Tiffany Tutchstone
Harrells,NC
Summary
Highly qualified RN with broad experience in critical care, patient education, and team leadership. Specialized skills include acute patient care, health assessments, and medical documentation. Notable strengths: superior communication abilities, strong clinical judgment, and a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships within healthcare teams. Past work highlights include implementing quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient satisfaction and reduced readmission rates.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Access RN
Lower Cape Fear Life Care
Wilmington, NC
04.2022 - Current
- Provided emotional support to families facing difficult decisions about a loved one's care.
- Advised family members on the best course of action for their loved ones' healthcare needs.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Attended continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on current trends in nursing practice.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to nursing practice.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
LTC Travel Nurse
Sava Senior Care
Wallace, NC
10.2021 - 03.2022
- Utilized evidence based practice guidelines to provide safe patient care.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations using established protocols for critical incidents.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients with acute, chronic, and complex conditions.
- Managed multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards.
- Maintained professional relationships with healthcare staff members while working effectively within an interdisciplinary team setting.
- Identified potential problems or changes in condition that may require further evaluation or intervention.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality patient outcomes.
- Ensured that all documentation was completed in a timely manner and met all standards for accuracy.
- Monitored vital signs, administered medications, and provided treatments in accordance with physician orders.
- Developed individualized plans of care based on assessment of physical, psychosocial, spiritual, cultural and educational needs of the patient.
- Educated patients and families regarding disease processes, treatments plans, safety measures, medication usage and self-care techniques.
- Utilized strong assessment skills to determine necessary patient care.
- Administered medications intravenously, by injection or orally.
- Documented and communicated actions and irregularities to maintain continuity among nursing teams.
- Monitored patient fluid intake and output to detect emerging problems.
- Learned and developed unique skills, specialties and practices based on site and patient needs.
- Monitored and reported changes in patient conditions to appropriate healthcare professionals promptly.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations and safety standards in diverse clinical environments.
- Utilized electronic health records (EHR) systems to document patient care and outcomes accurately.
Oncology Nurse
Wilmington Health Associates
Wilmington, NC
09.2017 - 10.2021
- Provided direct patient care to cancer patients in an outpatient setting.
- Communicated effectively with interdisciplinary team members about plan of care updates and changes.
- Fostered positive relationships with patients by responding quickly to their needs while maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
- Provided education regarding disease processes, medication management, symptom control and nutrition therapy to patients and families.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, changes in condition, treatments administered and progress notes in electronic health records.
- Performed nursing assessments and developed interventions based on the assessment findings.
- Monitored vital signs of cancer patients during treatments, adjusting medications accordingly.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create individualized plans of care for each patient.
- Provided guidance to family members regarding end-of-life decisions related to advanced stages of cancer.
- Administered prescribed medications including chemotherapy agents and monitored side effects.
- Instructed newly hired nurses on policies and procedures specific to the Oncology Unit.
- Reviewed laboratory results for abnormalities and reported them to physicians for further investigation.
- Assisted physicians in performing medical procedures such as biopsies, chemotherapy administration, and radiation treatments.
- Provided patients with information on range of subjects, not limited to side effects from chemotherapy and benefits of proper nutrition during treatment.
- Administered chemotherapy to patients as indicated by chart instructions given by each physician.
- Wrote detailed notes regarding patient discussions in patient charts.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
Inpatient Hospice Nurse
Transitions LifeCare
Raleigh, NC
10.2015 - 09.2017
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all nursing activities in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
- Educated family members on symptom management, end-of-life care options, and the grieving process.
- Monitored vital signs for changes in condition or response to treatments.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction levels.
- Counseled families on coping strategies when dealing with serious illness or death.
- Provided holistic care to patients and families facing end-of-life issues.
- Performed wound care including dressing changes as needed.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations involving rapid changes in a patient's condition.
- Recognized symptoms of pain and distress and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Administered medications, treatments and therapies as prescribed by physicians.
- Communicated regularly with interdisciplinary team members regarding patient progress towards goals.
- Conducted physical assessments and documented findings in patient charts.
- Administered medications as prescribed by the physician according to established policies and procedures.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
Contract RN Case Manager
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC
Durham, NC
05.2014 - 10.2015
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessment data, treatments, medications, progress notes.
- Assessed patient needs and implemented care plans accordingly.
- Provided patient education on disease process, medications, nutrition, and self-care activities.
- Developed collaborative relationships with physicians, case managers, and other healthcare personnel.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions and modified care plans according to patient response and needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to coordinate quality patient care services.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Developed individualized care plans with input from clients and their families.
- Acted as an advocate for vulnerable populations by advocating for policy changes at the state level.
Contract Public Health Nurse
Rural Health Group
Rich Square, NC
11.2013 - 05.2014
- Counseled patients on lifestyle changes that can improve overall health outcomes.
- Investigated outbreaks of communicable diseases such as influenza or tuberculosis.
- Actively participated in team meetings to discuss client progress towards goals.
- Educated clients about preventive health measures, including nutrition, exercise and disease prevention.
- Monitored immunization records and provided vaccinations as needed.
- Collaborated with local agencies to develop strategies for addressing public health issues within the community.
- Performed data collection and analysis related to public health initiatives.
- Maintained accurate records of patient encounters according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Established relationships with families, schools, churches and other organizations to provide support services for clients.
- Conducted assessments of client's physical, mental, emotional and social health needs.
- Provided follow-up care after hospital discharge or referral from a physician office.
- Coordinated with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding client care plans.
- Provided patients with vaccinations with consideration for dosage requirements, contraindications and possible side effects.
- Performed assessments for each individual case to determine best fit for materials and services.
- Answered phone calls, emails, letters and faxes and efficiently provided accurate information and responses.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Virginia Hospital Center
Arlington, VA
09.2012 - 10.2013
- Assisted with preparation of supplies, instruments and equipment for surgical procedures as necessary.
- Assisted physicians with intraoperative procedures including specimen collection and tissue manipulation.
- Provided pre-operative and post-operative care for patients undergoing various surgical procedures.
- Ensured appropriate positioning of patients on operating table prior to surgery.
- Monitored anesthesia agents, fluids and blood products administered during surgical procedures.
- Managed instrumentation during surgical cases, ensuring proper functioning of equipment at all times.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient's medical record throughout the perioperative process.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals to provide optimal care for patients.
- Administered medications according to established protocols and monitored patient responses.
- Demonstrated competency in administering conscious sedation medications per protocol standards.
- Assessed patient condition, vital signs and lab values to ensure safety during surgery.
- Maintained a sterile environment in the operating room by adhering to aseptic techniques.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes within the OR setting.
- Observed body language, movement, and demeanor to anticipate surgeon's needs and maintain procedure sterility during operation.
- Assisted with nursing duties in short-staffed areas.
- Supervised processes and verified patient information to support patient care.
- Prepared operating rooms by setting out and verifying equipment and assessing for compliance with asepsis standards.
- Handled laboratory specimens and inspected containers for correct packaging and labeling.
- Conducted inventory checks and ordered supplies to maintain adequate stock for surgical procedures.
- Acted as a liaison between the surgical team and the patient's family, providing updates and support during procedures.
- Ensured all surgical instruments and equipment were properly sterilized and organized for accessibility.
- Assisted surgical team in donning sterile gowns, gloves, and masks to maintain a sterile environment.
- Documented all operative procedures and patient interactions in electronic medical records with attention to detail.
- Implemented infection control protocols to prevent post-operative infections.
- Managed pre-operative assessments and documented patient medical history to ensure safe surgical procedures.
ER Registered Nurse Residency
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
Fayetteville, NC
02.2012 - 08.2012
- Initiated basic life support measures when necessary prior to arrival of paramedics.
- Educated and informed patients about their diagnosis, medications, treatments and follow-up care instructions.
- Monitored vital signs such as pulse rate, respiration rate, temperature and blood pressure levels at regular intervals throughout shift hours.
- Managed a high volume of patients while prioritizing emergent cases for timely interventions.
- Responded quickly to life threatening situations by providing advanced cardiac life support measures when needed.
- Conducted daily rounds to check on patients' status and administer medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Administered intravenous fluids and medications as ordered by physicians or nurse practitioners.
- Provided direct patient care in an emergency room setting including triage, assessment, stabilization, and monitoring of patients.
- Performed diagnostic tests, administered medications, and provided treatments according to physicians' orders.
- Assisted physicians with medical procedures such as intubation, central line insertion, chest tube placement.
- Assessed and monitored patients' physical and emotional health conditions.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care services in the electronic medical records system.
- Coordinated transfers between departments within the hospital or outside facilities based on patient needs.
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
Youth Counselor
Brigade Boys And Girls Club
Wilmington, NC
05.2004 - 08.2007
- Engaged in regular supervision sessions with program managers and supervisors to review cases and update clinical practice methods.
- Actively sought out innovative approaches to working with challenging youth populations.
- Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
- Encouraged positive behaviors through reinforcement techniques such as praise or rewards.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate client care and ensure continuity of services.
- Organized recreational activities that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Advised parents and guardians regarding issues related to the development of adolescents.
- Helped clients develop social skills needed for successful interactions with peers.
- Promoted a safe environment by enforcing rules and regulations while supervising youth activities.
- Educated families about available community resources for their children's needs.
- Assisted clients in developing coping strategies for managing stressors.
- Implemented behavior modification programs designed to reduce disruptive behaviors.
- Supervised youth group members to maintain organized and safe environment.
- Communicated with challenged and troubled children in effort to exact positive impact and influence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC05-2011
Skills
- Community health
- Compassion and Empathy
- Basic Life Support
- Research utilization
- Electronic Health Records Management
- Patient Management
- Medical assessment
- Case Management
- Chronic Disease Management
- SBAR communication
- Nursing staff leadership
- Family and patient support
- Managing deadlines
- EMR Systems
- Patient Assessment
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Resource Allocation
Certification
- BLS certified
- Chemotherapy certified
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Clinical Access RN
Lower Cape Fear Life Care
04.2022 - Current
LTC Travel Nurse
Sava Senior Care
10.2021 - 03.2022
Oncology Nurse
Wilmington Health Associates
09.2017 - 10.2021
Inpatient Hospice Nurse
Transitions LifeCare
10.2015 - 09.2017
Contract RN Case Manager
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC
05.2014 - 10.2015
Contract Public Health Nurse
Rural Health Group
11.2013 - 05.2014
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Virginia Hospital Center
09.2012 - 10.2013
ER Registered Nurse Residency
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center
02.2012 - 08.2012
Youth Counselor
Brigade Boys And Girls Club
05.2004 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
North Carolina Central University
- BLS certified
- Chemotherapy certified
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