Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Torry Dickens

Lake Arthur

Summary

Energetic and compassionate Nurse Practitioner, bringing thorough understanding of family-centered care and advanced clinical skills driven to build strong relationships with patients and their families. Possessing comprehensive knowledge of diagnostic techniques and treatment planning, along with proficiency in patient education and electronic health records management. Committed to patient advocacy, delivering high-quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes through empathetic and evidence-based practice.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Family Nurse Practitioner

Comprehensive Medical Clinic of Louisiana
01.2024 - Current
  • Perform comprehensive physical assessments, accurately diagnosing conditions, and determining appropriate interventions.
  • Ensure medical records reflect symptoms, treatments, and administration of prescribed and over-the-counter medications
  • Order, evaluate and interpret diagnostic test results to determine underlying physiological reasons for patient symptoms
  • Develop and implement treatment plans designed to alleviate pain and to stop the progression of co-morbid conditions
  • Supervise activities of nurses and other staff in the clinic to ensure tasks are completed promptly and patients receive timely quality care
  • Collaborate with others in the healthcare field to share knowledge, create treatment regimens and diagnose patients with unusual or difficult sets of symptoms
  • Notify collaborating physician about unusual or unexpected events or problems
  • Coordinate with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
  • Promote health maintenance and disease prevention through patient education and counseling on lifestyle modifications.
  • Optimize clinic operations, contributing to improved patient access and reduced wait times for appointments.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with local healthcare providers to facilitate effective patient referrals.
  • Assess patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
  • Manage acute and chronic illnesses, developing personalized treatment plans that address patients' unique needs.
  • Follow all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
02.2022 - 01.2024
  • Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues
  • Evaluated, diagnosed and treated patients with a variety of orthopedic and sports related injuries who had recently undergone orthopedic surgery or other procedures and monitored them after surgery and through rehabilitation
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient care and streamline processes.
  • Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests such as x-rays, lab work and nerve conduction studies to develop and implement treatment plans.
  • Placed splints, casts, and other treatments such as joint injections
  • Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
  • Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
  • Maintained thorough documentation of all clinical encounters, adhering to HIPAA regulations while facilitating clear communication among team members.


Registered Nurse (RN)

Elara Caring
12.2019 - 08.2023
  • Provided quality care to Home Bound Patients and Case Management of assigned patients according to agency protocol
  • 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.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.

Registered Nurse (RN)

Amedisys Home Health
11.2019 - 08.2023
  • Provided quality care to Home Bound Patients and Case Management of assigned patients according to agency protocol
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.

Director of Nursing

Rosewood Nursing Center
08.2016 - 11.2019
  • Supervised a team consisting of approximately 9 RNs, 20 LPNs, and 36 CNAs, and enhanced staff performance, obtaining zero deficiencies on annual survey
  • Received Employee of the Month twice and 3 promotions while being employed from 2016-2019
  • Effectively managed a 29 bed skilled unit and 76 bed long-term care unit and ensure quality care and safety is maintained for all residents
  • Participated in monthly QAPI meetings with physician and other interdisciplinary team members to collaborate care and develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
  • Worked closely with administration to develop and coordinate evacuation plans and build teams to implement best practices to improve patient outcomes in preparation for possible natural disasters
  • Participated in management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes, and resident complaints or concerns.
  • Ensured all HIPAA rules regarding confidentiality are maintained
  • Recruited, hired and trained nursing staff, providing direct supervision, evaluating performance, and providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores by fostering a compassionate and supportive environment within the nursing department and communicating regularly with residents and family members about changes in care plans
  • Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
  • Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
  • Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
  • Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.


Education

MSN - Nurse Practitioner

Herzing University
08.2021

BSN - Nursing

McNeese State University
Lake Charles, LA
12.2013

Skills

  • EMR Systems
  • Chronic disease management
  • Patient education
  • Preventive healthcare
  • Multidisciplinary team collaboration
  • Policy development
  • Schedule preparation
  • Issue resolution
  • Health promotion
  • Attention to detail

Certification

  • CPR Certification
  • APRN, LSBN, 2026
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner, AANPCB, 2021-2026
  • National Provider Identifier(NPI)- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • DEA License
  • Prescriptive Authority

Timeline

Family Nurse Practitioner

Comprehensive Medical Clinic of Louisiana
01.2024 - Current

Nurse Practitioner

Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
02.2022 - 01.2024

Registered Nurse (RN)

Elara Caring
12.2019 - 08.2023

Registered Nurse (RN)

Amedisys Home Health
11.2019 - 08.2023

Director of Nursing

Rosewood Nursing Center
08.2016 - 11.2019

BSN - Nursing

McNeese State University
  • CPR Certification
  • APRN, LSBN, 2026
  • Certified Nurse Practitioner, AANPCB, 2021-2026
  • National Provider Identifier(NPI)- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • DEA License
  • Prescriptive Authority

MSN - Nurse Practitioner

Herzing University
Torry Dickens