Sharon Tophinke
Bowling Green,MO
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Telephone Triage Registered Nurse
Mercy Hospice
St Louis, MO
09.2025 - Current
- Educated patients and families on disease management and health promotion strategies.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify patient needs and treatment goals.
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Facilitated end-of-life discussions to ensure compassionate, respectful care aligned with patient wishes.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to triage patient needs and prioritize care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
- Increased efficiency in triage call handling through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Streamlined workflow processes by utilizing electronic medical record systems proficiently during telephone assessments.
- Relayed triage information and facilitated communication between provider and patient concerning patient disposition.
- Reduced emergency room visits by effectively assessing and prioritizing patient needs over the phone.
- Fostered a positive work environment within the telephone triage nursing team, promoting open communication and collaboration among colleagues.
- Provided exceptional customer service to callers, establishing trust and rapport while addressing their health concerns.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Mercy Hospice
St Louis, MO
05.2024 - 09.2025
- Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Assessed patient needs and developed individualized care strategies for diverse populations.
- Managed complex cases, facilitating communication among healthcare providers and families.
- Led patient education initiatives, promoting self-management and adherence to treatment plans.
- Advocated for patients' rights and access to necessary resources within the healthcare system.
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, ensuring continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
- Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication through regular case conferences, promoting effective collaboration for optimal patient care.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, and social needs in order to develop individualized care plans that facilitated optimal health outcomes.
- Responded promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns.
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
- Worked with suppliers and vendors on provision of medical equipment, items and services.
- Examined patients and documented history of current and previous conditions, illnesses, injuries, and current medications.
RN Triage Nurse
ProMedica HCR ManorCare
Madison, WI
10.2020 - 02.2024
- Performed the telephone triage role in the Great Lakes region covering three offices in various states. Spoke with patients, family members and caregivers over the phone, providing them with medical advice, evaluating and assessing their symptoms and consulting with physicians as needed, obtaining new orders. Assigned field staff visits, as needed and updating them with status changes in patients. Ordering refills on medications through escribe system, verifying availability at pharmacy. Handling issues with DME and working with DME providers.
RN On Call
HCR ManorCare
Wentzville, MO
06.2019 - 10.2020
- Facilitated the implementation of the 7on/7off On Call position. Take after hours and weekend calls. Triage patients over the phone until visit can be made by myself or secondary nurse. Offer emotional support to patients and families. Work with doctors and outside facilities to coordinate care of patients. Perform assessments, treatments, etc. as ordered. Prioritize visits and delegate. Perform after hour admissions. Attend death visits. Notify other disciplines of patient needs and any after hours visits required/requested of those staff members. Maintain logs of all calls and give report to patient care teams.
RN Case Manager
HCR ManorCare
Wentzville, MO
05.2017 - 06.2019
- Case manage a patient load of 15 to 20 hospice patients in a three county area. Supervise 3 HHAs caring for patients on my caseload. Order supplies, DME, and medications as needed. Work with doctors, family members, coworkers and facility staff to develop plans of care for the patients. Notify doctors and family members of changes in patient status. Document all visits, orders, plans of care and medication profiles. Maintain professional relationships with outside agencies. Offer emotional support to those affected by the patients' terminal diagnosis.
RN Case Manger
Pike County Home Health and Hospice
Bowling Green, MO
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Managed caseload of approximately 20 home health and hospice patients. Performed home visits, developed plans of care for patients, assessed patients for changes in health status, performed wound care (simple dry dressings to Wound Vacs), administered medications, notified physicians of any changes or needs, supervised LPN and home health/hospice aides. Educated patients/families on how to perform needed care. Experience with pediatric home health and hospice. Worked closely with social worker and chaplains.
PRN RN Med. Surg
Pike County Memorial Hospital
Louisiana, MO
01.2011 - 01.2011
- Performed assessments on patients, administered medications, performed lab draws, communicated with physicians regarding patient status, supervised aides.
RN Progressive Care Unit
Hannibal Regional Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Worked with patients in the Progressive Care Unit (step down unit from ICU), who required close monitoring. Administered medications, performed assessments, performed tracheotomy care, monitored ventilators and Bi paps, and assisted with personal care. Administered blood products (packed red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma), worked with isolation precautions, educated patients/families on expectations upon discharge.
Correctional Officer I
Missouri Department of Corrections
Vandalia, MO
10.1998 - 08.2010
Education
Associate - RN
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL01-2010
Skills
Home Health
Nursing
Hospice Care
EMR Systems
Critical Care Experience
Medication Administration
Triage
Patient care
IV insertion
Hospital experience
Security
Acute care
Certification
- Compact State Nurse License
- RN License
- Driver's License
Timeline
Telephone Triage Registered Nurse
Mercy Hospice
09.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Mercy Hospice
05.2024 - 09.2025
RN Triage Nurse
ProMedica HCR ManorCare
10.2020 - 02.2024
RN On Call
HCR ManorCare
06.2019 - 10.2020
RN Case Manager
HCR ManorCare
05.2017 - 06.2019
RN Case Manger
Pike County Home Health and Hospice
01.2011 - 01.2016
PRN RN Med. Surg
Pike County Memorial Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2011
RN Progressive Care Unit
Hannibal Regional Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2011
Correctional Officer I
Missouri Department of Corrections
10.1998 - 08.2010
Associate - RN
John Wood Community College