Vanessa Katherine Robinson
Topeka,KS
Summary
Dedicated nursing professional with extensive experience in diverse healthcare settings, including the Community Living Center, Primary Care and the Pharmacy Department at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Proven ability to enhance team dynamics through active participation in committees focused on diversity and infection control, while supporting nurse management with inventory tasks and training new hires. Developed a comprehensive employee guide for PACT, demonstrating a commitment to improving onboarding processes and team efficiency. Seeking new opportunities that align with educational advancement goals due to current scheduling constraints that hinder further academic pursuits.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LPN Pharmacy Contact Call Center
Department of Veterans Affairs-Visn 15
06.2020 - Current
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication adherence, and health maintenance strategies.
- Collaborated with pharmacists to resolve prescription discrepancies and improve patient outcomes.
- Implemented workflow improvements that enhanced efficiency in prescription processing activities.
- Developed strong relationships with patients, providing guidance on medication usage and side effects.
- Led initiatives to streamline communication between pharmacy staff and healthcare providers for better service delivery.
- Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
- Promoted patient confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA regulations when handling personal information during transactions.
- Solved customer problems over telephone by providing assistance with placing orders, navigating systems, and locating items.
- Provided exceptional customer service, fostering positive relationships with both new and returning patients.
- Improved patient satisfaction by efficiently processing prescriptions.
- Entered and processed patients' prescriptions into internal system.
- Performed various pharmacy operational activities with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and service quality.
- Consulted with insurance company representatives to complete claims processing, resolve concerns, and reconcile payments.
- Maximized pharmacy efficiency through effective communication with staff members and adherence to procedures.
- Streamlined prescription processing with accurate data entry and verification of patient information.
- Contributed to the reduction of prescription wait times by promptly addressing refill requests.
- Contributed to team meetings, offering insights for optimizing workflow and patient service.
- Provided exceptional customer service, resolving queries and concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Implemented system for tracking medications, ensuring pharmacy compliance with regulations.
- Engaged in continuous learning to stay updated on pharmaceutical practices and products.
- Educated patients on medication usage and precautions, enhancing patient understanding and safety.
- Utilized pharmacy management software to process prescriptions efficiently.
- Welcomed customers to pharmacy and answered questions relating to prescriptions and over-the-counter products.
- Ensured consults are active for community based care for coverage of any pharmaceutical item that may be needed as a result of the stay.
- Liaised with pharmacist to eliminate issues related to patient concern.
LPN Primary Care Team
Department of Veteran Affairs
Topeka, KS, United States
04.2015 - 06.2020
- Check in patients for their scheduled appointments in a timely fashion for provider(s).
- Collaborate with team daily, stay in constant communication with provider daily to ensure patient concerns are addressed.
- Scrub provider panel daily to ensure lab work is ordered, what the nature of the visit pertains to and that all documentation required is obtained/filled out.
- Pre-appointment phone calls are made daily to ensure the patient is aware of their appointment, should they need to reschedule etc.
- Post discharge phone calls are done every 24-48 hours to ensure the patient has been scheduled with their provider if needed.
- Ensure all patient information is documented in electronic chart.
- Give medications to patients as needed per provider.
- Place orders/consults in electronic chart as needed for provider(s) i.e. medication, lab work, prosthetic request etc.
- Report given to admitting nurse should there be a need for a patient to be admitted into the hospital.
- Transport patients via w/c to ER or inpatient wards as needed, hand off communication given name retrieved of individual spoken to and charted in electronic record.
- Infuse IV antibiotics per provider order in electronic chart, document.
- Toe nail trims for scheduled patients, document.
- Ear lavage for scheduled patients, document.
- Schedule injections i.e. testosterone, B12, immunizations etc, document.
- Patient education i.e. blood pressure cuff teaching, insulin teaching, diet information etc, document.
- Treatments i.e. suture removal, dressing change, document.
- Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and department procedures, promoting a culture of excellence.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Implemented infection control measures to reduce hospital-acquired infections, contributing to overall patient health outcomes.
- Streamlined workflow processes to enhance efficiency in daily operations within the clinical setting.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction levels.
- Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
LPN Charge Nurse
Cascade Health Service
Topeka, KS, United States
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Charge Nurse: Manage staff whom directly work for care facility I have agreed to assist with coverage due to shortages. Staff who I oversee consist of certified nursing assistance and medication assistance. Ensure that these staff are carrying out assignments for the day/evening accordingly.
- Assist with medication passes for medications that are out of scope of practice of medication aide, i.e. insulin, oral morphine, lorazepam.
- Assist with treatments/dressing changes that are out of scope of practice of nursing assistance and medication aide, i.e. wound care, IV flushes with NS or heparin.
- Monitor patients to ensure vital signs are within normal limits and any change of conditions. Should a patient have a change in condition it is my responsibility to carry out the plan of care, i.e. notify covering provider for recommendation, carry out a providers recommendations i.e. sending patients out via AMR to hospital for further evaluation or carry out verbal orders i.e. hold or administer additional insulin for critical high blood glucose level.
- Give report to on coming charge nurse. Count opiates in locked cabinet prior to departure.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
- Conducted patient assessments, identifying changes in condition and implementing appropriate interventions.
LPN Charge Nurse
Altersgate the Gardens
Topeka, KS
11.2025 - Current
- Oversaw nursing staff to guarantee exceptional patient care and strict adherence to established protocols.
- Streamlined patient admissions and discharges to optimize workflow efficiency.
- Oversaw monitoring of vital signs and documented changes to facilitate timely medical interventions.
- Facilitated staff training sessions focused on best practices in patient care and safety protocols.
- Coordinated patient care activities among interdisciplinary teams for optimal outcomes.
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders, maintaining compliance with medical guidelines.
- Conducted regular assessments of patient conditions, documenting changes and communicating with healthcare providers.
- Implemented infection control measures to enhance patient safety and reduce hospital-acquired infections.
- Trained new nursing staff on clinical procedures and organizational policies, fostering skill development.
- Evaluated nursing workflow efficiencies, recommending process improvements for enhanced service delivery.
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
LPN Community Living Center
Department of Veteran Affairs
Topeka, KS, United States
09.2013 - 05.2015
- Medication: Passed daily scheduled medications per provider orders to all inpatient veterans who needed medication orally, intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly, document into each patient electronic record.
- Educated patients and families on health management, fostering better understanding of medical conditions and treatments.
- Treatments: Dressing changes per provider order (wet to dry, unaboot, wound vac, dyna flex, ostomy care, pressure ulcers, picc line, incontinence dermatitis, etc). Apply creams per provider order (sensicare, aloe vista, lubriderm, collagenase, vaseline, trolamine, antifungal). Remove or apply compression stockings per provider orders. Document into each patient electronic record.
- Assisted in developing and implementing patient care plans, enhancing individualized treatment approaches.
- Floor: Assist with patient care needs toilet every two hours, feeding, showering, groups, activities, appointments. Assist patients in and out of bed as needed. Stay in constant communication with RN with patient information that needed attention. Document all information into electronic chart.
- Trained new staff on clinical procedures and best practices, promoting a culture of excellence in patient care.
- Implemented infection control protocols, significantly reducing infection rates within the facility setting.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Conducted regular patient assessments to identify changes in health status, enabling timely interventions.
Student Nurse
Department of Veterans Affairs
Topeka, KS
03.2009 - 09.2013
- Assisted in patient assessments and care planning under supervision of registered nurses.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patients' conditions accurately.
- Provided direct patient care, including administering medications and wound care.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive patient care delivery.
- Maintained accurate medical records in compliance with departmental policies and regulations.
- Supported infection control protocols to enhance patient safety and hygiene standards.
- Mentored junior nursing students by sharing clinical knowledge and best practices effectively.
- Participated in hands-on clinical training under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting any changes to experienced nursing staff.
- Performed regular rounds to check on well-being of patients.
- Provided compassionate care to diverse patient populations, promoting comfort and satisfaction throughout their treatment journey.
- Exhibited flexibility in adapting to changing priorities within fast-paced healthcare settings while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
Education
Technical or Occupational Certificate - Nursing, Practical Nursing
Washburn Institute of Technology
Topeka, KS, United States05.2013
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Strategic delegation skills
- Proficient in organization
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Problem solving
- Maintaining composure under pressure
- Oversee personnel
- Strong clinical and leadership skills
- Adaptability
- Knowledge
- Detail oriented
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 6 staff members.
- Champion for Resuscitation Quality Improvement
- Champ VA for Vaccinations
- Demonstrating IV administrating training for continuous education
- Participated on a Root Cause Analysis group
- Participated on the Infection Control Committee
- Participated on the EEO Committee as the Native American Program Manager
Certification
Practical Nursing License, Current and valid
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Documenting and sharing travel experiences
- Enjoy participating in crafting for overall physical and mental well-being
- Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
- Personal Development and Self-Improvement
- Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
- Road Trips
Job Related Training
- Nail Care course
- PACT training
- TEACH
- IV therapy
Additional Information
Diversity Committee as a SEPM, Infection Control Committee, Assisted with inventory which consisted of locating supplies that are registered to the primary care team., Assisted with training new hires and students, currently working on a new employee guide for PACT., Started working for the VA on 2009-03-18 as a student nurse on an intermittent basis., Graduated from nursing school and started working for the Community Living Center as a LPN on 2013-09-08., Started working with the Blue Team Clinic in 2015-04-01 as a LPN working with April Klutman ARNP, relocated as a team to the Red Team., Administered and discontinued IV antibiotics (Ertapenem, Vancomycin, Azithromycin, Erythromycin) in the community living center., Provided Zoster vaccinations to each Veteran who met the criteria upon admission., Assigned to treatments such as applying creams or dressing changes in the community living center., Responsible for medication administration using BCMA in the community living center., Oriented new staff to the unit and helped guide them with understanding of how the unit functioned., Checked in and out patients for their scheduled appointment, nurse health appointments or walk-in appointments., Assisted in training needs for new hire staff, women health procedures, and checked in patients for multiple providers., Provided patient care in the community living center, assisting with meals, groups, activities, and appointments., Completed Nail Course, PACT training, TEACH, IV Therapy Course., Member of a workgroup for Primary Care from 2018-10-01 through 2019-02-01.
Personal Information
Availability: Permanent, Full-Time
Awards
Received an ICare Award on my unit for the new and upcoming shinning star.
Native American Program Manager Award
Infection Control Award
Timeline
LPN Charge Nurse
Altersgate the Gardens
11.2025 - Current
LPN Pharmacy Contact Call Center
Department of Veterans Affairs-Visn 15
06.2020 - Current
LPN Charge Nurse
Cascade Health Service
09.2019 - 03.2020
LPN Primary Care Team
Department of Veteran Affairs
04.2015 - 06.2020
LPN Community Living Center
Department of Veteran Affairs
09.2013 - 05.2015
Student Nurse
Department of Veterans Affairs
03.2009 - 09.2013
Technical or Occupational Certificate - Nursing, Practical Nursing
Washburn Institute of Technology