Phillip Elkins
Jonesborough,TN
Summary
Passionate about providing mental health care to the East Tennessee community, I am a dedicated MSN student with eight years of nursing experience in various settings. Demonstrating leadership skills as a charge nurse at Duke within just one year, I quickly established myself as a capable and reliable professional. The peak of the COVID pandemic provided me with valuable ICU experience, further enhancing my skills and knowledge. Currently, I am fully committed to caring for a young man with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, which has deepened my understanding of the importance of compassionate and patient-centered care. Eager to expand my expertise in psychiatry nursing, I am determined to better serve those in need. Recognizing the significance of continued education and practical hours in refining my abilities, I am fully dedicated to this endeavor and promise to exert my greatest efforts. Therefore, I kindly request a preceptorship by your providers to further develop my mental health care skills.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Private Duty Pediatric Nurse
Elk Valley Health Services
08.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with families and healthcare teams to design tailored interventions addressing developmental, behavioral, or cognitive challenges faced by pediatric patients.
- Increased patient comfort by utilizing non-pharmacological pain management strategies, including distraction techniques, relaxation exercises, and age-appropriate therapeutic play.
- Promoted patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and swiftly addressing any medical concerns or changes in condition.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through proactive management of chronic conditions and timely interventions for acute health issues among pediatric patients.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between healthcare settings by establishing rapport with new caregivers, sharing pertinent medical information, and ensuring that specialized equipment was properly set up and functioning.
- Enhanced family satisfaction by collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans for pediatric patients.
- Streamlined care coordination by maintaining detailed patient records, effectively communicating with interdisciplinary team members, and participating in case conferences.
- Supported early intervention efforts by identifying signs of developmental delays.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing personalized, comprehensive nursing care to pediatric patients in a private duty setting.
- Safeguarded patient privacy by adhering to HIPAA regulations and maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of care provision and documentation.
- Implemented creative approaches to pain management for children experiencing discomfort or distress due to illness or injury.
ICU RN
Ballad (formerly Mountain States)
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Oversaw critical care treatment for patients at a 2:1 ratio.
- Administer and monitor ventilator settings, vasopressor dosages, and sedative levels.
- Handled numerous cases involving acute strokes, intracranial hemorrhages, critical trauma and various medical conditions.
- Facilitated collaboration among critical care providers to ensure optimal patient care.
- Offer emotional support to grieving families.
Staff RN & Charge Nurse
Duke Regional Hospital
03.2018 - 04.2020
- Administered direct patient care at a ratio of 4:1 or 5:1 across diverse clinical specialties.
- Completed nurse residency program and achieved promotion to clinical nurse II.
- Facilitated skill enhancement and seamless career integration for newly employed nurses and seasoned travelers.
- Ensured patient rights were upheld by providing essential advocacy.
- Administered medication, completed dressing changes, and managed various lines and tubes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team comprising physicians, PAs, NPs, case managers and therapists.
- Supervised and oversaw patient care on a 36-bed unit.
- Resolved issues efficiently by following established chain of command.
- Provide on going education to patients and families regarding disease management, caring for themselves, and discharge teaching
- Promoted safe, friendly environment for patients and staff using evidence-based practice.
- Detected and managed escalating symptoms in acutely ill patients.
- Demonstrated critical thinking abilities to respond effectively in high-pressure scenarios.
- Tracked vital signs and lab results to identify developments in patient conditions.
- Mentored new nursing staff by sharing expertise and best practices.
Education
MSN - Psychiatric Nursing
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TNBachelor of Science - Nursing
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN12.2017
Skills
Empathic listener
Patient dedicated
Committed to improving
Certification
- ACLS Certification
- BLS Certification
Languages
English
Limited Working
Nursing Licenses
- RN
- Expires: October2022
- State: TN
Timeline
Private Duty Pediatric Nurse
Elk Valley Health Services
08.2022 - Current
ICU RN
Ballad (formerly Mountain States)
08.2020 - 08.2021
Staff RN & Charge Nurse
Duke Regional Hospital
03.2018 - 04.2020
MSN - Psychiatric Nursing
Tennessee Technological University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Tennessee State University