Shannon Akers
RN
Dover,DE
Summary
Accomplished Home Health Nurse with at Preferred Home Health and Aveanna Home Health excelling in patient education and HIPAA compliance. Experienced in care coordination and compassionate patient advocacy to enhance outcomes and maintain high satisfaction levels. I am adaptable to different situations and an effective communicator, ensuring optimal care, care coordination ,support and compassion for patients and families. Also educating patients and families on course of care and medication side effects in easy-to-understand terms.. Dedicated well rounded RN who brings 15 year background visiting patients in-home. Responsibilities include conducting physical assessments, dressing wounds and assisting with ADLs Polite and courteous professional with knowledge of CPR and first aid and committed to collaborating with physicians and families to provide quality patient care. Career started in the hospital with eight years of diverse experience in direct patient care, including staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Health Nurse
Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services
03.2023 - Current
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Determined and addresses individual home care needs by completing detailed assessments and reviewing documentation.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living to promote independence.
- Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication safety, and at-home healthcare strategies to promote selfcare.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Identified health issues while at home care visits and contacted patient's physician to discuss best method for resolution.
- Provided compassionate nursing care to medically fragile children in home settings.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
Home Health Nurse
Aveanna Home Health
02.2019 - 01.2023
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication safety, and at-home healthcare strategies to promote selfcare.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Delivered high-quality in-home nursing services, maintaining a safe and comfortable environment for patients.
- Conducted regular follow-up visits to monitor patient progress and make adjustments to care plans as needed.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to implement comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring continuity of care.
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers, patients, and families by acting as a liaison for all parties involved in the care process.
- Provided compassionate care for patients with chronic illnesses, alleviating stress and promoting optimal wellness.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Monitored vital signs, developed and implemented care plans, and documented patient progress.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living to promote independence.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
- Provided emotional support and kind companionship to patients and families to increase overall wellness.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
Utilization Review Registered Nurse
Florida Healthcare Plans
09.2017 - 01.2018
- Contributed to cost savings by applying evidence-based guidelines to determine medical necessity and appropriateness of care.
- Assisted in maintaining regulatory compliance by staying up-to-date on Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance requirements for utilization review activities.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop appropriate care plans based on utilization review findings that were both medically necessary and costeffective.
- Ensured continuity of care across transitions by collaborating with healthcare providers, patients, and families to facilitate communication and coordination of services.
- Expedited discharge planning processes through timely completion of utilization reviews that identified necessary services, supports, or referrals post discharge.
- Reduced hospital readmissions with proactive identification of high-risk patients and implementation of targeted interventions.
- Improved patient satisfaction by conducting thorough utilization reviews and ensuring appropriate care plans were in place.
- Optimized resource allocation within the healthcare facility by accurately reviewing cases for level-of-care determinations according to established criteria sets.
Utilization Review Registered Nurse
Florida Hospital Flagler
04.2015 - 03.2017
- Supported case management efforts for better patient outcomes through diligent monitoring of patient progress and adjusting care plans as needed.
- Increased staff knowledge and competency with continuous professional development opportunities related to evolving industry standards and trends in the field of medical necessity evaluations.
RN Case Manager
Vitas Innovative Hospice Care
10.2011 - 03.2015
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on available community resources, facilitating access to necessary support services.
RN Case Manager
Odyssey Hospice
05.2010 - 12.2011
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care process.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' needs, enabling more accurate diagnoses and targeted interventions.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing timely follow-ups and addressing concerns promptly.
- Developed strong relationships with patients and their families, providing support and education on health management.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with empathetic communication and timely updates on care progress.
- Facilitated multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care, fostering collaborative approach to healthcare.
- 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.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
RN Staff Nurse
Hospice of Volusia Flagler
10.2007 - 11.2010
- Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication and coordination of care plans.
- Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Managed complex wound care cases using advanced skills in assessment, dressing application, and infection control measures.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans, improving patient outcomes.
- Devised customized interventions addressing physical, emotional, social, spiritual aspects of each patient''s well-being while adhering to professional ethics guidelines.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, VA05.1991
Skills
- HIPAA Compliance
- Medication Administration
- Care Plan Adherence
- Care Coordination
- Physician Collaboration
- Patient Monitoring
- Patient Assessments
- Documentation
- Diabetes Management
- Insulin medication assistance
- Infection Control
- Oxygen saturation standards
- Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient Education
Additional Information
Seasoned professional with 33 of diverse practical experience on many varied types of hospital units. 15 years of End Of Life Care and Home Health Care with special needs children adults and families. Utilization Review in the Hospital and Health Insurance Company using INTERQUAL criteria.
Timeline
Home Health Nurse
Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services
03.2023 - Current
Home Health Nurse
Aveanna Home Health
02.2019 - 01.2023
Utilization Review Registered Nurse
Florida Healthcare Plans
09.2017 - 01.2018
Utilization Review Registered Nurse
Florida Hospital Flagler
04.2015 - 03.2017
RN Case Manager
Vitas Innovative Hospice Care
10.2011 - 03.2015
RN Case Manager
Odyssey Hospice
05.2010 - 12.2011
RN Staff Nurse
Hospice of Volusia Flagler
10.2007 - 11.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Northern Virginia Community College
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