Tara Rawlins
St. Louis,MO
Summary
Registered Nurse 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.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
11.2023 - Current
- Increased patient satisfaction by establishing trust and rapport through compassionate listening and empathetic communication.
- Streamlined documentation processes, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy of patient records.
- Served as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education regarding behavioral health best practices and current research findings.
- Advocated for patient rights within the healthcare system by maintaining confidentiality standards, addressing ethical concerns when necessary.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration through consistent communication with healthcare team members, resulting in more comprehensive patient care.
- Promoted self-care among patients through the teaching of effective coping strategies and stress management techniques.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting regular environmental assessments to identify and mitigate potential risks within the behavioral health unit.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge planning and follow-up support for patients transitioning to outpatient care.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists to adjust medication regimens, optimizing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
OB/Obstetrics and Gynecology Registered Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
01.2021 - 11.2023
- Triage nurse calls
- Perform Non Stress Tests
- Administer all injections and Phlebotomy
- 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.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Progeny Health
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Utilization Management
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, ensuring continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
- Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate resource utilization for complex cases.
- Streamlined care coordination processes to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Optum/United Health Care
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Utilization Management
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, ensuring continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
- Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate resource utilization for complex cases.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
- Streamlined care coordination processes to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication through regular case conferences, promoting effective collaboration for optimal patient care.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
St. Clare Health Center
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Care of mother and newborn before/during/after delivery
- Care of critically ill newborns in Level II setting
- Streamlined communication among team members by effectively utilizing electronic medical records systems for documentation purposes.
- Acted as a resource person within the hospital setting for staff members seeking information or guidance on evidence-based practices related to neonatal care.
- Maintained a safe and nurturing environment for newborns by implementing infection control measures, proper handling techniques, and appropriate use of equipment.
- Educated expectant parents about risk factors associated with premature birth or other neonatal complications during prenatal classes offered at the hospital setting.
- Served as a preceptor for new staff nurses within the special care nursery unit, fostering their professional development and growth in the specialty area.
- Enhanced patient care by assessing and monitoring vital signs, initiating intravenous lines, and administering medications.
- Collaborated with lactation consultants to support breastfeeding mothers and promote successful nursing experiences for newborns within the special care nursery.
- Assisted physicians during procedures such as lumbar punctures, intubations, and umbilical catheter insertions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Managed emergency situations efficiently by initiating appropriate resuscitation measures for critically ill infants requiring stabilization or transfer to higher level of care facilities.
- Coordinated discharge planning with families and healthcare providers to facilitate seamless transitions from hospital to home care.
- Reduced neonatal complications through early identification of potential health issues and prompt intervention.
- Assessed, evaluated, and cared for neonate and pediatric patients.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Exhibited strong critical thinking skills in responding to emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage or neonatal resuscitation, collaborating with the healthcare team to provide prompt interventions and stabilize patients'' conditions.
- Assisted physicians in performing various procedures such as epidurals, cesarean sections, vacuum-assisted deliveries, and forceps deliveries for optimal patient outcomes.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
Labor and Delivery Charge Nurse
St. Clare Health Center
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Manage a team of nurses and technicians throughout shift
- Provided compassionate care during critical situations, offering emotional support to both patients and their families throughout the birthing process.
- Optimized resource utilization by effectively managing staffing levels and scheduling according to patient acuity and census data.
- Maintained open lines of communication with physicians regarding patient status changes or concerns, facilitating timely interventions and appropriate care adjustments.
- Facilitated smooth shift transitions by conducting thorough handoffs and ensuring accurate documentation of patient progress.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, collaboration, and open communication among staff.
Pediatric Registered Nurse
Mercy Medical Group
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Assisted Doctors in a busy Pediatric Office
- Phone Triage and patient education
- Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
- Administered vaccinations and medications accurately, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and confidence in the nursing team''s abilities.
- Assessed pediatric patients'' growth and development, identifying potential issues early for timely intervention.
NICU Registered Nurse
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Care of critically ill infants 23 weeks gestation and greater
- Managed complex cases, addressing needs of premature infants requiring ventilator support, IV therapy, and total parenteral nutrition.
- Assisted physicians with neonatal procedures such as intubation, umbilical line insertion, and lumbar puncture.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing exceptional care for critically ill neonates in a Level III NICU setting.
- Promoted family-centered care, involving parents in the decision-making process and educating them about their infant''s condition.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify subtle changes in patient conditions promptly initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Provided emotional support to families during difficult times, demonstrating empathy and understanding in high-stress situations.
- Administered medications and blood products safely, following established guidelines to minimize adverse effects on patients.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities using electronic health record systems while ensuring compliance with HIPAA regulations for privacy protection.
- Supported lactation efforts, offering guidance and resources to mothers, which promoted successful breastfeeding practices.
Education
Associates Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Meramec Community College
05.2003
Skills
- Psychiatric assessment
- Anxiety Management
- Stress reduction techniques
- Electronic Fetal Monitoring
- IV Insertion
- Emotional Support
- HIPAA Compliance
- Newborn care
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Medication and IV administration
- Time Management
Timeline
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
11.2023 - Current
OB/Obstetrics and Gynecology Registered Nurse
Mercy Hospital South
01.2021 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Progeny Health
01.2018 - 01.2021
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Optum/United Health Care
01.2015 - 01.2018
Labor and Delivery Charge Nurse
St. Clare Health Center
01.2012 - 01.2014
Labor and Delivery Registered Nurse
St. Clare Health Center
01.2006 - 01.2015
Pediatric Registered Nurse
Mercy Medical Group
01.2005 - 01.2006
NICU Registered Nurse
St. John’s Mercy Medical Center
01.2003 - 01.2005
Associates Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Meramec Community College
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