Phanedra O’Neal
Laurel,Maryland
Summary
Dynamic psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive experience at D.C. VA Hospital, adept in crisis intervention and patient education. Proven leadership in interdisciplinary teams, enhancing care quality for veterans. Skilled in psychiatric assessments and medication management, while demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills to foster patient trust and collaboration.
Overview
1
1
Certification
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Nurse Mental Health Department (Nurse 3)
D.C. VA Hospital
Washington, DC
10.2018 - Current
- My duties include caring for veterans daily in crisis through mental health challenges. I advocate and work closely with members of the interdisciplinary team such as physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and pharmacists to ensure patients’ needs are being met. Conducted daily assessments, documented findings, administered medication, and facilitated group sessions to support veterans' mental health. I educate them about resources. I also worked closely with the ER. I triaged patient acuity and treated presenting medical conditions. Utilized strong nursing skills to provide comprehensive care for veterans with mental disorders, ensuring their needs were met and promoting their well-being. Work with veterans who have various psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, MST, Depression, Substance Abuse Anxiety, Bipolar and Schizophrenia. Achieved highest rank on floor, recognized as an expert in debriefing and deescalating hostile patients, contributing to a safer environment for all. Also contributed to the COVID Team, following all practices and policies.
Psych Nurse Practitioner
Columbia Mental Health
Columbia, Maryland
05.2025 - 07.2026
- Worked with physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to support quality patient care.
- Provided crisis intervention through emotional support and safety planning.
- Collaborated with health groups to develop and implement community health improvement programs, enhancing access to mental health resources.
- Provided evidence-based psychiatric and mental health care to assigned veterans as a licensed independent practitioner.
- Performed comprehensive psychiatric and clinical assessments and managed veterans with acute and chronic health conditions, with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention.
- Provided psychiatric and mental health interventions, including renewal and modification of psychiatric medications in line with applicable medical center policy.
- Developed, implemented, evaluated, and adjusted individualized treatment plans to support optimal health outcomes and effective management of psychiatric and other health conditions.
- Provided crisis intervention and management of psychiatric illnesses across outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care settings.
- Ordered and interpreted laboratory tests, diagnostic tests, and other appropriate diagnostic studies.
- Prescribed pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions within approved clinical privileges and scope of practice.
- Initiated referrals and consultations to specialty services and coordinated community referrals as appropriate.
- Provided education and counseling to veterans and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, health promotion, disease prevention, and self-management.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, peers, and other interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to coordinate care and support continuity across healthcare settings.
- Demonstrated leadership and collaborated with an interdisciplinary team, including leading patient care teams and supporting changes designed to improve patient outcomes.
- Applied critical thinking and advanced clinical judgment in assessment and management of complex patient-care situations.
- Incorporated research, evidence-based practice, professional standards, regulatory requirements, and clinical practice guidelines into care delivery and evaluation.
- Participated in performance and quality improvement activities by identifying, analyzing, and implementing processes to improve quality, timeliness, patient outcomes, and healthcare delivery.
- Identified clinical and process improvement opportunities and trends and took appropriate action to support resolution.
- Educated colleagues and students and served as clinical and professional resource for interprofessional healthcare team members.
- Maintained professional competence through ongoing education and accepted responsibility for continued professional development.
- Fostered cooperation and teamwork with veterans, families, staff, and stakeholders through effective communication and ethical conduct, leading to improved patient relationships.
- Supported culture of safety, infection prevention, privacy, accreditation readiness, and compliance with applicable VA policies, procedures, and standards.
- Supported team operations and objectives by executing essential tasks that streamlined workflow and strengthened collaboration.
Staff Nurse Same Day Surgery (Nurse 3) (Full Time) / ER (PRN)
VA Maryland Health Care System
Baltimore, Maryland
06.2016 - 06.2018
- Collaborated with surgical team to accurately identify and prepare patients for surgery the day prior, ensuring readiness and safety. This includes preoperative workup interviews, patients, lab draws, EKG’s starting IV’s /IV fluids, doing extensive patient education about post-surgical care. My unit also does ECT Therapy for patients suffering from severe depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Assessed and prioritized incoming patients according to injury or illness severity, facilitating timely and effective care. based on level of injury or illness. Administered immediate stabilization care to incoming patients upon arrival, enhancing patient outcomes in critical situations.. Administered medication according to physician instructions. Started intravenous lines to facilitate medication and fluid administration., and set broken bones Perform tracheotomies and intubations. Administered stitches to close wounds and promote healing. and suture. Create and maintain incoming patient records. Work with a team of emergency staff to help patients.
Staff Nurse Behavioral Health Unit (Part Time)
Carroll County Hospital
03.2015 - 05.2018
- population on unit includes adolescents and adults. mental health disorders include PTSD, substance abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, bulimia, anorexia, suicidal ideation and thoughts, and attention deficit disorder. Applied extensive knowledge of psychiatric disorders and pharmacology to deliver effective patient care.
- Provided direct patient care in diverse clinical settings.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop care plans.
Staff Nurse Per Diem Geriatrics Long Term Care (PRN)
Loch Raven VA Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland
03.2013 - 03.2018
- Utilized nursing process to provide care for veterans requiring rehabilitation and post-acute care at Loch Raven VA Community Living & Rehabilitation Center, ensuring tailored treatment plans. Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary members such as doctors, nurse practitioners, dieticians, physical therapists, and chaplains to create and coordinate optimal plans that improved veterans' conditions. Some of the populations that I serviced included pt.’s with Traumatic Brain Injuries, CVA’s, complex post-surgical procedures such as knee replacement, pt. who need long term IV infusion of antibiotics. I am familiar with performance measures in this area. Managed staff levels to maintain operational efficiency and quality of care in long-term care facility. Responded to emergencies and guided staff in crisis situations, ensuring safety and well-being of veterans.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Assisted in patient assessments and developed care plans collaboratively.
Staff Nurse Home Base Primary Care Clinic (Nurse 3) (Full Time)
VA Maryland Healthcare System
, Maryland
02.2013 - 05.2016
- Provided primary care and emotional support to veterans and caregivers in home settings. The population that I served had a difficult time getting out to the community; some of these veterans and are not limited to veterans with Parkinson, Severe Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Traumatic Brain Injury, severe. Coordinated with community agencies, including Department of Aging, Adult Protective Service, and Adult Daycare, to support veterans and families. Home Base Primary Care Clinic also supported the veteran population in the OIF/OEF Caregiver Support Program, a nurse like me and a social worker did visits on the veterans in their home to assess their needs, addressed issues, education training, mandated training and their adjustment from coming back from the recent wars. Developed care plans and addressed family needs, enhancing overall support for veterans. I provided caregiver support to veterans and families of the OEF/OIF Conflict by meeting their physical, emotional, and social needs. Many psychological backgrounds, such as depression, PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, Anxiety, and suicidal patients.
Staff Nurse, Medical/Telemetry/Psych (Nurse 2) (Full time)
Baltimore VA Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland
09.2006 - 02.2013
- Applied nursing process to deliver care for patients with cardiac, renal, neurological, and psychiatric conditions as telemetry step-down and medical surgical nurse. Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to ensure optimal care and treatment for veterans. While assigned to telemetry, I have become competent in EKG reading and interpretation, all central lines, ostomies, complex wound dressings feeding tubes, blood transfusions, CAPD Dialysis, phlebotomy skills, IV insertions, and the VA electronic medical CPRS GUI, BCMA, and Vista. This floor also had many patients with PTSD, substance abuse, bipolar, dementia, Alzheimer's, suicidal patients. Addressed both medical and psychological needs to enhance patient outcomes.
Staff Nurse (Nurse 1) (Full Time)
Hines VA Hospital
Chicago, Illinois
10.2005 - 08.2006
- Applied nursing process to deliver tailored care for patients with complex needs, including cardiac, oncology, renal, neurology, and post-cardiac surgical conditions. Monitored patients on cardiac drips, ensuring stability and optimal cardiac function. Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to facilitate comprehensive treatment and holistic care for patients.
Work Study
Veteran Center Evanston
Evanston, Illinois
05.2002 - 05.2005
- Facilitated veterans' development of employment skills and navigation of disability benefits. Responded to inquiries and supported veterans in the benefits application process. Contributed to veteran projects, including Operation Stand-Down, enabling veterans to secure employment, access medical services, and understand available benefits.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Marine (4 Years Active Duty)
United States Marine Corps
12.1997 - 12.2001
- Established communication outposts, including satellite telecommunications, to support global operations. Managed encrypted communications and data systems to ensure secure information exchange. Collaborated with other branches of service to safeguard American soil and achieve mission objectives.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Education
post-master’s as a family psych nurse practitioner -
Washburn University
01-2021
Masters in nursing - Nursing Informatics
Walden University
12-2012
Associate degree in nursing -
Harry S. Truman College
05-2005
Skills
- Nursing
- Psychiatric nursing
- Patient advocacy
- Veteran advocacy
- VA policies
- Clinical documentation
- Family psychiatric nursing
- Healthcare policy
- Community care
- Patient-centered care
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical supervision
- Emergency room (ER) care
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Cardiac care
- Surgical care
- Group therapy facilitation
- Patient education
- Clinical oversight
- Patient flow management
- Team coordination
- Psychology
- Women’s care
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Computer proficiency
- Interpersonal skills
- Patient flow management
Certification
- ACLS, 2017-01-01, 2022-12-31
- BLS, 2016-01-01, 2023-12-31
- ANCC Medical-Surgical Certification, ANCC, 2026-12-31, Resume states 'until 2026'.
- ANCC Family Psych Nurse Practitioner (Postmaster certificate), ANCC
- CPR Instructor
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse / Family Psych Nurse Practitioner, Maryland, 2023-01-01, Resume states licensed in Maryland in 2023.
- DEA License (Controlled Substances), US
Accomplishments
- Outstanding Dictation about Preventing Suicide Amongst veterans (2018) - Maryland Nurse Association top award category.
- Outstanding Nurse Practice Award (2016).
- Federal Excellence Bronze Winner (2015).
- Federal Excellence Award bronze winner (Home Base/Caregiver Support role).
- 8 Gold Pin Awards for excellent customer service.
- Superior Performance Step Increase for outstanding performance (2015 and 2017).
- Graduate of VA Medical Healthcare System Leadership Academy (2015).
- Wrote and led critical policy; organization dinged by JCHAO (as stated).
- Leadership Academy Project: simulation for new hire/current employees (under executive management consideration).
- Currently writing a publication for America Nurse Journal about Veteran benefits.
Military Service
United States Marine Corps, 1997-12-01, 2001-12-01, True, Secure communications via encryption; established secure communications outposts worldwide.
Employment Summary
Advanced practice psychiatric/behavioral health nursing care for veterans/military population., Psychiatric intakes, assessments, reassessments, follow-ups, and medication management., Documentation/coding experience with VA and civilian EHR systems; CRISP experience., Knowledge of Military Health System and Veterans Health Administration; care coordination/case management., Enterprise-level consultation and navigation for VA/DoD care management teams., Leadership roles in nursing associations and union activities; policy development and program revamping.
Personal Information
Title: Family Psych Nurse Practitioner
Community Service
- Lead and started diversity and inclusion seminar for at-risk youth, Women’s health promotion specifics.
- Co-Chair of Holiday Sunshine, 2021-01-01, 2022-12-31, Lead annually Christmas sponsoring of veterans children; community resources to sponsor families.
- Operation Sunshine participant/support, Helped female veterans especially MST survivors with health education and screening.
Timeline
Psych Nurse Practitioner
Columbia Mental Health
05.2025 - 07.2026
Staff Nurse Mental Health Department (Nurse 3)
D.C. VA Hospital
10.2018 - Current
Staff Nurse Same Day Surgery (Nurse 3) (Full Time) / ER (PRN)
VA Maryland Health Care System
06.2016 - 06.2018
Staff Nurse Behavioral Health Unit (Part Time)
Carroll County Hospital
03.2015 - 05.2018
Staff Nurse Per Diem Geriatrics Long Term Care (PRN)
Loch Raven VA Hospital
03.2013 - 03.2018
Staff Nurse Home Base Primary Care Clinic (Nurse 3) (Full Time)
VA Maryland Healthcare System
02.2013 - 05.2016
Staff Nurse, Medical/Telemetry/Psych (Nurse 2) (Full time)
Baltimore VA Hospital
09.2006 - 02.2013
Staff Nurse (Nurse 1) (Full Time)
Hines VA Hospital
10.2005 - 08.2006
Work Study
Veteran Center Evanston
05.2002 - 05.2005
Marine (4 Years Active Duty)
United States Marine Corps
12.1997 - 12.2001
post-master’s as a family psych nurse practitioner -
Washburn University
Masters in nursing - Nursing Informatics
Walden University
Associate degree in nursing -
Harry S. Truman College