Shawna Calhoun

**** **** **** #****

Shreveport, La 71118

318-***-****

acuv3f@r.postjobfree.com

May 20, 2016

Dear Sir or Madam:

This letter is in reference to the position of Nurse Practitioner that you have advertised on a recruiting website. I have recently graduated from Grambling’s Family Nurse Practitioner program approximately one year ago. My Registered Nursing experience coupled with the advance education obtained from Grambling’s Nurse Practitioner program matches the qualifications outlined in the job description and responsibilities. My enclosed portfolio reflects my advanced nursing practice, nursing experience, accreditations and licensure. I am an ambitious, competitive, competent entry level practitioner with over 7 years of nursing experience in caring for critical ill patients, patients with acute traumatic orthopedic injuries and post-operative acute care patients. The following highlight my qualifications:

oExperienced in analyzing and interpreting patient’s histories, symptoms, physical findings and diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnoses.

oExperienced in developing treatment planes based on scientific rational, standards of care and professional practice guidelines.

oActively maintain current knowledge of state regulations for nurse practitioner practice including reimbursement of services

After reviewing my portfolio, I hope you will agree that I am the kind of experienced and professional candidate that you are looking for. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Shawna Calhoun-Choyce, APRN, FNP-C

Shawna Calhoun

9730 Baird Rd. Apt 4020 Shreveport, La 71118

Phone 318-***-****

Email: acuv3f@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Summary

After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Northwestern State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing my primary objective became developing into a competent team member able to effectively communicate and collaborate within the interdisciplinary team in order to deliver safe, patient center care. I have spent many years caring for individuals with preventative chronic illness; it was through the relationships built over the years with my patients that I realized in order to guide them to a better state of health I have to advance my education and become more than a team member; become a team leader in healthcare. I was bless with the opportunity to become a team leader. From the moment I enrolled in Grambling State University my passion has been equipping myself with the tool to build relationships that facilitated a desire for patients to take on a collaborative role in their health care. The caring nature that has been developed as a nurse coupled with role as Primary Care Provider has placed me in position to care for and educate others in a way that promotes holistic health. It is my mission and passion in life to care for others in a way they cannot care for themselves.

Education

Grambling State University, Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

May, 2015

Northwestern State University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing May, 2008

Advanced Practice Nursing Experience

University Health Shreveport

Shreveport, La

Department of Orthopedic Trauma October 2015-present

Establish the plan of care for patient suffering from orthopedic traumatic injuries; work closely with other disciplines such as social services and rehabilitation medicine to restore patients to their pre-injury state of health.

Nursing Experience

Staff Nurse

Shreveport, La

LSU Medical Center Outpatient Surgery May 2012- October 2013

Provide procedural education to patients undergoing minor surgery and caretakers prior to surgery and at the time of discharge. Insure that pre-procedural diagnostic studies have been performed. Administer pre-procedural prophylactic medication.

Chronic Outpatient Hemodialysis September 2014- October 2015

May 2010- April 2012

Unit Charge Nurse

Provided nursing care according to clinic policies and procedures, including but not limited to thorough patient assessment, initiation and discontinuation of treatment and assisting non-licensed patient care staff in the care of dialysis patients.

Willis Knighton Health System

Medical Intensive Care June 2008- June 2010

Provided nursing care to critically ill patients experiencing acute exacerbation of chronic illnesses such as diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and COPD.

Family Nurse Practitioner Student Clinical Experience

Adult Primary Care

Caddo Family Medicine Clinic, Shreveport, La

Clinical Preceptor: Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim, MD

Assisted in managing acute and chronic illnesses and multi system diseases.

Assisted in counseling clients regarding potential risk factors, stressors and disease management.

Primary Care South, Shreveport, La

Clinical Preceptor: Erika Pierre, APRN, FNP-BC

Manage non emergent acute illness

Initiate age appropriate preventative health screenings

Monitor patient’s therapeutic response to established treatment plan

Women’s Health

LSU Health Shreveport, Shreveport, La

Clinical Preceptor: Carol Martin, NP

Assisted in managing antenatal, prenatal and postnatal care.

Assisted in managing post-menopausal care.

Assisted in and or initiated care specific to women’s acute care needs.

Pediatric Primary Care

Assisted in managing acute illness.

Provided routine wellness check-ups.

Initiated routine/catch-up childhood vaccinations.

Orthopedic Surgery Clinic

University Health Shreveport, La

Clinical Preceptor: Kristi Williams, APRN, FNP-C

Assisted in managing common orthopedic disease process of the hip, knee, and shoulder

Assisted with/provided surgical consultation

Assist with pre-procedure risk stratification

Licensure

Advanced Practice Nursing License

State of Louisiana, 2015

Registered Nurse License

State of Louisiana, 2008

Volunteer Work

Clergy Appreciation Day Ankle/Brachial Index assessment November, 2013

Measured ankle and brachial systolic pressure to assess risk for peripheral vascular disease.

Operation Stand down Assessment station December, 2013

Provided head to toe assessment as a screening tool of underlying illness

Free Spirit Church Health Fair Blood pressure monitoring station August, 2014

Blood pressure screening to assess risk for/detect undiagnosed hypertension

Research

Knowledge of Stroke Prevention and Risk Factors Among High Risk African American Men and Women April 20, 2015

Awards/Accomplishments

University Health U-SHINE recognition for outstanding patient care November 2015

Recipient of the GSU-MSN program scholarship January 2014/ August 2014

Outpatient Surgery Nurse of the quarter September 2013

Recipient of the NSU minority scholarship April 2007

Professional/Civic/Social Organization

Iota Phi Lambda Business Sorority February 25, 2010

Skills/Abilities

Proficient in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

Skilled in the use of Electronic Medical Record

Master Fistula/Graft cannulator

Hardworking/Self-motivated/Adaptable

Ability to self-teach

Work in fast pace high stress enviroments

OBJECTIVE

To become a part of a health care team that provides the most up to date evidence based treatments, strives to improve accessible quality care, values team work, team building skills and individual skill strengths. Work in an environment that provides internal and external continuous education.

EXPERIENCE

October 2015-present

University Health-Shreveport

Orthopedic Trauma Nurse Practitioner

>Collaborate with the Orthopedic Surgeon and Residents to establish plans of care for patients with traumatic orthopedic needs.

>Care for post-surgical joint replacements and fractures.

>Monitor lab post operatively; order/prescribe therapy to restore abnormal lab

>Monitor wounds for signs and symptoms of infection and maintained hygiene of wounds.

>Prescribe and monitor DVT therapy, pain management and empirical antibiotic therapy.

>Insure rehabilitation services are established at time if discharge, patients are equipped with orthotics and necessary DME, and all follow up appointments have been scheduled and coordinated with transportation.

September 2014- October 2015

September 2011-April 2012

Dialysis Clinic Incorporated

Dialysis Staff Nurse

>Provided nursing care according to clinic policies and procedures, including but not limited to thorough patient assessment, initiation and discontinuation of treatment and assisting non-licensed patient care staff in the care of dialysis patients.

>Direct patient care technicians’ provision of safe and effective delivery of hemodialysis therapy to patients in compliance with standards outlined in the facility policy procedure manuals as well as regulations set forth by the corporation, state, and federal agencies.

>Assess daily patient care needs, take initiatives and action to respond, resolve and follow up regarding customer service issues with all patients in a timely manner

May 2012- October 2013

LSU Health- Shreveport

Day Surgery Staff Nurse

>Review medical records for operative permit, dictation of operative site, appropriate signatures and patient expression of understanding.

>Provided education on diagnosis, surgical procedure, surgical site infection prevention and post-operative home care.

>Prepare patients by implementing a patent access, administering pre procedure medication, and pertinent diagnostic test.

June 2008- June 2010

Willis-Knighton Health Systems

Medical ICU Staff Nurse

>Utilize the nursing process to provide safe appropriate care and education to the critically ill patient.

>Work with other disciplines to ensure timely, effective, and accurate care.

>Continue education and update skills to provide the best evidence-based practices in accordance with hospital policy.

EDUCATION

August 2002-May 2008

Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, La

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

June 2013- May 2015

Grambling State University

Grambling, La

Masters of Science in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner

REFERENCES

References are available upon request.

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