Valerie Dodge
Webster City,IA
Summary
Accomplished RN Case Manager at Hamilton County Public Health, adept in chronic disease management and fostering multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. Demonstrated success in reducing hospital readmission rates and enhancing patient outcomes through effective discharge planning and mental health education. Skilled in HIPAA compliance, showcasing a blend of technical knowledge and compassionate patient support.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
RN Case Manager
Hamilton County Public Health
Webster City, IA
11.2021 - Current
- Provided emotional support to patients coping with chronic illness or end-of-life decisions, fostering resilience during difficult times.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, requiring close monitoring and coordination of various healthcare services.
- Collaborated closely with physicians to develop individualized treatment plans, supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on available community resources, facilitating access to necessary support services.
- Enhanced patient care by developing comprehensive care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective case management and patient education on self-care techniques.
RN Staff Nurse
Iowa Specialty Hospital
Belmond, IA
09.2011 - 11.2021
- Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication and coordination of care plans.
- Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management, promoting healthier lifestyles.
- Assisted physicians during medical procedures, ensuring accurate delivery of care as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Implemented effective time-management strategies to optimize productivity while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a more cohesive and efficient team environment.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions, revising care plans as needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments upon admission to determine appropriate level of care required based on individual needs.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans, improving patient outcomes.
- Devised customized interventions addressing physical, emotional, social, spiritual aspects of each patient''s well-being while adhering to professional ethics guidelines.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
RN, Medical-Surgical
Hamilton Hospital
Webster City, IA
03.1989 - 09.2011
- Prioritized critical thinking skills in assessing patient conditions, leading to timely interventions that prevented complications or deterioration of health status.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care to a diverse population of patients.
- Contributed to a positive work environment through effective communication and collaboration with colleagues and supervisors.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to recognize early signs of complications, allowing for timely interventions and preventing adverse outcomes.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently implementing evidence-based nursing practices in medical-surgical settings.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing patient care delivery within the medical-surgical setting.
- Promoted teamwork among staff members through open communication channels, resulting in improved morale and enhanced coordination of care efforts.
- Ensured continuity of care during transfer or discharge by communicating relevant patient information to the appropriate healthcare providers or facilities.
- Provided emotional support and education to patients and their families during difficult medical situations, fostering a sense of trust and promoting positive relationships.
- Assisted physicians during bedside procedures, ensuring proper equipment was available, promoting patient safety, and enhancing overall clinical outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through effective discharge planning and patient education on self-care management.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Staff Nurse
Southfield Wellness Community
Webster City, IA
09.1987 - 03.1989
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to share best practices, address challenges, and foster collaboration among team members.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of care plans regularly, making adjustments as needed based on individual patient needs and progress toward goals.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
Education
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Iowa Central Community College
Webster City, IA05.1987
Skills
Chronic Disease Management and Mental Health education
Discharge Planning
HIPAA Compliance
Multidisciplinary Approach
Additional Information
Officially licensed by the Iowa Board of Nursing
License number available upon request.
Timeline
RN Case Manager
Hamilton County Public Health
11.2021 - Current
RN Staff Nurse
Iowa Specialty Hospital
09.2011 - 11.2021
RN, Medical-Surgical
Hamilton Hospital
03.1989 - 09.2011
Staff Nurse
Southfield Wellness Community
09.1987 - 03.1989
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Iowa Central Community College