Licensed Practical Nurse with a strong track record of leading nursing teams and enhancing patient care. Experienced in developing and implementing effective healthcare protocols to improve outcomes. Known for hands-on leadership, staff mentoring, and a practical, solution-focused approach to challenges.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Health and Wellness Director
Kinship Ponte Assisted Living
06.2023 - 08.2025
Established strong partnerships with community organizations to provide accessible healthcare options for underserved populations.
Optimized scheduling processes by utilizing efficient software tools to allocate resources according to staffing requirements effectively.
Conducted regular assessments of residents'' physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being to adjust care plans accordingly.
Promoted a positive work environment with regular team-building activities and open communication channels.
Streamlined operations by developing and implementing effective policies, procedures, and protocols for the assisted living community.
Led, directed and motivated others to innovate and excel by meeting with staff monthly and as needed to improve overall staff satisfaction.
Kept families informed about their loved ones'' progress through regular communication channels such as newsletters, phone calls, or email updates.
Evaluated prospective vendors for essential supplies or services based on competitive pricing, reliability, quality assurance standards ensuring overall operational excellence in the facility.
Facilitated smooth transitions for new residents by coordinating move-in processes and providing ongoing support during their adjustment period.
Organized engaging social events and activities to enhance residents'' quality of life while promoting socialization within the community.
Ensured regulatory compliance by conducting thorough internal audits and addressing identified issues promptly.
Reduced staff turnover rates by providing meaningful employee recognition programs, instilling a positive work environment. Set the standard of kindness and maintained it through example.
Maintained a high occupancy rate through targeted marketing strategies and exceptional customer service.
Developed partnerships with local educational institutions to provide work opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in senior care.
Implemented safety protocols to mitigate risks and ensure a secure living environment for all residents.
Improved resident satisfaction by implementing personalized care plans and regularly assessing progress.
Managed budget effectively by monitoring expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and optimizing resource allocation.
Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
LPN/MDS Coordinator
Heritage Crossings
11.2021 - 03.2022
Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
Set schedules for staff to start and complete MDS assessments and care plan meetings.
Ensured timely completion of all MDS assessments, maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge on CMS guidelines and changes to ensure accuracy in reporting and reimbursement processes. Kept up to date through Nebraska Healthcare updates.
Collaborated with nursing staff to provide accurate and timely clinical assessments for each resident, leading to improved overall care.
Enhanced patient care quality by implementing comprehensive MDS assessments and care plans.
Verified prompt and accurate completion of MDS activities for billing.
Assessed electronic medical record for required documentation to support MDS coding.
Collaborated closely with therapy departments to accurately capture rehabilitation needs within MDS documentation, supporting appropriate resource allocation for residents'' needs.
Provided ongoing education for nursing staff regarding MDS best practices, contributing to a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
Implemented interdisciplinary meetings focused on individualized care plan development, resulting in more targeted interventions and improved resident outcomes.
Completed minimum data set assessments with strong collaboration across business, provider and clinical disciplines.
Developed a comprehensive system for tracking MDS completion deadlines, ensuring timely submissions and minimizing the risk of financial penalties.
Established regular review processes to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of MDS records, leading to proactive identification of potential issues before they escalate.
Provided guidance to nursing staff on accurate completion of Section GG assessments, enhancing overall documentation quality and supporting appropriate Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement rates.
Led weekly utilization review to go over recent clinical activities.
Hospice Nurse
Tabitha
07.2018 - 10.2021
Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
Coordinated with physicians to adjust medications as needed for optimal palliative care outcomes.
Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
Advocated for patients'' wishes regarding medical treatment options, respecting cultural beliefs and values throughout the decision-making process.
Promoted a peaceful and supportive environment for patients and their families during the end-of-life transition.
Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
Enhanced family understanding of the hospice process through clear communication and education.
Implemented creative non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management, enhancing patient comfort and overall quality of life.
Facilitated smooth transitions from acute hospital settings to home-based hospice care environments, promoting continuity of care.
Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
Proactively addressed potential crises by anticipating needs and communicating concerns with interdisciplinary team members.
Nurse Coordinator
Hearthstone
08.2012 - 06.2016
Promoted a culture of teamwork within the nursing department, leading to increased collaboration among nurses and improved patient outcomes.
Developed care protocols to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality nursing services across all shifts.
Collaborated with physicians to develop individualized care plans that addressed specific patient needs, resulting in better health outcomes.
Reduced hospital readmissions with effective discharge planning and patient education on self-care management.
Mentored nursing staff, fostering professional growth and development through regular feedback sessions and educational workshops.
Improved patient care by coordinating interdisciplinary teams and facilitating communication among staff members.
Created individualized care plans for patients and worked with medical professionals to come up with treatment and discharge options.
Increased patient satisfaction scores by addressing concerns promptly and advocating for their needs within the healthcare team.
Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Nurse Coordinator/Charge Nurse
Hamilton Manor
01.2012 - 07.2012
Set schedules for staff to start and complete MDS assessments and care plan meetings.
Ensured timely completion of all MDS assessments, maintaining full compliance with federal and state regulations.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge on CMS guidelines and changes to ensure accuracy in reporting and reimbursement processes.
Collaborated closely with therapy departments to accurately capture rehabilitation needs within MDS documentation, supporting appropriate resource allocation for residents'' needs.
Verified prompt and accurate completion of MDS activities for billing.
Collaborated with nursing staff to provide accurate and timely clinical assessments for each resident, leading to improved overall care.
Assessed electronic medical record for required documentation to support MDS coding.
Provided ongoing education for nursing staff regarding MDS best practices, contributing to a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
Developed strong relationships with interdisciplinary team members to facilitate efficient collaboration on resident care planning.
Reduced errors in data collection by streamlining the MDS process and improving communication among interdisciplinary teams.
Led weekly utilization review to go over recent clinical activities.
Regional Nurse Consultant/MDS Coordinator
Deseret Healthcare/Exeter Care Center
10.1997 - 01.2012
Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks and ensuring patient safety.
Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to attention of physicians.
Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families through difficult times.
Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
Managed complex wound care cases, applying advanced knowledge of wound healing principles to achieve optimal results.
Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, keeping them informed of progress reports and collaborating on decisions regarding their loved ones'' healthcare plans.
Assisted physicians during procedures, demonstrating strong clinical knowledge and attention to detail for successful outcomes.
Maintained accurate medical records in accordance with established protocols, ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.
Delivered direct quality care to patients by evaluating medical conditions and managing and assessing treatments.
Improved infection control measures by closely monitoring staff adherence to proper hand hygiene protocols.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Licensed Practical Nurse
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, Nebraska, NE
06-1997
Skills
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Multitasking
Excellent communication
Decision-making
Relationship building
Team building
Self motivation
Conflict resolution
Client relationship management
Professional demeanor
Task prioritization
Active listening
Organizational skills
Timeline
Health and Wellness Director
Kinship Ponte Assisted Living
06.2023 - 08.2025
LPN/MDS Coordinator
Heritage Crossings
11.2021 - 03.2022
Hospice Nurse
Tabitha
07.2018 - 10.2021
Nurse Coordinator
Hearthstone
08.2012 - 06.2016
Nurse Coordinator/Charge Nurse
Hamilton Manor
01.2012 - 07.2012
Regional Nurse Consultant/MDS Coordinator
Deseret Healthcare/Exeter Care Center
10.1997 - 01.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Licensed Practical Nurse
Certified Nursing Assistant at Melody living - Assisted living & Memory careCertified Nursing Assistant at Melody living - Assisted living & Memory care