Rebecca Whitehead
Nursing
Wollongong,NSW
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate nurse with proven ability to provide patient care in fast-paced environment. Calm and level-headed when handling high-stress situations. Uses strong communication skills and humor to develop professional relationships with patients and families.
Diligent Clinical Nurse with demonstrated success in emergency care. Responsive and agile to dynamic patient needs and environmental conditions. Team oriented and reliable with expert healthcare knowledge and sound clinical judgment. C
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.
Committed professional well-versed in collecting and analyzing data to evaluate interventions and programs. Skilled in creating and maintaining accurate patient records and medical documentation. Creates positive, collaborative working environment with colleagues and other healthcare providers to support delivery of optimal patient care
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Nurse Unit Manager
The Disability Trust
09.2021 - 02.2024
- Responsible for 10 permanent Registered Nurses
- Provided care for 16 Adults with Multiple complex disabilities and co-morbidities
- Assisted in development and implementation of new clinical programs.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores through consistent delivery of compassionate and culturally competent care.
- Administered medications and treatments to manage patient's condition.
- Assisted in developing continuing education programs, enhancing staff knowledge and skills in clinical practice areas.
- Evaluated patient progress, assessed outcomes and provided follow-up care.
- Coordinated seamless transitions between levels of care by effectively communicating with multidisciplinary team members throughout the process.
- Maintained strong working relationships with physicians and ancillary staff, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care delivery.
- Explained side effects from medications and provided in-depth education to patients on diabetes, asthma, cancer, and other diseases.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient records, contributing to improved quality assurance measures.
- Monitored patients, evaluated results, and recommended further courses of treatment to quickly improve patient outcomes.
Nurse Manager
Illawarra/Shoalhaven Local Health District
08.2017 - 09.2021
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Monitored clinical outcomes closely, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Coordinated staffing resources during times of high patient acuity or census fluctuations to maintain optimal nurse-to-patient ratios.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Reviewed department performance and adjusted coverage to compensate for changing conditions.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Managed 120 nurses and nursing activities 24-bed Intensive care unit in the Wollongong hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.12
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Established strong relationships with patients'' families, providing support and education throughout the treatment process.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Advocated for patients'' rights and ethical considerations in all aspects of care delivery.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Acting Nurse Manager
IllawarraArea Health Service-Wollongong Intensive
02.2016 - 08.2017
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new hires, ensuring quality care and consistency in nursing practices.
- Implemented infection control measures, resulting in reduced incidence of hospital-acquired infections.
- Evaluated skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Monitored clinical outcomes closely, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department, conducting regular risk assessments and addressing potential hazards promptly.
Clinical Nursing Unit Manager
ISLHD
03.2007 - 02.2016
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits, staff education, and policy updates.
- Removed trash and straightened counters to keep pharmacy area clean and neat.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently overseeing the administration of medications to patients.
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication and coordination of patient care plans.
- Met with nursing staff and support personnel to plan services, programs and activities.
- Improved patient satisfaction with timely and accurate communication between patients, families, and medical professionals.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Coordinated nursing with other services to promote continuity of total regimen of care.
- Developed policies and procedures for effective pharmacy management.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities, staff schedules, and unit metrics for transparency and efficient reporting.
- Mentored new hires during orientation periods for seamless integration into the team while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively to ensure a seamless transition for patients from the hospital to their next level of care.
- Streamlined daily operations for increased productivity by delegating tasks and supervising nursing staff.
- Contributed to hospital-wide quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas of opportunity within the unit and implementing best practices.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient unit management processes and coordinating interdisciplinary teams.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Oversaw RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, medical clerks and support staff and performed staffing scheduling duties.
- Developed strong working relationships with physicians, nurses, therapists, and ancillary staff for cohesive unit functioning.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Wollongong Intensive Care Unit
06.2003 - 03.2007
- Facilitated training sessions for new hires, ensuring they were well-equipped to perform their duties efficiently and safely.
- Ordered lab tests and interpreted test results and maintained patient records.
- Supported patient self-advocacy within family relationships and during treatment plans.
- Facilitated and attended interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient care.
- Reviewed charts weekly to complete quality control checks.
- Established effective communication channels between nurses, physicians, and other team members, promoting seamless coordination of patient care efforts.
- Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge.
- Developed comprehensive care plans for patients, resulting in enhanced health management.
- Assisted in development and implementation of new clinical programs.
- Performed head-to-toe physical assessments, prioritizing treatment and delegating assignments to maintain patient flows.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Initiated care plan and actualized appropriate interventions and treatment.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Implemented and monitored infection control protocols.
- Administered performance evaluations and probationary reviews to assess nursing personnel.
- Served as a clinical expert resource for fellow nurses, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
- Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
- Provided specialized consultation services for complex cases, effectively addressing unique patient needs.
- Conducted research projects to inform best practices in nursing care, contributing to overall improvements in the healthcare field.
- Documented all aspects of care following facility and Medicare standards, creating accurate patient records of all interactions and interventions to sustain continuity of care.
Registered Nurse
Illawarra Area Health Service
12.1995 - 04.2003
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
Student Midwife
University Of Wollongong-Master Of Science /Mid
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Guided new parents through the transition into parenthood by providing emotional support, practical advice, and hands-on assistance where needed.
- Checked general and mental health and overall comfort of mothers in prenatal appointments.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the midwifery practice to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction rates.
- Advised patients on lifestyle modifications and preventative measures for the health of mother and baby.
- Promoted benefits of breastfeeding and offered education on proper positioning, latching and breast care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development activities to stay current on best practices in maternity care delivery systems.
- Provided continuous one-on-one care during labor to enhance patient satisfaction with the birthing experience.
- Delivered over 30 newborns as a student midwife.
- Assisted in childbirth deliveries, ensuring the safety of both mother and baby.
- Contributed to a positive work environment within the midwifery team by fostering open communication and mutual respect among colleagues.
- Monitored the health of mothers and babies post-delivery, providing guidance and support.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation in accordance with professional and legal requirements.
- Watched vital signs, checked for comfort levels and monitored emotional states of mothers before, during, and after labor.
- Advocated for mothers' rights and choices to make informed decisions about care by respecting human autonomy.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for pregnant individuals and their families.
- Supported clients experiencing high-risk pregnancies by collaborating closely with obstetricians and other healthcare specialists to ensure optimal care.
- Used special labor and delivery procedures, including episiotomy and forceps deliveries.
- Assessed fetal distress during labor and delivery and provided appropriate interventions.
- Conducted prenatal examinations and provided guidance and support to mothers-to-be.
- Performed routine postpartum care, such as suturing and wound care.
- Followed professional standards and guidelines by adhering to ethical and legal guidelines and maintaining continued education certifications.
- Monitored fetal heart rate patterns throughout labor to detect early signs of distress or complications.
- Provided postpartum care, including monitoring physical recovery, infant feeding support, and emotional well-being assessments.
- Conducted antenatal visits, assessing patients'' well-being and addressing any concerns or complications that arose during pregnancy.
- Administered pain medication during deliveries to keep mothers comfortable and safe during delivery.
Registered Nurse
Illawarra Area Health Service
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Enrolled Nurse
Department Of Community Services, DOCS
01.1987 - 01.1993
Education
Diploma - Diploma of Leadership And Management
ARC Training
Online01.2023
No Degree - Awarded Leadership And Management Qualification
NSWNA
New South Wales Nurses Assosciation01.2018
No Degree - Certificate Effective Leadership And Management
TAFE NSW
Wollongong, NSW12.2008
No Degree - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Management
NSW Royal College of Nursing
Sydney, NSW01.2006
Master of Science - Midwifery
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW01.2002
No Degree - Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Nursing
New South Wales Royal College Nursing
Wollongong, NSW12.1999
No Degree - Certificate in High Dependancy Nursing
Intensive Care Unit
Wollongong, NSW12.1997
Diploma Applied Science-Nursing - Registered Nurse
University of Wollongong
Sydney, NSW12.1992
Skills
- Care Coordination
- Cardiac monitors
- Clinical judgment
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers
- Vital Signs Documentation
- Patient Care
- Family Education
- Patient Relations
- Health Promotion
Timeline
Clinical Nurse Unit Manager
The Disability Trust
09.2021 - 02.2024
Nurse Manager
Illawarra/Shoalhaven Local Health District
08.2017 - 09.2021
Acting Nurse Manager
IllawarraArea Health Service-Wollongong Intensive
02.2016 - 08.2017
Clinical Nursing Unit Manager
ISLHD
03.2007 - 02.2016
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Wollongong Intensive Care Unit
06.2003 - 03.2007
Student Midwife
University Of Wollongong-Master Of Science /Mid
01.2001 - 01.2002
Registered Nurse
Illawarra Area Health Service
12.1995 - 04.2003
Registered Nurse
Illawarra Area Health Service
01.1993 - 01.1995
Enrolled Nurse
Department Of Community Services, DOCS
01.1987 - 01.1993
Diploma - Diploma of Leadership And Management
ARC Training
No Degree - Awarded Leadership And Management Qualification
NSWNA
No Degree - Certificate Effective Leadership And Management
TAFE NSW
No Degree - Graduate Certificate in Clinical Management
NSW Royal College of Nursing
Master of Science - Midwifery
University of Wollongong
No Degree - Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Nursing
New South Wales Royal College Nursing
No Degree - Certificate in High Dependancy Nursing
Intensive Care Unit
Diploma Applied Science-Nursing - Registered Nurse
University of Wollongong
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