Rebecca Matthews MSN, RN, CHSE
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Learning Specialist - Simulation
Galen College of Nurisng
10.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented personalized learning plans for diverse student populations.
- Analyzed assessment data to identify trends and inform instructional strategies.
- Aligns new CLL and simulation faculty and leadership orientation, mentorship, role-specific
professional development offerings across all campuses. - Facilitates the transition from general orientation with the Teaching and Learning Academy
to campus-based orientation and mentorship. - Assists with the content development and process coordination of CLL and simulation faculty
mentor processes for campus-based CLL and simulation faculty and leader onboarding. - Provides oversight for onsite training for CLL and simulation faculty and campus leaders as
necessary on prebriefing, facilitation, debriefing, and student evaluation techniques in CLL
and simulation according to the HSSOBP. - Coordinates communication and documentation processes among mentor, new faculty, and
campus CLL and simulation leader regarding the orientee's progress. - Assists campus leaders and CLL and simulation mentors in the completion of the required
training documentation according to regulatory and accrediting requirements. - Collaborates with college and campus leaders to identify role-specific development
opportunities for CLL and simulation faculty and leaders regarding simulation or student
evaluation best practices. - Assists with the development of a formal faculty mentor program that includes criteria for
mentor eligibility, developing mentor pathways and training, and maintaining regular
communication with faculty mentors. - Facilitates the collection of surveys and feedback regarding the CLL and simulation faculty
mentor programs as part of a comprehensive clinical learning quality monitoring program.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with established protocols and physician orders.
- Monitored patients' vital signs, identifying changes and communicating effectively with healthcare team members.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care, promoting understanding of medical conditions and treatment options.
- Trained new nursing staff on ICU procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment for skill development.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate patient progress, ensuring timely adjustments to care strategies as needed.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and overall care delivery standards.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
- Enhanced ICU team efficiency by providing continuous education on best nursing practices and protocols.
- Streamlined workflow by efficiently prioritizing tasks during high-stress situations, leading to better overall performance of the ICU team.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on best practices and advancements within the field of critical care nursing.
- Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
- Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the ICU unit and promoting a supportive workplace culture.
Assistant Nurse Manager
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2020 - 03.2022
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure adherence to best practice standards and regulatory compliance.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to enhance patient care protocols and streamline workflows.
- Developed training programs for new nurses, improving onboarding efficiency and team integration.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that increased patient satisfaction scores significantly.
- Coordinated staffing schedules to optimize nurse-patient ratios, enhancing service delivery effectiveness.
- Conducted performance evaluations for nursing staff, fostering professional development and accountability.
- Analyzed patient care data to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making processes.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary meetings to promote communication and collaboration among healthcare providers.
- Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
- Resolved conflicts among staff members by employing effective communication techniques and seeking mutually beneficial solutions when issues arose.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities.
- Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients.
- Collaborated with other departments to streamline processes and enhance interdisciplinary teamwork, ultimately improving continuity of care for patients.
- Assisted in budget management, optimizing resource allocation to maximize patient care quality without compromising fiscal responsibility.
- Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience and satisfaction levels.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff and administration, advocating for the needs of both parties to promote overall organizational success.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and incorporating them into daily operations as necessary.
- Improved patient safety through close monitoring of infection control practices within the department.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2018 - 01.2020
- Assisted in the development of best practices for patient care, enhancing workflow efficiency within the unit.
- Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
- Worked with physicians and nursing staff to develop treatment protocols addressing patients' current symptom presentation as well as underlying conditions.
- Effectively managed stressors associated with working in an intensive care setting while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented nursing interventions, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
- Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
- Supported needs of medically complex patients with skilled nursing care.
- Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
- Contributed to the development of quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety measures within the ICU setting.
- Managed patient flow effectively through timely placements upon admission as well as coordinating smooth transfers and discharges.
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with established protocols and physician orders.
- Served on Code and Rapid Response Team
VALOR Student Nurse
Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2017 - 05.2018
- Paid nurse internship transitioning into New Graduate Nurse in the MICU working one on one with a preceptor caring for critically ill patients.
- Experience includes: delegation, prioritization of patient care needs, and titration of medications according to policy, direct care of patients on mechanical ventilation, continual dialysis, cardioversion, bronchoscopy, rapid response calls and assisting code team throughout the facility.
Licensed Practical Nurse, Women's Health
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2012 - 08.2014
- Daily clinic work-up for women Veterans primary care clinic Clinic management for appropriate and timely care scheduling.
- Pap smear and mammogram tracking for quality patient care and follow up Care coordination with transfer coordinator, Non-VA care and choice program.
- Assisted various areas of the hospital with education regarding specific needs related to the Women Veteran Daily interactions with various other disciplines to ensure follow through with care coordination.
- Provided education and support to patients and families regarding health conditions and treatment options.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
Specialty Clinic Nurse/Minor Surgery
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2009 - 04.2012
- Clinic management for plastic surgery clinic.
- Float nurse to urology, vascular, ENT, and GI
- Consult management and scheduling for plastic surgery with improved patient flow Pre procedure education for minor outpatient procedures and for scheduled inpatient surgical procedures.
- Preoperative planning, lab work, discharge planning Assisted with various minor surgical procedures: removal of squamous and basal cell carcinoma, punch for diagnosis of skin conditions requiring inpatient surgery, removal of cyst, urological procedures: Cystoscope, bladder stone removal, urethral dilatation.
- Cost analysis of minor surgery equipment with change in process for improved patient safety decreased cost.
LPN Staff Nurse - Surgical Floor
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2007 - 08.2009
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and patient care plans.
- Monitored vital signs, reported changes in patient conditions, and documented findings accurately.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care strategies for patients.
- Educated patients and families on health management, medication adherence, and wellness practices.
- Primary surgical care pathways: Total Knee Arthroplasty, Hip replacement, Multivessel coronary artery bypass graft, transurethral radical prostatectomy, amputations, carotid endarterectomy, vascular stent placements.
- Care of patients on controlled analgesic pumps (PCA), chest tubes, pacing wires, Continuous passive motion (CPM) machine, continual bladder irrigation.
- Assisted with development of surgical care pathways providing improved continuity of care.
Education
Nursing Administration
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, NC12-2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN05-2018
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
North Country Community College
Saranac Lake, NY05-2000
Skills
- Resource Utilization
- Budgeting (Monthly and Capital)
- Committee Oversight and Development
- Development of New Employee Orientation
- Accreditation and Regulatory Oversight
- Reporting requirements
- Blended learning strategies
- E-learning development
- Coaching and mentoring
- Organizational change
Certification
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Awards
Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses - August 2014
Excellence in Nursing Award, LPN of the year for Charles George VAMC May 2011
Excellence in Nursing Award, LPN of the year VISN 6 National Winner - May 2011
Timeline
Clinical Learning Specialist - Simulation
Galen College of Nurisng
10.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2022 - 10.2022
Assistant Nurse Manager
Department of Veterans Affairs
01.2020 - 03.2022
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2018 - 01.2020
VALOR Student Nurse
Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2017 - 05.2018
Licensed Practical Nurse, Women's Health
Department of Veterans Affairs
04.2012 - 08.2014
Specialty Clinic Nurse/Minor Surgery
Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2009 - 04.2012
LPN Staff Nurse - Surgical Floor
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2007 - 08.2009
Nursing Administration
Queens University of Charlotte
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Tennessee State University
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
North Country Community College
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