Tracy Straughter
Silver Spring,MD
Summary
Dedicated and highly experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with over 25 years of progressive nursing experience specializing in psychiatric and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, clinical leadership, and nursing education. Proven expertise in patient assessment, crisis intervention, care coordination, staff supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated success in leading nursing teams, developing educational programs, implementing clinical policies, and maintaining regulatory compliance and patient safety standards. Skilled in supporting diverse patient populations, including veterans and individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care while promoting clinical excellence, professional development, and continuous quality improvement.
Overview
8
8
years of post-secondary education
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Triage Nurse-Mental Health Clinic
VA Hospital, District of Columbia
09.2023 - Current
- Screened veterans in high-volume mental health clinic using C-SSRS, depression, and PTSD assessments to identify critical care needs.
- Assessed patient symptoms and prioritized care at VA hospital in District of Columbia.
- Assessed mental health needs of veterans through regular check-ins, facilitating ongoing engagement in treatment.
- Documented triage notes in CPRS and electronic health records.
- Answered patient calls and guided urgent care decisions.
Nurse Educator
Psychiatric Institute of Washington, District of Columbia
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Created education curriculum for staff and rounded on inpatient units to enhance clinical documentation, patient activities, and medication administration practices.
- Developed comprehensive psychiatric nursing orientation for district behavioral health staff to improve onboarding experience and knowledge retention.
- Conducted training sessions on de-escalation techniques for inpatient unit staff de-escalation techniques for patient safety in inpatient units.
- Coordinated competency checks for medication and suicide-risk procedures to ensure adherence to safety standards and enhance patient care.
Charge Nurse/OTP Clinic 8
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
New York, New York
12.2020 - 12.2022
Nursing Supervisor
Cornerstone of Medical Arts
New York, NY
07.2010 - 12.2022
- Supervised nursing staff and ancillary personnel in a 173-bed inpatient detox and rehab facility.
- Oversaw nursing staff during medical arts clinic operations and daily patient care.
- Managed patient flow, triage, and clinical scheduling in Cornerstone medical departments.
- Ensured accurate charting and documentation to maintain compliance with clinic care standards.
RN Inoculator
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
04.2019 - 05.2021
- Administered COVID vaccinations to patients in a clinical setting.
- Collected patient histories and documented findings in electronic health records.
- Supported vaccination efforts in clinical setting to improve public health.
- Directed callers to appropriate clinics and emergency services to ensure timely patient care.
Charge Nurse/ OTP Clinic 1E
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
04.2019 - 12.2020
Staff Nurse/OTP Clinic 1E
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
01.2009 - 04.2019
- Delivered nursing care to patients in clinic, ensuring safe administration of methadone/suboxone and addressing individualized health care needs. Recommended medication and dose changes based on individual health care needs. Assess alcohol and drug associated medical problems including withdrawal symptoms, assess PPD's Distribute and train patients how to safely use Narcan kits. Provides education on medication, health status, mental status including prenatal fetal risk. Administer flu shots. Participates in emergency and Joint Commission preparedness. Practices as member of the interdisciplinary care team. Ordered methadone and suboxone prescriptions for patients in accordance with treatment protocols. Managed patient caseload, ensuring continuity of care and timely follow-up on health issues. Supervised 6 staff nurses, coordinated staff scheduling, prepared monthly reports, attended meetings, and delegated responsibilities to support staff. Oversaw staff annual competencies, physical exams, and annual PPDs. Informing staff nurses of OASAS and OSHA upgrades.
- Provided comprehensive bedside care to patients in inpatient units at Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York. across Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York inpatient units.
- Evaluated and documented patient conditions to inform nursing care plans. and updated nursing care plans.
- Administered prescribed medications to patients, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. and monitored responses with clinical vigilance.
Staff Nurse/ Psychiatry
Manhattan VA Hospital, New York
05.2008 - 01.2009
- Provided nursing care on 21-bed inpatient psychiatric unit, ensuring patient safety and wellbeing. Safe administration of medication including methadone. Identified patient with special medical needs informed physician before medication. Blood draws, IM injections, flu shots, and other related patient care and procedures. Facilitated patient group discussions. Transcribed physician orders and also was part of interdisciplinary team.
- Assessed veteran patients at Manhattan VA Hospital and updated nursing care plans.
- Administered medications and treatments following physician orders and VA hospital protocols.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to medical staff.
Staff Nurse/ Psychiatry
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
05.2007 - 05.2008
- Cared for soldiers returning from Iraq as staff nurse on psychiatry unit, providing critical support during recovery. Duties included administering medications, assisting with procedures. Escorted patients to appointments to and from appointments on grounds such as ECT. Administered intramuscular injections, flu shots. Acted as charge nurse routinely. Organized and facilitated social outings for soldiers, promoting reintegration into society through community engagement. Outings included movies, restaurants, shopping trips.
- Provided attentive bedside care for veterans at Manhattan VA Hospital.
- Evaluated patient conditions and recorded observations in VA medical records.
- Dispensed prescribed medications and tracked patient responses to treatments.
Charge Nurse/Psychiatry
Washington Hospital Center
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Worked as charge nurse on 21- bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit. Initially started as staff nurse with promotion to charge nurse. Supervised ancillary staff to maintain high standards of patient care. Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to develop and implement patient care plans. Facilitated groups and other patient activities. Monitored and maintained safety of milieu to promote a therapeutic environment. Administered medications and other medical procedures.
- Assigned patients to nursing staff across inpatient units to ensure effective care delivery. across inpatient units at Washington Hospital Center.
- Oversaw nursing staff during shifts to ensure quality care and adherence to protocols. during shift operations and bedside care delivery.
- Provided updates on patient conditions to physicians and care teams to facilitate informed decision-making. updates with physicians and care teams.
Staff Nurse/ Telemetry
Washington Hospital Center
07.2001 - 01.2007
- Served as staff nurse on telemetry unit, ensuring patient safety and comfort. Delivered comprehensive care to patients post and status post cardiac catheterization, facilitating their recovery. Prepped patients for procedure, escorted patients to cath lab. Monitored patient's vital signs and administered IV drips and fem stops. Also placed and removed foley catheters.
- Administered direct patient care at bedside to support comfort and health. for patients at Washington Hospital Center.
- Dispensed prescribed medications to patients in a timely manner. and monitored patient responses.
- Recorded patient assessments in electronic health records for accurate tracking. in electronic health records.
Education
MSN - Nursing Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 12.2022 - 10.2026
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 01.2018 - 07.2018
Associates Degree - Nursing
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC 09.1997 - 06.2001
Skills
- Triage
- Mental health screening
- Clinical assessment
- Psychiatric nursing
- Patient intake management
- Care coordination
- Clinical training
- Staff training
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient education
- Patient advocacy
Timeline
Triage Nurse-Mental Health Clinic
VA Hospital, District of Columbia
09.2023 - Current
Nurse Educator
Psychiatric Institute of Washington, District of Columbia
01.2023 - 09.2023
MSN - Nursing Education
Grand Canyon University
12.2022 - 10.2026
Charge Nurse/OTP Clinic 8
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
12.2020 - 12.2022
RN Inoculator
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
04.2019 - 05.2021
Charge Nurse/ OTP Clinic 1E
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
04.2019 - 12.2020
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
01.2018 - 07.2018
Nursing Supervisor
Cornerstone of Medical Arts
07.2010 - 12.2022
Staff Nurse/OTP Clinic 1E
Mount Sinai Beth Israel New York
01.2009 - 04.2019
Staff Nurse/ Psychiatry
Manhattan VA Hospital, New York
05.2008 - 01.2009
Staff Nurse/ Psychiatry
Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
05.2007 - 05.2008
Charge Nurse/Psychiatry
Washington Hospital Center
01.2002 - 01.2007
Staff Nurse/ Telemetry
Washington Hospital Center
07.2001 - 01.2007
Associates Degree - Nursing
University of the District of Columbia
09.1997 - 06.2001