Talenna Ackels
Owosso,MI
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional well-versed in delivering compassionate care to patients. Known for reliability and able to bring growth and positivity in variety of care environments, consistently achieving positive outcomes for patients and families. Expertise in infection prevention, pain management and emotional support, with strong focus on leadership, teamwork and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and adapt to changing healthcare needs.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospice Nurse
Heart To Heart Hospice
10.2023 - Current
- Coordinated patient care plans with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and physician orders.
- Educated families on end-of-life care options, enhancing understanding and comfort levels.
- Monitored patient conditions, identifying changes that required immediate intervention or adjustment in care plans.
- Conducted regular assessments of patient needs, ensuring timely adjustments to care strategies and resources.
- Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
- Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
- Coordinated with physicians to adjust medications as needed for optimal palliative care outcomes.
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
- Promoted a peaceful and supportive environment for patients and their families during the end-of-life transition.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
- Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
- Enhanced family understanding of the hospice process through clear communication and education.
- Implemented creative non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management, enhancing patient comfort and overall quality of life.
- Increased patient satisfaction by addressing emotional, spiritual, and physical needs holistically.
- Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
- Educated families on pain management techniques, enhancing their ability to support their loved ones.
- Improved family satisfaction with hospice care by offering emotional support and grief counseling.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, building trust and easing emotional burden of end-of-life care.
- Ensured compliance with all healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards, upholding highest level of professional integrity.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of hospice care best practices, applying new techniques to improve patient outcomes.
Infection Preventionist
Pleasant View Skilled Nursing & Rehab
09.2016 - Current
- Developed and implemented infection control protocols to reduce transmission risks.
- Conducted regular audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to educate staff on infection prevention strategies.
- Analyzed infection data trends to identify areas for improvement in care delivery.
- Led training sessions for nursing staff on proper hygiene practices and use of PPE.
- Mentored new team members on infection control policies and procedures for enhanced understanding.
- Facilitated communication between departments to promote a culture of safety and accountability.
- Provided comprehensive training for staff on proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment usage, and other infection control practices to minimize risks.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective infection prevention strategies and policy development.
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Gathered and submitted data to regulatory agencies for mandatory report infections such as COVID-19.
- Enhanced patient safety through rigorous monitoring and evaluation of infection control measures.
- Assisted with regulatory compliance efforts by conducting audits, addressing deficiencies, and providing guidance on necessary improvements related to infection control standards.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the organization by consistently emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols for preventing infections among staff members at all levels.
- Assisted in the management of infectious disease emergencies by providing guidance on isolation precautions, containment measures, and appropriate response actions.
- Collaborated with environmental services staff to ensure proper cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of patient care areas and equipment.
- Developed strong working relationships with public health officials to ensure timely notification of reportable communicable diseases within the community.
- Conducted thorough investigations into reported outbreaks, identifying sources, and recommending corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Educated staff about importance of using measures to prevent spread of flu and gastroenteritis.
- Maintained records of procedures, infections and outcomes.
- Surveilled ongoing infections to verify adequate data collection, control procedures and current staff interventions.
- Performed preventive measures and maintained firm safety levels to avoid spread of infection and disease.
- Presented findings to committees and public interest groups to spearhead necessary changes to policies and procedures.
Home Care Nurse
Owosso Memorial Hospital
02.2014 - 03.2016
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Educated patients and families on care plans and health management strategies.
- Developed individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
- Implemented best practices for infection control and patient safety initiatives.
- Coordinated care transitions between hospital and home environments to ensure continuity of care.
- Evaluated patient progress, adjusting care plans based on clinical assessments and feedback.
- Enhanced the quality of life for elderly patients through personalized care plans and regular health assessments.
- Maintained timely documentation of patient progress, facilitating effective communication among the care team members.
- Implemented fall prevention strategies within the home setting, reducing risks associated with mobility impairments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Provided expert guidance on nutrition and lifestyle modifications tailored to individual patient requirements, enhancing overall health status.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during challenging times, fostering trust and open communication.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by closely monitoring vital signs, medication adherence, and overall wellness.
- Updated and developed care plans to establish goals based on patient's nursing diagnosis.
- Took vital signs to assess patient health progress and needs.
- Educated and supervised patients and family members regarding prevention strategies, self-care techniques and nursing care needs.
- Coordinated and collaborated with various multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care and promote patient safety and health.
- Served as a primary liaison between patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and seamless transitions between settings.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and individualized care to clients in their homes.
- Facilitated successful discharge planning by thoroughly assessing patient readiness and coordinating necessary resources for a smooth transition to home-based care.
- Promoted client safety by conducting thorough home assessments for potential hazards or barriers to recovery.
- Evaluated patient needs regularly, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes were achieved.
- Increased client comfort through skilled pain management techniques and appropriate symptom interventions.
- Conducted in-depth health education sessions for patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease, empowering self-management skills development.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Nurse
McLaren Flint
09.2009 - 02.2015
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Educated patients and families on health management, enhancing understanding of treatment options and self-care strategies.
- Monitored vital signs and recorded changes, responding promptly to critical situations to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Implemented infection control measures, significantly reducing hospital-acquired infections within the unit.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, identifying patient needs and coordinating appropriate interventions across healthcare services.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- 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.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
- Reduced medication errors through thorough double-checking of prescriptions and dosages.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in nursing practice to enhance effectiveness in delivering quality care.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Provided emotional support to patients'' family members during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team.
- Streamlined communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive understanding of care plans.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Consistently adhered to strict safety guidelines while administering medications or performing invasive procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
Nurse
McLaren Greater Lansing
07.2007 - 03.2008
- Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered care plans.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and formulate effective interventions.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- 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.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Michigan, Flint
Flint, MI05-2007
Skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient-centered care approach
- Empathetic listening
- Clear verbal and written communication
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
Timeline
Hospice Nurse
Heart To Heart Hospice
10.2023 - Current
Infection Preventionist
Pleasant View Skilled Nursing & Rehab
09.2016 - Current
Home Care Nurse
Owosso Memorial Hospital
02.2014 - 03.2016
Nurse
McLaren Flint
09.2009 - 02.2015
Nurse
McLaren Greater Lansing
07.2007 - 03.2008
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Michigan, Flint