Rutha Edwards
Houston
Summary
Retired Licensed Practical Nurse with 39 years of comprehensive experience in hospital and medical clinic environments. Highly skilled in intravenous therapy, diabetic education, patient assessments, medication administration, infection control, and patient education. Demonstrates professionalism, efficiency, and a strong commitment to patient and customer advocacy while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Retired Licensed Practical Nurse
River Oaks Mgmt, Merit Health Central Clinic
Clinton
07.2022 - 06.2024
- Delivered efficient, high-quality patient care while serving as a patient and customer advocate
- Coordinated referrals and obtained prior authorizations in compliance with insurance requirements
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and Medicare Wellness visits
- Scheduled and managed patient appointments to ensure continuity of care
- Accurately documented care using EMR/EHR systems
- Performed venipunctures and administered medications, including oral, injectable, and vaccines
- Communicated and reported laboratory and diagnostic test results to providers and patients
Pulmonary Licensed Nurse
Baptist Memorial Hospital Premier-Belhaven
Jackson
12.2020 - 07.2022
- Managed prior authorizations and coordinated patient referrals to support continuity of care
- Integrated and maintained accurate patient data within EMR/EHR systems; communicated professionally via phone and electronic charting
- E-prescribed medications and communicated laboratory and diagnostic test results to patients
- Scheduled patient appointments and specialized Interventional Radiology tests
- Provided patient education for procedures including thoracentesis, bronchoscopies, and PET scans
- Educated patients on BiPAP/CPAP use, pressure settings, and equipment management
- Promoted and managed oxygen therapy, including concentrators and portable tanks
- Performed spirometry testing and six-minute walk assessments
- Conducted timely triage and obtained accurate vital signs
- Reviewed, assessed, and updated patient medication lists
- Established strong patient rapport through compassionate, patient-centered care
- Administered COVID-19 testing and vaccinations in accordance with clinical protocols
Primary Care; OB/GYN; ENT; GI; Med Surg
Central Mississippi Medical Center-Merit Health River Oaks
Jackson
07.1998 - 12.2020
- Monitored patient care needs, obtained vital signs, and delivered safe, direct patient care
- Administered medications, injections, vaccines, and approved intravenous therapies; performed venipunctures
- Assisted providers with minor medical procedures and conducted patient assessments
- Educated patients on safety protocols, infection control, pre- and post-operative care, and colonoscopy preparation
- Assessed patients for medication interactions and allergic reactions
- Provided high-quality nursing care including wound care, diabetic education, visual exams, suture removal, referrals, and prior authorizations
- Served as preceptor and mentor to Certified Medical Assistants, Medical Assistants, and clerical staff
Licensed Practical Nurse
Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center and Hospital
Jackson
05.1986 - 07.1998
- Delivered compassionate patient care in accordance with established nursing standards
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living (ADLs) to promote comfort, safety, and mobility
- Performed triage assessments and accurately obtained vital signs
- Administered medications (oral, injections, and vaccines) assessed and monitored patients for pre- and post-operative care
- Provided patient and family education, including diabetic management and safety techniques
- Implemented, and updated individualized nursing care plans
- Completed accurate patient charting and documentation
- Performed catheterizations, wound care, and other essential clinical procedures
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Holmes Junior College
Goodman, MS05.1984
Associate of Arts - Business Management
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS05-1982
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Health Education
- Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Time management
Certification
Licensed Practical Nurse
Timeline
Retired Licensed Practical Nurse
River Oaks Mgmt, Merit Health Central Clinic
07.2022 - 06.2024
Pulmonary Licensed Nurse
Baptist Memorial Hospital Premier-Belhaven
12.2020 - 07.2022
Primary Care; OB/GYN; ENT; GI; Med Surg
Central Mississippi Medical Center-Merit Health River Oaks
07.1998 - 12.2020
Licensed Practical Nurse
Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center and Hospital
05.1986 - 07.1998
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Holmes Junior College
Associate of Arts - Business Management
Jackson State University