Rebecca Burks
Dubuque,IA
Summary
Experienced nursing professional bringing demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring medications and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities. Accomplished in developing and actualizing strategies and programs to enhance patient care and coordinate interdisciplinary support teams.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN, Medical-Surgical
Unity Point Finley Hospital
Dubuque, IA
04.2017 - 02.2023
- Responded quickly and effectively to life-saving situations using nursing standards and protocols for treatment.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.
- Assisted physicians during examinations providing necessary instruments and equipment while maintaining sterile technique.
- Assessed patient's medical needs to develop and implement care plans.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay current with best practices in nursing care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Performed physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and other procedures to assist physicians during treatment of illness or injury.
- Provided emotional support for patients experiencing pain or stress due to illness or hospitalization.
- Provided compassionate care for patients with chronic illnesses or terminal conditions.
- Ensured compliance with all regulatory agency policies governing safe delivery of healthcare services.
- Monitored, recorded, and reported symptoms and changes in patients' conditions.
- Developed individualized patient-care plans based on physician instructions and nursing assessment of patient needs.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care services including medications given and response to treatments.
- Educated patients about their condition and the importance of following a treatment plan.
- Observed vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, weight and height measurements; documented results accurately in medical record system.
- Counseled patients regarding health maintenance, lifestyle modifications, nutrition, and self-care skills related to their diagnosis.
- Administered medications and treatments as directed and as appropriate for patient's medical care in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Promoted safe and calm environment for complex patients by keeping services, supplies and necessary equipment on hand.
- Observed patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for signs of distress.
- Exhibited professionalism and leadership to peers by participating in professional activities and continuing education.
- Performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation accurately and effectively.
- Confirmed proper functioning of life support equipment such as ventilators and feeding tubes.
- Represented health care facility in professional community organizations, maintaining high level of professionalism.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Delegated tasks appropriately among staff members according to their qualifications.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Conducted daily rounds to assess patient conditions, evaluate progress towards goals, and document changes in status or plan of care as needed.
- Coordinated communication between physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Coordinated and performed patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
- Directed unit staff and promoted quality care for diverse patients.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Built and maintained strong working relationships between nursing department and other disciplines.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Monitored vital signs, medication administration, and fluid balance for assigned patients.
- Assisted with admission and discharge planning for assigned patients.
- Supervised Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants.
- Coordinated, tasked and supervised nurses and ancillary staff based on staffing requirements.
- Organized and delegated tasks during rapid response and high-pressure code situations.
- Advised, coached and mentored experienced and student nurses on medical issues, crisis management and appropriate nursing interventions.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare specialists to devise, implement and modify plans of care defining patient outcome goals
- Distributed assignments to RNs, LPNs and resident advisors, guided work and delivered training to promote proper care standards for patients.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to ensure best practice standards were met within the unit setting.
- Ensured compliance with infection control protocols throughout the facility.
- Collaborated with other departments such as pharmacy, laboratory services, physical therapy, to ensure proper delivery of services.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress toward desired outcomes.
- Provided emotional support for families facing difficult decisions regarding end-of-life care.
- Assessed and assisted patients with diverse range and comorbid chronic diagnoses.
- Met with administrator to discuss patient care status, issues, and information.
- Complied with OSHA programs, maintaining safe and clean working environment.
- Supported physicians and consultants with tests and procedures.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
- Audited patient charts in real-time, verifying accuracy and completion of information.
- Oversaw medication administration, monitored distribution and documented responses.
RN Floor Nurse/RN Charge/ RN Case Manager/
Mercy Health Center
Dubuque, IA
06.1999 - 02.2016
- Performed wound care, catheter insertion and removal, intravenous therapy, medication administration, and other treatments as ordered by physicians.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure best possible outcomes for the patient's recovery.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient records according to hospital policy.
- Assessed and monitored patients' health condition, including vital signs, physical assessments, and laboratory test results.
- Initiated admissions, transitions and discharges by communicating with colleagues as well as patients and family members.
- Responded to medical emergencies promptly and provided life-saving interventions when necessary.
- Promoted continuity of care by accurately communicating patient information during shift change report times.
- Educated families about nutrition, hygiene needs and home safety measures for successful discharge planning.
- Provided emotional support to patients dealing with difficult diagnoses or lifestyle changes.
- Completed required forms and chart documentation of vital signs, medications and other information.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while providing timely responses to requests from other departments.
- Communicated effectively with all levels of personnel within the healthcare setting regarding patient care issues.
- Participated in interdisciplinary rounds on each assigned unit at least once per week.
- Instructed patients on pre-and post-operative care instructions, diet modifications, medications and self-care techniques.
- Interpreted and implemented individual care plans.
- Reviewed lab values for accuracy prior to administering prescribed medications.
- Maintained a safe environment for staff members and patients through infection control practices or safety protocols.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Provided emotional support to families facing difficult decisions about a loved one's care.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
- Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Coordinated communication between interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care for each patient.
- Provided leadership during emergencies or critical situations.
- Acted as a role model by demonstrating professional behavior at all times.
- Participated in continuing education programs to stay abreast of current developments in nursing practice.
- Assisted physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
- Facilitated collaboration among clinicians from various disciplines in order to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Conducted rounds on assigned units on a regular basis.
- Coordinated and performed patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
- Built and maintained strong working relationships between nursing department and other disciplines.
- Distributed assignments to RNs, LPNs and resident advisors, guided work and delivered training to promote proper care standards for patients.
- Assessed and assisted patients with diverse range and comorbid chronic diagnoses.
- Consulted with staff on resolution of complex service issues.
- Coordinated, tasked and supervised nurses and ancillary staff based on staffing requirements.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare specialists to devise, implement and modify plans of care defining patient outcome goals
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
- Linked clients with social services, health care providers and governmental agencies to help claim or reclaim individual autonomy.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment options.
- Coordinated transportation services for clients who lacked access to reliable transportation.
- Educated clients about mental health conditions, medications and self-care techniques.
- Assisted with applications for government benefits such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability Insurance.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
NICC
Peosta, IA05-1998
Skills
- Care Coordination
- Documentation
- Chronic Disease Management
- Excellent Communication
- Continuous Improvement
- Goal Setting
- Team Building
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Organizational Skills
- Task Prioritization
- Time Management Abilities
- Written Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Problem-Solving
- Multitasking
- Decision-Making
- Time Management
- Effective Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Delegation and Motivation
- Team Collaboration
- Healthcare Personnel Supervision
- Attention to Detail
- Nursing Performance Assessment
- Clear Patient Communication
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Self Motivation
- Reliability
Certification
- License No; 099542 License type; Registered Nurse
- Original Iowa Issue Date: 02/0/1998
- Expiration Date: 04/15/2024
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
RN, Medical-Surgical
Unity Point Finley Hospital
04.2017 - 02.2023
RN Floor Nurse/RN Charge/ RN Case Manager/
Mercy Health Center
06.1999 - 02.2016
Associate of Science - Nursing
NICC
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