Sara Ficks
Newtown
Summary
Experienced psychiatric nursing professional with a strong background in mental health care and patient advocacy. Demonstrated expertise in fostering team collaboration and achieving positive patient outcomes. Known for reliability and adaptability, with a skill set that includes patient assessment and crisis intervention. Committed to providing empathetic, comprehensive care in dynamic healthcare settings.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Newport Healthcare
Seymour, CT
08.2024 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Communicated care closely with parents or legal guardian's with children under 18 years of age.
- Worked in a residential level for adolescents ages 14-19 years.
- Utilized attachment-based family therapy model with clients and families.
- Excelled and maintained DCF guidelines in each facility.
- Attended therapeutic closing circles and groups with clients.
- Called EMS, 911 in situations of emergency.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines, checking and verifying orders, while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Worked alongside treatment teams consisting of a PMHNP or psychiatrist, RD, individual therapist, family therapist, teacher, continuing planner, in regards to treatment plans and progress of clients.
- Performed necessary POC testing as ordered by providers.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Flu Clinic Nurse (Seasonal)
Farragut Medical And Travel Care
Washington, DC
10.2023 - 11.2023
- Prepare influenza vaccines
- Travel to different locations in DC to give influenza vaccines to groups of 20-60 people
- Ensure safety and eligibility of patient receiving vaccine via CDC checklist
- Ensure proper dose of vaccine based on age
- Educate patients about side effects and what to expect post-vaccine
- Answer questions about spacing of other vaccines (shingles, COVID-19, ect.)
- Document patient demographics, site of injection, manufacturer, and lot numbers
Registered Nurse (RN)
LaserAway
Arlington, VA
02.2023 - 11.2023
- Aesthetic Dermatology RN
- Performed treatments such as laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal
- Gave facial treatments such as Clear + Brilliant, IPL, instant glow facial, hydrofacial
- Performed assessments and treatment plans for CoolSculpting, as well as giving CoolSculpting treatments
- Injections such as Botox and Xeomin
- Filler injections such as Juvederm, Voluma
- Assisted in sales for LaserAway skincare line and products
- Assisted in sales and upselling for different treatment recommendations based on individual patient
Registered Nurse (RN)
Spring Valley Pediatrics
Washington, DC
03.2022 - 02.2023
- Worked in primary care pediatrics for ages newborn - 20 years old
- Administered routine, travel, COVID-19, and allergy vaccinations for patients
- Triaged incoming calls for whether patient should be seen today, referred for emergency care, or to be observed
- Developed relationships with patients and families
- Documented notes and calls
- Performed necessary vitals and care for sick and isolation visits
- Cared for patients over time through yearly well checks
- Took special interest in psychiatric care of patients needing therapists, referrals for medication management, and helped advocate and create a safe space for patients with eating disorders, suicidal ideation, and any other psychiatric care
Clinical Technician
Yale New Haven Hospital
New Haven, CT
02.2020 - 08.2021
- Completed delegated tasks from RN's for an average of 16 patients on Medical Observation and COVID-19 floors
- Worked with physicians and nurses in patience care excellence
- Supported and advocated for patients and families coping with COVID-19
- Performed patient work-ups and assisted in minor office procedures
- Maintained daily records of pertinent observations and activities
- Reported any changes to RN in charge
- Gathered and documented vital signs, blood sugar levels regularly
- Provided resident-centered nursing care and helped with ADL's including bathing, toileting, grooming and dressing
- Sat for high risk patients needing 1:1 supervision
- Assisted in magnet hospital re-evaluation and presentation
Medical Assistant
Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC
Newtown, CT
02.2019 - 12.2020
- Prepared and cleaned patient exam rooms and set up appropriate equipment for procedures
- Sterilized and autoclaved used instruments
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms and allergies
- Directed patients to exam rooms and organized patient intake flow
- Gained experience and practice with X-Ray images for foot and ankle
- Practiced drawing up medications
- Performed custom orthotic fittings and injury casting/wrapping
- Removed sutures alongside Physician supervision
- Learned about diabetic wound care, different types of dressings, and post-op progression care
Medical Assistant
Yale New Haven Health: SOUND OB/GYN
Shelton, CT
05.2018 - 12.2019
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions and prepared for physician examinations
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure, vitals, and weight
- Worked with patients for routine yearly visits, birth control consults, and procedures
- Followed maternity patients throughout contraception to postpartum
- Assisted in POC testing by labeling, entering pertinent information and printing proper lab forms for specimen pickup
- Witnessed and gained knowledge on ultrasound use in pregnancy
- Set up for surgical procedures such as colposcopies, IUD insertion and removals
- Provided emotional support for younger patient's about confidentiality and encouragement about safe procedures
Patient Care Associate and Assistant Manager
University of Connecticut Student Health Services
Storrs Mansfield, CT
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Recorded temperature, blood pressure, pulse, or respiration rate as directed by medical or nursing staff
- Monitored and maintained cleanliness, sanitation, and organization of patient waiting areas
- Wiped down equipment with proper cleaning products after each patient transport to reduce instances of infection
- Trained new employees on proper POC testing protocols for urinalysis, rapid strep, rapid flu A/B, and glucometer blood glucose testing
- Performed weekly control testing on each POC kits and machines
- Participated in Manager meetings for student staff
Education
Master's degree - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
George Washington University
Washington, DC12-2026
Bachelor's degree (BSN) - Nursing
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT08.2021
Bachelor's degree - Allied Health Science, minor in Molecular & Cellular Biology
University of Connecticut
Storrs Mansfield, CT05.2018
Skills
- Primary Care Experience
- Patient care
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- First aid
- Flexibility
- Critical Thinking
- Organizational skills
- HIPAA, OSHA
- Patient observation
- Strategic planning
- Microsoft Excel
- Laboratory Experience
- EMR Systems
- Leadership
- Nursing
- Laboratory experience
- Molecular biology
- Pediatrics
- Conflict management
- PTSD Care
- Care plans
- Inpatient
- AED, CPR
- Compassionate and caring
- Crisis intervention
- Patient monitoring
- Suicide prevention
- Hospital experience
- De-escalation techniques
- Documentation review
- Safety planning
- Communication skills
- Client education
- Computer literacy
- Empathy development
- Analysis skills
- Discharge planning
- Group therapy facilitation
- Psychoeducation delivery
- Vital Signs
- Family education
- Medication administration
- Therapeutic communication
- Mental health evaluation
- Care team collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Psychiatric diagnosis
- Patient assessments
- Psychopharmacology
- Nonviolent crisis intervention (NVCI)
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Strong clinical judgment
Certification
- American Heart Association BLS Certification, CPR and AED
- Driver's License, Connecticut
- RN, CT, 02/28/25
- RN, DC, 06/30/24
Additional Information
University of Connecticut Honors College Graduate, C-reactive Protein (CRP) levels in a Young Adult Population with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Awards
- Magna Cum Laude, 08/31/21, Fairfield University
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honors Society of Nursing, 03/01/21
Groups
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 09/01/23, Present
- Nurse Practitioner Association of Washington DC, 02/01/23, Present, Board of Directors: Student Representative
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 04/01/21, Present, President of NAMI Fairfield branch.
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 01/01/19, Present
- National Student Nurses' Association, 01/01/19, 08/31/21
Affiliations
- Nurse Practitioner's Association of Washington, DC
- Sigma Theta Tau honor's nursing society
- American Psychiatric Association
Timeline
Psychiatric Registered Nurse
Newport Healthcare
08.2024 - Current
Flu Clinic Nurse (Seasonal)
Farragut Medical And Travel Care
10.2023 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse (RN)
LaserAway
02.2023 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse (RN)
Spring Valley Pediatrics
03.2022 - 02.2023
Clinical Technician
Yale New Haven Hospital
02.2020 - 08.2021
Medical Assistant
Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC
02.2019 - 12.2020
Medical Assistant
Yale New Haven Health: SOUND OB/GYN
05.2018 - 12.2019
Patient Care Associate and Assistant Manager
University of Connecticut Student Health Services
09.2016 - 05.2018
Master's degree - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
George Washington University
Bachelor's degree (BSN) - Nursing
Fairfield University
Bachelor's degree - Allied Health Science, minor in Molecular & Cellular Biology
University of Connecticut