Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Barista

Paula Rene Anderson

Converse,La

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.

Compassionate and dedicated with strong commitment to patient care and well-being. Possesses foundational knowledge in medical procedures and patient care, with skills in monitoring vital signs and administering medications. Aims to make significant impact on patient outcomes through effective care and empathy.

Patient-oriented Nurse with [33] 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 IV access experience, port access, picc and midline knowledge. Blood, chemo, all types of infusion experience. Strong assessment skills and monitoring.

I have background in case management and working with insurance companies to ensure the patients are taken care of. We did our own precerts for our patient's chemo, CT's and MRI's, We also did home health and hospice referrals.

I believe your word is bond and hard work and dedication are key.

Not only am I accountable to my employer but to patients and their families.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

Christus Health
05.2023 - Current
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.

Oncology/Outpatient Infusion Registered Nurse

Desoto Regional Health System
05.2020 - 04.2023
  • Facilitated patient education sessions, teaching patients about their disease processes and appropriate self-care measures to promote optimal health outcomes.
  • Educated patients on their medications, possible side effects, and self-care techniques to improve overall health outcomes.
  • Managed intravenous access devices including troubleshooting issues such as occlusions or infiltration for optimal patient care delivery.
  • Streamlined clinic operations by coordinating appointments for multiple providers within the infusion department.
  • Demonstrated a strong commitment to patient advocacy by serving as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure the highest level of care possible.
  • Promoted infection control measures by diligently following proper hand hygiene protocols and utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Administered blood products according to established guidelines while carefully monitoring for potential transfusion reactions.
  • Assisted in the development of policies and procedures related to infusion nursing practice to promote consistent quality care.
  • Reduced complications by closely monitoring vital signs and administering medications as ordered.
  • Provided timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment in electronic medical records.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Prepare and work Nephrology, Hematology, Oncology, Neurology, Podiatry, ENT, Cardiology, and Urology clinics.
  • Prepare and assist physician with procedures.
  • Obtain precertification for procedures, oncology medications and visits.
  • Give Chemotherapy, Iron, PRBC's, Platelets, IVF's and Antibiotics as ordered, monitor for any s/s of reaction and report immediately.


Orthopedics Registered Nurse

Specialist Orthopedic Hospital
09.2019 - 05.2020
  • Developed and implemented individual plans of care in collaboration with members of healthcare team to promote patient and family centered care in healing environment.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing individualized care plans for orthopedic patients.
  • Promoted a safe environment for both patients and staff by adhering to infection control standards during all aspects of patient care delivery.
  • Ensured quality patient care through accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, and progress notes in electronic medical records.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and comprehensive nursing care to post-operative orthopedic patients.
  • Used critical thinking skills to assess and evaluate patient physical, psychosocial and emotional needs.
  • Educated patients and families on post-operative care, including medication administration, wound care, and rehabilitation exercises.

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  • Educated patients and families on managing post-treatment home care needs and medication administration.
  • Assisted patients in execution of physical therapy exercises and interventions, providing both physical and motivational support.
  • Supported pain management through administration of therapeutic massage and prescribed medications.
  • Took patient vital signs, prepared and administered medications at physician direction and monitored patient symptoms and comfortability.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Managed multiple priorities effectively while caring for high acuity orthopedic patients requiring complex medical intervention.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on nature of diagnosis and specifics of treatment plans.
  • Streamlined discharge process by coordinating home health services and follow-up appointments for continued orthopedic care.

ER Registered Nurse

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
09.2017 - 05.2018
  • Planned, prioritized and provided nursing care by applying advanced specialty clinical nursing knowledge and skills to support comfort and safety of patients and families.
  • Increased efficiency within the triage system by prioritizing cases based on severity levels.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail under pressure during busy shifts in the ER department.
  • Assembled equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures in specialty service areas.
  • Contributed to a reduction in medication errors by implementing a double-check system for drug administration.
  • Collected laboratory samples and performed testing in accordance with established policies and procedures and COLA and CLIA regulations.
  • Assisted physicians with diagnostic procedures, providing critical support during emergency situations.
  • Streamlined the admission process for patients, resulting in reduced waiting times and improved patient satisfaction.
  • Administered prescribed medications and treatments, adhering to hospital protocols and regulatory guidelines.
  • Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues across departments, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall patient care delivery processes.
  • Observed and recorded signs, symptoms, behaviors and physiological status of patient.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and families, fostering trust and rapport during challenging situations.
  • Maintained accurate medical records for each patient, ensuring proper documentation of interventions, evaluations, and progress updates.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.

Oncology/Outpatient Infusion Registered Nurse

Desoto Regional Health Systems
04.2011 - 09.2017
  • Facilitated patient education sessions, teaching patients about their disease processes and appropriate self-care measures to promote optimal health outcomes.
  • Educated patients on their medications, possible side effects, and self-care techniques to improve overall health outcomes.
  • Managed intravenous access devices including troubleshooting issues such as occlusions or infiltration for optimal patient care delivery.
  • Demonstrated a strong commitment to patient advocacy by serving as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure the highest level of care possible.
  • Administered blood products according to established guidelines while carefully monitoring for potential transfusion reactions.
  • Reduced complications by closely monitoring vital signs and administering medications as ordered.
  • Provided timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment in electronic medical records.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Prepare and work Nephrology, Hematology, Oncology, Podiatrist. ENT, Neurology, Cardiology and Urology clinics.
  • Assist Physician with specialty procedures.
  • Schedule, register and admit patients in specialty clinics.
  • Access ports, picc lines, proficient starting IV's per hospital protocols.
  • Obtain precertification for specialty procedures, chemotherapy and visits. Work in coordination with insurance companies to ensure the best care for the patient.
  • Obtain precertification for specialty procedures, chemotherapy and visits. Work in coordination with insurance companies to ensure the best care for the patient.


ER Registered Nurse

Willis Knighton South
10.2002 - 04.2011
  • Increased efficiency within the triage system by prioritizing cases based on severity levels.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues across departments, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall patient care delivery processes.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail under pressure during busy shifts in the ER department.
  • Observed and recorded signs, symptoms, behaviors and physiological status of patient.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients and staff, adhering to infection control protocols and reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
  • Assembled equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures in specialty service areas.
  • Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough assessments and developing individualized nursing plans.
  • Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively resulting in a smoother transition for patients back into their communities.
  • Contributed to a reduction in medication errors by implementing a double-check system for drug administration.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and families, fostering trust and rapport during challenging situations.
  • Assisted physicians with diagnostic procedures, providing critical support during emergency situations.
  • Collected laboratory samples and performed testing in accordance with established policies and procedures and COLA and CLIA regulations.
  • Streamlined the admission process for patients, resulting in reduced waiting times and improved patient satisfaction.
  • Mentored new nursing staff members, promoting professional development and enhancing the overall quality of care provided within the ER setting.
  • Administered prescribed medications and treatments, adhering to hospital protocols and regulatory guidelines.
  • Participated in ongoing education initiatives to remain current on best practices in emergency nursing care.

Registered Nurse

DeSoto Regional Health Systems
05.1992 - 10.2002
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Worked in Surgery, Case Management, Home Health, GI procedures, assisted Dr. Dillard with Pacemaker insertions in radiology.
  • Work load was very heavy, sometimes 3 nurses with 28 patients. One nurse was required to cover ER at night. Vent patients were admitted to the floor. Served as charge nurse for 5 years.

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Shreveport, LA
05-1991

GED -

Converse High School
Converse, LA
05-1978

Skills

  • Medication and IV administratio
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Patient care planning
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification

Certification

  • Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
  • Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)- no longer current

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Christus Health
05.2023 - Current

Oncology/Outpatient Infusion Registered Nurse

Desoto Regional Health System
05.2020 - 04.2023

Orthopedics Registered Nurse

Specialist Orthopedic Hospital
09.2019 - 05.2020

ER Registered Nurse

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
09.2017 - 05.2018

Oncology/Outpatient Infusion Registered Nurse

Desoto Regional Health Systems
04.2011 - 09.2017

ER Registered Nurse

Willis Knighton South
10.2002 - 04.2011

Registered Nurse

DeSoto Regional Health Systems
05.1992 - 10.2002

Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

GED -

Converse High School
Paula Rene Anderson