Experienced healthcare professional prepared for this role with strong emphasis on patient care and clinical skills. Proven ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, adapting to changing situations with ease. Excels in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Reliable and results-driven, with focus on delivering high-quality care and maintaining positive, supportive environment.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Facilities Surveillance Nurse
Illinois Department Of Public Health
10.2018 - Current
Demonstrated sound judgment when interpreting complex regulations, applying them fairly and consistently during the survey process while maintaining a focus on patient safety.
Promoted a culture of compliance within healthcare organizations by providing education on current regulations and industry best practices during facility visits.
Supported facilities in meeting accreditation standards by providing guidance on the development and implementation of effective quality improvement initiatives.
Utilized strong analytical skills to evaluate the effectiveness of facility policies and procedures, identifying opportunities for enhancement in alignment with regulatory requirements.
Maintained meticulous records of all survey activities, ensuring accurate documentation and clear communication of findings to relevant stakeholders.
Evaluated nursing documentation for accuracy and completeness, promoting adherence to regulatory standards and best practices.
Conducted detailed investigations of complaints, ensuring prompt resolution and preventing recurrence of issues in the healthcare setting.
Identified trends in non-compliance through data analysis, informing targeted interventions to address common challenges faced by surveyed facilities.
Enhanced the quality of nursing care by identifying areas for improvement during facility surveys and providing constructive feedback to staff.
Effectively communicated complex concepts regarding regulations and best practices to diverse audiences, tailoring messaging to meet the needs of each individual group.
Mentored new nurse surveyors, sharing expertise in survey processes and regulatory requirements to ensure consistent application of standards across all evaluations.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of federal and state regulations governing healthcare provision, enabling accurate evaluation of facility performance against established benchmarks.
Improved patient safety by conducting thorough inspections of healthcare facilities and monitoring compliance with federal regulations.
Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
Registered Nurse
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2015 - 10.2018
Evaluated patients'' wounds and recommended appropriate treatments, expediting the healing process.
Treated and carefully tended to vascular and diabetic ulcers.
Collaborated with healthcare team to implement interventions for wound healing and skin breakdown prevention.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive treatment plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
Implemented plans to prevent pressure ulcers and other wound developments.
Conducted regular assessments of patients'' wounds to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Reduced wound infection rates through strict adherence to aseptic protocols and proper wound dressing procedures.
Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic or complex wounds, facilitating resilience during rehabilitation efforts.
Effectively managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability of necessary materials for timely delivery of care to patients.
Participated in quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing overall wound care services within the facility.
Assisted physicians in performing complex debridement procedures, ensuring optimal patient safety and comfort during the process.
Registered Nurse
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2012 - 09.2015
Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Illinois Veterans Home of Manteno
01.2011 - 08.2012
Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate, one-on-one care during daily activities.
Police Officer
Cook County Sheriff Department
10.1989 - 10.2009
Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices, maintaining a high level of expertise within the field of law enforcement.
Displayed sound judgment under pressure when making critical decisions that impact public safety during emergency situations.
Utilized excellent communication skills when interacting with diverse populations, fostering trust between law enforcement and the community members they serve.
Enhanced public safety by conducting routine patrols and responding to emergency calls promptly.
Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
Handled domestic disputes tactfully, de-escalating tensions while providing appropriate support to affected individuals.
Developed customized training plans for each assigned canine based on individual strengths, weaknesses, and requirements, optimizing performance in the field.
Provided K9 support during search and rescue missions, locating missing persons and saving lives in emergency situations.
Assisted in arrest operations for suspects, leading to increased apprehension rates and safer communities.
Assisted in the execution of search warrants by providing specialized K9 services to locate hidden contraband or suspects.
Facilitated positive interactions between police dogs and citizens, promoting public trust and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Conducted K9 narcotics detection operations, contributing to a significant reduction in drug-related crimes.
Maintained accurate records of K9 training sessions, ensuring compliance with departmental standards and ongoing skill development.
Obtained and served search warrants related to ongoing cases.
Investigated complaints brought by members of community by conducting interviews and compiling evidence.
Worked undercover operations as buyer or dealer to uncover criminal activities and gather evidence for cases.
Conducted street buys to identify and capture local dealers.
Testified in court about drug activity and related crimes such as murder and robbery.
Collaborated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating within the jurisdiction.
Operated undercover to gain intelligence on drug movements and related players.
Conducted extensive background checks on potential confidential informants before utilizing them for sensitive information gathering purposes.
Recovered significant quantities of illegal drugs and contraband by executing search warrants at targeted locations.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Kanakee Community College
Kankakee, IL
05-2013
No Degree - Police
Cook County Sheriff's Police Academy
Maywood, IL
10-1989
High School Diploma -
St Rita High School
Chicago, IL
05-1984
Certification
CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant
Basic Wound Certification Course 50 hours, New Jersey State Nurses Association - April 29, 2015
Certified MDS 3.0 Coordinator Certificate Program, Missouri Nurse Association - November 17, 2014
Basic Life Support (CPR and AED) Program, American Heart Association - 3/2027
Skills
Medication administration
Medication and IV administration
Direct patient care
Patient care
Timeline
Health Facilities Surveillance Nurse
Illinois Department Of Public Health
10.2018 - Current
Registered Nurse
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
09.2015 - 10.2018
Registered Nurse
Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs
08.2012 - 09.2015
Certified Nursing Assistant
Illinois Veterans Home of Manteno
01.2011 - 08.2012
Police Officer
Cook County Sheriff Department
10.1989 - 10.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Kanakee Community College
No Degree - Police
Cook County Sheriff's Police Academy
High School Diploma -
St Rita High School
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