Vicki Watkins
Registered Professional Nurse
Rockville Centre,NY
Summary
Observant Medical Surgical Registered Nurse offering 30-year background preparing and administering medications, providing bedside care and monitoring patient condition. Certified in Medical-Surgical Nursing and graduate of WOCN Wound Treatment Associate program. Kind and compassionate professional with expertise in performing diagnostic procedures, including vital signs, EKG testing with interpretation,specimen collections and bladder scanning. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Registered Nurse
Northwell Health /Hospice Care Network
Melville, NY
04.2019 - Current
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection.
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
- Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
Staff Nurse
Mount Sinai Beth Israel
New York, United States
12.2018 - Current
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Cared for patients in 12-bed unit, supporting fellow nurses in delivering outstanding treatment to patients.
- Accurately documented treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care.
- Analyzed and observed patients to discover and interpret vitals and telemetry equipment results.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Staff Nurse
Hospice, Pain and Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical
New York, NY
01.2001 - 12.2018
- Consulted and coordinated with an interdisciplinary team on a 21-bed inpatient unit, to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
- Modified patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions
- Performed all duties of registered nurse, with a specialty in providing quality and compassionate end of life care for terminally ill patients
- Monitored all aspects of patient care, including setting up patient controlled analgesia (PCA) -involving opioid titrations according to intravenous and regional analgesia policies
- Monitored chronic pain patients post-op intrathecal and epidural catheter placement with frequent vital sign and cardiac monitoring.
- Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
Staff Nurse
Beth Israel Medical Center
New York, NY
07.1992 - 01.2001
- On a 24-bed medical/surgical and neurological/neurosurgical unit which consisted of a 6-bed Stroke Unit (Step-Down) and an 18-bed general floor
- Performed care for patient population including patients with general medical conditions and pre- and post surgical needs
- Patient population also included those with strokes, seizure disorders, head trauma, comas, Parkinson’s disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, as well as metastatic brain and spinal lesions
- General pre and post-op care of the neurosurgical patient including vital signs and cardiac monitoring
- Actively participated in unit-based Quality Assurance Program
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting data in electronic records.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Pace University
New York, NY 01.1997 - 09.1999
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing
New York, NY 08.1989 - 05.1992
Skills
Patient education
Intake and discharge
Medication and IV administration
Wound Care
Hospice and palliative care
Direct Patient Care
Chronic disease management
Family Education
Infection control measures
Certification
ELNEC training (End-of- Life-Care)
Affiliations
Member, Hospice & Palliative Care Association of NYS
Member, American Nurses Association
Accomplishments
Daisy Award Recipient
Timeline
Staff Registered Nurse
Northwell Health /Hospice Care Network
04.2019 - Current
Staff Nurse
Mount Sinai Beth Israel
12.2018 - Current
Staff Nurse
Hospice, Pain and Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical
01.2001 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Pace University
01.1997 - 09.1999
Staff Nurse
Beth Israel Medical Center
07.1992 - 01.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Phillips Beth Israel School of Nursing
08.1989 - 05.1992