthcare Programming
- Withdrawal Symptoms
- Manage Cases
- Disease Processes
- Patient Care Assessment
- Ulcer Diagnosis and Treatment
- Prevention Techniques
- Insulin Administration
- Pain Management Techniques
- Emergency Measures
- Treatment Plan Modification
- Treatment Recommendations
- Women's Health
- Routine Examinations
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Hygiene Support
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Healthcare Personnel Supervision
- Delegation and Motivation
- Patient Data Management Systems
- Mental and Physical Assessments
- Professional Development
- Staff Meetings
- Administer Medication
- Emergency Diagnostics
- Understanding of Medical Terms
- Specialized Healthcare Referrals
- Chronic Disease Management
- Diet and Nutrition
- Operational Standards
- Operational Procedures
- Public Health Promotion
- Community Advocate
- Data Analysis
- Invasive Procedures
- Preventive Health
- Supporting Daily Living Needs
- EMR Systems
- Patient Health Information Access
- Registered Nurse
- Nurse Management
- Nurse Supervision
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse and CNA Supervision
- School District Guidelines Comprehension
- School Protocols
- School Safety
- School Physicals
Certification
- Licensed Registered Nurse - 1993-present
- Licensed Family Nurse Practitioner - 2022-present
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney
Timeline
School District Nurse
East Jasper School District
08.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Mississippi State Veterans Home
08.2018 - 08.2020
Medical/Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Amedisys Home Health
10.2010 - 10.2018
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
East Mississippi State Hospital
12.2005 - 09.2010
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Alliance Health Center
08.1993 - 08.2004
Charge Registered Nurse
Rush Foundation Hospital
03.1993 - 06.1996
Certification - Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
University of Southern Mississippi
Master of Science - Nursing Practice
University of Southern Mississippi
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Practice
University of Southern Mississippi
Associate of Science - Nursing Practice
Meridian Community College
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Rust College