Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sara Wilks

Columbia,MO

Summary

Expert RN highly trained in intensive care procedures and patient treatments. Competent in ventilator support, wound care and assisted feeding. Equipped to handle needs of critically ill patients and skilled in training junior staff in care standards and safety protocols.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

Boone Health
10.2016 - Current
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Enhanced ICU team efficiency by providing continuous education on best nursing practices and protocols.
  • Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
  • Promoted a safe environment by enforcing infection control policies and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
  • Streamlined workflow by efficiently prioritizing tasks during high-stress situations, leading to better overall performance of the ICU team.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the ICU unit and promoting a supportive workplace culture.
  • Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
  • Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
  • Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations while fostering trust between medical staff and patients'' families.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
  • Followed HCA ethical values and principles and adhered to HIPAA medical record regulations to promote patients' privacy.
  • Supervised new employees and student nurses to promote adherence to established patient care standards and practices.
  • Explained health care issues and ramifications to patients and families to promote informed medical care choices.
  • Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.

Acute Care Registered Nurse

Landmark Hospital
09.2010 - 10.2016
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality acute care nursing services and closely monitoring vital signs.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by developing individualized care plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate communication, advocacy, and comprehensive education on disease management.
  • Ensured timely interventions for critical patients, utilizing strong clinical judgment and knowledge of evidence-based practices.
  • Enhanced patient care by efficiently inserting and maintaining PICC lines, ensuring proper function and reducing complications.
  • Educated patients and families on PICC line care, reducing the risk of infection and promoting successful treatment adherence.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to maintain high standards of infection control in central venous access device insertion and care.
  • Provided compassionate nursing care to critically ill patients requiring central venous access devices, prioritizing comfort, safety, and dignity.
  • Served as a resource for nurses seeking guidance on the management of complex vascular access cases involving PICC lines or other central venous access devices.
  • Facilitated seamless transitions of care by effectively coordinating with case managers, social workers, and physicians.
  • Boosted team efficiency by mentoring new nurses, sharing best practices, and participating in unit-based committees.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple medical conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, respiratory issues, and renal failure.
  • Maximized resource utilization by leveraging advanced skills in intravenous therapy management including central lines and PICC lines maintenance.
  • Deescalated challenging situations involving agitated or confused patients using effective communication techniques and non-pharmacological interventions when appropriate.
  • Mitigated risk factors associated with falls or pressure injuries by conducting regular skin assessments and implementing preventative measures tailored to each patient''s specific needs.
  • Managed patients' pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, monitoring patients' responses and changing care plans accordingly.
  • Educated families and patients regarding conditions, symptoms and care plans.

Home Health RN Assistant Manager

Oxford Home Health
06.2009 - 09.2010
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
  • Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
  • Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
  • Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.
  • Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
  • Collaborated with the management team to develop strategic plans for business growth and improvement.
  • Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
  • Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
  • Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.

Home Health RN Case Manager

Sinclair Home Care
08.2007 - 06.2009
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by developing personalized care plans and coordinating interdisciplinary team collaboration.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through diligent monitoring of patients'' progress and timely interventions in-home settings.
  • Streamlined communication with physicians, ensuring accurate documentation and prompt updates on patient conditions.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care, addressing concerns, and advocating for their needs.
  • Managed complex caseloads efficiently by prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities to support staff, and maintaining detailed records.
  • Collaborated with external healthcare providers to facilitate seamless transitions between acute care settings and home environments.
  • Served as an expert resource for families by providing guidance on disease management techniques, self-care strategies, and available community resources.
  • Expedited wound healing using advanced wound care techniques such as negative pressure therapy or hydrocolloid dressings when appropriate.
  • Prevented complications from chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart failure through targeted patient education initiatives tailored to individual needs.
  • Mentored new RNs entering the field of home health case management fostering a supportive learning environment for professional growth.
  • Empowered patients and their families to take an active role in care decisions, fostering a sense of self-efficacy and improving long-term health outcomes.
  • Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
  • Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
  • Provided emotional support and kind companionship to patients and families to increase overall wellness.
  • Determined and addresses individual home care needs by completing detailed assessments and reviewing documentation.
  • Assessed patients' health status and developed individualized care plans to suit needs.
  • Assisted patients with activities of daily living to promote independence.
  • Delivered after-hours care to patients based on strict role-call rotations.
  • Developed and implemented discharge plans to promote continued care after discharge.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.

RN Staff Nurse

Columbia Regional Hospital-Same Day Surgery
09.2006 - 08.2007
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and protocols.
  • Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans, improving patient outcomes.
  • Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
  • Reduced recovery times for surgical patients through diligent monitoring and timely intervention when needed.
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores by providing compassionate and empathetic care during pre-and post-operative periods.
  • Contributed to successful surgeries by accurately assessing patients'' medical histories, allergies, medications, and potential complications.
  • Educated patients on proper post-operative care routines, reducing the likelihood of complications or readmissions.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of surgical procedures, promoting clear communication among healthcare providers regarding patient progress.
  • Expedited discharge processes by coordinating necessary resources such as home health services or physical therapy referrals for recovering patients.
  • Coordinated perioperative care for diverse patient populations ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics across various surgical specialties.
  • Evaluated patients to detect contraindications before anesthesia or scheduled surgery.
  • Communicated medical information and discharge instructions to patients and families to reduce return visits.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Prepared patients for discharge efficiently by delivering tailored instructions regarding home care measures, medication administration, and follow-up appointments.

Cardiac ICU RN

MU Health
07.2005 - 09.2006
  • Improved patient outcomes by consistently assessing, planning, and evaluating nursing care for Cardiac ICU patients.
  • Reduced cardiopulmonary emergencies by monitoring vital signs and initiating prompt interventions as needed.
  • Enhanced patient safety with thorough medication administration and reconciliation practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients in the Cardiac ICU.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, assessments, and interventions in electronic medical records systems.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and family members during difficult times in their healthcare journey.
  • Managed life-saving equipment such as mechanical ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and continuous renal replacement therapy machines to support critically ill patients'' needs.
  • Effectively communicated pertinent information regarding changes in patient status during shift hand-offs to ensure continuity of care.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
  • Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
  • Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Missouri - Columbia
Columbia, MO
05.2005

Skills

  • Family Communication
  • End of life care
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Tracheostomy Care
  • Seizure Management
  • Airway Management
  • Chest Tube Management
  • Pressure Ulcer Prevention
  • Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
  • Central Line Management
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring
  • Enteral Feeding
  • Clinical judgment
  • Specimen Collection
  • Honest and Dependable

Certification

  • PICC Training - Landmark Hospital-2011-2016
  • ACLS/BLS
  • working toward CCRN

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Boone Health
10.2016 - Current

Acute Care Registered Nurse

Landmark Hospital
09.2010 - 10.2016

Home Health RN Assistant Manager

Oxford Home Health
06.2009 - 09.2010

Home Health RN Case Manager

Sinclair Home Care
08.2007 - 06.2009

RN Staff Nurse

Columbia Regional Hospital-Same Day Surgery
09.2006 - 08.2007

Cardiac ICU RN

MU Health
07.2005 - 09.2006

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Missouri - Columbia

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Sara Wilks