Teresa Grzelak
Blairsville,Georgia
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate patient advocate with experience in critical, acute and chronic care of infants, teens and adults in outpatient and in patient environments. After 20+ years of being a registered nurse I have developed a keen awareness of delivering care tailored to how clients can comprehend and implement changes into their lifestyle to improve their daily living. Having a passion in creating a learning experience for patients and their families as they transition through health issues and/or end of life. I empower each client to take control of their disease process(es) and take the steps needed that feel most important to them. Excellent communication skills between patients and physicians only enhance the health care delivery given. My passion is to walk with each patient that I am privileged to work with and make their journey one of love and understanding.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Director of Nursing
Regency Southerncare Hospice
02.2018 - 04.2020
- Administered medications via oral, topical, sublingual and, intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Developed educational modules to keep nurses, aides and volunteers up to date on hospice care.
- Administered medications, oral, sublingual, transdermal and intramuscular, safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Provided education to patients and families on administration of medications, palliative and end of life care, skin integrity and nutritional requirements.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the end-of-life process, promoting dignity and comfort.
- Collaborated with physicians to optimize medication regimens for symptom control in terminally ill patients.
- Improved patient care by developing and implementing comprehensive hospice nursing plans tailored to individual physical, spiritual, and emotional needs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on patient acuity levels.
- Collaborated in the hiring process of new employees, developed staff assignments, time off, bi-annual reviews, and on-call night and week-end schedule.
- In charge of patient and employee chart adits, QUAPI, medication reconciliation.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Registered Nurse, Case Manager
Homestead Hospice
04.2018 - 11.2018
- Evaluated patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, ensuring continuity of care across all healthcare settings.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure appropriate resource utilization for complex cases.
- Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
- Educated patients and family on techniques to manage symptoms related to disease process and end-of-life.
- Streamlined care coordination processes to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.
- Participated in on-call rotations to deliver after-hours care.
- Authored initial assessments of patients and family to develop plans for individual home care needs.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication through regular case conferences, promoting effective collaboration for optimal patient care.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, and social needs in order to develop individualized care plans that facilitated optimal health outcomes.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Responded promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns.
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on refining case management skills in alignment with industry best practices.
- Conducted regular re-evaluations to address changes in needs and conditions, introducing revisions to care plans.
- Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs. ·
- Developed professional relationships with community partners to enhance available support services for patients transitioning from acute care settings.
- Authored clinical notes and updates to be reviewed by patient's primary physician.
- Participated in patient and family planning process, as well as provided instructions and addressed question and concerns.
- Implemented evidence-based nursing interventions, contributing to improved quality of care and patient satisfaction scores.
- Advocated for patients'' rights, facilitating access to necessary services and resources within the community.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Union General Hospital
07.2017 - 04.2018
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during challenging situations.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, personalized nursing care tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Managed caseload of 15-18 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, blood transfusions and wound care.
- Implemented fall prevention strategies to minimize patient injuries and promote a safe environment within the medical-surgical unit.
- Mentored new staff members and nursing students, fostering a supportive learning environment within the unit.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
- Provided education on disease management strategies to empower patients in self-care activities throughout their recovery journey.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in quality assurance initiatives and making recommendations for process enhancements.
- Contributed to successful Joint Commission accreditation through strict adherence to policies and procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Registered Nurse, Digestive Health
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
12.2016 - 07.2017
- Completed detailed medical health history, allergies, and prescribed medications, as well as, completed standard questionnaire prior to endoscopy and/or colonoscopy procedure.
- Performed EKG prior to scheduled procedure.
- Inserted IV placement prior to procedure.
- Provided emotional support and well as answering patient questions prior and after procedure.
- Verified with patient and physician identifying indicators and what procedure to be performed prior to anesthetics being administered.
- Monitored patients vital signs, cardiac rhythm, pulse oximetry and blood glucose levels (for diabetic patients)during procedure.
- Assisted surgeon with hot and cold biopsies, snares, polypectomy, tattooing of colon for future reference and tissue sampling.
- Labeled each tissue sample correctly with patient information and site of sample.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing any change in condition.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Properly documented pre-, intra-, and post procedure vitals and patients tolerance in electronic medical record.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Communicate effectively between patients and surgeon on plan of care.
Registered Nurse, Gastroenterology Specialist
NorthShore University HealthSystem - Skokie Hospital
12.2011 - 04.2014
- Triaged incoming emergency calls from patients. Answered questions regarding medications, symptom management, procedural concerns, unusual GI health concerns, and diet and life-style changes to improve state of health.
- Provided emotional and spiritual support to patients suffering physically with a gastroenterology disease that impacts every aspect of their daily life.
- Clear and precise communication between patients and doctors regarding plan of care and follow-up.
- Detailed documentation via EPIC.
- Liaison between patient and pharmaceutical companies to ensure discounted medication approval, as well as, clear communication with insurance companies.
Registered Nurse, Internal Medicine
Northshore University HealthSystem
07.2003 - 07.2011
- Maintained professional attitude while triaging incoming calls, clinic walk-ins and e-mail inquiries in a fast-pace, high volume, 8 physician internal medicine office.
- Prioritized acuity of patient calls while ensuring all calls were addressed within 24 hours.
- Liaison between patients, physicians, insurance companies, durable medical equipment companies and pharmacies for best patient outcomes.
- Provided patient education on medications, laboratory results, nutrition and life-style to enhance patient outcomes.
- Effectively communicated with patients from varying cultural backgrounds while building strong rapports.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, addressing concerns empathetically while advocating for their needs within the healthcare system.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care in an internal medicine setting.
- Documented detailed communication in EPIC.
- Supervised five medical assistants and provided monthly educational meeting for the medical assistants and six registered nurses.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth, attending continuing education courses and incorporating new knowledge into daily practice.
- Participated actively in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety measures within the internal medicine unit.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, sharing best practices for effective patient-centered care within an internal medicine setting.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication and education on treatment plans.
- Served as a reliable resource for other healthcare team members, offering guidance and support based on extensive knowledge of internal medicine nursing best practices.
- Ordered screening tests and advised patients on preventive care treatments to promote ongoing health of patients.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Performed triage on incoming patients calls and determined severity of illnesses.
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
Northshore University Healthsystem
03.2000 - 07.2003
- Admitted infants directly from Labor and Delivery and infants post-procedure to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
- Charge nurse for emergency deliveries in Labor and Delivery.
- Inserted and maintained intravenous lines.
- Effectively delivered medications, antibiotics, blood products via intramuscular and intravenous methods.
- Observed and monitored infant status during medication, antibiotic and blood product administration.
- Maintained airway management and ventilator settings along side with respiratory therapists.
- Monitored skin integrity, temperature status and nutritional status of infants.
- Provided emotional and spiritual support to parents and caregivers.
- Provided education to parents and caregivers while maintaining advocacy of the infant and parents.
- Communicated effectively with neonatologist on plan of care for infant and their unique needs.
- Participated in bi-monthly nursing educational meetings.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
Staff Registered Nurse, Medical-Oncology Unit
Northshore University HealthSystem
08.1997 - 03.2000
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered oral, sublingual, intramuscular and IV medication, chemotherapy, and blood product administration and monitored responses.
- Performed catheter and nasogastric tube insertion and monitored insertion status..
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed nasogastric suctioning, as needed, and pulse oximetry status.
- Admitted patients from the emergency room and interdepartmental transfers. Monitored vital signs and stability of transfers.
- Provided education on medications, disease process and life-style changes to patients and answered patients questions to their understanding and acceptance.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of all relevant information related to patient progress, treatments administered and other pertinent data.
- Provided emotional support for patients and families during difficult times, helping them navigate the healthcare system with compassion and understanding.
- Increased patient satisfaction by consistently delivering high-quality nursing care with a focus on empathy, communication, and professionalism.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Participated in staff meetings and continuing education programs to stay current on best practices and maintain licensure requirements.
- Promoted teamwork and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care planning and implementation.
- Achieved timely medication administration by utilizing effective time management skills and prioritizing critical tasks.
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Served as a strong advocate for patients'' rights, ensuring that their needs were met in accordance with ethical guidelines and regulatory requirements.
- Contributed to a reduction in hospital-acquired infections through strict adherence to infection control protocols and proper hand hygiene.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing individualized care.
Education
Ph.D. - Philosophy And Religious Studies
Unity of Sedona
Sedona, AZ04.2026
Master of Arts - Divinity
Unity of Sedona
Sedona, AZ10.2024
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Chicago, IL05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL05.2008
Associate of Science - Nursing
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines05.1997
Skills
- Strong communication skills
- Patient advocate and support person
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Documentation and Charting
- Patient Assessment
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient education and counseling
Certification
BLS
Study on philosophy and spiritual practice. Drawing, writing, and gardening.
As God stated, "Let there be Light". I am a firm believer that we are of one Light, one with the Light of God. My nursing practice is to walk with each other through their journey and accept clients in their life where they are. To help them navigate their health and life-style according to their understanding. I am a true patient advocate always seeking ways to assist patients live their best life be it during a critical, acute, chronic or end-or-life situation. I enjoy the study of philosophy and spiritual practice to enhance my awareness of my connection to others. Drawing, writing and gardening help me better ground myself and grow, to fill my cup so I can fully be present with my patients and people I meet, in general.
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Case Manager
Homestead Hospice
04.2018 - 11.2018
Registered Nurse, Director of Nursing
Regency Southerncare Hospice
02.2018 - 04.2020
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Union General Hospital
07.2017 - 04.2018
Registered Nurse, Digestive Health
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
12.2016 - 07.2017
Registered Nurse, Gastroenterology Specialist
NorthShore University HealthSystem - Skokie Hospital
12.2011 - 04.2014
Registered Nurse, Internal Medicine
Northshore University HealthSystem
07.2003 - 07.2011
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
Northshore University Healthsystem
03.2000 - 07.2003
Staff Registered Nurse, Medical-Oncology Unit
Northshore University HealthSystem
08.1997 - 03.2000
Ph.D. - Philosophy And Religious Studies
Unity of Sedona
Master of Arts - Divinity
Unity of Sedona
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
University of St. Francis
Associate of Science - Nursing
Oakton Community College
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