Staff Nurse
James A. Haley Veterans Hospital
07.2001 - 06.2023
- James a
- Haley va hospital
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit RN, Open Heart Surgery RN
- Work to ensure highest quality care for veterans and their families with the hospital mission and philosophy in mind
- Provide safety and continuity in care for all veterans, following policies and protocols established by joint commission of hospitals
- Provide leadership and innovation to enhance unit function through teamwork and accountability
- Enhanced continuity in patient care
- Train new nurses in Critical Care Internship Program
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
- Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.r
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Worked with healthcare team to develop new dialysis treatment flow sheet and other log forms, improving clinical documentation and accountability.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
