Rachel Denison
Chesapeake,US
Summary
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner student with 24 years of diverse nursing experience spanning correctional health, mental health, urgent care, school health, and acute care settings. Demonstrated strengths in clinical leadership, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient outcomes and staff performance. Experienced Director of Nursing with a strong track record in team management, protocol development, and operational oversight. Known for implementing nursing initiatives that have measurably enhanced patient satisfaction and elevated standards of care.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Nursing
Virginia Beach Correctional Center
Chesapeake, VA
03.2022 - 03.2024
- Supervised and coordinated nursing personnel activities within correctional facilities.
- Evaluated nursing care and performance across patient care units.
- Planned and organized staff training in collaboration with Health Services Administrator and Regional Leadership.
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare providers to develop patient care plans.
- Oversaw daily operations of nursing department, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
- Conducted performance evaluations for nursing staff, providing recommendations for improvement.
- Participated in interdisciplinary teams to address patient care issues and develop solutions.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations on nurse-to-patient ratios and safety guidelines.
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Portsmouth Naval Medical Center
Portsmouth
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Conducted mental and physical assessments on an inpatient psychiatric floor for active-duty military personnel.
- Managed specialized detox assessments and administered medications.
- Responded to emergencies such as suicide attempts and panic attacks.
Charge Nurse/Intake Nurse/Detox Nurse
Mediko Virginia Beach Correctional Center
Virginia Beach
07.2019 - 03.2022
- Conducted mental health and physical assessments within correctional facility.
- Administered detox assessments and medications, ensuring patient safety.
- Utilized therapeutic communication techniques to assist patients with mental health challenges.
- Managed medical supplies inventory, maintaining optimal levels and organization.
- Educated patients, caregivers, and families on diagnoses, treatment options, and disease prevention strategies.
- Administered oral, intravenous, and intra-muscular medications while monitoring patient reactions.
- Organized tasks during rapid response situations, ensuring effective delegation among staff.
- Implemented safety protocols for medication administration and treatment procedures.
Registered Nurse
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care Center
02.2020 - 10.2021
- Facilitated high-quality treatment for diverse medical conditions as part of a collaborative team.
- Adhered to infection control protocols to ensure safe, clean patient environments.
- Responded swiftly to emergencies, delivering expert care and critical interventions.
- Conducted triage assessments for walk-in patients in clinic settings.
- Prepared medical equipment to assist physicians during patient examinations and treatments.
- Maintained accurate patient charts throughout shifts, upholding rigorous recordkeeping standards.
- Coordinated with healthcare teams to develop, implement, and assess patient care plans.
- Implemented strict safety measures, including verification of medication dosages prior to administration.
School Health Advisor
Chesapeake Public Schools
Chesapeake
01.2017 - 08.2020
- Facilitated student success by addressing physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs.
- Guided individuals in developing healthy diet plans, exercise routines, and stress management techniques.
- Educated patients on preventative care measures, including immunizations and screenings.
- Participated in community outreach activities to promote healthy habits among adolescents.
- Increased awareness of health resources and connected individuals with relevant programs.
- Coordinated care plans through collaboration with physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
Registered Nurse
Sentara Healthcare
Chesapeake, VA
02.2001 - 05.2010
- Bedflow Coordinator, 01/2009 - 05/2010.
- Nurse Scheduler, 04/2003 - 01/2009.
- Resource ICU, Stepdown, PACU Float Pool, 11/2002 - 01/2009.
- Registered Nurse, Coronary Care Unit, 02/2001 - 11/2002.
Education
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, Virginia05-2000
Skills
- Mental health assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Patient care and assessment
- Staff training and mentoring
- Therapeutic communication
- Clinical management
- Healthcare coordination
- Cultural sensitivity and competence
- Regulatory adherence
- Performance evaluation and feedback
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- CPR and AED certification
Affiliations
- Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Certification
Registered Nurse (RN) License, 01/01/00, Present, VA
Accomplishments
Inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society
Timeline
Director of Nursing
Virginia Beach Correctional Center
03.2022 - 03.2024
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Portsmouth Naval Medical Center
12.2021 - 08.2022
Registered Nurse
Patient First Primary and Urgent Care Center
02.2020 - 10.2021
Charge Nurse/Intake Nurse/Detox Nurse
Mediko Virginia Beach Correctional Center
07.2019 - 03.2022
School Health Advisor
Chesapeake Public Schools
01.2017 - 08.2020
Registered Nurse
Sentara Healthcare
02.2001 - 05.2010
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner -
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
James Madison University
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