Tonya Thomas
Battle Ground,IN
Summary
A passionate advocate for the health and well-being of all people. Reliable and results-driven, with focus on achieving positive patient outcomes and supporting team success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff RN/Charge RN
Riverbend Hospital through Meridian
West Lafayette, IN
01.2024 - Current
- Conduct thorough psychiatric assessments, including mental status exams and risk assessments.
- Develop and implement individualized care plans, collaborating with the multidisciplinary team to address patient needs.
- Manage crisis situations, de-escalate aggressive behaviors, and ensure a safe environment for both patients and staff.
- Document patient progress, treatment interventions, and any changes in mental status accurately and in compliance with regulations.
- Provide emotional support and therapeutic communication to patients, fostering a trusting nurse-patient relationship.
- Assist in restraint and seclusion procedures when necessary, following hospital policies and safety protocols.
- Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations related to psychiatric nursing care and patient rights.
- Assess and intervene in cases of self-harm or suicidal ideation, implementing appropriate safety measures.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions and communicate any adverse reactions to the provider.
- Maintain a safe and therapeutic environment, adhering to infection control standards.
- Provide knowledge as a resource and mentor to new nursing staff.
- Provide compassionate and patient-centered care to individuals with psychiatric disorders in a high-acuity inpatient setting.
Occupational Health RN
Concentra
Lafayette, IN
07.2023 - 01.2024
- Assess workman's comp injuries.
- Initiate preventative restrictions as needed.
- Start short term disability process as requested.
- Assess patients at follow up appointments relating to workman's comp.
- Collaborate with other staff pertaining to best care to patients.
- Provide first aid treatment.
- Participate in an on-call rotation.
- Provide a treatment plan based on triage process.
ER RN
IU Arnett Hospital
Lafayette, IN
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Work with a variety of ages from infants to geriatrics.
- Obtain IV or port access.
- Safely administering medications (orally, intramuscular, IV,etc.) using the Patient's 5 Rights.
- Educate patients/family members disease processes specific to their hospital visit.
- Follow HIPPA guidelines.
- Obtain med clearances and legal blood draws, coordinating with all law enforcement agencies.
- Screen all patients for suicide prevention and taking safety measures for those that score high on the screening.
- Assess patients and report findings to the physician.
- Plan for and initiate certain protocols as needed when a patient arrives to triage and the ER (stroke, myocardial infarction, pregnancy loss, suicide prevention).
Staff and Charge RN Med/Surg
IU Arnett Hospital
Lafayette, IN
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Adult med/surg floor as well as ortho/neuro.
- Assess patients upon arrival to unit and throughout each shift.
- Assess skin in order to identify, chart, and provide care as needed to any wounds observed.
- Provide end of life care to patients on hospice.
- Use clinical judgement when monitoring vital signs.
- Use precautions to help prevent infections to central lines, foleys, and new surgical site incisions.
- Be a patient advocate.
- Peform neuro checks as ordered.
- As charge nurse:
- Be an influential and flexible leader in order for staff feel comfortable asking for advice or help.
- Work with house supervisor.
- Speak with concerned patients/ family members.
- Collaborate with the patient's care team.
- Take a patient assignment and/or assist staff with patient care.
ER RN
Lawrence County Memorial Hospital
Lawrenceville, IL
02.2017 - 07.2019
- Triage patients according to signs/symptoms of disease.
- Assess the patients and provide exceptional nursing care.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team, law enforcement, and EMS to provide the highest quality of care.
- Use EMR for charting.
- Utilize EMTALA for transfer of patients to other facilities.
- Maintain HIPPA with all patients.
- Supervise and work alongside the ER tech to provide safe patient care.
Education
ADN - Nursing
Olney Central College
Olney, IL08-2014
Bachelor's of Science - Recreational Therapy
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO08-2005
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McKendree College
Lebanon, IL05-2003
Skills
Trauma
Hospital
Occupational health
Critical Care
Cerner
Med Surg
ACLS (previous certification)
Clinical skills (10 years)
Emergency Department
Tube Feeding
RN
OSHA
Port access
Pediatrics Experience
Vital Signs
EMR Systems
EKG
BLS
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- RN License (active through 2027)
- BLS Certification
- ACLS Certification (previously)
- Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist
- CPR Certification
Timeline
Staff RN/Charge RN
Riverbend Hospital through Meridian
01.2024 - Current
Occupational Health RN
Concentra
07.2023 - 01.2024
ER RN
IU Arnett Hospital
08.2022 - 07.2023
Staff and Charge RN Med/Surg
IU Arnett Hospital
01.2020 - 08.2022
ER RN
Lawrence County Memorial Hospital
02.2017 - 07.2019
ADN - Nursing
Olney Central College
Bachelor's of Science - Recreational Therapy
Southeast Missouri State University
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McKendree College