Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
hobbies
Timeline
Generic

Sheila Graham

Okahumpka,FL

Summary

Accomplished Registered Nurse with 28 + years of experience dedicated to quality care of diverse medical, surgical and critically-ill patients. Skillfully blend hands-on skills with advanced background in medical and cardiac settings. Work effectively with all levels of healthcare providers, physicians and administrators to address patient needs.

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

42
42
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab

Orlando Health FHV
03.2024 - Current
  • Improved patient outcomes by accurately assessing and monitoring vital signs during cardiac catheterization procedures.
  • Reduced the risk of complications through meticulous attention to sterile techniques and proper equipment handling.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by collaborating with physicians, technicians, and other nurses in the Cardiac Cath Lab.
  • Ensured timely interventions by promptly identifying and reporting any changes in patient conditions to the appropriate medical personnel.
  • Pre-procedure and post procedure recovery of the patient.
  • Demonstrated excellent clinical judgment when administering medications as ordered during cardiac catheterization procedures while closely monitoring potential side effects or adverse reactions.
  • Developed positive rapport with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
  • Assisted physicians with diagnostic tests such as angiograms and electrophysiology studies to provide accurate data for treatment decisions.

Registered Nurse Case Manager

UF Health Shands
11.2023 - 03.2024
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
  • Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Responded promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns.
  • Address delays in discharge and discharge planning
  • Identify discharge needs while collaborating with healthcare team
  • Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs. ·

Registered Staff Nurse, Perioperative Care

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
09.2023 - 11.2023
    • Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
    • Operating room circulator
    • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
    • Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
    • Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
    • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
    • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
    • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
    • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
    • Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
    • 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.

Registered Nurse, Case Manager

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
11.2017 - 11.2023
    • Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
    • Responded promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns.
    • Participated in patient and family planning process, as well as provided instructions and addressed question and concerns.
    • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
    • Liaised with physicians regarding patient needs, performance and changes.
    • Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs. ·
    • Conducted regular re-evaluations to address changes in needs and conditions, introducing revisions to care plans.
    • Created patient assessments and plans for individual home care needs.
    • Prepared clinical notes and updates for review by primary physician.
    • Placed referrals for discharge planning and continued care post hospital

Registered Nurse

Heart Of Florida Regional Medical Center
06.2009 - 11.2017
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions. Held positions in the Cardiac Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, Operating Room and Case Management
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • 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.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.

Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab

Orlando Regional Medical Center
10.2002 - 06.2009
  • Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services.
  • Supported physicians throughout introduction of medical devices and vascular closure with collagen plugs and stitches.
  • Installed bare metal, drug-eluting and bioabsorbable stents throughout vascular system.
  • Administered diagnostic angiograms, injecting intravenous dye for x-ray examination and using catheters to introduce tools needed for medical treatments.
  • Performed fractional flow reserve tests to measure blood pressure and diagnose severity of restriction at blocked areas within arteries.
  • Supported healthcare team by maintaining responsibility for electrocardiogram monitoring, defibrillation and cardio rehabilitation training.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Improved patient outcomes by accurately assessing and monitoring vital signs during cardiac catheterization procedures.
  • Reduced the risk of complications through meticulous attention to sterile techniques and proper equipment handling.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by collaborating with physicians, technicians, and other nurses in the Cardiac Cath Lab.

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit/ICU/ER

Lincoln Medical Center
02.1997 - 11.2002
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • 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.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge.
  • Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
  • Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
  • Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals
  • Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • 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.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
  • Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
  • 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.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, ICU

Carolinas Medical Center
02.1997 - 10.2002
  • Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
  • Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
  • Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
  • Developed and maintained close relationships with patients and families to facilitate smooth communications, provide encouragement and build trust.
  • Implemented quality patient care techniques to align with safety, health, and organizational regulations.
  • Cared for patients' wounds and changed dressings.
  • 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.
  • Developed and implemented specific nursing care plans to cater to individual patient needs.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • 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.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Columbus Regional Medical Center
08.1996 - 02.1997
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
  • Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
  • Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
  • Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
  • Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
  • Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
  • Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
  • Managed caseload of 6 to 8 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
  • Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
  • Ordered and analyzed diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient conditions.
  • Assisted physicians with procedures such as thoracentesis, intubation and lumbar puncture
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
  • Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.

Engineering Assistant, Quality Auditor

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
06.1982 - 06.1995

Gathered relevant data from various sources and developed comprehensive reports for leadership review.

  • Followed safety rules and standards, reporting concerns to management.
  • Organized and edited technical instructions for use in training and customer manuals.
  • Analyzed lab results against field standards to inform project decisions.
  • Maintained positive work atmosphere by building relationships with co-workers, customers, clients, and management.
  • Studied manufacturing processes to improve overall knowledge.
  • Collaborated with senior engineers on projects and offered insight.
  • Assisted senior engineers and management with clerical duties to keep department functioning and workflows running smoothly.
  • Prepared standard reports and documentation to communicate results to senior management.
  • Evaluated quality control processes and made recommendations for improvements in quality control.
  • Shadowed designers and engineers to learn ways to implement methodologies.
  • Assisted with coordination of new equipment installation and implementation.
  • Adhered to safety procedures and good housekeeping standards to comply with regulations.
  • Participated in failure analysis and debugging report activities.
  • Developed, prepared and reviewed reports and studies to identify and recommend engineering solutions.
  • Analyzed and planned workflow, equipment placement and space requirements to improve manufacturing efficiency.
  • Conducted root-cause analysis of component failure.
  • Performed data analysis of information provided by customers to obtain metrics.
  • Treated classified data with utmost discretion, following military and federal protocols.
  • Updated documentation such as technical manuals and equipment maintenance records.
  • Collaborated with engineers in new product introduction phases to develop and verify design changes.
  • Maintained ongoing communication with project stakeholders through regular status updates.
  • Assisted with the completion of engineering projects on-time and within budget by coordinating tasks and resources effectively.
  • Improved communication between team members by maintaining accurate project documentation, including reports, schedules, and specifications.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
05.1996

High School Diploma -

Hallie Turner Private School
Columbus Georgia
05.1978

Skills

  • Medical Assessment
  • Medical Evaluation
  • Referral Coordination
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Service Coordination
  • Care Plan Development
  • Care Management
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • EMR / EHR
  • Case Management
  • Patient Assessments
  • Patient Management
  • Goal Setting
  • Clinical assessment
  • Quality improvement
  • Organizational skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Home care management
  • Resource management
  • Care coordination
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Decision making
  • Team collaboration
  • Discharge planning
  • Healthcare regulations
  • Critical Care
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
  • Patient Care Planning

Certification

  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • BLS - Basic Life Support

hobbies

Hobbies - Crafting, sewing and gardening. Children's writing with Children's Institute of Learning.

Timeline

Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab

Orlando Health FHV
03.2024 - Current

Registered Nurse Case Manager

UF Health Shands
11.2023 - 03.2024

Registered Staff Nurse, Perioperative Care

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
09.2023 - 11.2023

Registered Nurse, Case Manager

Orlando Health South Lake Hospital
11.2017 - 11.2023

Registered Nurse

Heart Of Florida Regional Medical Center
06.2009 - 11.2017

Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab

Orlando Regional Medical Center
10.2002 - 06.2009

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit/ICU/ER

Lincoln Medical Center
02.1997 - 11.2002

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department, ICU

Carolinas Medical Center
02.1997 - 10.2002

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit

Columbus Regional Medical Center
08.1996 - 02.1997

Engineering Assistant, Quality Auditor

Pratt & Whitney Aircraft
06.1982 - 06.1995

Associate of Science - Nursing

Columbus State University

High School Diploma -

Hallie Turner Private School
Sheila Graham