Nurse Practitioner Mental Health

LAQUICHA WESTERVELT

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner/Family Nurse Practitioner

949-***-**** • ************@*****.*** • Irvine, CA 92618 Highly motivated professional with experience in providing comprehensive medical care to diverse populations. Expert in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning with a focus on preventative health, patient education, and chronic disease management. Skilled in developing and enhancing patient relationships through compassionate and effective communication.

Experience

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

AMERICAN ADDICTION CENTERS, LAGUNA TREATMENT HOSPITAL, Aliso Viejo, CA June 2019 - Present

• Performs initial history and physical examination, intermittent medical assessments as warranted.

• Recommends and/or orders medical interventions such as appropriate laboratory work, and diagnostic imaging studies (X-rays, CT scan, MRI, etc.). medications and protocols for detoxification such as Suboxone/ Subutex for opiate detox and dependence.

• Documents appropriately in the medical record.

• Assesses the physiological and behavioral health status and assesses the psychosocial health status of the adult patient.

• Review outpatient health history and information and make appropriate clinical recommendations.

• Interacts with patients, counseling staff, clinical dietician, psychiatrist, medical director, nurse practitioner(s), and other members of the interdisciplinary care team in such a manner that promotes a high standard of care.

• Participates in the delivery of individualized patient care following approved procedures as warranted.

• Provided comprehensive mental health assessments and diagnoses to a diverse population of clients.

• Assessed patients' mental and physical status, based on presenting symptoms and complaints.

• Monitored patients' medication usage and results.

• Evaluated patients' behavior to formulate diagnoses and assessed treatments.

• Educated clients about their diagnosis, medications, lifestyle modifications, and coping strategies. Nurse Practitioner II

ORANGE COUNTY HEALTH CARE AGENCY, Santa Ana, CA

June 2017 - June 2019

• Operated under standardized protocols and at the direction of the medical director, as a Nurse Practitioner II provides culturally sensitive, medically indicated care including assessments, physical exams, diagnostic and medical management, and case management of patients in the infectious disease clinic.

• Performed physical examinations, interpreted laboratory results, ordered diagnostic tests, and prescribed medications as appropriate.

• Obtained patient history and performed assessment via observation, interview, and examination.

• Educated patients about self-management of acute and chronic illnesses, and tailored instructions to patients' individual circumstances.

Family Nurse Practitioner

ST. JOHN'S WELL CHILD AND FAMILY CENTER, Los Angeles, CA May 2016 - June 2017

• Nurse Practitioner for the PRIME (Prevention, Risk-Reduction, Intervention, Medication, and Education) program treating patients with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, as well as sexually transmitted diseases.

• Treated transgender patients through the Transgender Health Program, prescribing hormone therapy and sexual health education and treatment.

• Provided comprehensive health care services to diverse patient populations while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

• Developed, implemented, and evaluated treatment plans based on evidence-based practice guidelines.

• Demonstrated strong clinical judgment in decision-making for complex patient presentations.

• Performed, and interpreted results of diagnostic tests, such as complete blood counts (CBCs), electrocardiograms (EKGs), and radiographs (x-rays).

• Utilized proper assessment tools to formulate diagnosis and individualized plans of care.

• Counseled and educated clients regarding health risk factors, disease processes, and health promotion.

• Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor patients and evaluate health and illness care. Nurse Practitioner

MARINA DEL REY DIABETES AND ENDOCRINOLOGY, Marina Del Rey, CA March 2015 - May 2016

• After interning for 1000 hours, hired as a part-time Nurse Practitioner managing the care of patients with Type 1 & 2 diabetes as well as other endocrine conditions.

• Performed patient assessment to obtain a complete and accurate record of the patient's clinical information and medical symptoms.

• Ordered tests and exams to obtain additional information needed to ensure proper and complete care of the patient.

• Based on assessment, diagnose patient needs and determine a plan of care.

• Interpreted patient care tests and exams to obtain needed information to guide care.

• Provided for the treatment of the patient (and oversaw the treatment provided by others) including appropriate prescriptive practice to achieve optimal clinical outcomes for the patient.

• Utilized advanced specialty knowledge to ensure that the care provided is appropriate, effective, timely, and cost-efficient.

• Appropriate and timely documentation of clinical care.

• Code and bill accurately per established protocol and procedure.

• Ensured that records are detailed and complete and comply with related standards and regulations.

• Knowledge of insulin pump therapy, specifically Omnipod, Medtronic, and T-Slim as well as Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices such as Dexcom.

Registered Nurse

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE, MIAMI, FL

July 2012 - December 2015

• Responded to and provided triage assessments and assistance to the Ambulatory Clinic physician for guests and crew members requiring emergency and non-emergency medical treatment due to a sudden illness or injury.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

CALIFORNIA HOSPITAL, Los Angeles, CA

April 2012 - July 2012

• During my three-month assignment to California Hospital, assigned to the Level I Trauma unit and provided triage assessments, and physician assistance, and prepared necessary documentation for all patients during their admission process for serious and life-threatening injuries/illnesses, as well as for various levels of non-specific injuries and illnesses that required diagnostic analysis. Registered Nurse

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, Eureka, CA

September 2011 - April 2012

• Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions, recognize complications, and intervene appropriately.

• Managed multiple tasks while providing timely, high-quality patient care.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

• Administered medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders and hospital policies.

• Provided direct patient care, including assessment and evaluation of health status, development of individualized plans of care, and implementation of nursing interventions.

• Responded to life-saving situations based on nursing standards and protocols. Graduate, Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

VERSANT RESIDENCY AT ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, Eureka, CA February 2011 - June 2011

Education

Completed coursework towards Post-Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

August 2022

Master of Nursing Science in Family Nurse Practitioner Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA January 2015

Associate of Science in Nursing

Los Angeles Harbor College, Wilmington, CA

January 2010

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

California State University, Fullerton, CA

January 2003

Certifications

• Family Nurse Practitioner • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

• Registered Nurse • Public Health Nurse

References

References available upon request.

Additional Information

AWARDS:

Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing Honors Society at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 2015

Salutatorian - Los Angeles Harbor College Nursing Program, 2010

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