Lauren Playo
Saint John
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional skilled in patient care, critical thinking, and communication. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring efficient and compassionate care in dynamic environments. Equipped with expertise in medical procedures, patient assessments, and care coordination.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Dermatology
Northwestern Medicine
Chicago, Illinois
06.2017 - Current
- Advocate for patients by identifying barriers to care and collaborating with providers, pharmacies, and insurance companies to facilitate timely treatment.
- Manage high volume of patient calls, electronic messages, refill requests, and clinical tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills when interacting with patients, family members, physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers.
- Provide post-operative care and education to patients and families.
- Complete thorough medical review of patient charts for accurate completion of prior authorizations for medications and procedures to reduce barriers to care
- Obtain and coordinate prior authorizations for specialty medications, ensuring continuity of care and minimizing delays in treatment..
- Utilize the Epic EMR system to document care accurately and communicate across the healthcare team.
- Administere medications and injections prescribed by physicians.
- Conduct follow-up calls to provide patients with biopsy and laboratory results and treatment recommendations.
- Provide emotional support to patients undergoing dermatological treatments, enhancing patient experience and compliance.
- Provide essential training to new staff to ensure adherence to clinic protocols. on clinic protocols and patient care standards.
- Perform wound care procedures such as suture removal and dressing changes.
- Maintain accurate patient records including documenting examination results, medications prescribed, and follow-up instructions.
- Collaborate with other health professionals in order to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex issues related to their skin.
- Provide patient education regarding skin care maintenance, sun protection, and disease prevention.
- Support physicians in managing patient flow and expectations during appointments by preparing patients for examinations and procedures while promptly responding to calls and messages.
Registered Nurse, Pediatrics
Northwestern Medicine
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
03.2022 - 06.2022
- Educated families on pediatric health issues and provided clear discharge instructions to enhance understanding and compliance.
- Instructed parents and guardians on home care needs, including medication administration and disease management, to promote effective ongoing care.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Administered medications in accordance with physician orders, monitored for effectiveness and reported any adverse reactions.
- Administered injections and immunizations in clinical settings to ensure patient compliance with vaccination schedules.
- Monitored patient vital signs and documented changes in medical records.
- Assisted in performing diagnostic tests and accurately interpreted results to support timely decision-making.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
Chicago, USA
02.2016 - 06.2016
- Assesses patient needs to determine care requirements and coordinate with ancillary team members to delegate tasks and administer proper care procedures
- Evaluate patient progress and adjust care strategies according to patient’s condition based upon communication with physician and multidisciplinary team members
- Monitored vital signs and communicated significant changes to healthcare team, facilitating timely interventions and improving patient outcomes.
- Administered medications to patients under physician supervision, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and effective pain management.
- Assisted in patient assessments and developed care plans collaboratively.
- Delivered clear, concise reports for each shift, transfer, or discharge, ensuring accurate information transfer and continuity of care.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Illinois At Chicago, Summa Cum Laude
Chicago, IL12.2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Northwestern College
Chicago, IL06.2015
Skills
- Clinical Judgment
- Patient Assessment
- Medication Administration
- Case Management
- Treatment Coordination
- Prior Authorizations
- Telephone Triage
- Documentation
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Epic EMR
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Organization
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office Tools
- Ethical Practice
- Problem Solving
Accomplishments
- Nomination for the 2021 Nursing Excellence Award at Northwestern Medicine
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Pediatrics
Northwestern Medicine
03.2022 - 06.2022
Registered Nurse, Dermatology
Northwestern Medicine
06.2017 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center
02.2016 - 06.2016
Associate of Science - Nursing
Northwestern College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Illinois At Chicago, Summa Cum Laude
Certifications & Licenses
- BLS Certified
- Licensed to practice in Illinois and Indiana