Susan Sheppard-Carolina RN, MSN-Ed. MSN, ASc, BSN, AGPCNP-C
Georgetown,SOUTH CAROLINA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history which span's 30 plus years of exemplary service in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Hardworking and passionate medical job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Adult Primary Care Nurse Practitioner position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
School Nurse
Georgetown County School District
Mc Donald Elementary- Georgetown High School
04.2002 - 06.2023
- Assessed student health and identified potential health concerns to provide appropriate care. Contacted Doctors for medication orders.
- Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
- Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students.
- Educated students on various health topics to promote overall health and wellbeing.
- Provided support to students with special needs and disabilities to deliver appropriate care and meet educational needs.
- Participated in development of school safety plans to address areas of concern.
- Screened for infectious diseases to help prevent spreading within school community.
- Maintained upkeep on defibrillators, blood pressure monitors and first aid kits to keep resources in working condition for emergencies.
- Oversaw health services for school of 500-1000 students and faculty.
- Performed health screening for students and faculty by conducting vision and hearing evaluations.
- Assessed student health and identified potential health concerns to provide appropriate care
- Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions
- Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students
- Educated students on various health topics to promote overall health and wellbeing
- Provided support to students with special needs and disabilities to deliver appropriate care and meet educational needs
- Implemented emergency protocols in medical emergencies to promote safety for students and staff
- Developed care plans and made referrals as necessary for students with health concerns or injuries
- Participated in development of school safety plans to address areas of concern
- Screened for infectious diseases to help prevent spreading within school community.
- Oversaw health services for school of 500-1000 students and faculty
- Performed health screening for students by conducting Blood Pressure, Height, Weight, and Annual school health evaluations.
- Maintained upkeep on defibrillators, blood pressure monitors and first aid kits to keep resources in working condition for emergencies.
- Provided medical consultations to other school personnel to promote well-coordinated school health and safety efforts
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions
- Offered counseling and referrals to provide comprehensive mental health support
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Equipped students with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Army Nurse Officer
South Carolina National Guard
Columbia, SC
03.1993 - 11.2004
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care.
- Participated in Officers Basic Training
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify health concerns, leading to timely interventions and optimal outcomes.
- Contributed to organizational goals by participating in committees focused on quality improvement initiatives within nursing department.
- Facilitated staff education sessions on various topics such as disease prevention, pain management techniques, and cultural sensitivity in healthcare settings.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
- Participated in Annual Trainings Exercises, MOS 66 H. Updated soldiers' immunization records and vaccinated as directed for deployment.
- Honorably Discharged Officer ranked First Lt.
Charge Nurse
Fresenius Dialysis Company
03.2001 - 02.2003
- Trained over 150 new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols designed for Hemodialysis.
- Coordinated nursing care, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments. We met privately and recording s were made for those who couldn't attend.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care while patients were being dialyzed.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients as ordered by physician, maintaining accountability for accurate narcotic count at end of each shift.
- Implemented quality patient care techniques to align with safety, health, and organizational regulations.
- Reduced medication errors by establishing stringent medication administration procedures.
- Promoted safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Conducted performance evaluations for nursing staff, identifying areas for improvement and providing constructive feedback.
Unit Manager
Kingstree Nursing Facility
04.2000 - 05.2001
- Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for a Dialysis Center which provided Hemodialysis care to over 75 patients daily
- Promoted patient independence by establishing patient care goals and taught and counseled patients, friends and family about medications and self-care skills to promote best outcomes post Hemodialysis.
- Oversaw RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, medical clerks and support staff and performed staffing scheduling duties.
- Protected patients and employees by developing and interpreting infection-control policies and protocols and maintained patient confidence by monitoring confidential information.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient unit management processes and coordinating interdisciplinary teams.
- Improved patient satisfaction with timely and accurate communication between patients, families, and medical professionals.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently overseeing administration of medications to patients.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits, staff education, and policy updates.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of patient care plans.
- Developed strong working relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, and ancillary staff for cohesive unit functioning.
- Increased staff retention rates with supportive leadership techniques, mentoring programs, and positive work environment initiatives.
- Mentored new hires during orientation periods for seamless integration into team while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively to ensure a seamless transition for patients from hospital to their next level of care.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
Unit Manager
Prince George Nursing Home
03.1996 - 07.2000
- Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for 200-unit operations.
- Coordinated nursing with other services to promote continuity of total regimen of care.
- Met with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services, programs and activities.
- Protected patients and employees by developing and interpreting infection-control policies and protocols and maintained patient confidence by monitoring confidential information.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently overseeing administration of medications to patients.
- Managed budgetary constraints through careful resource allocation, cost control measures, and fiscal responsibility practices.
- When we began to lose Nursing Assistants, Instrumental developing Nurse Aide Training Program to recruit CNAs
Department Health Environmental Control
01.1992 - 01.1996
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Emergency Room Nurse
Georgetown Memorial Hospital
01.1980 - 01.1992
- Triage position: Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Remained calm and productive during life-threatening situations to maximise positive outcomes.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Monitored vital signs, conducted physical assessments and evaluated laboratory results for strategic care planning.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Optimized outcomes in critical care situations through advanced life-saving techniques.
- Vaccinated patients to protect individuals from illnesses of concern.
- Reduced wait times for patients with effective communication between staff members and efficient patient assessments.
- Participated in continuous learning opportunities to stay updated on current nursing practices, ensuring delivery of evidence-based care.
- Assisted physicians with procedures such as intubations, central line placements, or lumbar punctures as needed.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills in rapidly changing situations, making quick decisions that positively impacted patient outcomes.
- Assessed 50% of complex cases involving trauma or multiple organ system failures by providing compassionate care alongside advanced clinical interventions. Maintaining alliance with doctors of multiple disciplines.
- Served as advocate for patients'' rights while maintaining confidentiality during sensitive situations or difficult conversations with family members.
- Responded effectively during mass casualty incidents or disaster situations by triaging incoming patients quickly according to severity of injuries or illnesses.
- Promoted patient safety by recognizing potential signs of health deterioration or adverse reactions to medications and promptly notifying healthcare team for appropriate intervention.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale
- Worked with healthcare team to develop new dialysis treatment flow sheet and other log forms, improving clinical documentation and accountability
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission
- Vaccinated patients to protect individuals from illnesses of concern
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage, and other areas to meet typical patient loads
- Coached and mentored junior staff to uplift department capabilities
- Optimized outcomes in critical care situations through advanced life-saving techniques
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols
- Monitored vital signs, conducted physical assessments and evaluated laboratory results for strategic care planning
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care
- Remained calm and productive during life-threatening situations to maximise positive outcomes
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
Education
Masters of Science Nursing -
South University
Savannah, GA07.2023
Master of Science Nursing Education -
Independence University
Salt Lake City, UT Online05.2020
Bachelors of Science Nursing Degree -
MUSC Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC05.1998
Associate Degree Nurse -
Florence Darl. TECH
Florence, SC02.1992
Practical Nurse -
Horry Georgetown TECH.
Georgetown, SC08.1980
Skills
- Unit Administration
- Wound Management
- Medication and IV Administration
- Patient Education
- Care Plan Implementation
- Medication Administration
- Treatment Planning
- Tracheostomy Care Catheters and other access ports
- Licensed by SC Nursing Board
- Seizure Management
- Clinical Documentation
- Diabetes Management
- Patient Assessment
- Pain Management
- Cultural Competence
- Emergency Care
- Electronic Health Records
- Time Management
- Home Health Care
- Compassionate Care
- Conflict Resolution
Timeline
School Nurse
Georgetown County School District
04.2002 - 06.2023
Charge Nurse
Fresenius Dialysis Company
03.2001 - 02.2003
Unit Manager
Kingstree Nursing Facility
04.2000 - 05.2001
Unit Manager
Prince George Nursing Home
03.1996 - 07.2000
Army Nurse Officer
South Carolina National Guard
03.1993 - 11.2004
Department Health Environmental Control
01.1992 - 01.1996
Emergency Room Nurse
Georgetown Memorial Hospital
01.1980 - 01.1992
Masters of Science Nursing -
South University
Master of Science Nursing Education -
Independence University
Bachelors of Science Nursing Degree -
MUSC Charleston, SC
Associate Degree Nurse -
Florence Darl. TECH
Practical Nurse -
Horry Georgetown TECH.