Hands-on professional proudly offering more than 28 years of expertise in nursing field. Well-rounded and personable Utilization Review Nurse talented in reporting, records oversight and performance improvement. Dependable Team Lead on a national team that encourages learning, quality, efficiency and excellence.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Lead Utilization Management Nurse Consultant
Aetna/CVS
10.2013 - Current
Improved team productivity by implementing efficient project management strategies and streamlining communication channels.
Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
Led cross-functional teams for successful project execution while maintaining strong collaboration among team members.
Increased customer satisfaction by ensuring timely completion of projects and adherence to high-quality standards.
Developed and maintained effective relationships with key stakeholders to better understand their needs and expectations.
Managed risks and mitigated potential issues through proactive planning, monitoring, and timely decisionmaking.
Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
Optimized resource allocation by analyzing team member skills and project requirements, resulting in increased efficiency.
Implemented process improvements that led to reduced turnaround times for critical tasks without compromising quality.
Created detailed project plans outlining goals, timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure alignment with company objectives.
Conducted regular progress reviews with individual team members to identify areas for improvement and provide guidance on career development opportunities.
Collaborated with other department leads to streamline workflows, improve interdepartmental coordination, and achieve business goals collectively.
Established clear performance metrics for the team which helped in tracking progress towards set targets effectively.
Influenced positive change within the organization through strategic thinking, innovation, problem-solving abilities, and consistent leadership style.
Spearheaded multiple high-impact projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines under pressure-packed situations.
Championed continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in optimized processes leading to cost savings for the organization.
Explored new tools and technologies that enhanced the capabilities of the team members while enabling seamless collaboration across departments.
Nurtured long-term partnerships with clients by understanding their needs accurately, delivering projects on time, and providing exceptional customer support.
Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
Developed succession planning strategies to ensure continuity of leadership within the team and facilitate smooth transitions during organizational changes.
Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
Worked different stations to provide optimal coverage and meet production goals.
Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
Evaluated employee skills and knowledge regularly, training, and mentoring individuals with lagging skills.
Minimized resource and time losses by addressing employee or production issue directly and implementing timely solutions.
Managed schedules, accepted time off requests and found coverage for short shifts.
Directed and supervised team of 12 engaging in precertification/ post acute care management and skill development.
Designed strategic plan for component development practices to support future projects.
Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
Built strong relationships with customers through positive attitude and attentive response.
Worked with team to identify areas of improvement and devised solutions based on findings.
Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity, accuracy, and commitment to friendly service.
Promoted high standards through personal example to help each member understand expected behaviors and standards.
Mentored and guided employees to foster proper completion of assigned duties.
Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity and commitment to friendly service.
Held weekly team meetings to inform team members on company news and updates.
Monitored time and attendance, enforcing compliance with company procedures relating to absenteeism.
Reviewed, implemented and updated company records related to team activities for future reference.
Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for process monitoring and reporting.
Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
Provided reporting for forecast analysis and ad-hoc reporting in support of decision-making.
Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough reviews of medical records and assessing appropriate utilization of services.
Reduced healthcare costs by identifying potential overuse and misuse of medical resources.
Improved interdisciplinary communication by effectively collaborating with physicians, case managers, and other healthcare professionals.
Streamlined the preauthorization process for patients receiving specialty services, ensuring timely access to necessary care.
Supported evidence-based decision making through research and application of current industry guidelines for utilization management.
Optimized resource allocation by evaluating medical necessity for inpatient admissions and outpatient procedures.
Increased efficiency within the department by implementing new workflow processes to improve productivity and reduce turnaround times for case reviews.
Educated providers on best practices in utilization management, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and cost containment.
Conducted ongoing evaluations of clinical documentation, ensuring accurate representation of patient needs and appropriate billing practices.
Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through consistent adherence to established policies and procedures for utilization management nursing practice.
Minimized readmissions by providing comprehensive discharge planning and coordinating post-acute care services for high-risk patients.
Strengthened peer review processes by participating in quality assurance initiatives aimed at improving overall patient outcomes.
Developed training materials for newly hired Utilization Management Nurse Consultants, facilitating a smooth transition into their roles.
Assisted with the development of performance metrics to track success rates within the Utilization Management department, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Served as a subject matter expert on internal committees focused on reviewing complex cases requiring specialized clinical knowledge or expertise.
Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to evolving organizational needs while maintaining focus on achieving key objectives related to cost containment and quality improvement measures.
Leveraged clinical expertise to provide guidance and support for nursing staff in addressing complex patient care issues requiring utilization management intervention.
Championed a collaborative approach to problem-solving, fostering strong relationships with peers and interdisciplinary teams within the organization.
Mentored junior team members, sharing best practices in utilization management nursing practice to facilitate professional growth and optimize overall team performance.
Performed prior authorization review of services requiring notification.
Evaluated medical guidelines and benefit coverage to determine appropriateness of services.
Submitted cases for criteria failures and helped facilitate resolutions and approvals.
Performed admission reviews based for medical necessity based upon Millimen criteria specification.
Supervised and maintained all utilization review documentation through Meditech, Epic, Ecin
Served as subject matter resource, providing information related to Utilization Management and air transport processes.
Devise or identify solutions for irregular requests and issues.
Facilitated workgroup meetings with medical personnel to find effective solutions to issues.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
RN Patient Navigator
Southwest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
09.2012 - 09.2013
Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
Devised individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s unique situation, optimizing clinical outcomes.
Aligned nursing goals with department objectives to enhance overall performance metrics within the healthcare facility.
Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.
Championed quality improvement initiatives within the unit by identifying areas for improvement and implementing evidence-based strategies.
Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Managed care from admission to discharge.
Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
Trained new employees on effective patient navigation techniques, ensuring continuity of care across the organization.
Fostered strong relationships with local service organizations to expand available resources for patient referrals.
Served as an advocate for vulnerable populations within the healthcare system, addressing disparities in access to care and treatment outcomes.
Participated in case conferences with interdisciplinary teams to review patient progress and adjust interventions as needed.
Ensured seamless transitions between levels of care by coordinating appointments, referrals, insurance authorizations, and follow-up communication.
Contributed to the ongoing development of best practices for patient navigation by staying current on industry trends, research findings, and professional development opportunities.
Participated in regular team meetings, huddles, staff meetings and quality improvement projects to improve patient care.
Consulted with medical staff and ancillary department to eliminate barriers to delivery of care and identified service delivery problems and potential for patient management intervention.
Worked with patients to ascertain issues and make referrals to appropriate specialists.
RN Case Manager
Texas Health Resources Southwest
01.2008 - 09.2012
Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
Optimized resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost containment while maintaining quality of care.
Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing timely follow-ups and addressing concerns promptly.
Streamlined discharge planning processes, ensuring a smoother transition for patients back to their homes or other facilities.
Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating a faster learning curve and increased overall team efficiency.
Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' needs, enabling more accurate diagnoses and targeted interventions.
Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care process.
Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall clinical performance and patient outcomes.
Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
Promoted adherence to treatment plans by conducting regular follow-up visits and providing ongoing support to patients.
Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the delivery of nursing care within the organization.
Navigated regulatory requirements effectively, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with relevant laws and guidelines.
Advocated for patients'' rights and preferences, working diligently to align care with individual values and goals.
Assisted in the development of policies and procedures that improved the efficiency of case management processes within the organization.
Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions periodically, adjusting treatment plans as needed to promote optimal patient outcomes.
Educated patients and families on available community resources, facilitating access to necessary support services.
Coordinated care conferences with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring all perspectives were considered in the development of comprehensive treatment plans.
Educated patients and caregivers on healthcare protocols and processes.
Managed support services and fostered communication among social workers, therapists, hospital staff, and patients.
Collaborated with healthcare leaders and physicians to support and offer resources in performance of duties to maintain high-quality and efficient patient care.
Developed and modified patient care plans and assisted interdisciplinary team in identifying client needs and goals to determine priorities of care.
Analyzed patient responses to medications, therapies and variances in plans of care.
Implemented aspects of patient care under physician orders and sought clarification when needed to promote safety, quality and cost-efficient care.
Increased referral rates by providing excellent service and building meaningful relationships with patients and caregivers.
Gathered and recorded patient health information and data to assess, identify and manage characteristics that affect care outcome.
Observed, monitored and reported changes in patient condition to supervising RN or physician in accordance with policies and procedures of medical facility.
Conducted preoperative risk assessments, ongoing assessments and evaluations to prepare patients for surgery and manage healing process.
Fostered partnerships to increase patient influx and facilitate hospital development.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
Developed Case Management resource manual for training new oncoming Case Managers.
Produced video teaching surgical patients what to expect post-operatively regarding discharge planning.
Director of Marketing
Main Street Home Health And Hospice
06.2007 - 01.2008
Boosted brand awareness by implementing targeted marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships.
Developed comprehensive marketing plans for product launches, resulting in increased sales and market share.
Managed cross-functional teams to execute successful marketing initiatives, enhancing company reputation and customer engagement.
Cultivated strong relationships with industry influencers and media outlets, securing positive coverage and maximizing brand exposure.
Streamlined internal processes for greater efficiency within the marketing department, allowing for increased focus on strategic initiatives.
Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors and agencies, reducing costs while maintaining high-quality results.
Launched innovative experiential marketing campaigns that drove customer engagement and generated buzz around new products or services.
Regularly presented marketing insights and recommendations to executive leadership, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
Devised marketing plans using digital strategies, print advertising, and word of mouth tactics.
Planned and executed events and marketing programs to increase qualified leads.
Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
Utilization/RN Case Manager
Plaza Medical Center
06.2000 - 06.2007
Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
Optimized resource utilization by identifying opportunities for cost containment while maintaining quality of care.
Streamlined discharge planning processes, ensuring a smoother transition for patients back to their homes or other facilities.
Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' needs, enabling more accurate diagnoses and targeted interventions.
Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care process.
Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
Registered Nurse
Care Now
12.1995 - 07.2000
Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Telemetry Registered Nurse
Plaza Medical Center
01.1997 - 06.2000
Enhanced patient care by accurately interpreting cardiac monitor readings and promptly reporting critical findings to healthcare team.
Decreased patient complications through diligent monitoring of vital signs, lab results, and other telemetry data.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients with complex conditions.
Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive education on medications, procedures, and lifestyle modifications.
Streamlined communication between nursing staff and physicians, ensuring timely intervention for urgent issues.
Facilitated seamless transitions of care from ICU to telemetry unit by coordinating necessary equipment, resources, and personnel.
Administered prescribed medications safely and effectively while closely monitoring potential side effects or adverse reactions.
Increased patient satisfaction scores through attentive listening, empathetic support, and timely addressing of concerns.
Optimized workflow efficiency within the unit by prioritizing tasks according to urgency and collaborating with fellow nurses during peak periods of activity.
Demonstrated commitment to professional growth through ongoing participation in continuing education courses, seminars, and conferences related to telemetry nursing best practices.
Prevented life-threatening complications by quickly recognizing early warning signs of deterioration in critically ill patients under close observation.
Enhanced teamwork within the telemetry unit through active participation in daily huddles, shift handoffs, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Science
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX
12.1995
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Tarrant County College District
Fort Worth, TX
12.1995
Skills
Trend Tracking
Performance Monitoring
Regulatory Compliance
Production Monitoring
Schedule Management
Complaint Resolution
Resource Allocation
Employee Evaluation
Key Performance Indicators
Performance Improvement
Quality Control
Task prioritization
Team building
Conflict resolution
Risk management
Relationship building
Adaptability
Influencing skills
Effective communication
Problem solving
Goal setting
Organizational skills
Diversity and inclusion
Coaching and mentoring
Decision making
Process improvement
Critical thinking
Time management
Public speaking
Training and development
Creative thinking
Change management
Quality assurance
Quality Improvement
Documentation and Reporting
Coaching
Mentoring
Shift Scheduling
Team Supervision
Attention to Detail
Work Planning and Prioritization
Onboarding and Orientation
Giving Constructive Feedback
Analytical Thinking
Evaluating Employee Work
Leading Team Meetings
Complex Problem-Solving
Excel Census reporting
Contract review
Reviewing medical record for appropriate level of care
Documentaction
Use of Excel, Millimen, Epic, Pegareach, Canopy, Word, Doc Find, Windows, Ecin
Teaching processes
DRG'S, ICD 10 coded, HCPC codes
Culture Advocate Committee
Timeline
Team Lead Utilization Management Nurse Consultant
Aetna/CVS
10.2013 - Current
RN Patient Navigator
Southwest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
09.2012 - 09.2013
RN Case Manager
Texas Health Resources Southwest
01.2008 - 09.2012
Director of Marketing
Main Street Home Health And Hospice
06.2007 - 01.2008
Utilization/RN Case Manager
Plaza Medical Center
06.2000 - 06.2007
Telemetry Registered Nurse
Plaza Medical Center
01.1997 - 06.2000
Registered Nurse
Care Now
12.1995 - 07.2000
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Science
Tarrant County College District
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies