Completed 200 hrs yoga teacher training in 2019
Extensive interest in mind/body practices
Lifelong fitness
Completed marathon in 1990
Disciplined in reaching goals
Continue to be a runner and fitness enthusiast
Music lover; play piano
Stephanie Wignall Kelly
Olathe,KS
Summary
Accomplished psychiatric nurse with expertise in mental health care in multiple practice environments.. Demonstrated proficiency in crisis intervention and team collaboration, enhancing patient outcomes. Improved patient satisfaction through compassionate care and effective communication. Skilled in cultural awareness and diverse group teaching, fostering supportive environments for patients and staff alike.
Strong leadership skills with ability to "lead from within the group."
Strong work ethic.
Passion for excellent mental health nursing care with emphasis on de-stigmatizing psychiatric illness.
Overview
50
50
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Nurse
Johnson County Mental Health Center
08.2010 - 08.2025
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care in a mental health setting, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Administered long-acting antipsychotic medications of various types. Monitored response.
- Managed 25-30 emails per day coming from call center, front desk and ancillary staff.
- Answered emergency calls in the building.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Utilized electronic health record systems to document patient information accurately and maintain confidentiality.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Educated patients on self-care management, empowering them to take an active role in their overall health and wellbeing.
- Acted as a patient advocate, ensuring their needs were met and their rights protected throughout their healthcare journey.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing empathetic, compassionate care to diverse populations.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to share best practices, address challenges, and foster collaboration among team members.
- Promoted a culture of safety by strictly adhering to infection control measures and reporting any potential hazards or concerns.
- Exhibited strong critical thinking skills when assessing complex medical situations and determining appropriate interventions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for comprehensive patient assessments and treatment plans.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Psychiatric Evaluation Nurse
St. John's Mercy Medical Center
07.2004 - 02.2010
- Conducted full psychiatric and mental status evaluations on clients in acute psychiatric crisis in the ER and in house.
- Completed 3-4 full evaluations per shift.
- Completed screening paperwork for involuntary psych admits.
- Triaged cases in accordance with client status (ER, in pt. bed, assessment center on site.)
- Worked under supervision of licensed psychiatrists to determine safe disposition of cases.
- Collaborated with hospital team members, hospitalists, ER physicians, nurses, outside agencies to coordinate care and admission to outside facilities
- Advocated for patient needs, fostering a supportive environment that promoted healing and well-being.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Insured appropriate admissions to behavioral health units screening for all possible medical co-morbidities.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimized patient treatment plans and outcomes.
- Provided emotional support to patients'' family members during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team.
RN Staff Nurse
Johnson County Mental Health Center
07.1997 - 12.2003
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols to ensure patient safety.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes to inform care adjustments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients.
- Educated patients and families on mental health conditions and treatment options to enhance understanding.
- Liaison to case management teams providing mental health services to clients with severe and persistent mental illness.
- Collaborated with outside providers to provide continuity of care.
- Developed and taught med administration course for non-licensed staff members.
- Planned and scheduled psychiatry caseload for consulting psychiatrists at county detention center.
- Extensive history taking, procuring treatment records; documentation of past treatments vital to procuring appropriate psychiatric regimen for detainees with mental health diagnoses.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs, adjusting interventions as necessary for optimal outcomes.
- Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
- Liaison to special management team at adult detention center.
- Provided training to special management team for mental health topics.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Staff Nurse
Johnson County Adult Detention Center
08.1987 - 07.1997
- Provided direct patient care and monitored vital signs to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Participated in departmental committees to streamline workflows and improve operational efficiency.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of all relevant information related to patient progress, treatments administered and other pertinent data.
- Participated in staff meetings and continuing education programs to stay current on best practices and maintain licensure requirements.
- Promoted teamwork and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care planning and implementation.
- Achieved timely medication administration by utilizing effective time management skills and prioritizing critical tasks.
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care.
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Coordinated appropriate use of resources, such as equipment and supplies, to ensure availability when needed.
- 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.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Director of Medical Services
Linn County Jail
07.1980 - 04.1984
- Developed and implemented policies ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Analyzed patient feedback and outcomes data to drive continuous improvement in service quality.
- Managed budget allocation for medical services, optimizing resource utilization effectively.
- Established partnerships with external healthcare organizations to expand service offerings and access resources.
- Directed emergency response planning, ensuring readiness for crisis situations within the medical facility.
- Served as a mentor and role model for staff members, fostering a positive work environment conducive to professional growth and development.
- Managed budgets, monitored expenses, and identified cost-saving opportunities to maintain financial stability for the department.
- Fostered an open communication culture within the department, encouraging feedback from staff members to drive continuous improvement efforts.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling processes for greater convenience for both patients and providers alike.
- Oversaw inventory management systems to ensure adequate supplies were always available without excessive overhead costs.
- Developed nursing/medical position for the jail as first full time nurse to work in detention center in the state of Iowa.
- Developed and implemented policies/procedures.
- Developed med training course for non-licensed jail staff statewide.
Psychiatric Nurse
St. Lukes Hospital
06.1975 - 07.1980
- Administered psychiatric medications according to prescribed protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments to determine patient needs and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care strategies for complex cases.
- Mentored junior nurses on best practices in psychiatric care and crisis intervention techniques.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions, promoting communication and support among patients with shared experiences.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting treatment plans based on clinical observations and feedback.
- Educated patients and families about mental health, diagnoses and treatment options.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Administered psychotropic medications as prescribed, monitoring side effects and adjusting dosages as needed under physician guidance.
- Deescalated agitated patients using verbal interventions before resorting to physical restraints or seclusion when necessary.
- Administered medication and treatments to patients to observe and record responses.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for effective treatment planning and optimal patient outcomes.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions on various topics such as coping strategies, stress management, and medication adherence for improved patient understanding.
- Provided education to patients'' families regarding mental health disorders, treatment options, and community resources available for support.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Monitored vital signs, nutritional intake and signs and symptoms of complications to report deviations to supervisor.
- Documented clinical observations in electronic medical records, ensuring accuracy while maintaining confidentiality according to HIPAA regulations.
- Evaluated the efficacy of implemented care plans through regular monitoring of patient progress toward established goals.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Conducted suicide risk assessments for at-risk individuals promptly addressing any concerns identified throughout the evaluation process.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect among colleagues and patients alike.
- Managed challenging patient behaviors with patience and empathy, utilizing therapeutic interventions to help individuals regain control over their emotions.
- Enhanced therapeutic communication skills through active listening and empathetic responses, fostering trust and rapport with patients.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on evidence-based practices in psychiatric nursing care delivery methods.
- Advocated for patients'' rights and best interests during treatment team meetings, collaborating effectively with medical professionals from diverse disciplines.
- Reduced incidents of self-harm by providing appropriate supervision and timely intervention during crisis situations.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment through consistent enforcement of unit rules and boundaries.
- Improved patient well-being by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting to changing patient needs within a fast-paced acute care setting.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Monitored primary care needs for patients to coordinate access to appropriate providers.
- Assessed incoming patients'' mental health status, determining the appropriate level of care required for stabilization.
- Assisted in training and mentoring new nursing staff, providing guidance on best practices and sharing insights gained from years of experience in psychiatric care.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Aspen University
Denver, CO09-2021
No Degree - Legal Nurse Consulting
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS05-2002
RN Diploma - Nursing
St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing
Cedar Rapids, Iowa05-1975
Skills
Proficient in multiple practice settings
Supportive team participant
Excellent verbal and writing communication
Effective coworker relationships
Skilled in diverse group teaching
Cultural awareness
Certification
- Legal Nurse Consultant Training - 2002
- BCLS certified
- Certified yoga instructor
Interests
Timeline
Staff Nurse
Johnson County Mental Health Center
08.2010 - 08.2025
Psychiatric Evaluation Nurse
St. John's Mercy Medical Center
07.2004 - 02.2010
RN Staff Nurse
Johnson County Mental Health Center
07.1997 - 12.2003
Staff Nurse
Johnson County Adult Detention Center
08.1987 - 07.1997
Director of Medical Services
Linn County Jail
07.1980 - 04.1984
Psychiatric Nurse
St. Lukes Hospital
06.1975 - 07.1980
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Aspen University
No Degree - Legal Nurse Consulting
Johnson County Community College
RN Diploma - Nursing
St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing
Graduated summa cum laude in 2021 as non-traditional student.
Became non-traditional student in 2018 to pursue lifelong dream of completing BSN.
Graduated summa cum laude in external degree program.
Developed strong research skills, how to develop PICOT question.
Brought maturity and experience to contributions as a non-traditional student.