Rachel LaCombe
Barre,VT
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate, with a proven track record at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and University of Vermont Medical Center, I excel in patient care and interdisciplinary communication. My experience includes ACLS and NIHSS certification, care for tracheostomy and laryngectomy patients, and effective advocacy for patients in varying states of health. I bring a commitment to excellence in healthcare through meticulous attention to detail, active listening, and critical thinking.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Nurse I
University of Vermont Medical Center
Burlington, VT
03.2025 - Current
- Conducted thorough head-to-toe assessments for 3-5 patient assignments, including serial stroke and/or neuro assessments when ordered. Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to treating physicians.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care and safety. Followed facility policy for the handling, administration, and documentation of patient controlled IV and epidural analgesia.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Senior Practicum Nursing Student
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH
09.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with other health care professionals on a pediatric intensive care unit to ensure optimal patient care.
- Conducted thorough head-to-toe assessments on assigned patients during each shift, identifying any abnormalities that required further attention from healthcare providers.
- Utilized critical thinking skills when assessing patients' needs, enabling timely identification of potential concerns requiring intervention from nursing staff or physicians.
- Worked alongside preceptor to learn new procedures, including urethral catheterization and endotracheal suctioning.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and empathetic communication during challenging situations.
Medical Assistant
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH
03.2021 - Current
- Completed patient intake and clinical scribing for a dermatology clinic.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by assisting physicians with routine procedures and diagnostic tests.
- Performed suture removal, wound care, and intradermal lidocaine injections as delegated per facility protocols.
- Contributed to positive health outcomes by educating patients on preventative measures, treatment plans, and follow-up care instructions.
Student Nurse
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
Lebanon, NH
05.2024 - 06.2024
- Participated in hands-on clinical training on a medical-surgical unit under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Provided compassionate care to diverse patient populations, promoting comfort and satisfaction throughout their treatment journey.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients under supervision, ensuring adherence to hospital policies and patient care plans.
- Assisted in conducting physical assessments to identify potential health concerns and inform appropriate interventions.
- Supported patient mobility and personal care, promoting dignified and respectful environment in healthcare setting.
- Actively sought and incorporated feedback from nursing mentors to continuously improve clinical skills and knowledge.
Student Nurse
University of Vermont Medical Center
Burlington, VT
03.2024 - 04.2024
- Participated in hands-on clinical training on a pediatric unit under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Assisted in conducting physical assessments to identify potential health concerns and inform appropriate interventions.
- Provided compassionate care to diverse patient populations, promoting comfort and satisfaction throughout their treatment journey.
- Performed regular rounds to check on well-being of patients.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments under supervision, ensuring patient safety and wellbeing.
- Implemented infection control protocols to maintain a safe and hygienic environment for both patients and staff members.
Student Nurse
University of Vermont Medical Center
Burlington, VT
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Participated in hands-on clinical training on labor and delivery and mother/baby units under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Assisted in conducting physical assessments to identify potential health concerns and inform appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized patient care plans.
- Fostered positive and supportive environment for patients and families, addressing concerns and providing reassurance.
Student Nurse
White River Junction VA Medical Center
White River Junction, VT
01.2024 - 02.2024
- Participated in hands-on clinical training on an inpatient psychiatric unit under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Consistently provided emotional support for patients experiencing stress or anxiety related to their medical conditions or treatment plans.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients and healthcare team members to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Assisted in development of patient care plans, contributing to collaborative healthcare environment.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings, offering insights from nursing perspective to improve patient care strategies.
Student Nurse
Gifford Medical Center
Randolph, VT
09.2023 - 10.2023
- Participated in hands-on clinical training on a medical-surgical unit under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately documenting vital signs, medical histories, and relevant information.
- Assisted in conducting physical assessments to identify potential health concerns and inform appropriate interventions.
- Supported efficient operations during clinical rotation by completing assigned tasks promptly while adhering to established guidelines.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients under supervision, ensuring adherence to hospital policies and patient care plans.
Clinical Care Associate
Central Vermont Medical Center
Berlin, VT
12.2019 - 03.2021
- Assisted nursing staff at a family medicine clinic with rooming, phlebotomy, CLIA waived point of care tests, and EKGs, enhancing the overall efficiency of the healthcare facility.
- Completed exam room turnover and restocking according to facility guidelines.
- Performed daily quality control testing and routine maintenance on point of care equipment.
- Demonstrated adaptability in meeting diverse patient needs across multiple age groups, diagnoses, backgrounds.
Customer Service Associate
Cumberland Farms
Montpelier, VT
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Processed transactions on the point of sales cash register.
- Engaged in hourly environmental and food safety checks.
- Received and processed product deliveries, restocking and generating updated inventory reports.
Classroom Assistant
The Lily Pad Childcare Center
Barre, VT
09.2016 - 02.2017
- Promoted a safe and nurturing atmosphere within the classroom, fostering emotional well-being among students.
- Managed attendance records, ensuring accurate documentation of each student's presence or absence from class sessions.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Shift Supervisor
All-Ways Answering
Montpelier, VT
03.2016 - 09.2016
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Built relationships with customers and managed accounts to drive revenue and profit.
- Managed cash handling procedures, maintaining accuracy in financial transactions and minimizing discrepancies in daily reconciliations.
- Responded to and resolved customer questions and concerns.
Resident Assistant
Northern Vermont University
Lyndonville, VT
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Attended, participated, and contributed to monthly staff meetings addressing resident needs.
- Served as an approachable resource for residents seeking advice or assistance with personal or academic issues.
- Responded to room transfers, incident reports, and maintenance requests.
- Organized social events for residents to foster a sense of community and belonging, resulting in increased resident retention.
- Assisted with move-in/move-out processes, reducing wait times and ensuring smooth transitions for incoming and outgoing residents.
Inventory Auditor
RGIS Corporation
Barre, VT
06.2014 - 08.2014
- Counted all physical inventory and generated department audit reports.
- Streamlined the auditing process for faster results, utilizing advanced software tools and data analysis techniques.
Personal Care Attendant
Stacie Boltin
Barre, VT
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Transported client to events, activities, and medical appointments.
- Provided safe mobility support to help patient move around personal and public spaces.
- Assisted client with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
Tour Guide
Rock of Ages Corporation
Graniteville, VT
08.2011 - 10.2011
- Facilitated memorable experiences for diverse groups by tailoring presentations to cater to different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and language abilities.
- Conducted thorough research on cultural landmarks to ensure accuracy and depth in storytelling.
Substitute Paraeducator
Barre City Elementary & Middle School
Barre, VT
02.2011 - 06.2011
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Personal Care Attendant
Corinne Longfellow
Montpelier, VT
08.2010 - 01.2011
- Assisted client with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Consulted with supervisor to assess case and plan strategies for enhancing care.
Education
Nursing
Norwich University
Northfield, VT12-2024
Associate of Applied Science - Health Science
Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH08-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies
Northern Vermont University
Lyndonville, VT06-2016
Accomplishments
I collaborated with my clinic's lead nurse, nurse manager, and medical director to develop and implement an isotretinoin quality improvement project. I was the second author on a poster summarizing this project at the 2023 Dermatology Nurses' Association conference.
Affiliations
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society
Timeline
Staff Nurse I
University of Vermont Medical Center
03.2025 - Current
Senior Practicum Nursing Student
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
09.2024 - Current
Student Nurse
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
05.2024 - 06.2024
Student Nurse
University of Vermont Medical Center
03.2024 - 04.2024
Student Nurse
University of Vermont Medical Center
01.2024 - 02.2024
Student Nurse
White River Junction VA Medical Center
01.2024 - 02.2024
Student Nurse
Gifford Medical Center
09.2023 - 10.2023
Medical Assistant
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
03.2021 - Current
Clinical Care Associate
Central Vermont Medical Center
12.2019 - 03.2021
Customer Service Associate
Cumberland Farms
09.2017 - 06.2018
Classroom Assistant
The Lily Pad Childcare Center
09.2016 - 02.2017
Shift Supervisor
All-Ways Answering
03.2016 - 09.2016
Resident Assistant
Northern Vermont University
08.2014 - 08.2015
Inventory Auditor
RGIS Corporation
06.2014 - 08.2014
Personal Care Attendant
Stacie Boltin
08.2011 - 08.2013
Tour Guide
Rock of Ages Corporation
08.2011 - 10.2011
Substitute Paraeducator
Barre City Elementary & Middle School
02.2011 - 06.2011
Personal Care Attendant
Corinne Longfellow
08.2010 - 01.2011
Nursing
Norwich University
Associate of Applied Science - Health Science
Colby-Sawyer College
Bachelor of Arts - Global Studies
Northern Vermont University