HEATHER BRIDGES

Registered Nurse

Baptist Tipton

01.2019 - Current

Managed care from admission to discharge.
Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
Provided exceptional care to high-acuate patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.