Shelia Lunsford
Tallahassee
Summary
Dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience in nursing management, utilization review and compliance. Known for strong clinical judgment, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meticulous documentation, driving improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Proven ability to implement evidence-based practices while providing emotional support, contributing to enhanced patient experiences and reduced readmission rates.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Radiation Oncology Nurse
HCA
04.2022 - Current
- Educated patients on treatment processes, side effects, and self-care strategies.
- Monitored patient responses to therapy and adjusted care based on feedback.
- Maintained detailed and accurate patient records, ensuring timely documentation of all relevant information related to the patients'' care.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families dealing with the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department, identifying opportunities for enhancing patient care delivery and overall efficiency.
- Participated in ongoing professional education opportunities to stay current on advances in radiation oncology nursing practices.
Nurse Manager/Mental Health Case Manager
FSU University Health Services
07.2015 - 04.2022
- Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
- Supervised nursing staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and regulatory standards.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decision making.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Advocated for clients' rights, ensuring access to essential mental health resources and services.
- Developed and reviewed policies and procedures for AAAHC accreditation to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes.
RN Case Manager/Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse
HCA
08.2005 - 07.2015
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to streamline referrals and enhance patient access to services.
- Assessed patient needs to develop and implement effective care strategies for diverse populations.
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
- Served as a key liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers, fostering open communication and trust among all parties involved in the care process.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve overall clinical performance and patient outcomes.
- Navigated regulatory requirements effectively, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with relevant laws and guidelines.
- Advocated for patients with insurance companies, securing coverage for necessary treatments and medications.
- Clinical utilization review of medical records to ensure billed services meet CMS medical necessity and coding standards.
- Streamlined discharge planning, ensuring patients received necessary resources and support for recovery at home.
Nurse Manager
Southern Vitreoretinal Associates
08.2002 - 08.2005
- Supervised nursing staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient care standards and operational efficiency.
- Implemented employee vaccination program.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
Charge Nurse/Assistant Manager
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
05.2000 - 08.2002
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure adherence to patient care protocols and hospital policies.
- Coordinated patient admissions, transfers, and discharges to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Mentored junior nurses, providing guidance on clinical practices and patient management techniques.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction scores.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to the development of best practices within the department.
- Contributed significantly towards Joint Commission accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Advocated for patient needs, resulting in improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
- Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
- Ensured compliance with all safety regulations by conducting regular inspections of equipment/operations within the store.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, FL12-2022
Associate of Science - Nursing
College of Central Florida
Ocala, FL05-2000
Skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Documentation accuracy
- Compassionate and caring
- Strong clinical judgment
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Patient education
- Professionalism
- Critical thinking
- Teamwork
Timeline
Radiation Oncology Nurse
HCA
04.2022 - Current
Nurse Manager/Mental Health Case Manager
FSU University Health Services
07.2015 - 04.2022
RN Case Manager/Radiation Oncology Registered Nurse
HCA
08.2005 - 07.2015
Nurse Manager
Southern Vitreoretinal Associates
08.2002 - 08.2005
Charge Nurse/Assistant Manager
Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
05.2000 - 08.2002
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Tallahassee Community College
Associate of Science - Nursing
College of Central Florida