Whitney Smith
Grovetown
Summary
Hello! My name is Whitney and I’m a Registered Nurse who’s worked in various environments, who is driven to continue providing quality care and empathy to patients in any environment. I’m a mother to two beautiful children with chickens and two furbabies. I enjoy gardening, cooking and beach vacations with my littles.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Burn Nurse Navigator
Doctors Hospital
Augusta, GA
04.2022 - Current
- Coordinated patient care across multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of services.
- Developed personalized care plans by assessing patient needs and collaborating with healthcare providers.
- Educated patients and families on treatment options, fostering informed decision-making and engagement in care processes.
- Streamlined communication between departments to enhance efficiency and resolve patient inquiries promptly.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in navigation processes, enhancing team performance and patient satisfaction.
- Implemented tracking systems for follow-up appointments, reducing missed visits and improving overall compliance rates.
- Advocated for patient needs within the healthcare system, promoting access to resources and support services effectively.
- Coordinated appropriate and efficient delivery of healthcare services to promote optimal outcomes by assessing and matching unmet needs with referrals and support services.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless communication and continuity of care.
- Scheduled appointments, educational meetings, and follow-ups for patients and family members.
- Built partnerships with local agencies and groups to assist with patient care, support or educational needs.
- Provided information about health system navigation, patient rights, and health information privacy.
- Provided ongoing assessment of patients'' needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to promote optimal health outcomes.
- Contributed to increased efficiency in the nursing department by developing new processes for documentation and workflow management.
- Mentored new nurse navigators as they transitioned into their roles, sharing knowledge gained from personal experiences.
- Compiled data and tracked outcomes to formulate recommendations for process improvement.
- Promoted evidence-based practice within the nursing team, contributing to improved quality of care delivery.
- Organized discharge and designed comprehensive discharge schedules for doctors, patients, family members and support staff.
- Facilitated timely scheduling of appointments, diagnostic testing and procedures to advocate for patients, expedite plan of care and promote continuity.
- Synchronized care with multidisciplinary team to promote timely follow-up of treatment and supportive care recommendations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and support services.
- Empowered patients through education on self-care techniques, enabling them to manage their own health more effectively.
- Advocated for patients'' rights and preferences in treatment decisions, ensuring their voices were heard throughout the process.
- Administered medications, charted patient vitals and communicated findings with doctors, healthcare professionals, patients and family members.
- Increased patient satisfaction by establishing trust and rapport through empathetic communication and active listening.
- Enhanced patient experience by providing personalized care and addressing individual needs.
- Supported patients during transitions between healthcare settings by providing information, resources, and emotional support.
- Established strong relationships with community organizations and healthcare providers to expand the network of support for patients.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
Registered Nurse Circulator
Doctors Hospital
Augusta, GA
10.2020 - 04.2022
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure patient safety and adherence to protocols.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare professionals promptly.
- Assisted in preparing operating rooms, ensuring sterile environments for procedures.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care and recovery processes.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify patient needs before surgery.
- Implemented infection control practices, reducing risk during surgical interventions.
- Supported anesthesia team in managing equipment and monitoring patient responses.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance operational efficiency during surgeries.
- Managed emergency situations adeptly with swift decision-making skills and effective collaboration with the entire healthcare team.
- Ensured timely communication between surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals for seamless patient care.
- Reduced post-operative complications by ensuring proper sterile technique and maintaining a clean operating room environment.
- Enhanced patient safety by closely monitoring surgical procedures and providing timely assistance to the surgical team.
- Upheld patient confidentiality standards by securely managing personal health information according to HIPAA regulations.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development by attending conferences, engaging in continuing education courses, and staying current on best nursing practices.
- Prevented infection risks by consistently adhering to strict aseptic protocols throughout all stages of surgical procedures.
- Promoted a positive work environment by mentoring new nursing staff and collaborating effectively with colleagues from various disciplines.
- Supported successful surgeries by skillfully assisting surgeons with instrument handling, suturing, wound dressing applications, and specimen collection.
- Safeguarded patients'' well-being by diligently reviewing medical histories, medication lists, and lab results before surgery.
- Maintained accurate documentation of each surgical case, facilitating clear communication among team members and supporting quality assurance efforts.
- Optimized operating room efficiency by anticipating needs of the surgical team and swiftly responding to any changes in procedure.
- Minimized surgery delays through meticulous preparation of equipment, instruments, and supplies needed for each specific operation.
- Collected, labeled, and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Registered Nurse
Doctors Hospital
Augusta, GA
06.2019 - 10.2020
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses for optimal recovery outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care protocols.
- Assisted in emergency response situations, providing critical care support as needed.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems for efficient documentation.
- Trained new nursing staff in hospital protocols and best practices for patient care.
- Evaluated patient conditions regularly to ensure compliance with treatment plans and safety standards.
- Led quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care delivery processes within the unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Helia Healthcare
Energy, IL
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Assisted in developing personalized care plans based on individual patient needs.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to provide comprehensive patient care and support.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic health records for improved communication.
- Educated patients and families about health management strategies and treatment options.
- Implemented infection control protocols to enhance patient safety and reduce risks.
- Trained new staff on best practices for patient care and operational procedures.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
- Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
- Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Developed patient care plans to address individual needs, promoting faster recovery.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare providers, fostering patient-centered care.
- Led training sessions for new LPNs and nursing assistants, improving team competency and patient care standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Associate Degree of Nursing
John A Logan College
Carterville, IL05.2018
Skills
- Organizational skills
- Patient education
- Patient confidentiality
- Clinical assessment
- Patient documentation
- Care coordination
- CPR certified
- Nursing expertise
- Ethical practice
- Resource utilization
- Discharge instructions
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Medication and IV administration
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Compassionate and caring
- Basic life support
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Direct patient care
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Dementia care
- Electronic health records
- Clinical documentation
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Wound care
- Microsoft office
- Critical care nursing
- Task prioritization
- Self motivation
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Infection control
- Professionalism
- Patient advocacy
- Adaptability
- Palliative care
Timeline
Burn Nurse Navigator
Doctors Hospital
04.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse Circulator
Doctors Hospital
10.2020 - 04.2022
Registered Nurse
Doctors Hospital
06.2019 - 10.2020
Licensed Practical Nurse
Helia Healthcare
10.2017 - 05.2018
Associate of Science - Associate Degree of Nursing
John A Logan College