Experienced registered nurse with a strong background in healthcare coordination and acute illness recognition, presently at Mercedes ISD. Excelled in creating individualized healthcare plans and enhancing student wellness, leveraging strong communication abilities and problem-solving skills. Proven track record in improving care quality and ensuring regulatory compliance, with a commitment to preventive healthcare and community program referrals. Team worker and fast learner.
Worked in home health for 12 years as an outside and inside case manager. Job duties included patient assessment, creating care plans, writing doctors' orders, supervising LVN's and nurses' assistants, quality assurance, auditing notes and charts for compliance in the Medicare and Medicaid program and case conference for findings.
Employed by the state of Texas as a utilization review nurse.
Also worked as a nurse in the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP)
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
School Nurse
Mercedes ISD
01.2010 - Current
Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
Monitored ongoing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, adjusting care plans accordingly to maintain optimal student wellness levels.
Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
Managed immunization compliance within the school population to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students.
Assessed students'' physical and emotional well-being during daily clinic visits, providing appropriate care or referrals as needed.
Streamlined documentation processes for maintaining accurate student health records, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Served as a resource for faculty and staff by providing training on first aid, CPR, and other health-related topics.
Assisted in the development of school policies that promote a positive and safe learning environment for all students.
Provided support to students with special needs and disabilities to deliver appropriate care and meet educational needs.
Offered counseling and referrals to provide comprehensive mental health support.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Oversaw health services for school of 500 students and faculty.
Implemented emergency protocols in medical emergencies to promote safety for students and staff.
Utilization Review Nurse
State Of Texas - Health And Human Services Commission
04.2009 - 12.2009
Ensured compliance with regulations and accreditation standards by maintaining accurate documentation of all utilization review activities.
Maintained professional competence by staying current on regulatory requirements specific to utilization review nursing.
Conducted desk reviews of required documentation for Health and Human Services Commission programs.
Performed onsite reviews of the individuals identified in the random sample. Reviewed, evaluated and documented services provided to the aged to validate services needed, determined appropriateness, quality, and cost effectiveness of the services.
Testified as the Subject Matter Expert in fair hearings related to appealed service reductions or denials.
Reported to the nurse utilization review nurse manager
Director of Nurses Home Health
Con Brazos Abiertos Home Health
08.2006 - 03.2008
Reviewed medical records to ensure accuracy and completeness, leading to more effective care coordination
Improved patient care quality by conducting thorough audits of nursing practices and documentation.
Communicated with field nurses to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
Oversaw quality assurance initiatives to identify areas of improvement within the agency and implement corrective action plans per medicare and medicaid guidelines
Led nurse meetings to review patient case loads, care plans, goals, changes in health and treatment plans, referrals to other disciples and discharger planning.
Hired and trained all nursing staff, supervision of nurses and nurse assistants, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
Case Manager
Pace, Amigo, TVNS, Coastal
01.1996 - 12.2007
Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Conducted thorough assessments of clients situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
Developed and implemented comprehensive case management plans to address client needs and goals.
Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
Provided education on health and nutrition for patients to maintain healthy habits and wellbeing.
Educated patients and their families on proper medication administration, disease management, and self-care techniques.
Consistently met strict regulatory requirements for home health nursing by adhering to established policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
Contributed to the development of best practices for home health nursing through participation in continuing education programs and staff meetings.
Prevented complications from chronic conditions like diabetes or heart failure through close monitoring, prompt intervention, and timely referrals.
Improved patient outcomes by consistently conducting thorough assessments and developing personalized care plans.
CBA Home visits to assess home for safety, home modifications measurements and home equipment needed
Promoted a safe home environment for patients by identifying potential hazards and recommending appropriate modifications.
Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
Charge Nurse
Faith Memorial Nursing Home
06.1995 - 06.1996
Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
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.
Developed and implemented specific nursing care plans to cater to individual patient needs.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Staff Nurse
Bayshore Hospital
01.1994 - 01.1995
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
Pediatric Staff Nurse
Knapp Medical Centr
08.1986 - 07.1994
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Assisted physicians with diagnostic procedures, ensuring accurate results for optimal treatment planning.
Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
Monitored vital signs closely during procedures or treatments, intervening swiftly when necessary to maintain patient stability.
Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress, enabling informed decision-making among healthcare providers.
Conducted thorough physical assessments to identify potential health concerns before they escalated into more serious conditions.
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Pan American University
Edingburg Tx
06.1994
No Degree - Nursing
Texas South Most College
Brownsville, TX
09.1986
High School Diploma -
Mercedes High School
Mercedes Texas
05.1983
Skills
Pediatric and adult assessments with acute illness recognition
Individualized healthcare plans, IDD's, medications, communication with physicians and other health care members
Organizational skills, teamwork, fast learner
Electronic Records Management, Record Keeping Accuracy,
Case Management, conference, quality assurance, reports, compliance, coding
Preventive Healthcare and coordination, medical and community program referrals
Microsoft Office, Skyward
Timeline
School Nurse
Mercedes ISD
01.2010 - Current
Utilization Review Nurse
State Of Texas - Health And Human Services Commission
04.2009 - 12.2009
Director of Nurses Home Health
Con Brazos Abiertos Home Health
08.2006 - 03.2008
Case Manager
Pace, Amigo, TVNS, Coastal
01.1996 - 12.2007
Charge Nurse
Faith Memorial Nursing Home
06.1995 - 06.1996
Staff Nurse
Bayshore Hospital
01.1994 - 01.1995
Pediatric Staff Nurse
Knapp Medical Centr
08.1986 - 07.1994
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Pan American University
No Degree - Nursing
Texas South Most College
High School Diploma -
Mercedes High School
Similar Profiles
Erica FloresErica Flores
Human Resources Director at Mercedes ISDHuman Resources Director at Mercedes ISD