Maree O'Connell
Lower Chittering,Select
Summary
Experienced Diversional Therapist/Lifestyle Coordinator with 30 years of experience in client assessments, treatment planning, and ongoing evaluations. Proficient in effective intervention and assessment techniques, adept at unraveling physical, mental, and emotional layers to identify root causes of problems and develop strong coping skills for diverse scenarios. Passionate about positively impacting patient lives through interdisciplinary collaboration. Specializes in teaching techniques to deal with daily challenges and behavior modification. Resourceful and personable Coordinator with deep knowledge in facilitating communication and providing appropriate solutions. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills enable meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Honed expert team leadership, planning, and organizational skills throughout a successful career, equipping employees to independently handle daily functions and meet customer needs. Diligent trainer and mentor employing exceptional management abilities and a results-driven approach.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lifestyle Coordinator
Baptistcare Morrison Gardens
02.2024 - Current
- Team Management & Leadership: Skilled in managing multidisciplinary teams, providing direction and support, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Also experience in coordinating family meetings to ensure holistic care.
- Rostering & Budgeting: Successfully implemented staff rosters and utilized Excel for budgeting, ensuring optimal resource allocation and time management.
- Program Implementation: Developed and led activity programs for dementia residents, enhancing their quality of life and ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Advanced Care Planning & Documentation: Experienced in advanced care planning, admission documentation, and ensuring adherence to audit regulations, with a focus on meeting industry standards and maintaining quality care.
- Regulatory Compliance: Familiar with audit regulations and have achieved continuous improvement in compliance measures within the facility.
- Developed strong relationships with local vendors, securing exclusive deals for community events.
Nurse Assistant/Healthcare Assistant
Beetham Healthcare
08.2019 - Current
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Administered Medications / Peg Feeding
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioural concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Helped patients effectively manage routine bathing, grooming, and other hygiene needs.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Conferred with multidisciplinary healthcare team to help effectively manage patient conditions with regular testing and vitals assessments.
- Evaluated patients' progress in treatment, communicating observations to physician on duty to maintain or adjust prescribed care.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioural concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
Diversional Therapist
Dunblane Rest Home, Hospital & Dementia Unit
01.2013 - 12.2019
- Regulatory Compliance: Familiar with audit regulations and have achieved continuous improvement in compliance measures within the facility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Implemented Activity Program for Dementia Residents
- Achieved continuous Improvement in Auditing.
- Sole Divisional Therapist in Dementia Unit
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
Service Coordinator
Healthcare New Zealand
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Communicated with clients and service providers to provide updates on work progress.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues to drive satisfaction and loyalty.
- Coordinated and monitored service activities to confirm work met all requirements.
- Assessed customer needs and developed solutions to meet needs.
- Managed and coordinated service teams to achieve successful completion of service projects.
- Maintained accurate records and full compliance with government regulations and agency guidelines.
- Initiated contact with appropriate service providers to request referrals and followed up to confirm appointments.
- Developed efficient processes and procedures to achieve prompt delivery and completion of service projects.
- Developed and maintained database of service providers and vendors for easy and quick access to list of qualified providers for different jobs.
- Developed and implemented training programs for service personnel to improve individual capabilities and enhance team performance.
- Efficiently assisted service workers with problematic transactions to maintain customer satisfaction and quickly rectify issues.
- Managed efficient teams of up to 90 employees.
Activities Co-Ordinator/Healthcare Assistant
Te Wiremu Healthcare
03.2007 - 01.2012
- Assisted with patient hygiene, physical comfort, eating, and drinking, and mobility while observing and reporting specific changes.
- Supervised patients on commodes, in toilets, and bathrooms and assisted patients with hygiene needs.
- Maintained clean environment with due consideration to health and safety issues and infection control policy.
- Lifted patients using appropriate equipment in accordance with moving and handling policy.
- Observed patient skin conditions and reported findings to registered nurse.
- Delivered high standard of holistic care to patients to promote equality and dignity.
- Aided patients with walking and limb exercises to improve strength and balance.
- Administered prescribed medications and monitored patient reactions to address contraindications.
- Collected biological samples for testing and lab work, in alignment with health and safety protocols.
- Participated in cleaning and maintenance of medical equipment to assist in department function and regulation compliance.
- Adhered to patient special diets and provided supplementary drinks under nursing staff supervision.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Followed directions of licensed nurses to administer medications and treatments.
- Reduced risks of patient infection and cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Time Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Staff Training and Development
- Staff Management
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
- Performance Management
- Budget Control
Accomplishments
References applied when required
Certification
New Zealand Certification in Health & Wellbeing, Social & Community Services.
NCEA LEVEL 4
New Zealand Certification in Divisional Therapy .
NCEA LEVEL 4
Tai Poutini Polytechnic Dementia Unit Standards.
NCEA LEVEL 4
CPD Certified Alison
Diploma In Dementia Care
NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission
NDIS New Induction Module
Manual Handling for Aged Care
Timeline
Lifestyle Coordinator
Baptistcare Morrison Gardens
02.2024 - Current
Nurse Assistant/Healthcare Assistant
Beetham Healthcare
08.2019 - Current
Service Coordinator
Healthcare New Zealand
01.2019 - 07.2019
Diversional Therapist
Dunblane Rest Home, Hospital & Dementia Unit
01.2013 - 12.2019
Activities Co-Ordinator/Healthcare Assistant
Te Wiremu Healthcare
03.2007 - 01.2012
New Zealand Certification in Health & Wellbeing, Social & Community Services.
NCEA LEVEL 4
New Zealand Certification in Divisional Therapy .
NCEA LEVEL 4
Tai Poutini Polytechnic Dementia Unit Standards.
NCEA LEVEL 4
CPD Certified Alison
Diploma In Dementia Care
NDIS Quality & Safeguards Commission
NDIS New Induction Module
Manual Handling for Aged Care
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