Michelle Wills
KANAHOOKA,NSW
Summary
With a proven track record at Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, I excel in patient care coordination and leadership, significantly enhancing patient satisfaction and safety. My expertise in critical thinking and interprofessional collaboration has driven quality improvements and fostered a culture of excellence and continuous learning among nursing staff. Registered Nurse with 33 years of experience in direct patient care and nursing management positions in hospital settings. Experience spans across behavioral and mental health, Oncology, Renal, Cardiac, Respiratory, and med-surgical environments. Passionate about providing programs and services in support of growth and healing for patients with mental health issues. Active listener with direct communication style and compassionate, non-judgmental approach to build patient trust and rapport. Outside-the-box thinker with strong crisis resolution skills. Considerate expert with passion for providing excellent patient care. Skilled in collaborating with healthcare teams to identify and implement patient-centered strategies to improve care quality and outcomes. Dedicated to promoting patient education and advocating for evidence-based practice.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Relief After Hours Manager
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Streamlined nursing operations for increased efficiency by optimizing staff scheduling and resource allocation.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Coordinated staffing resources during times of high patient acuity or census fluctuations to maintain optimal nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Paediatric Gen Med Isolation CNS
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
11.2002 - Current
- Mentored nursing staff through professional development opportunities, enhancing their skill sets and competencies.
- Maintained professional development by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars, staying informed on emerging trends and best practices within the nursing field.
- Served as a clinical expert resource for fellow nurses, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and improve patient satisfaction.
- Established effective communication channels between nurses, physicians, and other team members, promoting seamless coordination of patient care efforts.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that led to measurable enhancements in patient safety and satisfaction levels.
- Contributed to policy development within the organization by providing valuable insights from a nursing perspective.
- Provided specialized consultation services for complex cases, effectively addressing unique patient needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care practices and clinical guidelines.
- Facilitated training sessions for new hires, ensuring they were well-equipped to perform their duties efficiently and safely.
- Managed patient caseloads, ensuring each individual received personalized and comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
- Provided counseling to patients and families and referred patients to other treatment facilities.
- Evaluated patient progress and responses to various treatments.
- Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate medical questions.
- Conducted research projects to inform best practices in nursing care, contributing to overall improvements in the healthcare field.
- Explained side effects from medications and provided in-depth education to patients on diabetes, asthma, cancer, and other diseases.
- Advocated for patients' physical, psychosocial, developmental, spiritual and emotional needs during planning.
- Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
- Responded to behavioral and medical crises codes.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Motivated nursing staff to pursue advanced training and collaborated with unit leaders to identify skill needs.
- Oversaw admissions and discharges and scheduling of nursing staff.
- Performed head-to-toe physical assessments, prioritizing treatment and delegating assignments to maintain patient flows.
- Collaborated with physicians, advising physicians on patients' conditions and assisting in coordinating diagnostic testing and follow up appointments to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Interacted effectively with department managers to promptly correct problems and improve services.
- Counselled families to help improve communication with various services.
- Manage up to 9 nurses across 24-bed General Medical / Respiratory Isolation unit.
- Served as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families.
- Documented patient progress and care interventions in medical records.
- Facilitated and attended interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient care.
- Implemented and monitored infection control protocols.
- Monitored clinical staff performance and provided feedback.
- Monitored and maintained clinical supplies, materials and inventory.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
Covid Virtual Hospital
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in nursing practice to enhance effectiveness in delivering quality care.
- Provided emotional support to patients'' family members during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
NICU Registered Nurse
Wollongong Hospital
06.2013 - 12.2017
- On the casual pool, working exclusively in the NICU at least twice per month
- Managed complex cases, addressing needs of premature infants requiring Bubble CPAP support, Oxygen therapy, IV therapy, exchange transfusions and total parenteral nutrition.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing exceptional care for critically ill neonates in a Level II NICU setting.
- Promoted family-centered care, involving parents in the decision-making process and educating them about their infant''s condition.
- Assisted physicians with neonatal procedures such as, umbilical line insertion, and lumbar puncture.
- Provided emotional support to families during difficult times, demonstrating empathy and understanding in high-stress situations.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify subtle changes in patient conditions promptly initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications and blood products safely, following established guidelines to minimize adverse effects on patients.
- Achieved positive patient outcomes, by closely monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatments accordingly.
- Supported lactation efforts, offering guidance and resources to mothers, which promoted successful breastfeeding practices.
- Advocated for patients and families, ensuring their needs were met and concerns were addressed in a timely manner.
- Reduced infection rates through strict adherence to infection control protocols and proper hand hygiene practices.
- Administered critical medications and treatments to neonates, ensuring adherence to hospital protocols for patient safety.
Paediatric Nurse
Canterbury Hospital
11.1999 - 10.2002
- Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
- Administered vaccinations and medications accurately, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills by prioritizing tasks and efficiently delegating responsibilities, ensuring all patients received timely care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to quickly respond to emergency situations, stabilizing patients until further medical assistance arrived.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and confidence in the nursing team''s abilities.
- Delivered high-quality patient care consistently, adhering to unit protocols and hospital policies while maintaining a professional demeanor under pressure.
- Assessed pediatric patients'' growth and development, identifying potential issues early for timely intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate and empathetic communication with children and families.
- Monitored vital signs closely during procedures or treatments, intervening swiftly when necessary to maintain patient stability.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress, enabling informed decision-making among healthcare providers.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay abreast of the latest advances in pediatric nursing practices.
- Mentored new nurses and provided guidance on best practices in pediatric nursing, elevating the standard of care within the department.
- Provided education to parents on proper home care techniques, minimizing hospital readmissions and promoting long-term wellbeing.
- Maintained continuous growth of professional knowledge and competencies through ongoing education opportunities.
Paediatric Registered Nurse
Wollongong Hospital
08.1997 - 10.1999
- Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
- Administered vaccinations and medications accurately, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills by prioritizing tasks and efficiently delegating responsibilities, ensuring all patients received timely care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to quickly respond to emergency situations, stabilizing patients until further medical assistance arrived.
- Delivered high-quality patient care consistently, adhering to unit protocols and hospital policies while maintaining a professional demeanor under pressure.
- Maintained continuous growth of professional knowledge and competencies through ongoing education opportunities.
- Participated in continuous education to remain current with pediatric nursing best practices, directly impacting patient care quality.
- Advocated for patient needs with healthcare providers, securing necessary interventions for optimal health results.
- Enhanced patient recovery by developing and implementing individualized care plans for pediatric patients.
- Enhanced infection control measures, significantly decreasing incidence of hospital-acquired infections in pediatric unit.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Paediatric General Medical Isolation Nurse
Sydney Children’s Hospital
09.1996 - 08.1997
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering teamwork and improving unit efficiency.
- Reduced medication errors through thorough double-checking of prescriptions and dosages.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in nursing practice to enhance effectiveness in delivering quality care.
Paediatric Isolation Nurse
Sydney Children’s Hospital
01.1992 - 06.1995
Paediatric Nurse, New Graduate Program
Sydney Children’s Hospital
01.1991 - 01.1992
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Reduced medication errors through thorough double-checking of prescriptions and dosages.
- Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.
- Consistently adhered to strict safety guidelines while administering medications or performing invasive procedures.
- Developed an efficient shift handover process which improved continuity of care between nursing shifts.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Education
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant - Nursing Education
Australasian Lactation Courses
OnlineCertificate In AUSLAN - Australian Sign Language
TAFE NSW
Wollongong, NSW- - Management of Adolescent Asthma
Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital
Online2024
Bachelor Of Applied Science - Nursing
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW11.1990
Skills
- Critical thinking abilities
- Patient Care Coordination
- Advanced clinical knowledge
- Leadership and management
- Patient Assessments
- Medical Histories
- Nursing research utilization
- Patient education strategies
- IV therapy proficiency
- Healthcare Policy Advocacy
- Health Promotion
- Patient confidentiality
- Interprofessional Collaboration
- Direct Patient Care
- Quality Assurance Controls
- Nurse Leadership
- Patient Education
- Clinical assessment
- Patient Advocacy
- Patient Health Education
- Clinical Leadership
- Medication Administration
- EMR Systems
- Discharge Planning
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS)
- Decision-Making
- Specialized Care
- Accreditation Process Implementation
- Medical Condition Monitoring
- Nursing Staff Supervision
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Team Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
Affiliations
NSWNMA
Timeline
Covid Virtual Hospital
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
06.2021 - 09.2021
NICU Registered Nurse
Wollongong Hospital
06.2013 - 12.2017
Paediatric Gen Med Isolation CNS
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
11.2002 - Current
Paediatric Nurse
Canterbury Hospital
11.1999 - 10.2002
Paediatric Registered Nurse
Wollongong Hospital
08.1997 - 10.1999
Paediatric General Medical Isolation Nurse
Sydney Children’s Hospital
09.1996 - 08.1997
Paediatric Isolation Nurse
Sydney Children’s Hospital
01.1992 - 06.1995
Paediatric Nurse, New Graduate Program
Sydney Children’s Hospital
01.1991 - 01.1992
Relief After Hours Manager
Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant - Nursing Education
Australasian Lactation Courses
Certificate In AUSLAN - Australian Sign Language
TAFE NSW
- - Management of Adolescent Asthma
Royal Melbourne Children’s Hospital
Bachelor Of Applied Science - Nursing
University of Wollongong
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