Sarah Russell
West Monroe,LA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home
08.2021 - Current
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of all relevant information related to patient progress, treatments administered and other pertinent data.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families during difficult times, helping them navigate the healthcare system with compassion and understanding.
- Increased patient satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality nursing care with a focus on empathy, communication, and professionalism.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Participated in staff meetings and continuing education programs to stay current on best practices and maintain licensure requirements.
- Promoted teamwork and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care planning and implementation.
- Achieved timely medication administration by utilizing effective time management skills and prioritizing critical tasks.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies, and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Verified patients had information necessary for ongoing care, providing guidance on diagnoses, management of medications, and prevention methods.
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Streamlined workflow processes within the nursing unit to maximize efficiency while maintaining exceptional patient care standards.
- Served as a strong advocate for patients'' rights, ensuring that their needs were met in accordance with ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care for patients by effectively communicating with other healthcare providers.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Registered Nurse
Morehouse Family Medicine Rural Health Clinic
05.2021 - Current
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- 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.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Director of Nursing
Paramount Health Services
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
- Oversaw and approved recruitment, hiring and orientation of new nursing staff.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Managed budgets effectively, identifying cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate continuity of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings.
- Served as a liaison between nursing leadership, hospital administration, medical staff, allied health professionals, patients, families, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
- Evaluated work performance of 50 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Engaged with local educational institutions to support the recruitment and retention of highly skilled nurses, contributing to a robust pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment within the nursing department.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
Director of Nursing
PMH
09.2015 - 09.2020
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Improved safety procedures to create safe working conditions for workers.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements by implementing comprehensive policies and training programs for staff members.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs.
- Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
- Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and enforced participation in exercises focused on developing key skills.
- Launched quality assurance practices for each phase of development
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northeast Louisiana University
Monroe, LA12.1997
Practical Nursing - Practical Nursing
Rob Brady Vocational School
Jena05.1990
High School Diploma -
Enterprise High School
Enterprise, LA05.1987
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Documentation and Charting
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Infection control measures
- Wound Care
- Patient Management
- Family Education
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Critical Care
- Nursing staff leadership
- Lab result interpretation
- Performing EKGs
- Intake and discharge
- Maintaining privacy
- Relationship Building
- Vaccine administration
- Diabetes management
- Insulin medication assistance
- High level of autonomy
- Procedure preparations
- Chronic Disease Management
- Patient Counseling
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Administering immunizations
- Health screening
- Long-Term Care
- Case Management
- Managing deadlines
- Preventive health
- Family advocacy
- At-risk patient care
- Appointment Scheduling
- Home Health Care
- Supply Restocking
- Evaluations
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support exp 2026
- ACLS- Advanced Cardiac Life Support exp 2026
- BLS - Basic Life Support exp 2026
- RN Licensure 03/1998 exp 01/2025
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home
08.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
Morehouse Family Medicine Rural Health Clinic
05.2021 - Current
Director of Nursing
Paramount Health Services
09.2020 - 05.2021
Director of Nursing
PMH
09.2015 - 09.2020
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northeast Louisiana University
Practical Nursing - Practical Nursing
Rob Brady Vocational School
High School Diploma -
Enterprise High School
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support exp 2026
- ACLS- Advanced Cardiac Life Support exp 2026
- BLS - Basic Life Support exp 2026
- RN Licensure 03/1998 exp 01/2025
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