Susan Kuzelka
Essex,IL
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse (RN) and Board Certified Health Coach with a track record of providing direct patient care, triage, care coordination, and health coaching. Demonstrates composure and proficiency in handling difficult clients and high-pressure situations. Builds rapport with clients and families by employing empathetic communication, respect, and exceptional customer service. A detail-oriented team player with excellent organizational skills, adept at successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Triage Nurse
St. Croix Hospice
06.2024 - Current
- Counseled patients via telephone according to established guidelines and protocols, advising on provider-established plans of care.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring thorough documentation of triage assessments and treatment plans.
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills, empathetic communication, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
- Maintained a calm and professional demeanor during high-stress situations, effectively managing patient expectations and alleviating concerns.
- Improved communication among healthcare team members by serving as a liaison between patients, physicians, and nursing staff.
- Reduced patient anxiety with effective communication techniques and thorough explanation of care processes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Health Coach
Noom
09.2018 - 01.2024
- Fostered employee relations as a specialty liaison by co-leading Zoom meetings and communicating with various leadership departments
- Experienced team player, while also independently completing projects as assigned quickly and accurately
- Motivated and empowered clients in realizing their personal health goals on a one-on-one basis through motivational interviewing
- Educated and guided clients through behavioral change/psych-based curriculum
- Assessed client progress through integrated logging/tracking system.
- Guided clients in setting realistic goals, implementing effective action plans, and monitoring progress for long-term success.
- Implemented stress-reduction techniques into coaching sessions for improved mental well-being among clients.
- Maintained records of clients' health progress and compared to health goals.
- Maintained thorough documentation of client interactions to ensure continuity of care and track progress effectively.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to identify client barriers and facilitate behavior change.
- Established strong rapport with diverse clientele, fostering trust and open communication during coaching sessions.
RN
Critical Care, MacNeal Hospital
01.2004 - 01.2018
- Supported patients and their families by balancing patient urgent needs with family advocacy
- Provided excellent customer service and maintained HIPAA confidentiality compliance
- Responsible for administration and leadership of unit operations sharing charge nurse role/rapid response role
- Developed and applied tailored care plans to meet resident’s individual critical care needs
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Science
University of Illinois
Associate Degree - Nursing
Moraine Valley Community College
Skills
- Health Education
- Active listening techniques
- Goal establishment and monitoring
- Holistic Wellness Approach
- Interpersonal relationship building
- Motivational Interviewing
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Multidisciplinary Approach
Certification
- Board Certified Health Coach - NBC-HWC.
- Telephonic Triage Course using Schmitt-Thompson Protocols and Software- Remote Learning Services.
- HEDIS 101 - Remote Learning Services.
Timeline
Triage Nurse
St. Croix Hospice
06.2024 - Current
Health Coach
Noom
09.2018 - 01.2024
RN
Critical Care, MacNeal Hospital
01.2004 - 01.2018
Associate Degree - Nursing
Moraine Valley Community College
- Board Certified Health Coach - NBC-HWC.
- Telephonic Triage Course using Schmitt-Thompson Protocols and Software- Remote Learning Services.
- HEDIS 101 - Remote Learning Services.
Bachelor's Degree - Science
University of Illinois
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