Valerie Foster
Scott Depot
Summary
Caring Registered Nurse with extensive experience at WVU Medicine, skilled in medication administration and patient education. Proven ability to enhance patient care through effective communication and problem-solving. Successfully coordinated treatment plans, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to achieve optimal health outcomes. BLS and ACLS certified, dedicated to promoting safety and compliance in healthcare settings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
WVU Medicine
Charleston
07.2023 - Current
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Acadia Healthcare
Charleston
05.2022 - Current
- Established trusting relationships with clients by maintaining professional boundaries while being empathetic towards their needs.
- Educated patients and families on mental health topics such as stress management, coping skills and relapse prevention.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Initiated crisis intervention when necessary to de-escalate situations or provide emotional support for individuals in distress.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Instructed staff members on proper safety protocols when working with emotionally disturbed patients.
- Advised family members on how best to support loved ones struggling with mental illness.
- Coordinated care with community resources such as housing agencies, social services and support groups.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Performed psychosocial assessments, including histories and physicals.
- Conducted outreach activities within the local community to promote awareness of mental health services available through the facility.
- Monitored medications for effectiveness and side effects, providing education about medication use to patients and families.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information according to facility policies and procedures.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and treatment plans.
- Provided comprehensive nursing care to patients with a variety of mental health issues.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Group Fitness Instructor
Dumont Tri-County YMCA
Scott Depot
03.2012 - Current
- Promoted health and wellness to class members by encouraging sustainable habits and consistency.
- Organized group activities that encouraged team building and social interaction among participants.
- Created inviting fitness spaces that welcomed and included people with diverse backgrounds, abilities and orientations.
- Coached and encouraged participants during exercises and routines.
- Monitored class participants for appropriate techniques to prevent injuries.
- Built and established lasting relationships using encouragement and personal support.
- Developed class plans for each session based on fitness level of participants.
- Led special fitness events and challenges to keep the community engaged and motivated.
- Created a fun and supportive atmosphere during classes by playing upbeat music.
- Observed participants during classes, watching for issues and incorrect techniques.
- Researched current trends in the fitness industry in order to stay informed about new methods or approaches used in group exercise instruction.
- Attended fitness conferences and workshops to stay updated on the latest fitness trends and techniques.
Licensed Practical Nurse
WV Army National Guard
Charleston
07.2021 - 06.2022
- COVID-19 RADxUP team member- travelled around WV with the Army National guard to assist underserved populations/rural WV DHHR Health departments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Provided COVID-19 testing
- Provided COVID-19 immunizations
- Performed physical assessments, including vital signs and health history documentation.
- Managed emergency situations promptly according to established protocols.
- Communicated effectively with patients, family members, healthcare team members, and other stakeholders regarding patient care plans or concerns.
- Ensured that all clinical documentation is accurate and up-to-date in the electronic medical record system.
- Provided patient care in accordance with physicians' orders and nursing standards of practice.
- Maintained a safe environment by following infection control policies and procedures.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Collected biological samples from patients and performed routine lab tests to support diagnosis.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Administered medications and therapies in accordance with physicians orders.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Measured and recorded patient height, weight and other vital signs.
- Collected biological specimens and packaged for laboratory transport to complete diagnostic tests.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management strategies for their individual conditions.
- Interviewed patients to obtain medical history.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
University of Rio Grande
Rio Grande08-2024
Certificate - Practical Nursing
Putnam Career And Technical Center
Eleanor, WV07-2021
High School Diploma -
Winfield High School
Winfield, WV05-2000
Skills
- BLS certification
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) certification
- Medication administration
- Patient education
- Problem solving
- Infection control
- Clear patient communication
Accomplishments
- Holzer School of Nursing- Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for Online Licensed Practical Nurse Advanced Placement Track Graduate
Certification
- American Heart Association- HeartCode Complete BLS Provider. Issued 9/10/2024. Renew by 9/30/2026
- American Heart Association- ACLS Provider. Issued 11/15/2024. Renew by 11/30/2026
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Nurse
WVU Medicine
07.2023 - Current
Behavioral Health Registered Nurse
Acadia Healthcare
05.2022 - Current
Licensed Practical Nurse
WV Army National Guard
07.2021 - 06.2022
Group Fitness Instructor
Dumont Tri-County YMCA
03.2012 - Current
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
University of Rio Grande
Certificate - Practical Nursing
Putnam Career And Technical Center
High School Diploma -
Winfield High School
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