Tara Hekhuis
West Islip,NY
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate registered nurse with 20 years of diverse clinical experience in ambulatory care, critical care, women's health, and non-opioid pain management. Proven ability to deliver high-quality patient-centered care, enhance patient education, and collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams. Committed to continuous learning and enhancing nursing practices for optimal patient outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Private Duty Registered Nurse
Independent Provider
04.2022 - Current
- Manage patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Administer prescribed medication and treatment per physician orders.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility support while maintaining dignity and independence.
- Manage complex wound care procedures utilizing sterile techniques to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Schedule appointments and transport patients to medical facilities using personal transportation.
Registered Nurse, Non-opioid Pain Management
Duke University Health System
07.2018 - 04.2022
- Assisted providers during fluoroscopy and ultrasound-guided injections in a scrub nurse or circulator role
- Performed telephone triage with an emphasis on holistic solutions and patient education
- Fostered a learning culture through precepting, fall prevention staff education, and infection control education (SPICE)
- Served as daily charge nurse and assisted nurse managers with drafting unit-specific policies and procedures
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
Registered Nurse, Urogynecology
Duke University Health System
03.2009 - 07.2018
- Assisted providers with clinical exams, in-office procedures, and research studies
- Independently performed over4,000 urodynamic studies with compassion
- Successfully prepped clinic and staff for two surveys from The Joint Commission
- Served as Falls Champion, Infection Prevention Liaison, and Epic Superuser
- Worked with the ergonomics department to obtain a SARA Encore Lift for the clinic at a reduced cost
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab
Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital
08.2006 - 09.2008
- Performed pre and post-procedure care, including IV insertion and removal, medication review, history taking, patient education, and discharge follow-up
- Assisted provider as circulating nurse during diagnostic cath, PCI, and IABP insertion
- Administered sedation and pain medication per protocol while I monitored patient response and hemodynamics
- Watched for signs of bleeding or vascular injury
Registered Nurse - Critical Care
Mount Sinai South Nassau Communities Hospital
05.2004 - 08.2006
- Monitored hemodynamic status, performed ventilatory management, administered medications, inserted peripheral intravenous cannulas, and adjusted medication infusions per MD orders
- Performed central line care and maintenance, provided ACLS per protocol, inserted and maintained nasogastric tubes, and documented assessments promptly
- Coordinated and implemented complex interventions with the multidisciplinary team
- Provided care education with empathy and compassion to patients and their families
- Served on the hospital’s CODE BLUE and Rapid Response Team
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Chapel Hill At Wilmington
Online Accelerated Program07-2023
Associate of Science - Nursing
SUNY, Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY05-2004
Skills
- HIPAA compliance
- Catheter care
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Monitoring vital signs
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Creative problem solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Effective communication
- Organizational skills
- Strong clinical judgment
- Critical thinking
Accomplishments
Worked with the Duke Ergonomics Department to obtain a SARA Encore lift for the clinic, which increased patient satisfaction during exams and procedures
Collaborated with providers to develop policies and procedures allowing nurses to treat patients at nurse-only visits using an approved algorithm
Achieved 3 years of zero falls in the non-opioid pain management clinic utilizing fall prevention strategies
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support AHA Expires 10/2026
- Basic Life Support AHA Expires 11/2025
Timeline
Private Duty Registered Nurse
Independent Provider
04.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Non-opioid Pain Management
Duke University Health System
07.2018 - 04.2022
Registered Nurse, Urogynecology
Duke University Health System
03.2009 - 07.2018
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab
Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital
08.2006 - 09.2008
Registered Nurse - Critical Care
Mount Sinai South Nassau Communities Hospital
05.2004 - 08.2006
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support AHA Expires 10/2026
- Basic Life Support AHA Expires 11/2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Chapel Hill At Wilmington
Associate of Science - Nursing
SUNY, Farmingdale
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Strength, Hope, and Caring Team Award
This award recognizes staff who go above and beyond clinical care to provide emotional support and comfort to individuals and their families during medical crises.
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