Vonda Gaitor
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Experienced Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nurse Practitioner skilled in providing advanced practice nursing care in acute and chronic illnesses, health maintenance, health promotion, and reproductive health in acute care and community settings. Proficient in performing thorough physical exams, evaluating lab tests, and prescribing medications. Collaborative team player dedicated to achieving positive patient outcomes through interactive care. Actively contributes resources, knowledge, and support to organizational campaigns, boards, and community projects. Highly valued as a preceptor for students. Previous experience in critical care with adult and pediatric populations, as well as in the school health setting. Dedicated and hardworking Nurse Practitioner with a proven track record of conducting comprehensive physical examinations, interpreting lab results, and prescribing effective treatments for a wide range of conditions. Committed to patient education and promoting sustainable wellness habits to enhance overall well-being with a strong focus on disease prevention.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Family Nurse Practitioner
Ochsner Urgent Care
02.2022 - Current
- Provide advance practice nursing care as a nurse practitioner in areas of acute and chronic illnesses, health maintenance, health promotion and reproductive health
- Perform physical exams, order and evaluate lab test and medication
- Collaborate with staff to provide interactive, positive patient outcomes
- Contribute resources, knowledge and work with organizational campaigns, boards and projects for the greater community
- Serves as a preceptor for students
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Appropriately diagnosed and treated variety of diseases and injuries through careful questioning and assessment of patient symptoms.
- Worked with families, caregivers and patients to determine best options for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Implemented individualized patient care plans to address assessment findings.
- Provided medical services and care to patients with chronic and acute conditions.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
- Facilitated patient referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.
- Provided patient-centered care in variety of clinical settings.
- Administered immunizations and performed other preventive health measures.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
- Informed patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion.
- Recorded patient medical history, applicable test results, and vitals into medical records.
- Assessed patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
- Prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Monitored patient condition and progress, ordering appropriate laboratory tests.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for patients with complex medical needs.
- Performed minor surgical procedures, handling suturing and wound care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Nurse Practitioner/Consultant
Trinity Professional Healthcare Services
01.2009 - Current
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Appropriately diagnosed and treated variety of diseases and injuries through careful questioning and assessment of patient symptoms.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Nurse Consultant
Consulting Services
01.1997 - Current
- Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
- Evaluated nursing staff's performance and developed education programs and professional development opportunities to improve individual and team competencies, clinical knowledge and delivery of care.
- Conducted rounds with physicians, advising physicians on patients' conditions and assisting in coordinating diagnostic testing and follow up appointments to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Documented all aspects of care following facility and Medicare standards, creating accurate patient records of all interactions and interventions to sustain continuity of care.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Motivated nursing staff to pursue advanced training and collaborated with unit leaders to identify skill needs.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to devise and manage individualized plans of care.
Nurse Practitioner Specialist
Jefferson Community Health Care Centers
01.2017 - 12.2021
- Company Overview: dba/ InclusivCare
- Dba/ InclusivCare
- Appropriately diagnosed and treated variety of diseases and injuries through careful questioning and assessment of patient symptoms.
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Worked with families, caregivers and patients to determine best options for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention.
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Implemented individualized patient care plans to address assessment findings.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans.
- Provided medical services and care to patients with chronic and acute conditions.
- Provided patient-centered care in variety of clinical settings.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Utilized customized patient teaching tools to support patients.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Monitored patient condition and progress, ordering appropriate laboratory tests.
- Prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
- Developed effective improvement plans in alignment with goals and specifications.
Nurse Practitioner
Minute Clinic
01.2014 - 12.2018
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Appropriately diagnosed and treated variety of diseases and injuries through careful questioning and assessment of patient symptoms.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
- Administered immunizations and performed other preventive health measures.
- Recorded patient medical history, applicable test results, and vitals into medical records.
- Prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
Adjunct Faculty
Southern University and A & M College
01.2012 - 12.2017
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
- Developed diversified course curriculum to meet regulatory standards and support learning objectives.
- Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
- Graded tests and assignments and uploaded to school database.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Instructed and evaluated students in classroom in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
- Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Proctored exams and provided remediation for learning improvement goals.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
- Performed research to serve as basis for academic writing for publication.
Nurse Practitioner
Louisiana Avenue Medical Center
01.2010 - 12.2014
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Helped patients manage acute and chronic pain.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Educated and guided patients on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent Type-2 diabetes and other complications.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
- Utilized evidence-based and holistic approaches to care in family practice settings.
- Prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Liaised with healthcare teams to determine best course of action for patients.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for patients with complex medical needs.
- Facilitated patient referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.
- Educated patients about reproductive health issues and dispensed contraceptives.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
- Assessed patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
- Informed patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion.
Nurse Practitioner
LSUHSC
01.2007 - 12.2010
- Assessed student health and identified potential health concerns to provide appropriate care.
- Provided support to students with special needs and disabilities to deliver appropriate care and meet educational needs.
- Screened for infectious diseases to help prevent spreading within school community.
- Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
- Educated students on various health topics to promote overall health and wellbeing.
- Informed patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
- Coordinated care with other healthcare professionals, promoting optimal patient outcomes.
- Served as liaison between families, school personnel, and other healthcare providers on behalf of students.
- Participated in development of school safety plans to address areas of concern.
Nurse Practitioner
Louisiana Avenue Medical Center
01.2006 - 12.2007
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Helped patients manage acute and chronic pain.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
- Utilized evidence-based and holistic approaches to care in family practice settings.
- Provided patient-centered care in variety of clinical settings.
- Prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Assessed patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
Nurse Practitioner
LSU Healthcare Network
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Collaborated with healthcare team to support continuity of care and coordination of services.
- Educated patients on preventive measures, healthy lifestyle and procedures to achieve optimum patient outcomes.
- Planned and implemented treatment programs for selected patients based on evaluation results.
- Instructed patients or caregivers in rationale and methods to carry out therapy.
- Reviewed and researched patients' medical records and charts to determine past conditions.
- Followed up with patients to determine status of conditions, discuss lab results and answer questions.
- Interviewed patients to obtain medical information, measure vital signs and take weight and height.
- Diagnosed and treated patients suffering from chronic, debilitating conditions.
- Prepared reports and conferred with interdisciplinary team to discuss patient progress.
- Devised treatment plans for disorders involving cardiovascular, endocrine, and other internal systems.
- Ordered lab tests and imaging to evaluate results and develop plans of care.
- Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate medical questions.
- Provided information on health promotion and disease prevention.
- Delivered high level of care and service to patients through email, video chat and online assessments.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
- Recommended medications and other treatments such as physical therapy and inhalers for variety of different health conditions.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Worked with families, caregivers and patients to determine best options for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
Registered Nurse
Our Lady of the Lake
01.2005 - 12.2006
- Implemented identified treatment plans for patients to maintain stable conditions and achieve reasonable improvements.
- Managed patient flow effectively through timely placements upon admission as well as coordinating smooth transfers and discharges.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Worked with physicians and nursing staff to develop treatment protocols addressing patients' current symptom presentation as well as underlying conditions.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Supported needs of medically complex patients with skilled nursing care.
- Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
- Documented and carried out directives of primary intensivists.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
- Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
Nurse Practitioner
Touro Infirmary
01.2005 - 12.2005
Clinical Coordinator/ Nurse Practitioner
St. Charles General Hospital
01.2001 - 12.2005
Agency Nurse
Advantage Nursing Services
01.1988 - 12.2005
ICU –Prn staff
West Jefferson Medical Center
01.2003 - 12.2004
Director of Staff Development
Physicians Hospital
01.2001 - 12.2001
Nurse Practitioner
Wanda Timpton, MD Family Practice
01.1999 - 12.2001
Nurse Practitioner
Planned Parenthood Federation of Louisiana
01.1999 - 12.2001
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Our Lady of Holy Cross College
01.1999 - 12.2000
Nurse Practitioner
Mid-City Doctors
01.1997 - 12.1999
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dillard University
01.1994 - 12.1999
School Nurse
Orleans Parish School Board
01.1993 - 12.1995
Nurse-ICU
Meadowcrest Hospital
01.1992 - 12.1994
Nurse-PICU Charge (rotate)
Tulane Medical Center
01.1990 - 12.1994
Nurse-ICU Nurse-PICU Charge
West Jefferson Medical Center
01.1987 - 12.1990
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Nursing Program
Southern University A&M College
Baton Rouge, LA01.2011
Post Master - Family Nurse Practitioner Program
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL01.1997
Master of Science - Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL01.1994
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Louisiana State University Medical Center
New Orleans, LA01.1987
Pre-Nursing - Medicine Major
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA01.1984
Skills
- Clinical Assessment Expertise
- Evidence-Based Decision Making
- Wellness Advocacy
- Clinical Care Compliance
- Public Health Education
- Comprehensive Medical Record Review
- Community Engagement
- Collaboration Enhancement
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Risk Mitigation Education
- Medical Community Advocacy
- Effective Team Collaboration
- Attentive Listening Skills
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Analytical Thinking
Personal Information
Registered Nurse
Family Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Consultant
Healthcare Advocate
Educator
Nursing Licensure
- Registered Nurse, Louisiana, 01/01/87, present
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Louisiana, 01/01/96, present, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner
Certification
- 2014, Certified Medical Examiner, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Department of Transportation
- 2011, Dissertation - African-American Adolescents Dimensions of Family Functioning and Body Mass Index, Southern University and A&M College
- 2010, Presenter, Southern University and A & M College-Baton Rouge School of Nursing-10th Annual Health Disparities Research Symposium
- 2009, Poster Presentation, Southern University and A & M College-Baton Rouge School of Nursing-9th Annual Research Symposium
- 2006, FactorXa levels do not appear to correlate with risk of bleeding in patients receiving low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass., Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases
- 2004, Preparing a hospital for bariatric patients., Obesity Surgery,8, 161-172
- 2000, NCLEX Item Writer, National Council
- 1998, Denver II Certified
- 1998, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
- 1998, Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, American Nurses Credentialing Center
- 1998, Who's Who Among America's Teachers
- 1996, Metairie Jaycees Outstanding Young People Program/Educator
- 1995, Certified Pediatric Nurse, American Nurses Credentialing Center
- 1995, Fellow - Faculty Leadership Program, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
- 1995, Great 100 Nurse - New Orleans District Nurses Association
- 1992, Professional Nurse Traineeship Award
- 1986, LSUMC School of Nursing Alumni Award
- 1983, LSU Chancellor's Award
Professional Organizations
2025, Advanced Practice Provider System Steering Council Member, Ochsner Health Systems
- 2024, Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee, Chair of District C
- 2024, Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioner, Board Member Greater New Orleans Region
- 2017, Louisiana Health Care Connections, Adverse Credentialing Committee Pharmacy & Therapeutics Board Member
- 2014, Healthcare for the Homeless, Board Member, New Orleans, LA
- 2013, Amerigroup/Healthy Blue, Medical Advisory Committee Credentialing Committee, New Orleans, LA
- 1998, Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioner
- 1987, American Nurses Association/Louisiana State Nurses Association
- 1998, National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Reproductive Health
- 1998, Sigma Theta Tau, Epsilon Nu and Tau Pi Chapter
- 1998, American Academy of Nurse Practitioner
- 1994-1998, Sigma Theta Tau, Zeta Gamma Chapter
- 1994-1997, Society of Pediatric Nurses
- 1992-1995, American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- 1986, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated
Courses Taught
- Spring 2017, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Fall 2016, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Spring 2016, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Fall 2015, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Spring 2015, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Fall 2014, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Spring 2014, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Fall 2013, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Spring 2013, Nursing 616 Health Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A&M College
- Fall 2012, Nursing 606 Practicum for Health Assessment & Diagnostic Reasoning, Southern University and A & M College
- Fall 1999, Nursing 300 - Maternal Child Nursing, Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- Spring 1999, Nursing 464 - Concepts of Family Nursing Theory, University of Phoenix
- Winter 1999, Nursing 576 - Ethical Issues in Nursing, University of Phoenix
- Fall 1998, Nursing 418 - Pathophysiology and Health Assessment II, University of Phoenix
- Spring 1995-1999, Nursing 351 - Child Health Nursing, Dillard University
- Fall 1994, Nursing 351 - Family Health Nursing, Dillard University
Timeline
Family Nurse Practitioner
Ochsner Urgent Care
02.2022 - Current
Nurse Practitioner Specialist
Jefferson Community Health Care Centers
01.2017 - 12.2021
Nurse Practitioner
Minute Clinic
01.2014 - 12.2018
Adjunct Faculty
Southern University and A & M College
01.2012 - 12.2017
Nurse Practitioner
Louisiana Avenue Medical Center
01.2010 - 12.2014
Nurse Practitioner/Consultant
Trinity Professional Healthcare Services
01.2009 - Current
Nurse Practitioner
LSUHSC
01.2007 - 12.2010
Nurse Practitioner
Louisiana Avenue Medical Center
01.2006 - 12.2007
Nurse Practitioner
LSU Healthcare Network
01.2005 - 12.2006
Registered Nurse
Our Lady of the Lake
01.2005 - 12.2006
Nurse Practitioner
Touro Infirmary
01.2005 - 12.2005
ICU –Prn staff
West Jefferson Medical Center
01.2003 - 12.2004
Clinical Coordinator/ Nurse Practitioner
St. Charles General Hospital
01.2001 - 12.2005
Director of Staff Development
Physicians Hospital
01.2001 - 12.2001
Nurse Practitioner
Wanda Timpton, MD Family Practice
01.1999 - 12.2001
Nurse Practitioner
Planned Parenthood Federation of Louisiana
01.1999 - 12.2001
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Our Lady of Holy Cross College
01.1999 - 12.2000
Nurse Consultant
Consulting Services
01.1997 - Current
Nurse Practitioner
Mid-City Doctors
01.1997 - 12.1999
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dillard University
01.1994 - 12.1999
School Nurse
Orleans Parish School Board
01.1993 - 12.1995
Nurse-ICU
Meadowcrest Hospital
01.1992 - 12.1994
Nurse-PICU Charge (rotate)
Tulane Medical Center
01.1990 - 12.1994
Agency Nurse
Advantage Nursing Services
01.1988 - 12.2005
Nurse-ICU Nurse-PICU Charge
West Jefferson Medical Center
01.1987 - 12.1990
Post Master - Family Nurse Practitioner Program
University of South Alabama
Master of Science - Nursing - Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of South Alabama
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Louisiana State University Medical Center
Pre-Nursing - Medicine Major
Louisiana State University
Doctor of Philosophy - Nursing Program
Southern University A&M College
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