Registered Nurse Ambulatory Services
Resume:
Laura H. Walker, R.N.
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
Objective
I am a Registered Nurse with an extensive nursing career in Surgery, Urology, Preoperative and Post Anesthesia, Ambulatory Services, Transplant Procurement and Clinical experience. I have recently retired and I am interested in PRN, as needed, positions that might currently be available.
Experience
February 2010- July 2020
Registered Nurse, James H. Quillen V.A. Medical Center
During my tenure at the James H. Quillen V.A., I worked as a Registered Nurse in various positions to include: Outpatient Services, Preop area, E1 Surgery Outpatient Unit, Skin Lesion Clinic; EG Ambulatory Services, O.R. Scheduling, Preceptor and Orientation of New Team Members and the Urology Specialty Clinic.
Received Outstanding Career Award for my service at the VA July 2020 presented by Director of the V.A. and the Chief of Surgical Services.
Everyday Hero Award February 2020, presented by the Director of the VA, and Chief of Surgical Services.
Preparing patients prior to Surgical Procedures in the Preoperative area to assess and complete Preoperative Note, review allergies, education of the patient in medications to stop prior to the procedure in accordance with the Nurse Practioners orders/notes. Prepare patient on orders for the preoperative day to be completed day of Preop visit such as labs, EKG’s, chest x-ray, COVID testing, Hibiclens preoperatively and MRSA testing as ordered.
While in Urology Clinic I would assist with Cystoscopy procedures, administering BCG Oncology bladder treatments for Bladder Cancer, Administering Zoladex Injections for Prostate Cancer, performing Post Residual Voids, Voiding trials and Bladder scanning on patients. Changing of Foley catheter and Supra Pubic Catheter changes as ordered.
Patient calls, follow up on patient needs, and referral to the Urology Clinic or Emergency Department as needed.
Participation on Recruitment and Retention Committee, Unit Based Committee, Evidence Based Practice Committee at the V.A. Medical Center.
Assisting with the Urology Clinic/Preoperative/ Outpatient Clinics to ensure maximum patient flow for patients to see the providers.
Active in Unit based Process Improvement Process and Completion of Preceptor Class.
Dec 2011, assigned to EG ambulatory services, oriented in Holding, EG floor, and PACU phase II until Feb 9, 2012 to assist with staffing needs.
Requested by Nurse Manager to accept the Interim position of O.R. scheduling for 140 days to learn the surgery scheduling package and process under the direction of Nurse Manager of Ambulatory Services, O.R. Manager, and Pre Admissions Director. Schedule patients from the wait list for total joint, orthopedic procedures in an equitable fashion. I have also attended weekly meetings related to this position, and worked towards the implementation of new processes in this department.
PACU II area recovering patients from Endoscopy, and Operating Room Procedures. Providing Veterans and their families with education and discharge instructions following their procedures.
Assisted with development of new CPRS chart documentation in the PACU area with another senior nurse. Rolled out of project February 2013.
Completed EOCC Critical Care Course November 2013.
Implemented PACU Survey’s of Patient Satisfaction May 2013 through present time. Request all staff complete one survey per Veteran a day asking if their patient care went as planned today, how they would rate their health care in the V.A. system in the last year on a scale of 1-10, and compliments and/or complaints that need to be addressed. Ongoing project:
Completed Advanced Life Support/ Basic Life Support January 2020.
Participate in Unit Based Committee that addresses issues between staff and management, and policies and practices. Examples: Veterans with Sleep Apnea when we discharge these patients related to their sleep apnea score, and how we evaluate if how education is effective by asking Veterans during the post procedure call if they are using their CPAP machine. We take issues that the staff may have to the Nurse Manager which she addresses and if possible new ideas are implemented.
Participate in Unit chart reviews in the PACU area under the direction of the Nurse Manager with different processes addressed each month that reflect our documentation in CPRS.
Requested by Nurse Manager to be the Super User of Urinary Catheters insertion for PACU. Scheduled to attend in-service in February by Bard and I will educate staff each month on different topics related to urinary catheters and prevention of infection. Requested by Nurse Manager to check off staff on urinary catheter insertion in the year of 2014 to be in compliance with competencies .Participated in Unit Based Committee that addresses issues between staff and management for resolution and reviews Policy/Practice in PACU area. Example: Veteran’s with Sleep Apnea reviewed current policy with revised suggestions based on current PACU standards.
June 2006-February 2010
Clinical Manager, Mountain Empire Surgery Center
Supervised 24 full time employees and prn employees in the clinical area to include pre-operative area, surgery, post anesthesia area, sterile processing area and pre-admissions testing area. Mountain Empire Ambulatory Surgery Center scope of practice is Orthopedics and ENT surgeries. Direct report to the Administrator of the facility.
Responsible for assisting in JCAHO survey in 2006 and 2009, Tennessee State Survey in 2006, and consultation visit by TOSHA in 2007 along with the Administrator and Risk Manager.
Responsible for evaluations done on clinical employees and accountable for any documentation as necessary regarding disciplinary issues with clinical staff. Accountable for overtime incurred by employees. Track turn over time daily in the O.R., maintaining goal of <12 FTE man hours per day.
Responsible for interviewing and hiring staff for clinical areas for full time and prn status.
Responsible for tracking daily schedule cases for scheduled start times, actual start times, scheduled stop times and actual stop times on daily basis to tract efficiency of the operating room. Turn over times in the operating room on the average of 9 minutes.
Responsible for scheduling of employees in clinical areas, in the post anesthesia area a charge nurse assists with the schedule for post anesthesia area.
Work closely with the Materials Manager to ensure we have the proper equipment and supplies needed for cases a week in advance.
Participation in Medical Executive Committee Meetings to discuss issues and goals within the center.
August 2005-May 2006
Charge Nurse, Renaissance Surgery Center-Bristol, TN
Supervise employees in opening the Renaissance Surgery Center specializing in Neurosurgical procedures and orthopedic procedures. Assumed responsibility for center when the administrator was not on site.
Responsible for policies and procedures, following the Neospine guidelines, required to pass the Tennessee State Board and Inspection prior to opening center.
Responsible for entering inventory into the Advantx computer system.
Worked in the role of Charge Nurse for the center under the direct supervision of the Administrator, and the Regional Administrator. Primarily worked in the pre-operative area screening patients as candidates for ambulatory surgery and in the recovery area caring for patients postoperatively. When needed worked in the operating room as a RN circulator.
Responsible for ordering drugs needed to open the surgery center, with emphasis on the post-operative drugs, anesthesia drugs, drugs for the intra-operative area and the post-operative area.
Worked closely with the surgeons, anesthesia providers, administrator in preparation of opening of ambulatory surgery center.
Supervise employees in opening the Renaissance Surgery Center specializing in Neurosurgical procedures and orthopedic procedures. Assumed responsibility for center when the administrator was not on site.
Responsible for policies and procedures, following the Neospine guidelines, required to pass the Tennessee State Board and Inspection prior to opening center.
Responsible for entering inventory into the Advantx computer system.
Worked in the role of Charge Nurse for the center under the direct supervision of the Administrator, and the Regional Administrator. Primarily worked in the pre-operative area screening patients as candidates for ambulatory surgery and in the recovery area caring for patients postoperatively. When needed worked in the operating room as a RN circulator.
Responsible for ordering drugs needed to open the surgery center, with emphasis on the post-operative drugs, anesthesia drugs, drugs for the intra-operative area and the post-operative area.
Worked closely with the surgeons, anesthesia providers, administrator in preparation of opening of ambulatory surgery center.
May 2002- August 2005 Wellmont; Bristol Regional Medical Center
Charge Nurse, Surgical Services; Holding Preoperative Nurse
Supervise employees on the 3-11 shift, completing the daily Operating Room schedule, completing add on cases and trauma procedures. (May 2002-Dec 2002.)
Accountable for Operating Room schedule decision-making processes to include diverting trauma when the operating room is full to capacity with cases, assigning staff to appropriate rooms considering their skill level. (May 2002-Dec 2002)
Assisting the Nurse Manager as needed with employee interviews, organization of employee files when requested, and assisting with submitting competencies for employees on annual basis. (May 2002-Dec 2002.)
Completion of incident reports as needed on cases or employees on the 3-11 shifts.
Constant interaction with surgeons and anesthesia department to assure that the patient is the number one focus in completing cases, trauma cases, and cases that may have been added on to the daily schedule.
Assist Nurse Manager with evaluation process on employees on the 3-11 shifts. Informed Nurse Manager/Director updated with all employees issues, surgeon issues, anesthesia issues, and any divert issues when the operating room is full to capacity and we must divert trauma. (May 2002-Dec 2002)
Reviewing Policies and Procedures for the Operating Room in compliance with AORN standards and practices, in preparation for Joint Commission review. Responsible for JCAHO Surgical Services Policies for 2003 JCAHO visit.
Worked in the Holding area preparing patients for surgery, checking the patient charts for proper consent, lab results, radiology results, identifying the surgical operative site, assessing the patient preoperatively, starting I.V.’s and working closely with the Anesthesia department in the patient’s care. (Jan 2003-August 2005)
December 2000-May 2002 Johnson City Medical Center; MSHA
Clinical Transplant Coordinator/Administrator; Transplant Services
Manager of Transplant Services overseeing all aspects of the transplant process to include pre-transplant, activation of patients on the United Network of Organ Sharing list, and post-transplant duties. Responsible for budget process within the department.
Coordinating Patient and Organ activities during a transplant procedure.
Responsible for hiring of staff and management of office staff to include:
Evaluation process on a yearly basis professional growth and development.
Responsible for assisting with patient clinic visits, patient education as needed and community education. Responsible for overseeing data entry on transplant patients as required by the United Network of Organ Sharing, UNET system.
Management call responsibility 24 hour/7 days a week and call responsibility in the role of clinical nurse for organ offers, patient calls, one weekend a month and during the absent of the clinical nurses.
Responsible for participation in and training of staff in Service Excellence programs.
Responsible for updating transplant services policies and procedures, job descriptions and competencies for transplant services staff.
Governing board member with East Tennessee National Kidney Foundation, participating in community activities and fundraisers throughout the year.
Participate in weekly Transplant Meetings with transplant surgeons, Director Dr. P. Joshi, Dr. B. Wiengart, nephrologists Dr. C. Wiegand, Dr. L Panus, and ancillary staff discussing transplant patients, reviewing patient charts for activation on the United Network of Organ Sharing waiting list.
Involved with the Tennessee Transplant Society, South East Organ Procurement Organization and representing the Transplant Center.
August 2000-October 2000 Spruce Pine Community Hospital Spruce Pine, NC
Surgical Services Director
Director of Surgical Services Department of a two room operating room suite, which included General, Urology, Orthopedic, Endoscopy and Gynecological Services. Responsible for staff in the operating room, chemotherapy, preoperative, and postoperative area of Surgical Services area.
Involved with Operational and Capital Budget process for Surgical Services area.
Management responsibility for the Surgical Services area 24 hour/7 days a week and R.N. staff call responsibility every 3rd day and 3rd weekend to include Pre-operative, Peri-operative and Post Anesthesia recovery.
1995-2000 Wellmont Health Systems Bristol, TN
Surgical Services Clinical Manager/Educator
One of two managers to review, revise and standardize operating room policies and procedures for Wellmont Surgical Services system-wide.
Developed and implemented new operating room job descriptions to comply with standardization.
Conduct orientation for new Surgical Services personnel, Conduct ongoing competency assessment of Surgical Services personnel.
Conduct educational in-service for Surgical Services personnel.
Provide staff cross training; training SPD technician’s to become Surgical Scrub Technician’s.
Conduct ongoing Performance Improvement Studies to assure continuous quality care with quarterly reports.
Assumes duties of charge nurse in the Operating Room in absence of the Nurse Manager as well as assisting with staffing assignments and Annual evaluations.
Managed Anesthesia Technician’s as requested by the Director of Nursing.
Participant in Operating Room Committee, Surgical Section Committee and Informed Consent Committee.
1990-1995 Life Resources Regional Donor Center Johnson City, TN
Procurement Transplant Coordinator
Responsible for development of educational program for organ donation and transplantation in twenty-two area hospitals in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Responsibilities: 24/7 hour, on call responsibility to respond for potential organ donors, eye donors, and tissue donors, obtaining consent for donation talking with the Donor Families and proceeding with their wishes through the entire donation process.
Directly involved public relations to include media events for community education.
Conducted public speaking events for local civic organizations to educate the community about organ and tissue donation.
Established Organ and Tissue Committees within the service area.
Responsible for coordination of recovery of organs and tissue from donors, which included the consent, process with the donor families.
Conducted evaluation of prospective donor.
Participated in recovery of organs and tissue in operating room, and as Transplant Coordinators we were trained on the recovery of Eyes for the East Tennessee Eye Bank for the purpose of cornea transplantation.
Responsible to place donated organs through the United Network of Organ Sharing.
Responsible for follow-up correspondence of the outcome of the donation with hospital staff, physicians and donor families.
1988–1990 Johnson City Medical Center Johnson City, TN
Indian Path Hospital Kingsport, TN
Neurosurgical Coordinator, Surgical Services
Maintain supplies and equipment for Neurosurgical procedures
Maintain records of surgeons preference for each Neurosurgical procedure
Preceptor for new Neurosurgical Services staff
Worked with Dr. S. Hamel, Dr. H. Cupp, and Dr. Hines
Past and Present Leadership Activities
Association of Operating Room Nurses, State of Franklin Chapter
North American Transplant Coordinators Organization
American Nurses Endorsing Transplantation
Tennessee Transplant Society (1991-1995) (2000-2001)
Retention and Recruitment Committee, V.A. Medical Center
Evidence Based Practice Committee, V.A. Medical Center
Chosen for participation in Relationship Based Care by Nurse Manager at V.A. Medical Center, a mode for transforming Practice to improve relationships between staff and for our Veterans
Association of Operating Room Nurses Ways & Means Committee, State of
Franklin Chapter
Member of the Governing Committee of the East Tennessee National Kidney Foundation; participation in various activities and fundraisers through out the year.
Chairperson of the Kidney Fest Annual Picnic for the transplant patients in cooperation with the East Tennessee National Kidney Foundation.
Member of Recruitment and Retention Committee, Evidence Based Practice Committee, Unit Based V.A. Medical Center
Renewed Membership in AORN 2012
Accreditation
Basic Life Support Instructor (1995-2000) (2012, obtained class for BLS Instructor at V.A.)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) 2020, with current hand waiver.
Basic Life Support 2019
Certified Nurse in the Operating Room (CNOR) (1991-2013)
Certified Procurement Transplant Coordinator (CPTC) (1990-1996)
Licensed Registered Nurse, State of Tennessee,
Compact state licensure
Education
Tusculum College Greenville, TN
Bachelor of Science in Applied Organizational Management
Troy State University Montgomery, AL
Associate of Science in Nursing
Nashville City Vocational Program Nashville, TN
Diploma in Practical Nursing
Awards and Honors
Who’s Who of American College Students
Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
V.A. 2020, Every Day Hero Award
Outstanding Career Achievement Award, V. A. 2020
Strengths
Self-motivated individual with successful career in medical field with management background, strong interpersonal skills, ability to listen and communicate effectively, keen perception that assists in effective evaluation and problem solving, highly productive team leader, well received by business community and coworkers.
*References available upon request.
Laura H. Walker, Registered Nurse
217 East Tenth Avenue
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
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