Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Karen Summers

MELTON WEST,VIC

Summary

Experienced nursing professional bringing demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring medications and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities.

Overview

35
35
years of professional experience

Work History

Business Owner

S K Commercial Builders
MELTON WEST, VIC
10.2021 - Current
  • Initiated cost-cutting measures when necessary without sacrificing quality of products or services.
  • Monitored cash flow to ensure proper budgeting of resources.
  • Reviewed financial statements on a monthly basis in order to assess financial health of the organization.
  • Reconciled daily sales, prepared bank deposits and assessed financial transaction reports.
  • Kept records for production, inventory, income, and expenses.
  • Managed operations budgeting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable and payroll.

Clinical Care Coordinator

Baptcare
Footscray, VIC
10.2007 - 10.2021
  • Provided education to patients and families about disease process and self-care management techniques.
  • Monitored changes in patients' medical conditions and made necessary adjustments in treatment plans according to physician's orders.
  • Developed and implemented clinical protocols for the management of chronic diseases.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions used throughout the course of treatment; modified strategies as needed based on outcome analysis.
  • Organized, coordinated and monitored patient care services to ensure efficiency and quality.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
  • Initiated referrals for additional services when indicated by assessment findings.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of clients' physical, psychological, social and environmental status; analyzed data to develop an appropriate plan of care.
  • Created a safe environment that promotes positive interactions between patients, family members, significant others through active listening skills during counseling sessions.
  • Assessed patient needs, developed individualized plans of care, and monitored outcomes to ensure effective delivery of health care services.
  • Reviewed relevant lab results in order to identify any significant changes that could affect the course of treatment.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses and therapists to coordinate optimal patient care outcomes.
  • Maintained current knowledge base regarding evidence-based practice standards related to clinical areas served.
  • Assisted with developing short-term goals based on identified needs while working towards long term objectives established by the patient's physician.
  • Identified potential barriers that may interfere with meeting desired goals; provided resources needed to overcome those barriers.
  • Facilitated communication among all members involved in the health care team so as to maximize collaborative efforts toward successful outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed documentation regarding patient visits, treatments and progress notes in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings by providing input into the development of individualized service plans for each client served.
  • Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments for upcoming tests or procedures.
  • Coached and developed care team consistently ranked among top in region for key clinical, performance and financial outcomes.
  • Improved medical equipment competencies and care best practices through various ongoing learning options.
  • Maintained accurate and confidential patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Administered medications and various vaccines and performed in-office labs and tests.
  • Interviewed applicants and made recommendations for new hires.
  • Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams to ensure coordinated care.
  • Managed patient flow and directed nurses and doctors to ensure medical assignments are completed on time.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss clinical updates, challenges, and strategies for improvement.
  • Improve policies and procedures through development, implementation, revision and evaluation of new protocols.
  • Introduced new departmental policies and oriented staff to facilitate adoption of changes.
  • Implemented patient satisfaction surveys to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement in clinical services.
  • Oversaw inventory management of clinical supplies and equipment to ensure availability and operational readiness.
  • Developed and implemented clinical protocols to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
  • Assisted in the accreditation process and compliance with healthcare standards and regulations.
  • Admitted patients to services and completed thorough clinical documentation.
  • Supervised clinical staff, providing training and performance evaluations to enhance team efficiency.
  • Partnered with nurse manager to raise standards of practice by monitoring, analyzing, and correcting staff performance.
  • Monitored patient care to ensure adherence to established clinical guidelines and standards.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to plan and execute patient treatment plans effectively.
  • Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
  • Coordinated continuing education and professional development activities for clinical staff.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
  • Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
  • Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
  • Maintained records management system to process personnel information and produce reports.

Clinical Care Coordinator

Benetas
Altona Meadows, VIC
06.1994 - 10.2007
  • Monitored changes in patients' medical conditions and made necessary adjustments in treatment plans according to physician's orders.
  • Developed and implemented clinical protocols for the management of chronic diseases.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions used throughout the course of treatment; modified strategies as needed based on outcome analysis.
  • Organized, coordinated and monitored patient care services to ensure efficiency and quality.
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
  • Initiated referrals for additional services when indicated by assessment findings.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of clients' physical, psychological, social and environmental status; analyzed data to develop an appropriate plan of care.
  • Created a safe environment that promotes positive interactions between patients, family members, significant others through active listening skills during counseling sessions.
  • Assessed patient needs, developed individualized plans of care, and monitored outcomes to ensure effective delivery of health care services.
  • Reviewed relevant lab results in order to identify any significant changes that could affect the course of treatment.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses and therapists to coordinate optimal patient care outcomes.
  • Maintained current knowledge base regarding evidence-based practice standards related to clinical areas served.
  • Assisted with developing short-term goals based on identified needs while working towards long term objectives established by the patient's physician.
  • Identified potential barriers that may interfere with meeting desired goals; provided resources needed to overcome those barriers.
  • Facilitated communication among all members involved in the health care team so as to maximize collaborative efforts toward successful outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed documentation regarding patient visits, treatments and progress notes in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings by providing input into the development of individualized service plans for each client served.
  • Performed administrative duties such as scheduling appointments for upcoming tests or procedures.
  • Maintained best-in-class standards for clinical, performance and financial outcomes while managing and developing care team.
  • Coached and developed care team consistently ranked among top in region for key clinical, performance and financial outcomes.
  • Improved medical equipment competencies and care best practices through various ongoing learning options.
  • Maintained accurate and confidential patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Administered medications and various vaccines and performed in-office labs and tests.
  • Interviewed applicants and made recommendations for new hires.
  • Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams to ensure coordinated care.
  • Conducted regular staff meetings to discuss clinical updates, challenges, and strategies for improvement.
  • Oversaw inventory management of clinical supplies and equipment to ensure availability and operational readiness.
  • Participated in the development and review of clinical policies and procedures.
  • Assisted in the accreditation process and compliance with healthcare standards and regulations.
  • Developed patient education materials and programs to enhance understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
  • Admitted patients to services and completed thorough clinical documentation.
  • Supervised clinical staff, providing training and performance evaluations to enhance team efficiency.
  • Drove attainment of optimal outcomes through case management focused on appropriate treatment, clinical quality assurance and service utilization.
  • Partnered with nurse manager to raise standards of practice by monitoring, analyzing, and correcting staff performance.
  • Implemented quality control measures to improve clinical operations and patient outcomes.
  • Monitored patient care to ensure adherence to established clinical guidelines and standards.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
  • Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
  • Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
  • Maintained records management system to process personnel information and produce reports.
  • Updated procedures necessary for compounding, mixing, packaging, and labeling medications.
  • Recruited, hired and trained new medical and facility staff.
  • Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.

Registered Nurse

Llandyssil Aged Care
Essendon, VIC
06.1991 - 06.1994
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
  • Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
  • Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
  • Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
  • Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
  • Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
  • Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
  • Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
  • Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
  • Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
  • Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
  • Provided emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
  • Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
  • Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
  • Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages, and documented patient conditions.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
  • Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
  • Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
  • Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
  • Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
  • Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
  • Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
  • Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
  • Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.

Agency Registered Nurse

Keilor Nurses Agency
Melbourne, VIC
10.1990 - 06.1992
  • Responded quickly and effectively to changes in patient's condition or response to treatment.
  • Participated in quality improvement activities related to patient care delivery processes.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of treatments and interventions used for each patient.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations and procedures.
  • Assessed patient needs and developed individualized care plans to meet those needs.
  • Attended regular continuing education programs in order to maintain professional competency levels.
  • Ensured compliance with all regulatory standards related to nursing practice.
  • Performed physical assessments of patients in order to develop a plan of care.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient progress notes, medication administration records, and other clinical documentation as required by agency policy.
  • Monitored patients' conditions, vital signs, and responses to treatments.
  • Assessed patients by observing symptoms and collecting history and physical information to report to treatment team.
  • Reported patient assessment findings and physical and psychosocial responses to nursing intervention for progress towards care goals.
  • Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
  • Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
  • Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
  • Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
  • Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
  • Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
  • Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
  • Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.

Education

Registered Nurse Division 1 - Registered Nurse Training

Blackpool Victoria Hospital School of Nursing
Blackpool. Lancashire, UK
03-1986

Skills

  • Verbal and written communication
  • Clinical documentation
  • Patient assessment
  • Medication administration
  • Care coordination
  • Quality improvement
  • Electronic health records
  • Treatment planning
  • Patient education
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Effective communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Team leadership
  • Wound care management
  • Healthcare coordination
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Urinary catheterization
  • Clinical judgment
  • Pressure ulcer prevention
  • Compassionate care
  • Compassion and empathy
  • High-quality treatment plans
  • Patient care goals
  • Health promotion
  • Patient support
  • Quality patient care delivery
  • Ethical practice
  • Infection control policies and procedures
  • Self-management
  • Multidisciplinary team strategies
  • Cultural history
  • Task prioritization
  • Compassionate and caring
  • Needs assessment
  • Patient examination
  • Safety protocols
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Medical recordkeeping
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Direct patient care
  • Professionalism
  • Patient consultation
  • Basic life support
  • Accurate documentation
  • Training staff
  • CPR certification
  • Geriatric care
  • Infection control

Affiliations

I retired from nursing due to my mother becoming terminally ill and wished to care for her myself rather than by others or in a hospital This was at a time when the Covid lockdowns etc were coming to an end and it was extremely difficult to spend time with her in hospital.

Once Mum passed, I devoted my time to the business owned by my husband and me, caring for my aged father, and running around after my grandchildren My days have been full

I have been married to Steve for 40 years, and we have raised three sons; currently, we are proud grandparents to three amazing little boys

We enjoy traveling, whether it be the world or this fabulous country we call home, having emigrated from the UK back in September 1990.

I enjoy fine dining, music, walking my little dog, catching up with friends, and reading, especially fiction and autobiographies, and I ashamedly admit I enjoy watching UK murder mysteries on TV when time permits

I am a loyal friend. I am honest, reliable, and caring

I am keen to engage in casual employment in a caring industry and somewhere I can make a difference.

After a wonderful nursing career that I have loved, I don't feel that I wish to return to this high-powered environment with all the stress and politics that go hand in hand with the role of nurse unit manager

Accomplishments

  • Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde Health Authority Certificate to practice as a Registered General Nurse in 1996 and continued registration in Australia to date.
  • Nurses Care Awards: Certificate of Nomination in recognition of excellence in Nursing Practice in caring for Victorians in 1999
  • Benetas Chairpersons Award. Honourable Mention in acknowledgement of major achievement in 2005.
  • Certificates awarded in Auditing, First Aid, Fire Warden, Frontline Management, OH&S, Train the trainer and Managing difficult behaviours plus others
  • Several Certificates of Service.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Business Owner

S K Commercial Builders
10.2021 - Current

Clinical Care Coordinator

Baptcare
10.2007 - 10.2021

Clinical Care Coordinator

Benetas
06.1994 - 10.2007

Registered Nurse

Llandyssil Aged Care
06.1991 - 06.1994

Agency Registered Nurse

Keilor Nurses Agency
10.1990 - 06.1992

Registered Nurse Division 1 - Registered Nurse Training

Blackpool Victoria Hospital School of Nursing

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Karen Summers