Ruth Dawkins

Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner recognized for integrating crisis intervention and neurology expertise in patient care. Skilled in conducting thorough diagnostic evaluations and developing comprehensive treatment plans to address neuropsychiatric symptoms effectively.

• PMHNP-BC, ANCC, Board Certified
• Florida RN License, Active
• BLS / ACLS, American Heart Association, 12/01/27

• Assistant Nurse Manager – Stroke & Neurology Unit, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, Port St. Lucie, FL, 02/01/23, Present, Direct daily clinical operations, staffing, and care coordination for a specialized neuro/stroke unit., Assess and manage complex neurological patients, frequently identifying and managing secondary psychiatric symptoms including depression, anxiety, delirium, and cognitive decline., Lead crisis intervention and verbal de-escalation for patients experiencing acute behavioral disturbances., Mentor and evaluate a team of 30+ nursing staff, fostering clinical excellence and strict policy compliance.
• Staff Psychiatric Nurse, Coral Shores Behavioral Health, Stuart, FL, 01/01/25, 06/30/25, Provided acute inpatient psychiatric nursing care, including admissions, triaging, and regular mental status monitoring., Administered psychotropic medications and closely monitored patients for therapeutic efficacy and adverse extrapyramidal side effects., Participated in interdisciplinary treatment team meetings to map out safe discharge plans.
• Staff Nurse – Stroke & Neurology Unit, Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital, Port St. Lucie, FL, 10/01/19, 02/28/23, Provided specialized acute nursing care to stroke, seizure, and neurosurgical patient populations., Utilized Epic to document detailed neurological assessments, NIH Stroke Scales, and behavioral changes., Worked collaboratively with psychiatrists and case management for patients presenting with neuro-psychiatric comorbidities.
• Trauma Nurse, St. Mary's Medical Center, West Palm Beach, FL, 04/01/16, 08/31/19, Executed rapid assessment, triage, and stabilization for critically ill and injured patients within a Level 1 Trauma Center., Managed high-stress emergencies, substance-induced psychoses, and acute psychiatric crises with rapid-response protocols., Maintained mastery over Cerner EHR for meticulous documentation during high-acuity life-saving interventions.

• Student Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Whole Family Health Behavioral Center (Outpatient), Vero Beach, FL, 01/01/24, 12/31/24, Performed 600+ initial psychiatric evaluations and routine medication follow-ups for adult outpatients., Formulated evidence-based treatment plans for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorders., Managed complex medication titration and ordered/reviewed necessary metabolic laboratory panels.
• Student Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, FAU Community Health Center, West Palm Beach, FL, 05/01/24, 08/31/24, Delivered integrated psychiatric care within a community-based outpatient clinic serving vulnerable populations., Facilitated brief outpatient psychotherapy sessions utilizing CBT and Motivational Interviewing., Coordinated care with outpatient case managers and therapists to optimize health outcomes.