Rachel C. Edwards
Rydal,PA
Summary
Compassionate registered nurse with over 10 years experience serving low-income mothers, infants and families through home visitation and public health nursing. Skilled in maternal-child health, patient education, care coordination, motivational interviewing, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Passionate about improving mental health outcomes for underserved populations and pursuing graduate education as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to expand access to comprehensive behavioral healthcare.
Overview
1
1
Certification
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Home Visitor
Drexel University/Public Health Management Corporation
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
09.2012 - Current
- Managed a caseload of first-time, low-income mothers from pregnancy through the child's second birthday
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of maternal physical health, mental health, family functioning, and environmental safety to inform tailored support plans
- Screened for depression, anxiety, substance use, intimate partner violence, and social determinants of health
- Provided trauma-informed education on parenting, infant development, breastfeeding, and child safety to empower mothers with essential knowledge
- Utilized motivational interviewing and evidence-based interventions to foster healthy behaviors and enhance maternal and infant health outcomes
Breastfeeding Counselor
Nursing Mothers Advisory Council - Abington Nursing Moms Chapter
abington, PA
09.2011 - 12.2016
- Counsel, support and educate nursing and prenatal mothers via telephone
- Conduct monthly support group meetings for nursing and prenatal mothers
- Educate the public on breastfeeding and related issues via various community outreach projects
Weekend Nursing Supervisor
Penn Care at Home
philadelphia, pa
06.2009 - 10.2014
- Oversaw weekend operations at Penn Care at Home, managing weekend staff to ensure smooth service delivery
- Reviewed clinical information for all incoming weekend referrals and contacted new patients/families for telephonic triaging, enhancing patient access to care
- Collaborated with other services to ensure timely admission and care for all appropriate patients
Registered Nurse - Case Manager; Admissions
Visiting Nurses Association of Greater Philadelphia
Philadelphia, USA
06.2005 - 10.2010
- Delivered skilled nursing care to patients with acute and chronic medical conditions, addressing complex physical, cognitive, and behavioral needs
- Performed comprehensive admission assessments addressing medical status, psychosocial needs, safety concerns, and mental health considerations
- Developed and coordinated individualized plans of care in partnership with physicians, therapists, social workers, patients and families.
- Provided educational and emotional support to patients and caregivers coping with chronic illness, disability, dementia, and life transitions.
- Completed OASIS assessments and maintained documentation in accordance with Medicare regulations and agency standards
Prevention Specialist
Brain Injury Association of America
Alexandria, USA
09.2001 - 02.2002
- Developed educational materials on brain injury prevention for community outreach programs.
- Coordinated workshops and seminars to promote awareness of brain injury risks.
Prevention Specialist Intern
Anderson/Oconee Behavioral Health Services
Seneca, SC
01.2001 - 05.2001
- Facilitated workshops on coping skills and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Assisted in implementing community substance use prevention education and promoting behavioral health initiatives.
International Health Experience Intern
Cross Cultural Missions
Belfast, Ireland
12.2000
- Demonstrated practical health skills working on community wellness projects in underprivileged areas
- Worked closely with Home Health Nurses assessing the physical and mental health of new mothers and providing support and education as needed
- Performed general assessments and screenings of infants
- Observed international health care practices
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA05-2005
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Clemson University
Clemson, SC05-2001
Skills
- Public health Nursing
- Maternal-Child Health Nursing
- Mental health Screening and Assessment
- Trauma Informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing
- Patient and Family Education
- Breastfeeding Support and Lactation Counseling
- Evidence-based interventions
- Care plan coordination
- Advocay for Underserved Populations
Accomplishments
- Sigma Theta Tau - Nursing Honor Fraternity
- Eta Sigma Gamma - Health Honor Fraternity
Certification
- RN, Pennsylvania
- International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
- Basic Life Support
- Danger Assessment Certification
Timeline
Nurse Home Visitor
Drexel University/Public Health Management Corporation
09.2012 - Current
Breastfeeding Counselor
Nursing Mothers Advisory Council - Abington Nursing Moms Chapter
09.2011 - 12.2016
Weekend Nursing Supervisor
Penn Care at Home
06.2009 - 10.2014
Registered Nurse - Case Manager; Admissions
Visiting Nurses Association of Greater Philadelphia
06.2005 - 10.2010
Prevention Specialist
Brain Injury Association of America
09.2001 - 02.2002
Prevention Specialist Intern
Anderson/Oconee Behavioral Health Services
01.2001 - 05.2001
International Health Experience Intern
Cross Cultural Missions
12.2000
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Drexel University
Bachelor of Science - Health Sciences
Clemson University