Sheila Polk Dallas, Texas 469-***-**** ad2kwt@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

Patient-focused professional with 10+ years of experience in healthcare, bringing forth a compassionate and friendly attitude. Fluent in English and Swahili. Excellent time management skills combined with a superior knowledge of the customer service industry. US Army Veteran and strong leader who works well under pressure and exudes positivity. Highly competent communicator skilled in multitasking and effectively communicating with others. Equipped with a diverse and promising skill set; committed to utilizing skills to help others, while working towards the mission of a company. Experienced with the latest cutting-edge development tools and procedures, including working with MS works and utilizing Evidence Based Practices. EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Nursing

Major, Nursing, Texas Board of Nursing Aug. 2014

West Coast University, Dallas, Texas

EXPERIENCE

ICU Nurse (Contract position) Jul. 2023 - Aug. 2023 Advanced Dallas Hospital & Clinics – Dallas, Texas

• Delivered high quality, patient-centered care; in collaboration with medical providers, provided pre-operative and post- operative nursing care, and served as an advocate for patients to support an unparalleled patient experience.

• Evaluated patients' vital signs or laboratory data to determine emergency intervention needs, and provided constant support during recovery.

• Prioritized nursing care for assigned critically ill patients, based on assessment data or identified needs; provided advanced nursing care for patients with acute conditions such as heart attacks, respiratory distress syndrome, or shock. Home Health Nurse May. 2022 - Mar. 2023

Bayada Home Health – Plano, Texas

• Assessed and charted observations of the patient’s condition at each visit; completed evaluation tasks, including reviewing medication and vital signs.

• Administered Physician-prescribed medication; dressed/ redressed wounds and assessed the healing progress; coordinated with Physicians, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other individuals in the patient’s care plan.

• Provided education to patients and families on proper home health care procedures and strategies. Charge Nurse Sep. 2022 - Jul. 2023

Horizon Medical Center – Denton, Texas

• Provided staff guidance, supported challenging situations, and implemented urgent policies and procedures

• Monitored patients’ outcomes, provided education, and worked with a team of nurses to ensure patients received the care and attention they needed throughout the shift.

• Oversaw patient admissions, transfers and discharges and shared up-to-date skills with fellow colleagues and new nurses. Coding Investigator Auditor (CPC) Oct. 2020 - May 2023 Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Richardson, Texas

• Knowledge of accreditation, i.e., URAC, NCQA standards and health insurance legislation.

• 3 years’ experience in claims processing operations and reporting systems, including 2 years’ experience in auditing.

• Preparing documentation of findings and consulting with medical directors as needed coordination with all departments involved in each case required such as special investigations, customer service, pass, network management, marketing, case management, medical review, legal, pricing and database. Wellbeing Health Advisor Apr. 2019 - Oct. 2020

Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Richardson, Texas

• Focused on the overall health of members by assisting them with the goal of increased health and overall wellbeing by developing a one-to-one relationship with members

• Guided members through transitions in care, handled members’ complex needs as well as acute and chronic conditions, and reduced the severity of complex and catastrophic claims

• Provided protection for covered claim costs that exceed the Individual Stop Loss (ISL) or Aggregate Stop Loss (ASL) Subrogation/Case Manager (Contract position) Jul. 2018 - Oct. 2018 Health Management Systems (HMS) – Irving, Texas

• Identified and determined case values for lien/claim amounts by reviewing beneficiaries’ medical history, paid claims, and was responsible for case management, settlement and related recovery functions, and quality assurance. Utilization Management (Contract position) Nov. 2017 - Apr. 2018 Blue Cross and Blue Shield – Richardson, Texas

• Reviewed clinical information and certification of days based on MCG criteria using nursing experience, critical thinking skills, networking abilities, excellent communication skills, and conflict resolution strategies designed to prevent unnecessary use of resources and to regulate the quality of care of patients received.

• Reviewed services by appropriateness of hospital care, levels, and to affect discharge planning for smooth continuity of care and transitions of care.

• Communicated with physicians, nurses, hospital representatives, family members, social workers, discharge planners, community planners, physician office staff, home health agencies, DME companies, and a wide range of other professionals. Registered Nurse Supervisor, Population Health Services Company May 2016 - Oct. 2017 University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas, Texas

• Rendered an exemplary team approach to 10 to 15 employees, focusing on a continuous partnership with the patient, families, caregivers, physicians, hospitals, and community resources.

• Ensured all workers were properly trained for specific roles, scheduled work hours and shifts, and provided real-time feedback on worker performance.

• Provided daily direction to clinical staff for patient care services in a designated set of practices, including UT Southwestern faculty and/or community-based practices; helped the team understand performance targets and goals.

• Identified gaps in patient care and developed interventions appropriately; monitored MCO reports and developed interventions as needed.

Critical Care Nurse, RN II May 2015 to May 2016

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas, Texas

• Worked in the Neuroscience ICU department, a 20-bed unit providing coordinated, compassionate care, while closely evaluating, monitoring, and treating patients with life-threatening with devastating brain injury that could impact the rest of the body, as well as other neurological conditions.

• Worked in collaboration with physicians and specialists, focusing on ways to best help patients recover by providing resources on how to improve body functions and battle persistent neurological difficulties.

• Frequently assisted physicians in performing delicate procedures at the bedside such as inserting central lines and pulmonary artery catheters and inserting drains in the patient’s skull to reduce pressure. Military Nurse/ Emergency Medical Technician/ Combat Medic Jul. 2005 - Feb. 2012 US Army Reserve – Seagoville, Texas

• Deployed to Iraq as a Military Nurse working at a Combat Support Hospital, in an 8-bed Intensive Care Unit, and 2-bed Post- Anesthesia Care Unit as an ACLS Certified LVN providing palliative care to sick and wounded soldiers, civilians, and Iraqi local nationals in both clinical and field environments.

• Worked as a Shift Leader overseeing 3 soldiers; making sound judgement in making decisions regarding staffing, making assignments for patient care, and delegating tasks to my subordinates; was responsible for the maintenance and accountability of Class III Supplies and Medical Equipment assigned to the ICU Unit worth $1.8 million.

• As the Hospital’s safety Supervisor, ensured that the hospital met the required standards at all times, pointing out any deficiencies and took corrective actions to prevent any hazards. ACLS Certified Licensed Vocational Nurse May 2009 – Apr. 2011 Plano Specialty Hospital - Plano, TX

• A 30-bed facility provided compassionate bedside care to patients requiring long-term rehabilitative care on a very personal level while following specific instructions of the patients’ physicians to boost quality of patient care.

• Provided comprehensive and specialized medical attention to patients with multiple medical conditions and complex needs requiring hospital-level care, daily physician attention, and extended recovery time.

• Was dedicated to fostering patients’ transition to the next stage of their recuperation with the goal of returning them back to sustained well-being.

HONORS & AWARDS

• The Army Commendation Medal

• The Good Conduct Medal

• National Defense Service Medal

• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

• Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star

• Army Service Ribbon

• Overseas Service Ribbon

• Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Medical Device

CERTIFICATIONS

• Conservative Sharp Wound Debridement certified

(CSWD-C), 2022

• Wound Care Nurse Certified (WCN-C), 2022

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), 2021

• X-Culture Global Collaboration, 2018

• Clinical Safety and Effectiveness, 2017

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

• Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

• Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing

• HFMA

• Forte Foundation

• Project Management

• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Certification

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