Sherrie Mcelwain
Huntsville,AL
Summary
Possesses a track record of assuming influential roles across various clinics and facilities, concentrating on the delivery of comprehensive care as well as maintaining institutional compliance. Well-versed in managing operations and improving processes, benefiting patients, healthcare professionals, staff, and supplementary stakeholders. A Surveyor bringing 20 years of surveyor and nursing experience. Adept at working in busy, challenging setting. Diligent, focused Surveyor with strong technical background and proven team leadership skills. Patient-oriented nursing professional with [Number] years of hands-on experience in delivering quality direct and indirect patient care to individuals in [Type] settings. Skillfully completes tasks and fosters relationships with patients, caregivers and coworkers to drive patient care goals and advance nursing philosophies. Experienced nursing professional bringing demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring medications and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities. Self-motivated, decisive healthcare professional with proven bedside manner, clinical skills and diagnostic support experience. Manage and document current conditions to effectively support patients and work within multidisciplinary healthcare team to enhance outcomes. Specialize in [Type] patient care Self-motivated, decisive healthcare professional with proven bedside manner, clinical skills and diagnostic support experience. Manage and document current conditions to effectively support patients and work within multidisciplinary healthcare team to enhance outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LTC Surveyor
ProLink Healthcare, New York DOH
Buffalo, New York
03.2024 - Current
- Identified opportunities for improvement in clinical areas such as medication management, infection control and emergency services.
- Prepared detailed reports summarizing findings from surveys conducted at health care facilities.
- Attended meetings with facility personnel to discuss survey results.
- Presented results of surveys to various facility representatives and survey staff members.
- Reviewed medical records to assess quality of care issues and identify potential risks or deficiencies.
- Participated in on-site visits to observe workflow, document review and interviews with staff members.
- Conducted comprehensive surveys of health care facilities to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Documented observations regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations during site visits.
- Analyzed organizational structure, staffing patterns and processes to evaluate patient safety practices.
- Observed strict confidentiality and safeguarded all patient-related information.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards during patient care tasks.
- Maintained current knowledge of changes in regulations affecting nursing practice through continuing education courses.
Patient Care Manager
Aveana Home Care and Huntsville Hospital Home Care
Huntsville, AL
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Maintained accurate patient medical records based on their needs while closely monitoring payor sources
- Addressing calls and concerns of the patients, caregivers and other medical professionals
- Monitored staffs' schedules to meet the frequency and coverage for patients' needs
- Prepared and participated in Team Conference meetings with the staff to determine if patients' care plans should be adjusted according to progression or setback in their overall health condition.
- Established collaborative relationships with external partners such as hospitals or clinics for referral purposes.
- Conducted regular meetings with clinical staff to review cases and discuss strategies for improving outcomes.
- Developed strategic initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency while maintaining high standards of quality patient care.
- Evaluated staffing patterns against current census data to ensure adequate coverage at all times.
- Managed patient care plans to ensure quality of care and compliance with regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge about emerging trends in healthcare delivery systems.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in processes related to patient flow, staffing models.
- Ensured proper documentation of medical records in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Participated in the development and implementation of new policies for patient care services.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate discharge planning and post-discharge follow-up activities.
- Provided guidance and support to staff members on various aspects of patient care management.
- Maintained accurate records of client visits and progress notes in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Provided counseling sessions to individuals or groups focusing on behavior modification techniques.
- Ensured that all documentation is completed accurately according to state regulations.
- Participated in team meetings with other staff members to discuss case management issues.
- Coordinated with other health care providers, such as physicians and psychiatrists, to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
- Protected patient data confidentiality in alignment with HIPAA protocols.
- Utilized well-developed communication, active listening, and interpersonal talents when interacting with people on daily basis.
- Attended and actively participated in meetings to provide and receive information on patient progression.
- Facilitated communication between members of health care delivery while involving clients in decision-making processes to minimize service fragmentation.
- Liaised with multidisciplinary team to discuss barriers to discharge or concerns impacting readmission risk.
- Maintained records management system to process personnel information and produce reports.
- Maintained awareness of government regulations, health insurance changes and financing options.
- Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
- Managed changes in integrated health care delivery systems and technological innovations while keeping focus on quality of care.
- Maintained a safe working environment for staff members.
- Addressed patient concerns and resolved issues promptly.
- Oversaw daily operations of medical facility, ensuring efficiency.
Private Duty Nurse
Help at Home
07.2020 - 09.2022
- Administer direct, long-term care to a 5 year old patient with Rett syndrome, providing support and assistance with basic and daily needs, as well as managing problems associated with the disorder
- Essential to maintaining and / or elevating the patient's quality of life through continuous health monitoring, delivery of nutrition, and supplementary procedures
- With seizures being a symptom, provide immediate care with actions minimizing the impact of each incident
- Maintain detailed reports on the patient's state of health, changes in their condition, procedures / actions taken in response to symptoms, and other pertinent information that shapes care and treatment plans
- Familiar with airway monitoring and maintenance via tracheal ventilation, gastrostomy tube and site care, and tracheal suctioning.
- Conducted assessments of physical condition; observed changes in patients' health status; reported to physicians and appropriate family members regarding patient's condition.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families throughout the course of illness or disability.
- Assisted with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, feeding.
- Instructed patients and their families on disease process, medications, and treatments.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations involving patient safety or life threatening events.
- Instructed patients and their families on disease process, medications, treatments and vrious care techniques.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on patient needs, nursing diagnosis and physician orders.
- Served as a liaison between family members and caregivers and interdisciplinary teams to ensure effective communication about the plan of care for each patient served.
- Facilitated medication management and monitored for side effects or allergic reactions.
- Assessed signs and symptoms indicating physiologic and psychosocial changes in patient's condition.
- Modeled ADL protocols to assist patients and family members for continuity of care for patients.
- Reported abnormal findings to family and physician for immediate intervention orders.
- Rendered therapeutic nursing interventions for individualized plan of care following homecare guidelines.
- Gathered entire medical histories and information to update medical records.
- Discussed individualized education to answer questions for patients and family.
- Obtained medical assistance, equipment and community resources for optimal patient success with medical interventions.
- Reported patient assessment findings and physical responses to nursing intervention for progress towards care goals.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Administered nutrition and medications and monitored patient reactions.
County Coordinating Nurse
Mississippi Department of Health
05.2000 - 06.2020
- Within two county clinics, directed nursing operations and personnel, critical to achieving best patient outcomes having focused on the delivery of premier care
- Across numerous units, organized care and treatment plans via superior scheduling management which impacted patients and personnel
- Performed inventory control to ensure supply stock could meet daily demands and oversaw purchasing which involved securing quality materials and resources while adhering to strict budget parameters
- Essential to high-achieving teams being in place having facilitated and administered continuous training and development
- To promote optimal health among the local population, carried out community education which also served as an opportunity to introduce clinic services to the general public
- Maintained immunization-related knowledge including ordering, scheduling, and administering
- Secured new Tuberculosis patients which included regular home visits to administer mediations, perform lab procedures, and procure additional patient information to obtain knowledge of patient contacts.
- Offered education, lab procedures, and medications for sexually transmitted infections
- Followed through with the Women, Infant and Children's program which involved the thorough evaluation of the Early Intervention program as well as the administration of program services.
- Provided nursing care for patients with various medical diagnoses and treatments.
- Provided guidance to new employees regarding policies and procedures within the organization.
- Performed physical assessments to identify any changes in the patient's condition or needs.
- Educated patients on their medical condition, treatment plans, and self-care management techniques.
- Facilitated communication between members of the healthcare team by attending interdisciplinary meetings.
- Ensured that all documentation was accurate and up-to-date according to established guidelines.
- Responded quickly and effectively to changes in condition or response to treatment.
- Maintained a safe environment for both staff and patients through adherence to safety protocols.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while prioritizing urgent requests from physicians or nurses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Assisted physician with examinations, tests and procedures.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
- Observed and carried out physician and nursing orders.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Oversaw patient immunization, supporting nurses through vaccine-specific training and supervising administration.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Administered oral, subcutaneous and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to develop individualized plans of care for each patient.
- Responded quickly and effectively in emergency situations utilizing advanced life saving skills when needed.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Coordinated patient needs by including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Delivered compassionate care to increase comfort and psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
- Educated patients, caregivers and families on diagnoses, treatment options and disease prevention.
- Communicated concerns regarding patients' status, care and environment to nursing supervisors, clinical care supervisors and case managers.
- Assisted physicians with examinations and patient lab test during diagnostic processes.
- Updated charts throughout with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, clinic policies and standards of care
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
Nurse Surveyor - Long Term Care Facilities
- Instrumental in verifying that the level of care provided met and / or exceeded State and Medicare regulations and standards
- Conducted comprehensive onsite assessments via the evaluation of procedures and policies and identified issues as well as offered solutions that optimized workflow and elevated the quality of care administered
- Interfaced directly with patients and staff, critical to understanding the impact of services provided as well as new or outstanding needs that needed to be addressed
- Documented all findings and presented data and information to other medical and administrative staff which influenced decision-making processes
- Performed follow-up inspections to confirm that issues were resolved and that courses of action were compliant
- Evaluated medication passes, storage procedures, infection control procedures and policies, and dietary meals and food storage practices.
Nurse Surveyor - Healthcare Management Solution
- Traveled to facilities across the country and evaluated the level of care provided, often having partnered with peer surveyors
- Gauged the quality of services provided based on existing guidelines
- With healthcare administrators and medical staff, discussed findings and encouraged them to include the integration of new best practices, which is beneficial to patients, staff, and healthcare teams
- Duties performed were part time with a consulting firm hired directly by CMS.
Staff Nurse - Home Health and Hospice Department
- For patients confined to home care, performed initial assessments, arranged visits, and carried out discharge procedures
- Based on patient progress or setbacks, modified care schedules having factored in time and resource management
- Provided mentorship and direction to Certified Nurse Aides, critical to individuals receiving proper care
- Pivotal to patient care meetings having presented observations of patients that informed decision made by physicians, supervisors, and other staff
- Supplied education and support to patients and caregivers with regard to end-of-life processes, essential to proper preparation.
Education
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (Registered Nurse) -
Northeast Mississippi Community College
Skills
- Patient-centered Care
- Clinical Operations
- Care Planning
- Regulatory Compliance
- Case Management
- Process Improvement
- Medication Administration
- Documentation and Reporting
- People Management
- Self-directed mindset
- Quality Control
- Property Assessments
- Team Leadership
- Field Surveys
- Presentations
- Verbal/written communication
- Workflow Coordination
- Training and mentoring
- Collaboration
- Decision-Making
- Active Listening
- Organization and Time Management Skills
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Analytical Thinking
- SMQT certified per CMS
- Leadership
- Remote Office Availability
- Computer Skills to include: Zoom, Teams, Workday, Excel, HcHb, Epic, PCC, Google Chrome, Edge, Outlook, Microsoft Office, Oracle, to name a few
- Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
- Data Management
Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification, Current
- Compact RN License
- Alabama RN License
- MS RN License
- New York RN Licensure
- SMQT National Survey Certification
Timeline
LTC Surveyor
ProLink Healthcare, New York DOH
03.2024 - Current
Patient Care Manager
Aveana Home Care and Huntsville Hospital Home Care
10.2022 - 11.2023
Private Duty Nurse
Help at Home
07.2020 - 09.2022
County Coordinating Nurse
Mississippi Department of Health
05.2000 - 06.2020
Nurse Surveyor - Long Term Care Facilities
Nurse Surveyor - Healthcare Management Solution
Staff Nurse - Home Health and Hospice Department
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (Registered Nurse) -
Northeast Mississippi Community College
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