Kara Carlson
Valparaiso
Summary
Compassionate, motivated registered nurse with 25+ years of experience providing quality patient care in a variety of healthcare settings. Demonstrated ability to quickly assess patient needs and develop comprehensive treatment plans. Adept at using electronic health records (EHR) to document patient data, maintain medical records and track treatment progress. Passionate about patient advocacy, education, and holistic healing. Proven track record of success in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Clinical Hospice Liaison
VNA Hospice NWI
06.2024 - Current
- Coordinate referrals: Review patient referrals and establish relationships with hospitals to secure referrals.
- Educate patient and families: Discuss hospice care options and educate patients and families about hospice services.
- Coordinate services: Coordinate services with the patient, family, and healthcare team.
- Provide support: Provide emotional support and grief counseling to the family.
- Communicate with healthcare providers: Communicate medical information between the hospice department and healthcare providers.
- Develop marketing strategies: Help develop marketing solutions and relationship building strategies with other healthcare providers.
Registered Nurse
Northwest Health Porter
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Performed detailed assessments of patient's health status, including physical exam, lab results, diagnostic testing, and vital signs.
- Monitored patient progress by assessing symptoms, evaluating treatments and interventions, and responding to changes in condition quickly.
- Prioritized workload efficiently according to changing needs of patients throughtout shifts.
- Patient admissions and discharges.
Registered Nurse ~ Cardiology Clinic
Community Care Network
02.2021 - 06.2023
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment by rooming patients and collaborating with MD and NP with test results and lab results to make sure patient taking correct medication doses and correct patient procedures ordered
- Obtain EKG's
- Strong patient education regarding medication and patient pre and post procedural instruction to ensure optimal patient outcomes
Registered Nurse ~ Cardiology Clinic
Community Care Network
07.2019 - 02.2021
- Managed multiple tasks while providing timely, high quality patient care
- Obtained specimens and performed EKG tests using proper techniques and procedures
- Provided customized patient and family education to foster continuum of care
Registered Nurse
Northwest Health Porter
01.2010 - 07.2019
- Resource RN2010-2013, Interventional Radiology RN2013-2019
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions, recognize complications and intervene appropriately
- Provided direct patient care, including assessment and evaluation of health status, development of individualized plans of care and implementation of nursing interventions
Registered Nurse
Porter Hospital
10.2003 - 07.2008
Traveling Registered Nurse
American Mobile
01.2002 - 06.2003
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Methodist Hospital Southlake
01.2001 - 12.2002
Traveling Registered Nurse
Cross Country Trav Corps
01.1999 - 12.1999
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Methodist Hospital Southlake
01.1998 - 01.1999
Education
Associate in Science (A.S.) - Nursing
Purdue North Central
Westville, IN12.1996
Skills
- Patient Care Delivery
- Medication Delivery
- Effective Clinical Decision-Making
- Patient Knowledge Enhancement
- Administering Electrocardiograms
- Chest Pain Assessment
- Excellent Communication Skills
- Positive Attitude
- Team Player
- Enthusiastic Caregiver
Certification
- Indiana Registered Nursing License
- BLS
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Clinical Hospice Liaison
VNA Hospice NWI
06.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse
Northwest Health Porter
08.2023 - 05.2024
Registered Nurse ~ Cardiology Clinic
Community Care Network
02.2021 - 06.2023
Registered Nurse ~ Cardiology Clinic
Community Care Network
07.2019 - 02.2021
Registered Nurse
Northwest Health Porter
01.2010 - 07.2019
Registered Nurse
Porter Hospital
10.2003 - 07.2008
Traveling Registered Nurse
American Mobile
01.2002 - 06.2003
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Methodist Hospital Southlake
01.2001 - 12.2002
Traveling Registered Nurse
Cross Country Trav Corps
01.1999 - 12.1999
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Methodist Hospital Southlake
01.1998 - 01.1999
Associate in Science (A.S.) - Nursing
Purdue North Central
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