SANDRA MUTCHOCK
Ogdensburg
Summary
Experienced RN licensed in Ney York and Colorado with strong clinical and people skills. Professionally trained RN with experience ensuring high standards of culturally competent care for a wide variety of patients with diverse needs. Registered Nurse with 14+ years of experience in clinical settings providing nursing care to diverse populations. Years of basic screening, physical assessments, diagnostic treatment and rehabilitative and supportive services as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team. Responsible Registered Nurse with excellent communication skills demonstrated by 20+ years of experience in healthcare. Solid clinical, utilization review and case management experience within a managed care environment. 4+ years overseeing nursing care for a 50 bed, inpatient physical rehabilitation hospital as a Nursing Supervisor/Charge Nurse role and performing chart auditing, annual performance evaluations for staff clinical staff, and overseeing patient care. Most recent experience, 5+ years in acute care hospital setting with the role of bedside nurse, charge nurse, and nursing supervisor.
Knowledgeable Registered Nurse with strong foundation in nursing supervision and team leadership. Successfully managed healthcare teams, ensuring high standards of patient care and compliance with medical protocols. Demonstrated proficiency in critical thinking and effective communication.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse Supervisor/Staff Nurse, ER
Gouverneur Hospital
04.2024 - Current
- Managed patient assessments and care plans for diverse populations, including med-surg, detox, and swing bed patients in a rural area.
- Achieved improved patient care through effective management of central line operations. Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining line management processes. Contributed to increased compliance with safety protocols, resulting in better patient outcomes.
- Oversaw foley catheter management protocols to enhance patient safety and comfort. Coordinated with healthcare teams to ensure effective catheter care practices. Developed training materials for staff on best practices in catheter management.
- Achieved significant improvements in patient pain management through effective medication administration. Enhanced patient satisfaction by streamlining pain relief processes. Fostered collaboration among healthcare professionals to elevate overall care quality.
- Coordinated and provided guidance for personal care routines, ensuring comfort and dignity for clients.
- Collaborated with diverse teams during meetings to enhance discharge planning processes.
- Developed and delivered educational materials for patients and caregivers to promote informed decision-making.
- Managed CIWA/COWS evaluations for detox patients to ensure appropriate medication administration.
- Evaluated and categorized patient needs to facilitate appropriate treatment pathways.
- Recorded and analyzed vital signs data to identify trends and inform treatment plans.
- Managed the collection of various lab specimens, adhering to established protocols and maintaining sample integrity.
- Conducted electrocardiograms to support accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Supported medical team in delivering timely acute injury care to enhance patient outcomes.
- Supervised nursing staff and collaborated with department heads to enhance healthcare delivery.
Registered Nurse/ Travel Nurse/ Staff Nurse
Samaritan Medical Center
09.2023 - Current
- Facilitated patient care services to ensure optimal recovery and well-being in a 38-bed med-surg/tele unit.
- Oversaw medication management processes to optimize patient care. Developed and implemented pain management protocols to improve patient outcomes. Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive treatment plans.
- Facilitated smooth pre-operative preparations and effective post-operative recovery, leading to enhanced patient satisfaction. Improved patient recovery experiences through dedicated support and education on surgical procedures.
- Conducted regular assessments of vital signs to support clinical decision-making.
- Implemented protocols for intravenous and central line management, enhancing clinical outcomes and procedural accuracy.
- Coordinated and delivered assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to ensure client comfort and safety.
- Oversaw assessment initiatives to enhance project quality. Managed documentation workflows to ensure compliance with organizational standards. Collaborated with stakeholders to refine evaluation strategies.
- Oversaw clinical staff and fulfilled charge nurse duties to ensure optimal patient care.
- Ensured prompt and professional correspondence with physicians to support patient care.
- Engaged with diverse healthcare professionals to streamline discharge processes.
- Monitored skin condition for any new developments or changes in integrity to support patient recovery.
- Collaborated with medical teams to address patient concerns and advocate for their needs effectively.
- Developed and implemented educational materials for patients and caregivers to improve health literacy.
Registered Nurse/Contract Travel Nurse
Host Healthcare
03.2022 - 09.2023
- Managed flexible scheduling to accommodate varying operational needs.
- Acquired knowledge of systems and procedures rapidly, facilitating seamless integration into workflows.
- Facilitated patient care for rural populations in medical-surgical and swing bed facilities to enhance overall health outcomes.
- Implemented protocols for intravenous and central line management, enhancing clinical outcomes and procedural accuracy.
- Achieved improved patient outcomes through effective wound care management and prevention strategies. Enhanced patient education on wound care, leading to increased compliance and satisfaction. Streamlined communication between care teams to optimize treatment efficiency.
- Implemented effective strategies for medication distribution and pain relief to enhance patient comfort.
- Engaged with multidisciplinary teams, including PT, OT, and SLP, to promote safe and effective patient transitions from care.
Registered Nurse/Staff Nurse
Cardiovascular Unit/Penrose Hospital
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Executed timely administration of medications to ensure patient health and safety.
- Oversaw the execution of shift assessments and adult evaluations, emphasizing cardiac and neurological health. Championed adherence to NIH and CIWA guidelines to improve patient outcomes. Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize assessment processes and enhance care delivery.
- Coordinated the delivery and monitoring of intravenous medications and drips for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Directed lab collection processes and ensured results management to uphold procedural standards.
- Monitored and supported open heart patients' recovery processes according to facility pathway guidelines.
- Facilitated effective management of chest tubes, atriums, and pacer wires, contributing to optimal patient care. Executed removal procedures promptly when indicated.
- Measured and documented key vital signs including temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure for clinical evaluation.
- Managed blood glucose levels through insulin administration to ensure patient health and safety.
- Ensured prompt and appropriate notifications to physicians concerning abnormal results and significant status changes.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary efforts among PT, OT, SLP, and case management to ensure effective discharge planning.
- Facilitated patient and family education sessions to promote informed decision-making regarding care.
- Monitored skin condition for any new developments or changes in integrity to support patient recovery.
- Collaborated with medical teams to address patient concerns and advocate for their needs effectively.
Registered Nurse/Nursing Supervisor
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2018 - 01.2022
- Achieved high standards of patient care by managing nursing staff, including RNs and rehab techs/CNAs, in daily operations. Enhanced team performance through strategic oversight and support. Improved workflow efficiency by streamlining task delegation among staff.
- Determined appropriate lab tests and interpreted data to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- Executed all facets of patient treatment in med-surg and rehabilitation units, including medication management, wound care, and continuous monitoring to support optimal health outcomes.
- Implemented comprehensive treatment plans utilizing pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to enhance patient outcomes.
- Achieved high levels of personal accountability, resulting in improved team dynamics. Leveraged astute judgment to drive effective decision-making processes.
- Delivered comprehensive counseling services aimed at enhancing health maintenance and optimizing disease management.
- Coordinated post-operative patient care, monitoring progress and preparing for safe discharge.
- Analyzed test samples and reported outcomes to support research and development initiatives.
- Coordinated interactions between patients and healthcare providers to ensure clarity of treatment plans.
- Provided comprehensive instructions to patients and their families regarding proper discharge care practices.
- Conducted thorough monitoring of acute conditions to support patient care and safety.
- Enhanced department readiness for JCAHO accreditation by actively participating in preparation initiatives.
- Implemented and maintained HIPAA compliance measures to protect sensitive health data.
- Diagnosed and provided comprehensive care for patients experiencing chronic and acute health issues, focusing on conditions such as myocardial infarctions, arrhythmias, asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.
- Collaborated in unit-based quality assurance efforts, focusing on identifying and addressing quality improvement opportunities.
- Assessed patient conditions and developed tailored nursing care plans to ensure effective treatment.
- Conducted detailed assessments and evaluations to create tailored nursing diagnoses and effective patient care plans.
- Administered medications and treatments in strict accordance with established protocols to ensure optimal patient safety and adherence.
- Coordinated efforts with diverse teams to create and implement personalized care strategies for patients.
Registered Nurse
Primary Care Clinic
04.2016 - 06.2018
- Supervise Army Medics and Civilian LPNs in providing care to patients of all ages in an ambulatory care setting. Ensuring that daily tasks are completed correctly.
- Assisting Physicians with procedures: IUD placements/removals, Toenail removals, Mole biopsy, Vasectomy, Circumcision, Joint Injections, Acupuncture therapy.
- Worked closely with Case Management to coordinate specialty care with the German/Host Nation facilities.
- Worked closely with Physical Therapy department to ensure optimal recovery for Active-Duty Soldiers that have been injured.
- Triaged patients to determine the appropriate next level of care.
- Providing Telephone triaging to determine appropriate acute appointments or transferring to higher acuity facility.
- Provide patient education on disease process and health maintenance.
- IV insertion, Infusion, IV push medications
- IM, ID, SQ, injections.
- Educated patients on medications, labs/lab results, diagnostic testing, and results.
- Provided wound care and post-operative wound care/ suture and staple removal, drain removals.
- Administered patient care, including assessments, treatments, and medication management.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care protocols based on clinical guidelines.
- Improved patient flow by optimizing scheduling processes and reducing wait times.
- Conducted regular quality assurance audits to enhance service delivery standards.
- Advocated for patient needs during multidisciplinary team meetings for improved outcomes.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Registered Nurse, CRRN
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2011 - 08.2015
- Assessed need for, ordered, obtained, and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
- Chronic patient care in med -surg unit, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care to monitoring for 7-12 patients per shift.
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management and treatment of various disorders and diseases.
- Self-directed with astute judgment skills. High level of personal accountability.
- Effective counseling in health maintenance and disease management.
- Managed care for post-operative patients through discharge.
- Performed lab tests and communicated results.
- Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care.
- Closely monitored acute conditions.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation.
- Ensured HIPAA compliance.
- Diagnosed and treated patients with chronic and acute health problems such as MI, arrhythmias, asthma, COPD, and pneumonia.
- Participated in unit-based Quality Assurance Program.
- Developed and implemented nursing care plans.
- Developed patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations, and nursing diagnoses.
- Documented patient information obtained from interviews.
- Delegated staff nurse duties.
- Ensured efficacy of treatments through monitoring of treatment regimens.
- Followed infection control procedures.
- Assisted patients with daily functions.
- Monitored fluid intake and output levels.
- Measured urine and delivered specimens to lab.
- Provided all daily living tasks to enhance quality of life for elderly patients.
- Performed pregnancy tests and sent specimens for laboratory testing.
- Assisted residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, lifting, and transferring.
- Experience with various medical conditions including Parkinson's, Dementia, Diabetes, Cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Paget's disease.
- Authorized drug refills and provided detailed prescription information to pharmacies.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared them for lab testing.
- Routinely retracted patient throat cultures and prepared for lab submission.
- Scheduled patient admissions and discharges.
- Strong leader for nursing personnel assigned to the unit/shift.
- Led patient care initiatives to enhance recovery outcomes and promote patient independence.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans based on comprehensive assessments.
- Mentored nursing staff in best practices for rehabilitation techniques and patient management.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care to ensure continuity of health management.
- Monitored vital signs, assessed patient conditions, and adjusted care plans as necessary for safety.
- 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.
CNA/ Caregiver
Lakewood Senior Living
10.2010 - 08.2011
- Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management and treatment of various disorders and diseases.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation.
- Ensured HIPAA compliance.
- Assisted patients with daily functions.
- Monitored fluid intake and output levels.
- Provided all daily living tasks to enhance quality of life for elderly patients.
- Assisted residents with bathing, dressing, feeding, lifting, and transferring.
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety in resident rooms and common areas.
- Trained new staff on caregiving techniques and facility protocols effectively.
- Provided compassionate support to residents, enhancing their emotional well-being.
Education
BSN Nursing -
University of Aspen
Denver, COAssociate of Applied Science: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) -
Chattahoochee Valley Community College
Phenix City, AL05-2011
Skills
- Chest tube and Pacer wire management
- IV insertion/Lab draw
- Administer IV medications
- Manage IV drips/blood product transfusion
- NG tube insertion/management/NG and Peg tube feeding
- Adult assessment accuracy
- Proper Foley and Supra pubic Cath insertion and removal
- Performing accurate NIH scale assessment
- Patient positioning competency
- Tracheostomy care
- Patient assessment/intervention
- Professional bedside manner
- Strong patient and family advocator
- Providing wound care/ promoting wound healing
- Managing/ leading clinical staff
- Physical and psychological evaluations
- Customer service
- Nursing staff management
- Planning and scheduling
- Clinical judgment
- Decision-making
- Clinical management
- Patient assessments
- Community resources
- Medication administration
- Coaching and mentoring
- Conflict resolution
- Quality improvement
- Medication management
- Policy updates
- Crisis management
- Staff scheduling
- Emergency response
- Schedule coordination
- Process improvements
- Physician collaboration
- Volunteer coordination
- Medical emergency triage
- Hospital Pre-screenings
- Patient chart review
- Medical and health provider referrals
- Department leadership
- Special unit supervision
- Nursing services coordination
- Nursing student precepting
- Social services coordination
- Nurse team supervision
- Inclusion and diversity
- Protocols and procedures
- Patient care assignments
- Team collaboration and motivation
- Patient education and advocacy
- Patient care
- Staff coaching and mentoring
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Direct patient care
- Clinical expertise
- Staff assignments
- Electronic charting expertise
- Staff leadership
- Deadline management
- Workload management
- Task delegation
- Staff supervision
- Quality assurance
- Conflict management
- Staff development
- Performance improvement
- Delegation
- Case management
- Medical administration
- Clinical supervision
- Ward management
- Policy development
- Multidisciplinary care coordination
- Medication tracking
Certification
- Registered Nurse in Colorado/Compact License number 0205336, exp. 09/30/2026
- Basic Life Support, exp. 2026
- Advanced Life Support, exp. 2025
- Stroke Certified
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Recipient of the Daisy award January 2023.
- Employee of the year for 2021 @ Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital.
- Recipient of the Daisy award July 2024.
Timeline
Registered Nurse Supervisor/Staff Nurse, ER
Gouverneur Hospital
04.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse/ Travel Nurse/ Staff Nurse
Samaritan Medical Center
09.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse/Contract Travel Nurse
Host Healthcare
03.2022 - 09.2023
Registered Nurse/Staff Nurse
Cardiovascular Unit/Penrose Hospital
02.2021 - 02.2022
Registered Nurse/Nursing Supervisor
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
07.2018 - 01.2022
Registered Nurse
Primary Care Clinic
04.2016 - 06.2018
Registered Nurse, CRRN
Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2011 - 08.2015
CNA/ Caregiver
Lakewood Senior Living
10.2010 - 08.2011
BSN Nursing -
University of Aspen
Associate of Applied Science: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) -
Chattahoochee Valley Community College