Susan Downs
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse with 28 years of diverse nursing experience in behavioral health, emergency psychiatry, oncology, sexual assault nursing, occupational health, leadership, and nursing education. Board Certified in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing (PMH-BC) with extensive expertise as a charge nurse, clinical instructor, and preceptor. Committed to mentoring future nurses while consistently delivering exceptional patient-centered care. Proven ability to foster a supportive environment that enhances patient outcomes and the professional development of colleagues.
Overview
1
1
Certification
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Nursing Faculty
Wake Technical Community College
08.2023 - Current
- Provide classroom, laboratory, simulation, and clinical instruction for CNA, LPN, and Associate Degree Nursing students.
- Develop engaging learning experiences and evaluate student clinical performance.
- Mentor students in professional nursing practice and clinical decision-making.
Registered Nurse / Charge Nurse
UNC Health
05.2012 - Current
- Served as Charge Nurse in the Behavioral Health Emergency Department and inpatient psychiatric units.
- Provide leadership and coordination of multidisciplinary patient care.
- Functioned as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).
- Delivered nursing care across emergency, pediatric, adult, and geriatric behavioral health settings.
- Currently practice on the Medical-Surgical Oncology Unit administering chemotherapy and immunotherapy while educating and mentoring nursing staff.
- Precept new nurses and promote evidence-based, patient-centered care.
- Magnet Status, Code Lilac, and Employee Health Committees
Registered Nurse
Holly Hill Hospital
02.2009 - 06.2025
- Managed behavioral health admissions through both remote and onsite intake.
- Performed psychiatric assessments and patient triage.
- Coordinated insurance pre-authorizations.
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Instructor
Fayetteville Technical Community College
10.2017 - 07.2018
- Taught North Carolina Nurse Aide curriculum.
- Prepared students for state competency examinations.
- Coordinated laboratory instruction, clinical experiences, and skills testing.
Occupational Health Registered Nurse
Federal Occupational Health (Contract Positions)
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Performed employee health screenings, physical examinations, EKGs, immunizations, and occupational health assessments.
- Maintained compliance with federal health and safety standards.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA07.2026
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, NY01.2012
Associate Degree - Nursing
Clinton Community College
Plattsburgh, NY01.1998
Skills
- De Escalation Techniques
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem resolution
- Critical thinking
Certification
- Registered Nurse, North Carolina License #238118 (Expires October 2027)
- Registered Nurse, New York License #502479 (Expires October 2027)
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse – Board Certified (PMH-BC) (Expires February 2030)
- ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy & Immunotherapy Certificate (Expires December 2027)
- Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), UNC Chapel Hill
- BLS/CPR/ACLS (Expires 2027)
HONORS & RECOGNITION
Promoted to Clinical Nurse III in recognition of leadership and clinical excellence., Recipient of academic scholarships for outstanding contributions to psychiatric nursing., Recognized by patients and colleagues for excellence in compassionate patient care.
Timeline
Adjunct Nursing Faculty
Wake Technical Community College
08.2023 - Current
Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Instructor
Fayetteville Technical Community College
10.2017 - 07.2018
Occupational Health Registered Nurse
Federal Occupational Health (Contract Positions)
01.2013 - 01.2018
Registered Nurse / Charge Nurse
UNC Health
05.2012 - Current
Registered Nurse
Holly Hill Hospital
02.2009 - 06.2025
Associate Degree - Nursing
Clinton Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Liberty University