Rebecca McDonald
Lashmeet,WV
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history starting in a nursing home, then psychiatric facility, progressive care unit, level 1 trauma center emergency department, and critical care units, specifically COVID and medical/surgical ICU. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Team-oriented and reliable with expert healthcare knowledge, clear verbal and written communication skills and sound clinical judgment.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
WVU Medicine - Princeton Community Hospital
05.2023 - Current
- Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough assessments and promptly addressing critical needs.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Administered appropriate medications and treatments, ensuring accurate dosage and timely delivery for improved patient health.
- Reduced wait times by swiftly completing documentation and communicating effectively with medical staff.
- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
- Improved patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Expedited treatment plans by interpreting diagnostic tests accurately and collaborating with physicians on appropriate interventions.
- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Ensured continuity of care by thoroughly documenting vital information in electronic health records systems for seamless transitions between healthcare providers.
- Promoted collaboration among interdisciplinary teams through regular participation in meetings, sharing insights from clinical practice experiences.
- Updated personal nursing knowledge through continuing education courses, staying current on best practices in emergency medicine.
- Delivered culturally competent care to diverse populations, adapting communication styles as needed for optimal understanding between parties involved.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the emergency department, contributing ideas for process enhancements based on clinical experiences and patient feedback.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
Registered Nurse
Carilion Clinic
10.2017 - 10.2023
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans for critically ill patients.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration by effectively communicating with physicians, therapists, and support staff to ensure optimal patient care.
- Streamlined workflow processes within the critical care unit, resulting in increased efficiency and improved patient satisfaction.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through thorough discharge planning and patient education on self-care management strategies.
- Maintained high standards of infection control within the critical care unit, contributing to a safer environment for both patients and staff.
- Assisted in the development of evidence-based protocols for the management of complex medical conditions, leading to better clinical outcomes.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses entering the critical care field, sharing knowledge and expertise to facilitate successful integration into the team.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing complications related to ventilator use, central line infections, and pressure ulcers.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on providing exceptional patient-centered care within a fast-paced critical care environment.
- Administered life-saving medications and therapies under strict protocols, guiding patients towards recovery from acute illnesses or injuries.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices in the rapidly evolving field of critical care nursing.
- Performed invasive procedures such as central line insertions or arterial catheter placements with precision and confidence when necessary for optimal patient outcomes.
- Monitored hemodynamic parameters and analyzed complex data sets, making appropriate adjustments to treatment plans based on patient response.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care between critical care and other hospital units by maintaining effective communication with receiving staff and providing thorough handoff reports.
- Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
Registered Nurse
Travel Nurses Across America
12.2020 - 05.2022
- Enhanced patient care by efficiently managing multiple cases in high-stress environments.
- Streamlined communication among healthcare teams by providing accurate and timely updates on patient conditions.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications, treatments, and IV therapies.
- Improved patient outcomes by diligently monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
- Educated patients and their families on health maintenance, disease prevention, and post-discharge care for optimal recovery.
- Increased patient satisfaction by consistently providing compassionate, empathetic care during hospitalizations.
- Prevented complications in critical situations by promptly recognizing symptoms and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between facilities by effectively communicating pertinent patient information to receiving staff members.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, ensuring a safe environment for patients and colleagues alike.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, including central line placements, lumbar punctures, and thoracenteses.
- Optimized resource utilization within the department by proactively identifying areas for cost reduction without compromising quality of care.
- Safeguarded patient privacy rights through diligent compliance with HIPAA regulations during all interactions with medical records and personal information.
- Elevated patient trust by establishing strong rapport and effectively addressing concerns related to their care plans or overall health status.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
Registered Nurse
Lynchburg General Hospital
05.2020 - 12.2020
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans for critically ill patients.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration by effectively communicating with physicians, therapists, and support staff to ensure optimal patient care.
- Streamlined workflow processes within the critical care unit, resulting in increased efficiency and improved patient satisfaction.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through thorough discharge planning and patient education on self-care management strategies.
- Maintained high standards of infection control within the critical care unit, contributing to a safer environment for both patients and staff.
- Assisted in the development of evidence-based protocols for the management of complex medical conditions, leading to better clinical outcomes.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on providing exceptional patient-centered care within a fast-paced critical care environment.
- Administered life-saving medications and therapies under strict protocols, guiding patients towards recovery from acute illnesses or injuries.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams during daily rounds to develop individualized treatment plans based on specific patient needs and goals.
- Performed invasive procedures such as central line insertions or arterial catheter placements with precision and confidence when necessary for optimal patient outcomes.
- Monitored hemodynamic parameters and analyzed complex data sets, making appropriate adjustments to treatment plans based on patient response.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care between critical care and other hospital units by maintaining effective communication with receiving staff and providing thorough handoff reports.
- Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
Registered Nurse
Princeton Community Hospital
03.2012 - 10.2017
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing individualized care.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting thorough assessments, identifying potential risks, and addressing concerns promptly.
- Contributed to a reduction in hospital-acquired infections through strict adherence to infection control protocols and proper hand hygiene.
- Promoted teamwork and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care planning and implementation.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families during difficult times, helping them navigate the healthcare system with compassion and understanding.
- Streamlined medication administration processes, ensuring timely delivery and accuracy in dosage calculations.
- Promoted patient safety through adherence to infection control protocols and implementation of fall prevention strategies.
- Educated patients and their families on disease processes, treatment options, and self-care techniques for optimal recovery outcomes.
- Served as a preceptor to new staff members, guiding them through orientation processes and offering mentorship during their transition into the medical-surgical unit.
- Utilized electronic health record systems efficiently for maintaining accurate documentation of nursing assessments, interventions, evaluations, and patient education efforts.
- Administered blood products safely following established transfusion protocols while closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions or complications.
- Provided wound care management for a diverse range of surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, burns, or other wounds requiring skilled interventions.
- Managed complex pain issues effectively using a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Recognized and reported changes in patients'' conditions promptly, initiating appropriate interventions or escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Established rapport with patients and families through effective communication and active listening skills, fostering trust and mutual respect during the healing process.
- Managed caseload of seven patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Monitored hemodynamic variances to identify signs of life-threatening complications.
Education
Doctorate in Nursing Practice - Family Medicine - Nursing
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2027
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05.2020
Associate of Science - Nursing
Wytheville Community College
Wytheville, VA05.2017
Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate - Nursing
Mercer County Technical Center
Princeton, WV08.2015
High School Diploma -
George Wythe High School
Wytheville, VA05.2011
Skills
- Condition Monitoring
- Medical Records Management
- Medication Administration
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Treatment Planning
- Family Advocacy
- Clinical Judgment
- Airway Management
- End of Life Care
- Patient Assessments
- Family Education
Certification
Certified Emergency Nurse
Registered Nurse
ACLS
BLS
PALS
NRP
TNCC
ENPC
Timeline
Registered Nurse
WVU Medicine - Princeton Community Hospital
05.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse
Travel Nurses Across America
12.2020 - 05.2022
Registered Nurse
Lynchburg General Hospital
05.2020 - 12.2020
Registered Nurse
Carilion Clinic
10.2017 - 10.2023
Registered Nurse
Princeton Community Hospital
03.2012 - 10.2017
Doctorate in Nursing Practice - Family Medicine - Nursing
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Liberty University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Wytheville Community College
Licensed Practical Nurse Certificate - Nursing
Mercer County Technical Center
High School Diploma -
George Wythe High School
Certified Emergency Nurse
Registered Nurse
ACLS
BLS
PALS
NRP
TNCC
ENPC
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