Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tamara Porter

Tucson,AZ

Summary

Skilled Correctional Nurse promoting over 10 years of expertise treating offenders in correctional facilities. Knowledgeable and skillful in providing care for disease management and chronic conditions to incarcerated individuals. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader. Organized and dependable nursing professional, successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse, Correctional

GLC Group-Federal Bureau Of Prisons
02.2024 - Current
  • Optimize resource utilization by monitoring supply levels and reordering medications as needed, minimizing waste and saving costs for institution.
  • Develop professional relationships with fellow nurses, physicians, and corrections officers to foster teamwork in delivering quality patient care.
  • Provide critical health education to inmates, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
  • Manage emergency situations effectively, performing life-saving interventions as necessary.
  • Administer medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Conduct thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Improve patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Evaluate healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
  • Demonstrate expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Evaluate patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Explain course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.

Registered Nurse, Rehabilitation

Handmaker Jewish Services For The Aging
11.2023 - Current
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Utilize critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conduct thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administer medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Administered medications safely, adhering to strict protocols and ensuring proper dosages for each individual patient.
  • Coordinated with occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other specialists to ensure seamless integration of care services for patients'' unique needs.
  • Improved patient mobility through targeted physical therapy exercises and treatments.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing personalized rehabilitation plans.
  • Facilitated patient goal-setting, empowering individuals to take ownership of their rehabilitation progress and achieve optimal outcomes in a timely manner.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and rehabilitation services.

Registered Nurse-Rehabilitation

RHS Staffing
03.2021 - 02.2024
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Educated patients and their families on post-discharge care, promoting successful transitions to home environments.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing personalized rehabilitation plans.
  • Promoted effective pain management strategies among patients, incorporating both pharmacological approaches as well as alternative methods when appropriate.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in electronic medical records systems.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients, building trust that facilitated open communication about personal health concerns and goals for rehabilitation.
  • Improved patient mobility through targeted physical therapy exercises and treatments.
  • Facilitated patient goal-setting, empowering individuals to take ownership of their rehabilitation progress and achieve optimal outcomes in a timely manner.
  • Decreased hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge planning and follow-up care coordination.
  • Advocated for patients'' needs, collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure the highest quality of care possible during their rehabilitation journey.

Registered Nurse, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
07.2019 - 05.2021
  • Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
  • Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
  • Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or selfharm.
  • Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
  • Collaborated proactively with psychiatrists to adjust treatment plans based on observed changes in symptoms or behavior patterns among patients.
  • Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
  • Promoted a therapeutic environment for patients, utilizing effective communication skills and maintaining professional boundaries.
  • Increased patient satisfaction with nursing care by providing compassionate and empathetic support during crisis situations.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in psychiatric nursing care delivery.
  • Assessed the need for restraint or seclusion in accordance with facility protocols, prioritizing least restrictive measures when possible to promote patient autonomy.
  • Led discharge planning efforts by coordinating necessary referrals, appointments, and follow-up services for successful reintegration into the community setting.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress, treatment plan adjustments, and ongoing care coordination efforts.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to identify subtle changes in patient behaviors or symptoms that may indicate a need for immediate intervention or reassessment of treatment plans.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Monitored primary care needs for patients to coordinate access to appropriate providers.

Registered Nurse, Psychiatric

Connections Of Southern Arizona
09.2016 - 01.2020
  • Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or selfharm.
  • Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
  • Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
  • Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
  • Served as a resource for nursing staff, providing guidance in the application of evidence-based practices in the psychiatric setting.
  • Optimized clinical decision-making by conducting thorough psychosocial assessments upon admission and throughout patients'' stays.
  • Mentored nursing students during clinical rotations at the psychiatric facility, sharing knowledge and expertise while promoting their professional growth.
  • Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
  • Developed strong working relationships with mental health community partners, facilitating seamless transitions of care for patients upon discharge from the facility.
  • 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.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.

Health Facility Administrator/Director of Nursing Administration

Corizon Health-Arizona Department Of Corrections
03.2013 - 09.2016
  • Evaluated employee performance, providing constructive feedback and setting achievable goals for growth within the organization.
  • Optimized resource allocation within the facility through thorough analysis of staffing patterns and patient needs assessments.
  • Contributed towards sustainability initiatives within the healthcare industry by incorporating eco-friendly strategies into the facility''s daily operations.
  • Reduced wait times at the facility by streamlining patient intake processes.
  • Continuously assessed opportunities for improvement within all areas of the facility, implementing targeted solutions to address identified weaknesses and enhance overall performance.
  • Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases or areas needing improvement across departments, ensuring comprehensive care plans were developed for patients with unique needs.
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
  • Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
  • Evaluated work performance of 83 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
  • Planned and assigned workload to 178-person Healthcare staff to direct patient care.

Correctional Registered Nurse

Arizona Department Of Corrections
10.2011 - 03.2013
  • Optimized resource utilization by monitoring supply levels and reordering medications as needed, minimizing waste and saving costs for the institution.
  • Provided critical health education to inmates, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
  • Managed emergency situations effectively, performing life-saving interventions as necessary.
  • Developed professional relationships with fellow nurses, physicians, and corrections officers to foster teamwork in delivering quality patient care.
  • Ensured continuity of care through effective discharge planning processes and interdepartmental collaboration with outside healthcare providers when necessary.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes, ensuring timely and accurate delivery to patients.
  • Reduced incidents of self-harm among inmates by providing mental health support and crisis intervention services.
  • Improved staff communication through comprehensive documentation and efficient handover practices.
  • Upheld ethical nursing standards in all interactions with patients, colleagues, corrections officers, and other stakeholders within the correctional setting.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal inmate care and successful rehabilitation outcomes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices and nursing innovations for application within the correctional healthcare setting.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
01.2017

Associate of Science - Nursing

Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ
05.2006

Skills

  • Clinical judgment
  • Compassionate Care
  • Behavioral Management
  • De-Escalation Techniques
  • Healthcare coordination
  • Support and education

Certification

  • NCCHC Accreditation Training- 2014

Timeline

Registered Nurse, Correctional

GLC Group-Federal Bureau Of Prisons
02.2024 - Current

Registered Nurse, Rehabilitation

Handmaker Jewish Services For The Aging
11.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse-Rehabilitation

RHS Staffing
03.2021 - 02.2024

Registered Nurse, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
07.2019 - 05.2021

Registered Nurse, Psychiatric

Connections Of Southern Arizona
09.2016 - 01.2020

Health Facility Administrator/Director of Nursing Administration

Corizon Health-Arizona Department Of Corrections
03.2013 - 09.2016

Correctional Registered Nurse

Arizona Department Of Corrections
10.2011 - 03.2013

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Grand Canyon University

Associate of Science - Nursing

Pima Community College
Tamara Porter