Sarah Wilson
Loveland,CO
Summary
Cross trained as a floor RN, ward clerk, and charge nurse. Known for dependability, precision, and punctuality at work. Determined to succeed and reach personal and professional goals. Stays calm and excels in high-pressure situations. Team player with experience in leadership.
Adaptable medical professional demonstrating expertise and knowledge through 10 years in healthcare roles. Committed to leading highly effective teams to delivering exceptional patient care. Eager to fulfill challenging new role in an emergency medicine capacity. Compassionate Registered Nurse offers 3 years of patient care and advocacy within rehab and skilled nursing units. Highly skilled in charting, managing patient intake and discharges and monitoring care plans. Well-versed in promoting policies and protocols to achieve core measures. Demonstrated success in cultivating strong patient rapport to drive outcome goals. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Charge Nurse
Columbine Health Systems
2024.03 - Current
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Coordinated directly with in house MD and NP regarding routine resident care and developing emergent situations.
- Relayed assessment data and recommendations to on-call providers after hours for situations needing immediate intervention
- Directed staff during shifts to provide excellent resident care
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, enabling informed decision-making among the healthcare team members.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to the development of best practices within the department.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new policies and procedures to improve healthcare quality.
- Worked with patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), diabetes or sepsis to asses needs and determine best options for care.
- Ensure coordination of care for residents across all departments (providers, nursing, CNA, and ancillary staff)
- Lead the team during crisis situations to provide excellent resident care while attending to the emotional needs of the staff
- Mediate and help to resolve team conflict
- Trend and assess vitals and other data to accurately inform patient care
- Oversee 1-2 floors (64-130 residents respectively) depending on assignment
- On weekends, the charge nurse is the go to person for all issues in the building as admin are not in building
- Attend monthly charge nurse meetings to remain current with new departmental, facility, and company-wide policy changes and ensure compliance within the facility staff
- Assist in monthly CHF audits to monitor residents for possible CHF exacerbations and notification to providers related to this if needed
- Role model for facility and company policies and procedures
- Preceptor for those new to the building
- Investigating and reporting resident and/or family complaints to the appropriate entity
- Complete resident admissions, discharges, and process resident deaths in a timely and courteous manner
- Provide DON and ADON with feedback on staff nurses and CNAs for reviews, promotions, and additional training opportunities or needs
- Assisting with continuing education needs nursing and CNA staff both in the moment and at coordinated educational sessions
- Developed and maintained close relationships with patients and families to facilitate smooth communications, provide encouragement and build trust.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Championed a positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
- Streamlined nursing workflows for increased efficiency and improved patient outcomes.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
Registered Nurse
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2023.07 - Current
- Accurately assess and implement plans of care for residents for both new admissions and established residents
- Oversight RN for LPNs, medication aids, CNAs, resident assistants, and ancillary staff concerning both long term care and rehab residents
- Assignment ranging from 16 – 31 residents depending on acuity level when working a medication cart
- Assisting in developing, trialing, and implementing facility and companywide policies and procedures
- Frequently called for those patients in need of phlebotomy or IV insertion
- Resource person for day to day needs for administration and floor staff.
- 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.
- 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.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- 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.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- 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.
- 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.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
Ward Clerk Team Lead
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2021.10 - Current
- Directly oversees employees in the Unit Clerk/Ward clerk Department. Carries out some supervisory responsibilities in collaboration with the Director of Nursing in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include participating with interviewing, training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; offering informative information to DON regarding appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems within the localized department in collaboration with the DON.
- Remains current with departmental, facility, and company-wide policy changes and ensures compliance within their unit.
- Manage monthly schedule to work and time off requests for 4 employees including myself while maintaining guaranteed working hours and minimizing overtime. Department consists of 2 LPNs, 2 RNs (one being myself)
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for both the building and company
- Assist in trialing and implementing new operations and procedures and giving recommendations for improvements
- Provide growth opportunities for employees in department and coach to improve metrics and performance
- Perform accurate order entry for established residents and incoming admissions from in house and outside providers
- Process discharges and deaths in a timely manner.
- Interpret lab results and make appropriate notifications for out-of-range results.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary team members to ensure appropriate resident care.
- Manage situations that arise when charge nurses are occupied in admissions, emergencies, or other matters acting as a second in command.
- Completing order audits and other audits as assigned by DON to ensure high quality of care for residents.
- Educate department and other staff members on appropriate SOP (standard operating procedures) and policies. Main preceptor for those new to the role.
- Minimal infection prevention experience by assisting to keep residents in compliance with local and federal TB and vaccination standards.
- Go-to person for floor staff for any/all questions
- Creating pars for ordering lab, IV, and OTC medications.
- Maintain weekly and monthly to-dos to keep department and facility running smoothly, including developing and implementing audits to ensure more effective and efficient patient care while complying with the highest standards of state requirements.
- Coordinate with other heads of departments to ensure high quality patient care.
- Assist in developing and am a point person for facility policies or procedures that HR would like to implement company wide.
- Documented latest information in computer system and printed paperwork.
- Stored and retrieved permanent records on daily basis.
- Contributed to a positive ward atmosphere through friendly interactions with patients, families, and staff members.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations.
- Prepared necessary documentation for patient admissions and discharges, ensuring smooth transitions of care.
- Supported physicians by promptly providing accurate patient information, facilitating timely decision-making and treatment plans.
- Filled out records, staffing sheets, and patient documents.
- Supported office staff and operational requirements with administrative tasks.
- Answered multi-line phone systems to manage incoming and outgoing calls for busy skilled nursing floors.
- Skillfully managed multi-line phone system, directing calls to appropriate departments and taking messages when needed.
- Maintained patient confidentiality in line with HIPAA regulations.
License Practical Nurse with IV certification
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2021.06 - 2023.06
- Observed and reported findings to RN concerning both long term care and rehab residents
- Assignment ranging from 16 – 31 residents depending on acuity level, though mainly worked rehabilitation and memory care
- IV certification allowed for phlebotomy draws, PICC blood draws and IV medication administration.
- Administered medications accurately according to physician orders, minimizing errors in dosage or timing.
- Instructed patients in self-care techniques, empowering them to take charge of their own health management at home.
- Developed targeted interventions for diverse populations such as geriatric residents or post-surgical rehab clients based on specific needs analysis data gathered during intake assessments.
- Served as a mentor and preceptor for new nursing staff, guiding them through the learning process while maintaining high standards of patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members, ensuring seamless coordination of care for patients.
- Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in nursing practice, adjusting care strategies as needed to best meet evolving patient needs.
- Championed quality improvement initiatives within the nursing department, leading to higher efficiency levels and improved patient outcomes.
- Provided emotional support to patients during times of stress or crisis, fostering resilience and coping skills for long-term success in recovery.
- Increased patient safety by diligently documenting medical information, treatment plans, and nursing interventions.
- Strengthened family relationships with ongoing communication about patient progress and proactive involvement in decision-making processes.
- Streamlined nursing procedures by consistently updating knowledge of best practices and industry standards.
- Contributed valuable insights during interdisciplinary team meetings to optimize overall treatment plan effectiveness for each individual case presented during rounds discussions.
Certified Nursing Assistant/Team Lead/Mentor
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2015.03 - 2021.05
- Assisted residents with activities of daily living, which included helping during meals and snack
- Primary job entailed being responsible for 64 patients, 7 CNAs while reporting to 5 RNs or LPNs, including the charge RN
- Ensured shift ran smoothly, assisted team where needed and directed staff during times of high stress to relieve such situations
- As a mentor, taught the CNAs orientation with various videos, handouts, tours, basic rule/procedure principles and general technological and equipment signs offs
- Trained as a restorative aide CNA to assist in programs to ensure maximum function and ADLs for residents in the long-term care setting
- Overhauled and created SOP for the CNA orientation and leadership training manuals in conjunction with ADON at the time
- These went on to be used companywide for standardization in training new hires
- Completed bi-monthly in person orientations for 3-20+ people involving education on lifts, portable oxygen tank filling, PPE, policy, and procedure specific to Columbine, and general standards of care.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
Education
AAS – Nursing (RN) -
Aims Community College
Greeley, CO05.2023
LPN with IV certification -
Front Range Community College (FRCC)
Fort Collins, CO05.2021
High School Diploma -
Mountain View High School
Loveland, CO05.2014
Skills
- Decision-Making
- Clinical Leadership
- Care Coordination
- Team Leadership
- Compassionate and Patient
- Calm and Composed
- Staff Supervision
- HIPAA Compliance
- Staff Training
- Staff Scheduling
- Patient Advocacy
- Quality Improvement
Proficiency
- MatrixCare
- Epic
- Cerner charting systems
- Microsoft O365
- Windows
- Apple operating systems
Rnlicense
1690487
Timeline
Charge Nurse
Columbine Health Systems
2024.03 - Current
Registered Nurse
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2023.07 - Current
Ward Clerk Team Lead
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2021.10 - Current
License Practical Nurse with IV certification
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2021.06 - 2023.06
Certified Nursing Assistant/Team Lead/Mentor
Columbine Health Systems: Lemay Avenue Health & Rehab
2015.03 - 2021.05
AAS – Nursing (RN) -
Aims Community College
LPN with IV certification -
Front Range Community College (FRCC)
High School Diploma -
Mountain View High School
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