Taylor Derefaka
Fort Wayne
Summary
Seasoned and well-rounded registered nurse with a comprehensive background in direct patient care, care coordination, staff leadership and mentorship. Committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care while optimizing patient outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse-Agency Nursing
Rosewood Staffing Agency
Fort Wayne, IN
07.2020 - Current
- Delivered medications and treatments to ensure patient care aligned with established healthcare protocols.
- Oversaw patient vital sign monitoring and communicated changes to healthcare team promptly.
- Engaged with multidisciplinary teams to formulate and deploy tailored patient care plans, enhancing overall patient outcomes.
- Facilitated patient and family education on health management and post-discharge care protocols.
- Performed thorough evaluations to address and support varied patient requirements effectively.
- Employed critical thinking to prioritize nursing interventions according to patient acuity levels and specific needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Expertly navigated complex patient scenarios by implementing de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
- Delivered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and managing chronic conditions.
- Optimized documentation processes to enhance accuracy and efficiency in electronic health record systems.
Director of Nursing Services
American Senior Communities-Canterbury Nursing and Rehab
Fort Wayne, IN
11.2023 - 07.2026
- Achieved one deficiency-free survey and maintained two surveys with three tags or fewer, enhancing overall community reputation. Recognized as Community of the Year and nominated for DNS of the Year twice, showcasing commitment to excellence. Improved ADC scores significantly, reflecting a successful focus on quality and performance.
- Managed all aspects of clinical nursing operations, focusing on maintaining regulatory compliance and delivering high-quality patient care.
- Formulated and instituted nursing protocols and systems aimed at improving the quality of patient care and enhancing team efficiency.
- Achieved improved retention rates by implementing effective recruitment and training programs. Established a committed nursing management and first-line staff team that consistently excelled in service delivery.
- Facilitated performance evaluations and mentorship programs to enhance professional development for over 100 nursing staff.
- Evaluated and adjusted budgetary allocations to maximize resource efficiency and enhance quality of care delivery.
- Enhanced staff retention and job satisfaction through comprehensive training programs, supportive leadership and fostering a positive and uplifting culture and demeanor.
- Optimized nurse scheduling to maintain adequate staffing levels, ensuring high standards of patient care and supporting staff wellness.
- Facilitated management team meetings to address resident status census changes and resolve resident complaints.
- Evaluated infection control surveillance reports to detect trends and devise targeted actions aimed at preventing infections.
- Managed staff recruitment, hiring, and training initiatives, delivering direct supervision and promoting ongoing education for employee development.
- Developed and implemented leadership development coaching and team management model to enhance employee capabilities.
Registered Nurse-Infection Preventionist
American Senior Communities-Betz
Auburn, IN
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Monitored and assessed infection control practices, leading to a significant decrease in facility-acquired infections among residents.
- Developed and implemented training sessions for new nursing staff, focusing on critical nursing competencies and infection prevention strategies to improve patient care quality.
- Facilitated patient and family education on health management safety protocols and discharge planning focused on infection prevention.
- Facilitated collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to design tailored care strategies for residents at risk of infections.
- Performed in-depth assessments to detect patient condition changes, promptly informing physicians and initiating required actions.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Managed daily activities of a unit with 20+ residents, facilitating direct supervision and coordination among 50+ healthcare employees.
- Delivered essential patient care services to ensure comfort and recovery, encompassing medication administration, IV/PICC care, wound treatment, and nutritional support.
Registered Nurse-Wound Care Nurse Certified
Auburn Village
Auburn, IN
03.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitated patient and family education on wound care techniques to enhance self-management and recovery.
- Oversaw patient progress monitoring and documentation to enhance treatment strategies.
- Executed evidence-based practices to optimize wound care protocols.
- Facilitated training and mentorship for junior nursing staff on advanced wound management techniques and best practices.
- Performed regular evaluations of wound care practices to maintain compliance with established healthcare regulations and standards.
- Conducted thorough assessments of wounds to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Educated patients and families on wound care management, promoting continuity of care at home.
- Guided nursing staff in advanced wound assessment and dressing change techniques, promoting a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of treatment plans by tracking patient progress, making adjustments as needed based on clinical findings and feedback from patients or their caregivers.
- Facilitated collaboration among interdisciplinary teams to enhance comprehensive care for patients with complex wounds.
- Evaluated and managed wound and burn drainage treatment protocols.
- Treated residents with presence of ostomies etc
- Managed treatment and care for vascular pressure and diabetic ulcers.
Registered Nurse
Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
05.2020 - 09.2020
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported significant changes to healthcare team.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and patient care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care strategies for patients.
- Educated patients and families on health management, treatment options, and post-discharge care plans.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
03.2019 - 05.2020
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
Fort Wayne, IN05-2020
Skills
- Direct patient care
- Medication administration
- Patient assessments
- Wound care
- Infection control measures
- Charting documentation
- Strong clinical judgment
- Staff supervision
- Staff leadership
- Family advocacy
- Compassion and empathy
- Care coordination
Accomplishments
Nominated for DNS of the year x2
Assisted facility in achieving 1 defiency free survey and 2 surveys with 3 tags or less
Achieved Community of the year as DNS
Certification
CPR Certified-ACLS
Wound Care Nurse-Certified
Timeline
Director of Nursing Services
American Senior Communities-Canterbury Nursing and Rehab
11.2023 - 07.2026
Registered Nurse-Infection Preventionist
American Senior Communities-Betz
06.2022 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse-Wound Care Nurse Certified
Auburn Village
03.2021 - 06.2022
Registered Nurse-Agency Nursing
Rosewood Staffing Agency
07.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse
Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital
05.2020 - 09.2020
Certified Nursing Assistant
Lutheran Rehabilitation Hospital
03.2019 - 05.2020
Associate of Science - Nursing
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana