Walter Richardson
Nurse Leader
Chalmette,LA
Summary
Hardworking nursing professional bringing thirty plus years of experience delivering exceptional care to patients. Knowledgeable about Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Joint Commission requirements and skilled at maximizing patient comfort and safety while meeting strict cost control standards. Well-organized and forward-thinking in managing patient, staff and facility needs as a leader in healthcare. Diligent Nursing professional with demonstrated success in all areas of healthcare. Agile and responsive to dynamic patient needs and environmental challenges. Team-oriented and reliable with expert healthcare knowledge, clear verbal and written communication skills and sound clinical judgment. Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.
Overview
44
44
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Nurse
Veteran Medical Administration Center
01.2020 - Current
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
- Assessed medical status of patients pre and post-operation by checking vital parameters and supervising food intake.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical ability, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, and monitored responses.
- Reported patients' status and delegated nurse assignments to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting all data in electronic records.
- Constructed patient reports sheets and staff assignment sheets, improving communication between nurses and other staff members. indirectly improving nursing care for our veterans.
RN Staff MICU Nurse (Covid-19 Unit)
VA Medical Center
01.2020 - 12.2020
- 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.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical ability, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Ordered, interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient condition.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical ability, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units
- Gathered patient health data through interviews and observation, documenting all data in electronic records.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection.
- Served as interim manager for the Covid-19 unit during pandemic.
Emergency Room/Medical ICU Registered Nurse
Teche Regional Medical Center (Ochsner -St. Mary)
04.2016 - 06.2020
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates.
- Administered medications to 8 patients and monitored response to medications.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
Travel ER Registered Nurse (Gifted)
Our Lady Of The Lake Regional Medical Center
12.2019 - 05.2020
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Assisted patients dealing with traumatic injuries or illnesses, including stroke patients, accident victims and cardiac patients.
- Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful raining, and professional growth of employees
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies using Cerner EMR
Travel ER Registered Nurse (Advantage Staffing)
Lafayette General Medical Center
04.2019 - 11.2019
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Assisted patients dealing with traumatic injuries or illnesses, including stroke patients, accident victims and cardiac patients.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Handled 3 calls per 12 to address customer inquiries and concerns
- Actively listened to customers' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments utilizing Epic Charting system.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department Travel
Glenwood Regional Medical Center (Medical Solution
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
Travel ER Registered Nurse (Cross Country)
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore
04.2018 - 12.2018
- Fostered professional collaboration and participation of staff in decisions affecting patient care and practice environment.
- Adhered to required infection control, isolation procedures and aseptic techniques in delivery of patient care.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Served customers in a friendly, efficient manner following outlined steps of service
- Performed duties in accordance with all applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
- Observed and recorded signs, symptoms, behaviors and physiological status of patient utilizing Cerner EMR systems.
ER Registered Nurse (PRN) 12hrs/weekly
Nanticoke Memorial Hospital
02.2018 - 10.2018
- Observed and recorded signs, symptoms, behaviors and physiological status of patient.
- Fostered professional collaboration and participation of staff in decisions affecting patient care and practice environment.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
- Performed duties in accordance with all applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications
- Completed patient charts, using Cerner.
Travel Registered Nurse, ER (Medical Solutions)
Bay Health Center
12.2017 - 03.2018
- Used Cerner to input information into computerized patient record system.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
ER Travel Nurse (Nightingale Staffing)
Our Lady Of The Lake Regional Medical Center
10.2016 - 11.2017
- Planned, prioritized and provided nursing care by applying advanced specialty clinical nursing knowledge and skills to support comfort and safety of patients and families.
- Assembled equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures in specialty service areas.
- Fostered professional collaboration and participation of staff in decisions affecting patient care and practice environment.
- Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of critically ill/injured patients in challenging level 2 trauma emergency room.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies using both Epic and Cerner EMR.
ER Charge/Medical ICU Registered Nurse
Opelousas General Health System
07.2009 - 07.2017
- Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
- Maintained in-depth understanding of individual patient care plans.
- Completed clinical tasks in accordance with hospital policy.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Delivered exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment
- Actively listened to customers' requests, confirming full understanding before addressing concerns
- Received and processed stock into inventory management system
- Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Prepared a variety of different written communications, reports and documents to ensure smooth operations
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
- Created plans and communicated deadlines to ensure projects were completed on time
- Documented medications administered, treatments and patient procedures performed in appropriate records according to privacy requirements utilizing McKesson EMR.
Manager- Emergency Department (interim)
University Hospitals Center
04.2016 - 10.2016
- Investigated practical and theoretical issues facing emergency services and identified effective resolutions.
- Maximized throughput, patient satisfaction and staff efficiency by development and implementing optimized care models.
- Supported care objectives by devising and implementing effective structures to track performance and assess compliance with specifications.
- Improved realization of organizational objectives by effectively communicating department goals, organizational objectives and industry trends.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Managed quality assurance program, including on-site evaluations, internal audits and customer surveys.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals
- Controlled costs and optimized spending via restructuring of budgets for labor, capital assets, inventory purchasing and technology upgrades
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance
- Onboarded new employees, including training, mentoring and new hire documentation
- Applied customer feedback to develop process improvements and support long-term business needs
- Established and updated work schedules to account for changing staff levels and expected workloads
- Approved regular payroll submissions for employees
- Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge and customer demands
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members
- Delivered feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and training needs
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development
Manager of Medicine-Telemetry Unit
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
10.2014 - 04.2016
- Tracked findings of procedures such as EKGs using manual and automated recording devices.
- Demonstrated in-depth understanding of telemetry equipment functions.
- Observed and evaluated cardiac activity and reported changes to medical staff.
- Achieved successful unit leadership by providing quality nursing care to patients per day in 30-bed unit.
- Implemented effective strategies and care plans to improve patient outcomes and meet recovery objectives.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Recruited, hired and coached employees to offer high-quality, cost-effective care to all residents.
- Managed team of 112 employees, overseeing hiring, training, and professional growth of employees
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic
- Developed team communications and information for meetings
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Performed duties in accordance with all applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule
- Prepared a variety of different written communications, reports and documents to ensure smooth operations
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service
President of Operations
River Front Sports
09.1990 - 02.2014
- Oversaw daily administrative operations.
- Fostered new business through participation in trade shows and initiating communications with prospective clients via phone and email .
- Furthered brand awareness through international travel and speaking engagements.
- Developed strategic campaigns and used results to communicate organizational value and generate promotional web content.
- Achieved under-budget and on-time project management to adhere to project goals.
- Interviewed, supervised and motivated 54 coaching staff members to achieve optimal productivity.
- Aligned organizational objectives with company mission, increasing revenue, profit and business growth by collaboratively developing integrated strategies to make participants more culturally diversified, educationally prepared, and morally responsible .
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
07.2006 - 08.2012
- Assessed patient incision site, monitored body temperature and tracked other indicators of stability or complications.
- Comforted and reassured patients and family members and patiently answered questions and conveyed important care information.
- Cared for patients in 12-bed unit, supporting fellow nurses in delivering outstanding treatment to patients
- Evaluated patient pain, nausea, difficulty breathing and fear and agitation in recovery room and employed various nursing interventions to manage vulnerabilities
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
Director of Nursing
Sterling Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Home
07.2008 - 07.2009
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Recruited and developed over 56 quality individuals to develop accountable top quality staff.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
Nursing Supervisor
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
10.2004 - 07.2006
- Discussed patient care and treatment with care team members to optimize intervention plans and care delivery.
- Maximized staff and patient protections by enforcing optimal disease prevention protocols.
- Maintained proper staff levels within budget parameters to deliver high levels of care to every patient.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Investigated and reported all incidents per hospital policies.
Director of Nursing
Sterling Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Home
06.2004 - 07.2005
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
- Planned and assigned workload to 56-person nursing staff to direct patient care.
- Collaborated with staff, management and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
ER Charge Nurse
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
08.2000 - 08.2004
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Strengthened training and nursing knowledge by taking part in continuing education programs and leadership workshops.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
ER Charge Registered Nurse
Opelousas General Health System
05.1992 - 08.2000
- Maximized team performance by monitoring nursing care, including patient assessment processes and treatment implementations.
- Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care.
- Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
- Oversaw activity and development of 9 nursing professionals.
Manager RN Emergency Department
Ville Platte Medical Center (Mercy Regional)
09.1995 - 12.1997
- Managed 20 nurses and nursing activities in 10-bed hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge and customer demands.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Trained new employees in specific job requirements.
- Established and administered annual budget with effective controls to prevent overages, minimize burn rate and support sustainability objectives.
ER Charge Nurse
Bunkie General Medical Center
02.1994 - 10.1995
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis and treatment.
- Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Hospital Corpsman
U. S. Navy
05.1980 - 11.1990
- Maintained operational organization by ensuring equipment functionality, inventory levels and employee medical training.
- Provided leadership, delegation and exceptional medical service in high-pressure situations.
- Assisted Marines in returning to full duty, cutting downtime and expenses.
- Administered medical care for range of conditions and basic health concerns including immunization, medications and blood draws.
- Rendered emergency medical treatment and administered immunization programs.
- Transported sick and injured and conducted preliminary physical examinations.
- Wiped down equipment with proper cleaning products after each patient transport to reduce instances of infection.
- Provided emergency medical care, including conducting physical exams and interviews to gain medical history and relevant health data
- Administered medical care for range of conditions and basic health concerns including immunization, medications and blood draws
- Provided leadership, delegation and exceptional medical service in high-pressure situations
- Processed and took x-rays and operated x-ray equipment
- Transported sick and injured and conducted preliminary physical examinations
- Rendered emergency medical treatment and administered immunization programs
Paramedic Supervisor
Acadian Ambulance Service Inc.
09.1980 - 10.1990
- Conducted equipment and vehicle checks to maintain continuous and safe operation.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
- Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
- Trained EMTs in basic life support skills, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, oxygen therapy, wound care, patient history elicitation and splinting.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Responded to 15 daily emergencies per 24 hr, working alongside firemen and EMTs
- Administered continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring to record heart rhythms in patients with acute coronary syndrome
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Science
Aspen University
Aspen, CO02.2025
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL05.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Baker College
Flint, MI12.2012
Associate of Science - Nursing
Louisiana State University At Eunice
Eunice, LA05.1992
Skills
- Patient Advocacy
- Quality Improvement Activities
- HIPAA Compliance
- Patient Care
- Managed Care
- Infection Control
- Medication Administration
- Teaching
- Treatment Planning
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 60 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with team of 4 in the development of Orthopedic pre-operative educational program .
Affiliations
American Nurses Association
Emergency Nursing Association
Louisiana Nursing Association
Certification
ACLS
BLS
PALS
TNCC
NIHS
Timeline
Staff Nurse
Veteran Medical Administration Center
01.2020 - Current
RN Staff MICU Nurse (Covid-19 Unit)
VA Medical Center
01.2020 - 12.2020
Travel ER Registered Nurse (Gifted)
Our Lady Of The Lake Regional Medical Center
12.2019 - 05.2020
Travel ER Registered Nurse (Advantage Staffing)
Lafayette General Medical Center
04.2019 - 11.2019
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department Travel
Glenwood Regional Medical Center (Medical Solution
01.2019 - 04.2019
Travel ER Registered Nurse (Cross Country)
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore
04.2018 - 12.2018
ER Registered Nurse (PRN) 12hrs/weekly
Nanticoke Memorial Hospital
02.2018 - 10.2018
Travel Registered Nurse, ER (Medical Solutions)
Bay Health Center
12.2017 - 03.2018
ER Travel Nurse (Nightingale Staffing)
Our Lady Of The Lake Regional Medical Center
10.2016 - 11.2017
Emergency Room/Medical ICU Registered Nurse
Teche Regional Medical Center (Ochsner -St. Mary)
04.2016 - 06.2020
Manager- Emergency Department (interim)
University Hospitals Center
04.2016 - 10.2016
Manager of Medicine-Telemetry Unit
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
10.2014 - 04.2016
ER Charge/Medical ICU Registered Nurse
Opelousas General Health System
07.2009 - 07.2017
Director of Nursing
Sterling Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Home
07.2008 - 07.2009
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
07.2006 - 08.2012
Nursing Supervisor
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
10.2004 - 07.2006
Director of Nursing
Sterling Place Rehabilitation & Nursing Home
06.2004 - 07.2005
ER Charge Nurse
Baton Rouge General Medical Center
08.2000 - 08.2004
Manager RN Emergency Department
Ville Platte Medical Center (Mercy Regional)
09.1995 - 12.1997
ER Charge Nurse
Bunkie General Medical Center
02.1994 - 10.1995
ER Charge Registered Nurse
Opelousas General Health System
05.1992 - 08.2000
President of Operations
River Front Sports
09.1990 - 02.2014
Paramedic Supervisor
Acadian Ambulance Service Inc.
09.1980 - 10.1990
Hospital Corpsman
U. S. Navy
05.1980 - 11.1990
Master of Science - Nursing Science
Aspen University
MBA - Business Administration And Management
Columbia Southern University
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Baker College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Louisiana State University At Eunice
ACLS
BLS
PALS
TNCC
NIHS
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