Dionne Andrews
Currumbin,QLD
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse and Educator specializing in dementia care and complex health conditions. Skilled in developing personalized care plans and facilitating effective communication within healthcare teams to enhance patient outcomes. Strong advocate for patient and family engagement, employing innovative educational strategies to support health management.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Registered Nurse Aged Care & Dementia Secure unit
Crowley Care
Ballina
10.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized treatment care plans in collaboration with healthcare teams.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician instructions.
- Tracked patient vital signs, communicating critical updates swiftly and effectively.
- Evaluated patient needs, managed treatment priorities, and facilitated non-invasive procedures.
- Proposed innovative solutions that improved team collaboration and patient care outcomes.
- Provided education on health maintenance, disease prevention & management, and care choices to patients and families.
- Provided emotional support and counselling to patients and families, enhancing their care experience.
- Developed educational materials for sessions with patients and families in secure dementia unit, aiding in effective behaviour management.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
Clinical Care Manager/Registered Nurse
Homecaring Tweed Heads
Tweed Heads
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Collaborated with team members in home care packages to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Resolved customer issues swiftly, promoting high satisfaction with knowledgeable service.
- Identified customer needs promptly, ensuring tailored support to meet requests.
- Performed comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning decisions.
- Provided guidance and support to colleagues, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Completed day-to-day duties efficiently and accurately according to client specifications.
- Conducted RN clinical assessments and maintained accurate documentation according to policy.
Clinical Care Manager (Secure dementia unit)
Blue Care/Uniting Care
Carbrook, QLD
04.2023 - 05.2024
- Coordinated comprehensive care plans for clients with complex health needs in dementia secure unit, ensuring tailored support and continuity of care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess and address client requirements including behaviour management.
- Conducted regular follow-ups to ensure adherence to established care plans.
- Educated clients and families on effective health management strategies.
- Facilitated clear communication between healthcare providers and clients, enhancing understanding and support for care decisions.
- Advocated for client needs within healthcare systems, improving access to necessary services and enhancing overall care delivery.
- Documented client progress and changes in health status accurately and thoroughly and communicated with allied health professionals, pharmacies and families.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients, families, and healthcare providers to support integrated care.
Clinical Care Manager/Registered Nurse
Blue Care/Uniting Care/ Contract Agency
Alexandra Hills , QLD
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Coordinated patient care plans with healthcare teams and families to enhance treatment outcomes.
- Managed medication administration and monitored patient responses for safety and efficacy.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs and preferences, informing care strategies.
- Facilitated communication among patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure clarity.
- Maintained comprehensive documentation of patient care activities in compliance with regulations.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans based on physician orders and assessments.
- Handled crisis situations with tact, enacting appropriate interventions for optimal support.
- Protected patient information by adhering to strict confidentiality standards.
Practice Nurse
Tweed Health General Practice
Tweed Heads
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Conducted health assessments, including screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Administered immunizations following established protocols to ensure patient safety.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes, coordinating related paperwork effectively.
- Monitored chronic conditions through regular follow-up visits and lab analyses.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to create comprehensive care plans for patients.
- Communicated effectively with patients to address concerns and improve satisfaction levels.
- Instructed patients on proper use of medical equipment such as inhalers and insulin pumps.
- Provided wound care management, including dressing changes and suture removal.
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds, and managed catheters, Spirometry assessments
Registered Nurse Educator
AHSGC & Private sub contract nursing (ABN)
Gold Coast area, QLD
07.2021 - 12.2022
- Developed educational programs for nursing staff and students to enhance professional growth.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to elevate nursing knowledge through targeted initiatives.
- Provided mentorship to new nurses, fostering confidence in clinical settings.
- Assessed learner progress using practical evaluations and constructive feedback methods.
- Created resource materials to support ongoing nurse education initiatives effectively.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify staff knowledge gaps and address them promptly.
- Implemented regular training courses to help staff achieve patient care goals and outcome standards.
- Maintained detailed records of training activities, tracking staff progress against established targets.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Opal Aged Care
Murwillumbah
12.2018 - 07.2021
- Developed educational programs for nursing staff in aged care facilities, enhancing overall competencies.
- Facilitated training sessions on clinical best practices and patient care for nursing professionals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve resident health outcomes through effective strategies.
- Evaluated educational needs using assessments and feedback from nursing staff to tailor programs.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to elevate nursing competencies and ensure quality care.
- Conducted workshops on regulatory compliance and safety standards within aged care environments.
- Maintained records of educational activities, including attendance rosters and course evaluations.
- Supervised clinical practicum students across diverse healthcare settings, providing mentorship and support.
Senior Registered Nurse
UPA Aged care
Murwillumbah
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care to elderly residents in a residential facility.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans.
- Administered medications, monitoring patient responses for safety and effectiveness.
- Educated families on care techniques and health management strategies.
- Implemented infection control protocols to ensure a safe care environment.
- Conducted regular health assessments to identify changes in patient conditions including wound care, palliation and acute episodes.
- Advocated for residents' needs and preferences during care team discussions.
- Maintained accurate documentation in electronic medical records.
RN(Grad year)Dementia/ICU/CCU/Mental Health/MedSur
Ballarat Health Service
Ballarat, Victoria
03.2017 - 03.2018
- Delivered comprehensive patient care and supported daily activities for diverse populations including Dementia and mental health.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to treatments.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs and implement appropriate interventions and manage behaviours.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Ensured strict adherence to infection control protocols and safety standards.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and assisted in medical procedures.
- Documented patient progress accurately in electronic medical records.
- Fostered productive teamwork to enhance outcomes for dementia and mental health patients.
Enrolled Endorsed Nurse
Kyneton District Health Service
Kyneton, Victoria
08.2003 - 06.2016
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported significant changes to healthcare team.
- Assisted in emergency care situations to ensure timely response to patient needs.
- Trained new nursing staff on best practices and facility procedures.
- Utilized sterile techniques for patient preparation during acute wound procedures.
- Delivered compassionate care to enhance comfort and psychological well-being in palliative care.
- Developed policies and protocols for nursing staff to ensure adherence to care standards.
- Performed emergency resuscitation procedures in critical situations effectively.
- Executed surgical procedures, including spays, neuters, and emergency surgeries efficiently.
- Conducted research on best practices in nursing education and professional development.
- Supervised student internships at local healthcare facilities.
- Participated in networking opportunities within the community to build relationships with key stakeholders.
- Served as an advocate for clients by providing referrals to appropriate community agencies or programs.
Education
Bachelor of Nursing
Charles Darwin University
Darwin, NT12-2016
Cert IV in Health Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
BRIT - Bendigo Regional Institute of Tafe
Bendigo, VIC12-1999
High School Diploma -
Kyneton Secondary College
Kyneton, VIC12-1994
Skills
Patient clinical assessment, wound care & evaluation
- Medication administration
- Dementia behaviour management
- Palliative care support
- Care coordination/careplans & documentation
- Case management & Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Team leadership and staff education/support
- Problem solving & conflict resolution
Certification
Manual Handling Educator "Train the Trainer"2010-2024
Accomplishments
High Distinction - all 3rd year RN subjects 2016
Timeline
Registered Nurse Aged Care & Dementia Secure unit
Crowley Care
10.2024 - Current
Clinical Care Manager/Registered Nurse
Homecaring Tweed Heads
06.2024 - 09.2024
Clinical Care Manager (Secure dementia unit)
Blue Care/Uniting Care
04.2023 - 05.2024
Clinical Care Manager/Registered Nurse
Blue Care/Uniting Care/ Contract Agency
01.2023 - 04.2023
Practice Nurse
Tweed Health General Practice
10.2022 - 01.2023
Registered Nurse Educator
AHSGC & Private sub contract nursing (ABN)
07.2021 - 12.2022
Clinical Nurse Educator
Opal Aged Care
12.2018 - 07.2021
Senior Registered Nurse
UPA Aged care
03.2018 - 12.2018
RN(Grad year)Dementia/ICU/CCU/Mental Health/MedSur
Ballarat Health Service
03.2017 - 03.2018
Enrolled Endorsed Nurse
Kyneton District Health Service
08.2003 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Nursing
Charles Darwin University
Cert IV in Health Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
BRIT - Bendigo Regional Institute of Tafe
High School Diploma -
Kyneton Secondary College