Theresa D. Smith RN

• Administered first aid and emergency care to students in need.
• Conducted health screenings and assessments for student populations.
• Maintained accurate medical records and documentation for compliance.
• Educated students on health topics, hygiene, and wellness practices.
• Collaborated with teachers to support students with chronic health conditions.
• Communicated effectively with parents regarding health concerns and treatments.
• Provided guidance on immunization requirements and health policies.
• Managed medication administration for students with prescribed health plans.
• Maintained accurate records of student health information.
• Administered and supervised administration of prescription medication to students.
• Advised parents and guardians about their child's health status at school or home.
• Contacted parents or medical facilities when student condition warranted.
• Evaluated students with health concerns or injuries to develop plan of care or provide reference to appropriate healthcare providers.
• Responded quickly to emergency situations involving student health issues.
• Collaborated with teachers and other staff members to ensure a safe learning environment for students.
• Provided health services to students, including first aid and administering medication.
• Provided direct health care services to students involving triage, evaluation, and first aid care for illness and injury.
• Conducted screenings for vision, hearing, growth, and physical development.
• Documented observations of student behavior, complaints or physical symptoms.
• Implemented school policies related to health and safety of students.
• Communicated with students about feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
• Educated faculty members on recognizing signs of illness in students.
• Coordinated with families, school personnel and healthcare professionals on behalf of students to advocate for healthcare needs and provide medical information to appropriate parties.
• Inventoried and ordered medical or office supplies or equipment.
• Assisted in the management of communicable diseases among students.
• Performed routine inspections of the school premises to identify any potential hazards or risks to student safety.
• Management of school, staff, students and families during the Covid Pandemic.

Clinical:

• Endocrinology and Internal Medicine Nurse.
• Clinical and Hospital: Occupational Health, Infectious Diseases, and Workers' Comp Nurse.

Hospital:

• Outpatient surgical pre-op and post-op teaching.
• Recovery Room Nurse.

Overview of Experiences:

• Immunization administration and tracking.
• TB testing.
• STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) monitoring and reporting to public health.
• Reporting Infectious Diseases to Public Health, Patient, and Provider. Medication management of prescribed medication.
• Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers.
• Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to medical staff.
• Educated patients and families on care plans and health management.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care effectively.
• Trained new nursing staff on hospital policies and patient care standards.
• Documented patient assessments and interventions accurately in electronic records.
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety measures.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
• Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
• Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
• Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
• Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
• Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
• Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
• Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
• Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
• Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
• Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
• Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
• Developed educational materials for use in teaching sessions with patients or their families.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Inpatient Pediatrics:

• Methadone weaning for in utero drug-exposed newborns.
• NAT, non-accidental trauma, or child abuse rehabilitation nursing.
• Trauma-related injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries.
• Head injuries.
• Rehabilitation nursing.
• Acute and chronic illness management.

Clinical Pediatric Nurse:

• Managed the Spinal Bifida Clinic for the state of New Mexico for individuals 18 years old and younger.
• Multi-disciplinary clinic: with Neurology, Orthopaedics, a Social Worker, and a Pediatrician.
• Vaccine administration

Senior Health:

• Medication and medical care management.
• Chronic and acute illness management.
• General patient care: IVs, medication administration, lab draws, and working closely with physicians and staff.
• Assisted in diagnostic procedures using hospital equipment and technology.
• Maintained accurate patient records in electronic health systems.
• Provided emotional support to patients during challenging health situations.
• Administered medications and treatments per physician orders.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
• Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to medical staff.
• Educated patients and families on health management and recovery processes.
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
• Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.

• Per diem nursing, while working as a staff nurse at a hospital.
• Performed medical assessments and treatment per policy.
• Collection of forensic evidence, including 35mm, digital, and colposcope photography, collection of DNA evidence with swabs, documentation of findings, and the sexual history stated by the survivor and/or witnesses with an advocate present.
• Provided an open, supportive, and safe environment for assault survivors, families, and loved ones.
• Testified in court as a forensic examiner.

• Health Service Administrator: Direct supervision of Medical, Dental, and Mental Health Departments.
• Quality Assurance.
• Monthly reports: narrative and statistical.
• Triaged and assessed sick calls in the clinic, following the policies in place.
• Response team for emergencies.
• Some budgeting experience.
• Oversaw nursing operations in a correctional facility setting.
• Managed patient care plans and coordinated treatment interventions.
• Trained and mentored nursing staff on best practices and protocols.
• Implemented health policies to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Conducted health assessments and monitored inmate wellness regularly.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address healthcare needs.
• Developed emergency response procedures for medical incidents.
• Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completion standards.
• Coordinated monthly performance reviews and provided feedback on individual goals and objectives.
• Conducted staff meetings to discuss patient care policies and procedures.
• Represented the organization at local health conferences, seminars, workshops as required.
• Implemented strategies for improving nurse satisfaction levels through workforce engagement activities.
• Reviewed medical records to evaluate the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
• Participated in inter-departmental committees to promote communication between departments.
• Identified, evaluated and monitored quality improvement initiatives to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assisted in recruitment efforts by conducting interviews with potential candidates.
• Performed administrative duties, such as scheduling shifts.
• Maintained a safe work environment by ensuring adherence to safety regulations and codes of conduct.
• Organized continuing education programs for nurses to keep them up-to-date on latest developments in their field.
• Implemented and directed clinical services and operations to deliver competent, quality care.
• Implemented changes needed to correct deficiencies found during government inspections.
• Reviewed daily documentation of dispensing of controlled substances, immediately noting discrepancies from shift to shift.
• Coordinated medical and health services in compliance with government regulations and policies set by board of trustees.

• Level One Trauma Care Hospital

Trauma Intensive Care Unit, 1993-1995.

• CCRN accreditation
• Administered critical care interventions for patients in life-threatening conditions.
• Monitored vital signs and supported treatment plans in high-pressure environments.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies.
• Educated families on health conditions and nursing procedures during critical situations.
• Developed and maintained accurate patient records using electronic health systems.
• Assisted in emergency procedures while maintaining calm and organized environment.
• Trained new staff on protocols and best practices for intensive care units.
• Implemented infection control measures to ensure a safe patient environment.
• Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
• Implemented evidence-based practice guidelines when caring for critically ill patients.
• Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
• Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
• Responded quickly and efficiently to any changes in patient condition or treatment plan.
• Facilitated admission and discharge processes for ICU patients.
• Maintained accurate records of all treatments administered to each patient.
• Successfully managed multiple tasks while maintaining focus on providing safe, high-quality patient care.
• Conducted ongoing assessment of pain levels among ICU patients.
• Provided emotional support for family members during end-of-life situations.
• Actively participated in continuing education opportunities related to critical care nursing practices.

PACU (Recovery Room) 1995-2000

• Monitored patient vitals in post-anesthesia recovery area.
• Administered medications as prescribed and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
• Collaborated with surgical teams to coordinate patient care effectively.
• Provided emotional support to patients and families during recovery process.
• Assessed patients' conditions and reported changes to medical staff promptly.
• Educated patients on post-operative care and recovery expectations.

Surgical ICU:

Pediatrics to Adults

• Administered critical care interventions for patients in life-threatening conditions.
• Monitored vital signs and supported treatment plans in high-pressure environments.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies.
• Educated families on health conditions and nursing procedures during critical situations.
• Assisted in emergency procedures while maintaining calm and organized environment.
• Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
• Implemented infection control measures to ensure a safe patient environment.
• Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
• Responded quickly and efficiently to any changes in patient condition or treatment plan.
• Completed patient assessments, triaged and recorded patient histories, symptoms and observations.

Stepdown ICU:

• Ventilatory patient care with spinal cord injuries and/or head injuries.
• Head and spinal cord injury care without mechanical ventilation.

• Care of dialysis, open-heart patients, heart failure, liver and respiratory failure patients
• Monitored vital signs and telemetry data for multiple patients simultaneously.
• Administered medications as prescribed while ensuring patient safety and compliance.
• Collaborated with healthcare team to develop individualized patient care plans.
• Responded swiftly to changes in patient conditions, implementing appropriate interventions.
• Assisted in training new staff on telemetry equipment and best practices.
• Utilized telemetry to monitor patients cardiac status.
• Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or vital signs.
• Assessed and monitored patient conditions using telemetry equipment.
• Educated patients on their condition and medications while providing emotional support.
• Interpreted cardiogram strips accurately and reported abnormal findings immediately.
• Managed intravenous therapy including IV starts, changes, discontinuation per physician orders.
• Monitored medications and reviewed lab results.
• Performed ECG monitoring and interpretation of cardiac rhythms.
• Administered medications as prescribed by physicians, following established protocols and guidelines.
• Initiated appropriate action during code blue situations.
• Administered intravenous fluids, medications and other therapies as ordered by physician.
• Conducted assessments on newly admitted patients.
• Supervised activities of licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
• Performed venipuncture for lab draws when needed.
• Identified potential complications or adverse reactions related to treatment plans.
• Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through patient response assessment.
• Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
• Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
• Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.