Sara Blevins
James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
Johnson City,TN
14
years of professional experience
Results-oriented Nurse with six years of frontline clinical leadership. Utilizes Lean Yellow Belt methodologies to enhance workflows and is advancing executive skills through the hospital's LEAD program. Manages shift operations, resolves conflicts, and drives patient safety initiatives, fostering a collaborative and high-performing unit culture.
Work History
Registered Nurse
4 Years 9 Months- E2 Inpatient Mental Health. Provided direct patient care with a ratio of 1:4, and up to 1:9; Coordinated care with LPN and CNA, delivering patient-centered support while establishing trust with Veterans facing homelessness, suicidal ideation, and substance use challenges. Complete wound care orders. Implemented safety precautions by employing de-escalation techniques and utilizing the seclusion room and restraints. Administered medications according to BCMA and documented using VISTA software. Maintained unit and facility training records current through TMS. Working in a team environment with the provider, social worker, and multiple health care groups. Supported the nurse manager and unit educator in unit projects and staff training. Collaborated with peers and the Health System Specialist to revise and create hospital policies and procedures. Served as shift leader, addressing staff questions, concerns, and resolving conflicts. Managed patient load according to staffing plan, reviewing nurse documentation and orders for all patients.
- Matt, Dykes, Supervisor, 423-268-1421
Registered Nurse
1 Year 7 Months- 6200/6300 Trauma/surgical PCU. Delivered direct patient care with a ratio of 1:5, managing up to 1:7; supervised LPN and CNA functions. Experience with patients from Woodridge, VA, community, homelessness, correctional, OB-GYN. Conducted assessments and implemented provider orders to ensure comprehensive patient care. Coordinated with case management, therapy groups, and providers to support patients from admission through discharge. Other tasks include suture removal, skeletal traction, infectious diseases, drain tubes, chest tubes, NGT tubes, trach, cast care, wound care from surgery, gunshot/stab wounds, wound vac, restraint documentation and devices. Administered medications per MAK and documented patient information using Epic software to maintain accurate medical records. Directed the shift and handled all staff inquiries, concerns, and conflict resolution. Managed patient load according to staffing plan, reviewed documentation of graduate nurses and new hires, and mentored/trained students and new staff to enhance team competency.
- Melissa McNutt- Shift leader: 540-250-5742
Licensed Practical Nurse
4 Years 6 Months- LPN is responsible for assigned patients with special needs, physical disabilities, and psychiatric diagnosis. 1:3 ratio within in their personal home. The responsibilities are as follows: Medication administration according to Seven Rights, following prescribed orders, assisting clients to appointments and following through with communication to and from the office to the appointments with paperwork, recording and requesting supplies and medication within the home, Specific knowledge of J-tubes and G-tubes, oxygen therapy, suctioning, stoma trach care, catheter change and care, assistance with ADLs, including shower, adhering to specific diet texture, changing dressings, perineum care, adhering to therapies/PT/OT Charting detailed on paper form. F- endorsement on driver's license and all company training up to date.
- Sharon Lloyd- Director of Nursing: 423-434-5600
Caregiver
3 Years 1 Month- Assisted clients with mobility using Hoyer lifts and wheelchairs. Assistance with incontinence and maintaining good skin and perineal care. Administered daily showers and maintained clean catheter tubing. Denture care and oral hygiene. Staff assisted the nurse with dressing changes with J-tube and MIC-KEY G-tube, Followed seizure protocols using a gait belt and helmet, providing one-person assistance and Vagus magnet support. Medicine training class was provided, and was certified to administer and sign on the MAR. Also received F- endorsement on license and was Sherlock trained to drive company vehicles to take clients on outings in the community.
- David- Team Leader: 423-218-8025
Education
Diploma - Bachelors Science of Nursing to Master of Science, Nursing in Leadership and Management
Diploma - Applied Associates of Science
Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing
Diploma - Cosmetologist
High School Diploma - General Studies
Skills
Direct patient care
Nursing staff leadership
Documentation and charting
Strong clinical judgment
Patient education and counseling
Complex Problem-solving
Team coordination
Precepting
Clinical judgment
High level of autonomy
Emotional intelligence
Accomplishments
DAISY nominated
LEAD graduate
Yellow-Belt trained
Personal Information
- Title: MSN-RN; Nurse 3
- RN license 247072
Timeline
Registered Nurse
James H. Quillen VA Medical Center
01.2022 - CurrentRead More
Registered Nurse
Johnson City Medical Center
06.2020 - 01.2022Read More
Licensed Practical Nurse
Dawn of Hope
09.2015 - 03.2020Read More
Caregiver
Dawn of Hope
08.2012 - 09.2015Read More
Science Hill High School
High School Diploma from General Studies
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Jenny Lea School of Cosmetology
Diploma from Cosmetologist
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Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Elizabethton
Diploma from Licensed Practical Nursing
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Walters State Community College
Diploma from Applied Associates of Science
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Western Governors University
Diploma from Bachelors Science of Nursing to Master of Science, Nursing in Leadership and Management
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