Licensed Practical Nurse
Resume:
HEATHER PACKARD ELLEFSON, LPN
Billings, MT 59102
***********@*****.***
Summary
Dedicated and Motivational LPN with an extraordinary work ethic and strong patient service record. Adept at fostering and sustaining open and productive professional relationships with physicians, patients, family members and other medical staff.
Highlights
Substantial understanding of clinical and/or research nursing skills within scope of Licensure
Outstanding interpersonal skills and an effective communicator among multidisciplinary team, patients, family members
Proficient in medical and scientific terminology including data entry/source documentation
Ability to multitask various nursing responsibilities with prioritization and accuracy while upholding patient confidentiality
Willingness to provide empathetic and compassionate patient care with emphasis on patient safety, efficiency and patient education
Career History
Nurse Navigator/Care Coordinator
Contract Position/Self Employed June 2016
Contact, monitor, guide and educate patients through the healthcare system, understand their diagnosis, and treatment options
Communicate with appropriate clinical staff/primary physician to coordinate ongoing care to include medication changes, scheduling of diagnostic tests and interventional treatments, insurance authorizations; while empowering patients through knowledgeable and emotional support to independently navigate through their personalized patient care-plan and patient navigational pathway
When appropriate, refer patient to internal specialists who can offer advanced therapeutic options
Update patient progress and response to navigational pathway/care-plan within clinic EHR system
Conduct 30-60minute weekly debriefings with key clinicians/physicians to review patient specific care-plans and questions; attend scheduled webinars and educational opportunities
Maintain strict adherence to all HIPAA guidelines Clinical Pharmaceutical Research Nurse Coordinator Montana Health Research Institute, Billings, MT 2013-2016
Started as Clinical Research Assistant/Laboratory Technician and promoted within 06 months to Study Coordinator under the care and tutelage of Medical Director Dr. Michael C. Hagan, M.D and Dr. Janet Dietrich, M.D
Coordinated numerous clinical pharmaceutical trials for Overactive Bladder, Flu, Diabetes Mellitus associated with Cardiovascular Disease, COPD, IBS, Myocardial Infarction or Ischemic Stroke with Type 2 Diabetes, Low Libido/HSDD
Recruited and secured informed consent of study participants
Implementation of designated pharmaceutical protocols and plotted the flow and procedures of the research accordingly; to study trial protocol and within scope and practice of designated Principle Investigator
Managed the collection of significant information and data for precision and accuracy standardized to ALCOA Principles/source documentation
Managed proper preparation and distribution of medication
Made inventory of equipment and supplies
Lead and instrumental in training other coordinators/sub coordinators Page 2 of 3
Other procedures/skills performed; assisting M.D’s with physical exams including pap and pelvic (samplings as determined/M.D and study protocols), obtaining vital signs, bladder scanning, spirometry, telemetry, use of/monitoring with continuous training of (participant)electronic diary’s, ECG’S, nasal pharyngeal swabbing, collection/venipuncture of obtaining urine/blood samplings/pharmogenetics/pharmokinetics; processing of samples with knowledgeable use of centrifuging, sterilization/packaging of sterile instruments. Distribution/packaging of samplings to Central laboratories across the United States
A specific, detailed list of studies may be provided upon request Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Methadone Clinic, Billings, MT 2013
Counting and administration of controlled substances per physicians’ orders
Provided documentation per local and federal regulations
Evaluated and assessed each patient for compliancy as well as physical and mental appropriateness before dosing with prescribed daily methadone maintenance dose
Obtaining vital signs, urine specimens and venipuncture as directed by physician Rehabilitation Technician/LPN
Rimrock Foundation, Billings, MT 2003-2013
Worked on a per diem basis
Completed and utilized clinical assessment tools upon admission intake (CIWA and o COWS) to assess patient and report to physician to determine specific medicinal/treatment Detoxification Protocols and determine patient care plan if patient met in-patient or detox criteria with interdisciplinary team
Obtained BAL/Drug Screening, vital signs and assessed patients in active withdrawal; providing interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms
Provided patients with continuity of care by providing scheduled medications whether inpatient or as detox resident as prescribed by physician, addiction and recovery, coping skills, and community resources as needed as part of the interdisciplinary team
Accurately documented all nursing elements of nursing assessments, treatments, medications, and discharge instructions/follow-up care under strict and confidential time constraints and in accordance to policy and procedure
Hospice LPN
Riverstone Healthcare/Horizon Hospice Home/Liggett and Hansen Cottages SJLM, Billings, MT 2005-2009
Providing for the clinical needs of each patients’ physical, emotional and mental needs
Worked as an LPN as a visiting home healthcare provider as well as a home-based assisted living cottage
Assisted with case management responsibilities, adhering to direct care plans as planned by an interdisciplinary team of doctors, social workers, clergy, and many wonderful volunteers as well as the patient and family/loved ones
Reduced pain and suffering in patients through assessing pain management/medications, vital signs, ADL’s, as well as providing respite care and /or holistic care as well
Provided telemetry hospice care to outlying community patients Family Resources Coordinator/Paraprofessional
School District No. 2, Billings, MT 1999-2003
Worked under Administrator Carol Blades as well as the “Drug Free/Anti-Bullying campaign” office; home-based out of McKinley Elementary
Worked interdependently to maximize quality education outcomes for students with less than ideal family relations and economic backgrounds
Established telephone contact and provided resources for students and families with the goal of minimizing obstacles to a successful education and/or family life, including resources related to early childhood programs, expanded learning and enrichment opportunities, health/medical services, parent/family engagement, and academic support/tutoring
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Created and implemented “Meet and Greet” and “Lunch and Learn” events for at risk students and family
Coordinated visits by St. Vincent Healthcare’s Ronald McDonald Care Mobile to assist children in receiving pediatric dental care/health care that they otherwise would not receive
Formed partnerships with businesses to increase resources available to children and families (including financial, medical and educational resources)
Family Support Specialist
Youth Dynamics, Billings, MT 1996-1999
Provide parental support and guidance regarding dealing with child behavioral issues
Locate and direct families to community services as needed
Conduct initial home visits and monitor family health
Provided supervised therapeutic services to at-risk youth and their families Memberships Montana Professional Nursing Association Certifications Current in Licensure/Certificate for IATA, Mayo Clinic/Transporting of Dangerous Goods, 2016 Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) for Research Coordinators, CPR Mayo Clinic/Bloodborne Pathogen Training, Stericycle 2013 Nursing Board of Palliative Care 2007
Licensure State of Montana Licensed Practical Nurse, License No. LPN 32248 Current Education Licensed Practical Nurse, Montana State University, College of Technology, Billings, MT 2005 Shepherd High School, Shepherd, MT 1991
Volunteer Volunteer(ed) approximately 20 hours per week teaching parenting classes and providing information for the prevention for child abuse and Community Outreach References
Judy Leitheiser Montana Health Research Institute, INC Site Director/Proprietor 406-***-**** 2101 Broadwater Avenue, Billings, Mt. 59102 (See written Letter of Recommendation) Genevieve Guthrie,NP SVP Pain Center Practicing Nurse Practioner 406-***-**** 2900 12th Ave N, Billings, Mt. 59101 (See written Letter of Recommendation) Therese Hrncirik Registered Dietician/Certified Diabetes Educator 608-***-**** Billings, Mt. (See written Letter of Recommendation) *********@*****.***
Shawna Heck Montana Health Research Institute, INC Research Coordinator/Lab 406-***-**** 2101 Broadwater Avenue, Billings, Mt. 59102 **********@*****.*** Dr. Michael C. Hagan Internal Medicine/Medical Director of Montana Health Institute, INC 406-***-**** Billings, Mt. 59102 ********@***.***
Dr. Janet Dietrich Women’s Health and Wellness OB/GYN 406-***-**** **************@*****.***
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