Registered Nurse/Social Worker
•Experienced Healthcare Professional with extensive experience as a Nurse and Social Worker, adept at thriving in diverse environments including various hospital departments, assisted-living facilities, rehabilitation centers, home health, state agencies and private worker’s compensation company.
•Diverse and accomplished healthcare professional skilled in a wide range of areas within the field. Proficient in ER trauma, crisis counseling, intensive care, hospital case management, supervision of extended care facilities, coordination of pediatric nurse care and education of patients in different areas of nursing..
EXPERIENCE
Genex/Enlyte, Tampa, Fl 2019 to present
BS,RN, CCM Field Case Manager/ Worker’s Compensation
•Works with physicians, providers, employers, customers, legal representatives, and the injured, disabled person.
•Works to create and implement a treatment plan that returns the injured/disabled person back to work appropriately.
•Collaborates with providers for timely therapy and surgeries, durable medical equipment and all other treatment modalities
•Attends all appointments with worker and physician to provide updates to insurance company, education of injured workers after appointment with MD, and to provide information to the physician as needed.
•Ensures appropriate and cost effective health care services
•Works with physicians to determine maximum medical recovery
•Educates the injured worker on treatment plans, home therapy program after outpatient physical therapy and post operatively.
•Educates worker on home safety measures
•Uses advanced knowledge of types of injuries, medications, comorbidities, treatment options, treatment alternatives,
•Works independently managing workload, including prioritizing cases and managing cases effectively.
CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SERVICES, Lakeland, FL 2013-2019
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Nurse Care Coordinator/Registered Nurse Specialist/Medically Complex Children
•Effectively manage a diverse case load of medically complex children with multiple complex morbidities. Conduct ongoing nursing and psychological assessments to ensure accurate and up-to-date information for each child. Develop and update child-specific care plans tailored to their unique needs. Facilitate seamless coordination among families, healthcare providers, and specialists by scheduling appointments, making referrals, and procuring necessary equipment, supplies, and medications. Oversee coordination of specialist appointments and therapy sessions, ensuring timely and efficient care delivery.
•Deliver comprehensive education on well child check-ups, immunizations, dental care, and the significance of keeping appointments with healthcare providers. Place a strong emphasis on the importance of proper medication administration, ensuring caregivers are well-informed and equipped with the knowledge needed to maintain their child's health and well-being.
•Played a pivotal role in determining annual clinical patient eligibility for the program while ensuring compliance with program guidelines. Skillfully confirmed financial eligibility, assisting parents in navigating the processes involved in obtaining financial assistance through the Department of Children and Families (DCF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Provided parents with essential information and guidance to help them understand and fulfill the necessary requirements for financial eligibility.
•Effectively coordinated transitional planning for patients as they age-out of the program, ensuring a smooth and seamless transition to appropriate healthcare services and support systems. Collaborated with patients, families, and relevant stakeholders to develop personalized transition plans that address their evolving needs. Assisted in connecting patients with resources, healthcare providers, and community organizations to facilitate a successful transition into the next phase of their healthcare journey.
PEDIATRIC HEALTH CHOICE Saturdays 2014-2016
Served as the charge nurse overseeing a physician-prescribed extended care facility dedicated to the care of medically complex children. Demonstrated strong leadership skills in effectively managing the facility's daily operations and ensuring the highest quality of care for the children under our supervision. Collaborated closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to implement physician-prescribed treatment plans and ensure optimal outcomes for each child.
Charge Nurse
•Provided compassionate and skilled patient care for medically complex children, including the administration of medications and nourishment through tube feedings or the oral route. Utilized expertise in medication management to ensure accurate dosing and proper administration techniques, while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. Adhered to strict protocols and collaborated closely with healthcare teams to monitor and assess the effectiveness of treatments, making adjustments as necessary.
•Vigilantly monitored children with apnea sensors and administered oxygen therapy as needed, maintaining a constant focus on their respiratory well-being. Implemented meticulous seizure precautions to ensure a safe environment for the children and promptly responded to any seizure-related incidents. Adhered to established protocols for the administration of medications, carefully following prescribed guidelines to maintain the optimal health and stability of each child under my care.
HOSPICE, SKILLED NURSING REHABILITATION, AND HOME HEALTH 2007-2012
Demonstrated expertise and versatility in various case management roles within rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and hospice settings. Excelled in positions such as Department Head, Regional Case Manager, Shift Charge RN, and House Supervisor, where I effectively coordinated and managed patient care, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient satisfaction. Leveraged strong leadership skills to oversee teams, implement protocols, and facilitate seamless communication among healthcare professionals, patients, and their families.
RN Case Manager
•Demonstrated exceptional leadership as I supervised and scheduled a team of 75 hospice nursing staff and CNAs across multiple assisted living facilities (ALFs) spanning three counties. Diligently ensured optimal staff productivity, maintained accurate medicine counts, and made critical decisions regarding patient care, including determining the need for hospital transfers.
•Developed comprehensive written guidelines for administering specific medical procedures, ensuring standardized and safe practices across the organization.
•Oversaw the overall functioning of the facilities, prioritizing the well-being and comfort of both staff and patients.
LAKELAND REGIONAL HEALTH 1993-2007
Registered Nurse/Cardiology and Telemetry (6/2005-6/2007)
•Proficiently prepared patients for cardiac catheterization and pace-maker insertion, ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the process. Skillfully administered medications such as NTG (nitroglycerin), Cardizem, and Heparin drips, closely monitoring patients' vital signs and response to treatment. Diligently assessed and provided post-procedure care, monitoring patients for any complications or changes in their condition. Employed a high level of clinical expertise and attention to detail to ensure optimal outcomes and the well-being of patients undergoing these critical procedures.
•Delivered compassionate and specialized nursing care to admitted patients with a history of cardiac issues or acute cardiac conditions. Employed a patient-centered approach, providing comprehensive assessments, closely monitoring vital signs, and ensuring appropriate cardiac monitoring. Administered prescribed medications, implemented cardiac care protocols, and collaborated with the healthcare team to develop individualized care plans. Responded promptly to changes in patients' conditions, providing interventions and emotional support to promote healing and recovery.
Social Worker/Case Manager: MICU, SICU, CCU (11/1993-6/2005)
•Provided invaluable crisis counseling and unwavering support to patients and families in the surgical intensive care and trauma units facing life-changing diagnoses. Demonstrated empathy and compassion while offering emotional guidance and coping strategies during difficult times. Acted as a trusted resource, helping individuals and families navigate the challenges and uncertainties associated with their diagnoses. Collaborated closely with the healthcare team to ensure holistic care, fostering a healing environment for patients and promoting a sense of resilience and hope in their journey towards recovery.
•Expertly coordinated discharge services for patients, ensuring smooth transitions to hospice or long-term care facilities. Facilitated weekend discharges to home facilities, hospital transfers, and trauma services, streamlining the process and minimizing any potential delays or complications. Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary teams, including healthcare providers, social workers, and administrators, to orchestrate efficient and timely discharges. Prioritized patient safety and well-being throughout the process, addressing any logistical challenges and ensuring appropriate continuity of care.
•Served as the primary liaison between physicians and families, effectively bridging the communication gap and fostering strong partnerships between both parties. Acted as a trusted advocate for families, ensuring their concerns were heard, questions were answered, and information was relayed accurately and compassionately. Facilitated open and transparent communication, conveying medical updates, treatment plans, and any necessary adjustments to the families in a clear and understandable manner. Collaborated closely with physicians, conveying family preferences and ensuring that the best interests of the patients were always prioritized.
EDUCATION, LICENSES, AND CERTIFICATIONS
Associate of Science in Nursing RN, Hillsborough Community College, Tampa FL
4.0 GPA; Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society
Bachelor of Science, Social Work, Florida Southern College, Lakeland, FL
President's Scholar (4.0) all semesters attended
Samford University - Dean's list
Registered Nurse, Active license, # RN9234699
Board Certified - Commission for Case Management Certification (CCMC) 06/2028