As a VA medical-surgical RN, I develop and implement complex treatment plans for Veterans with a variety of diseases and multiple co-morbidities. I guide and direct NA’s, CNA’s, and LPN’s who provide bedside care. I developed strong RN skills through participating in the Transition to Practice Program offered and the Marion VA Medical Center. This program provided a one year mentoring relationship with an experienced RN that helped to strengthen my leadership and clinical skills. Along with the mentor experience, I completed an Evidence Based Practice project that was presented to the quad which represents the four highest ranking administrators. I use electronic charting for entering all of the patient’s medical information, assessments and medications. I use a Pyxis system for retrieving medication and BCMA to scan and record all of the medications given to the patient. I perform a head to toe assessment on each of my patients for every shift and a focused assessment when it is warranted. I insert and discontinue peripheral IV’s and foley catheters. I assess, review, analyze, obtain lab values, and collect medical history that helps guide and direct patient care. I verify physician’s orders and patient consent authorization. I adhere to JCAHO and HIPAA compliance regulations and administer feeding and medication via G-tube verifying placement and residual. I record vital signs, assist the physician as needed, admit and discharge patients providing education daily and on discharge.

Salary 41,851.00 per yearSupervisor Bonita Tacosik 618-997-5311 ext.55026Duties: Provide continuous cardiac monitoring of rate, rhythm and patterns. Detects abnormal changes and reports to the responsible nursing staff of malignant or potentially lethal arrhythmias. Validates alarm conditions. Maintains suitable and noise free ECG signal. Preserves an analyzed six second rhythm strip every 8 hours and documents analysis into the electronic medical record. Reports broken or faulty equipment to BIOMED dept for repair. Ensures that telemetry units are cleaned and available for use. Provides continual strip during a code situation. Provide and receive accurate communication to team members about cardiac changes. Perform all duties and responsibilities of a GS-6 LPN nurse.

Helped ER patients with the admission process. Assisted in the waiting room, taking vital signs keeping the patients informed of approximately how long their wait time would be. Monitoring patients for worsening conditions or the need for immediate attention. Notifying ER nursing staff of any patients with deteriorating conditions. Transcribed lab and imaging orders into the Electronic Medical Record. Transported patients to and from testing and to the hospital units when admitted. Started IV's, drew labs, performed EKG;s and assisted nursing staff as needed.

Salary $13.00 per hourSupervisor Melisa Adkins 618-942-2171Duties: Monitored telemetry units for Med/Surg unit. I answered phones, Transcribed Physician orders into the electronic medical record, ordered labs and imaging tests for ICU patients. I ordered supplies for the unit, organized and kept the unit clean and neat, and maintained the hard chart for ICU patients. As an ER Tech, I performed vital signs and was the “first look” nurse for incoming patients. I transcribed ordered labs and imaging, performed EKG’s and HCG testing before imaging tests for females and transported patients. I assisted patients through the ER waiting room process. I am able to operate a computer, I can type between and 50-60 wpm and am comfortable with computerized charting. I can multi-task and work under the pressure of deadlines as well as complete several projects at the same time.

Provided continuous monitoring of cardiac rate, rhythm and patterns of patients on the Medical-Surgical and Observation departments. Notified the appropriate personnel of any changes in rhythm. Provided support to the nursing staff in the ICU deparment by answering phones and call lights, entering Lab, imaging, diet, and consult orders into the electronic medical record. Ordered paper supplies, kept the unit neat and clean. Patient Service Advocate that planned monthly team building activities during staff meetings. Maintained bulletin boards to reflect new areas of patient care services being discussed at the meetings.