Rhea May Thomas
Port Fairy,VIC
Summary
Accomplished Clinical Nurse Specialist with a proven track record at South West Healthcare, enhancing patient safety and satisfaction through innovative quality improvement initiatives. Skilled in patient care coordination and leadership, I excel in fostering teamwork and utilising nursing research to inform best practices. My compassionate approach and problem-solving abilities have significantly contributed to advancing nursing excellence and achieving notable outcomes in patient care.
Healthcare professional prepared for this role with robust background in clinical nursing and patient care. Proven ability to implement effective care plans and improve patient outcomes. Focuses on team collaboration and achieving results, with skills in clinical assessment and patient education.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Nurse Specialist
South West Healthcare
12.2019 - 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. Active member of Paediatric Emergency Medicine Special Group in the Emergency Department.
- 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.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care practices and clinical guidelines.
- Provided specialized consultation services for complex cases, effectively addressing unique patient needs.
- Managed patient caseloads, ensuring each individual received personalized and comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
- Facilitated training sessions for new hires, ensuring they were well-equipped to perform their duties efficiently and safely.
- Streamlined processes within the department, leading to increased efficiency and better resource allocation.
- Evaluated patient progress and responses to various treatments.
- Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate clinical questions.
- Conducted research projects to inform best practices in nursing care, contributing to overall improvements in the healthcare field.
- Ordered radiologic imaging and pathology tests and interpreted and reported results to attending doctors and maintained patient records.
- Explained side effects from medications and provided in-depth education to patients on diabetes, asthma, and other diseases.
- Advocated for patients' physical, psychosocial, developmental, spiritual and emotional needs during planning.
- Documented all aspects of care following facility and Medicare standards, creating accurate patient records of all interactions and interventions to sustain continuity of care.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to devise and manage individualized plans of care.
- Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
- Responded to behavioural (Code Grey) and medical crises codes, i.e. Metcall & Code Blue.
- Supervised professional and paraprofessional nursing staff and delegated tasks to maintain continuum of care.
- 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.
- Supported patient self-advocacy within family relationships and during treatment plans.
- Performed head-to-toe physical assessments, prioritizing treatment and delegating assignments to maintain patient flows.
- Sought opportunities to improve patient care, outcomes and nursing staff performance.
- Served as clinical resource to staff, patients and families.
- Documented patient progress and care interventions in their electronic medical records.
- Created educational materials for staff and patients.
- Conducted research and developed evidence-based clinical guidelines.
Nursing Coordinator (After Hours)
St. John of God
08.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to develop targeted interventions for at-risk patients, reducing complications during treatment courses.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive nursing care plans.
- Streamlined communication between interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless patient care transitions.
- Championed evidence-based practice initiatives integrating research findings into daily operational procedures yielding improved results.
- Promoted a safe and healthy work environment by enforcing infection control protocols and safety guidelines.
- Optimized resource allocation by monitoring staffing levels, supplies, and equipment availability.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, ancillary services, patients, families ensuring clear communication throughout the course of care.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly providing constructive feedback aimed at promoting ongoing skill development.
- Managed conflict resolution among nursing staff to maintain a positive work atmosphere and foster teamwork.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores with personalized care plans tailored to individual needs.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate documentation and staying current on industry best practices.
- Mentored new nurses, providing guidance on clinical skills development and professional growth opportunities.
- Enhanced staff efficiency through the coordination of schedules, assignments, and workload distribution.
- Evaluated and monitored care and services throughout shift to improve quality levels.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviours to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Moyne Health Services
04.2018 - 01.2020
- Evaluated staff performance regularly through constructive feedback sessions, performance reviews, and goal-setting exercises.
- Promoted professional development among nursing staff via regular mentoring sessions and educational opportunities.
- Assisted in the development of annual budgets for the unit considering factors such as staffing requirements equipment needs and program expansions.
- Implemented innovative strategies to reduce readmission rates for patients with chronic conditions or complex needs.
- Reduced medication errors with strict adherence to protocols, ongoing training, and close monitoring of staff performance.
- Continuously updated clinical knowledge through ongoing education, attending conferences and seminars, and staying current with industry trends.
- Facilitated timely patient discharges by collaborating closely with attending physicians and allied health professionals.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by fostering a compassionate and supportive nursing environment.
- Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and coordinating interdisciplinary team collaboration.
- Served as a positive role model for junior nurses by demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, professionalism, and ethical behaviour at all times.
- Managed critical incidents effectively to ensure the safety of patients and staff members in high-stress situations.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families through open communication channels, education, and support services.
- Provided support during organizational transitions or changes in leadership by maintaining open lines of communication with staff and addressing concerns promptly.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards by maintaining accurate documentation and conducting thorough audits.
- Collaborated in multidisciplinary rounds daily to discuss individualized care plans for high-acuity patients to improve overall outcomes.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.
- Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training.
- Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols.
- Worked at least 24 hours per week as floor nurse to maintain clinical proficiency.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents for continued compliance with associated regulations.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
Critical Care Registered Nurse
I-Nurse Nursing Agency
03.2016 - 06.2019
- Requested to be Nurse in charge in the ICU on multiple occasions in regularly dispatched Private Hospitals
- Administered life-saving medications and therapies under strict protocols, guiding patients towards recovery from acute illnesses or injuries.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Monitored haemodynamic parameters and analyzed complex data sets, making appropriate adjustments to treatment plans based on patient response.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on providing exceptional patient-centred care within a fast-paced critical care environment.
- Maintained high standards of infection control within the critical care unit, contributing to a safer environment for both patients and staff.
- Utilised advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams during daily rounds to develop individualized treatment plans based on specific patient needs and goals.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans for critically ill patients.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care between critical care and other hospital units by maintaining effective communication with receiving staff and providing thorough handoff reports.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
- Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Monash Medical Centre
01.2009 - 08.2017
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
- Enhanced ICU team efficiency by providing continuous education on best nursing practices and protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
- Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on best practices and advancements within the field of critical care nursing.
- Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the ICU unit and promoting a supportive workplace culture.
- Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
- Effectively managed stressors associated with working in an intensive care setting while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented nursing interventions, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient information in while fostering trust between medical staff and patient's families.
- Supported needs of medically complex patients with skilled nursing care.
- Implemented identified treatment plans for patients to maintain stable conditions and achieve reasonable improvements.
- Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
- Documented and carried out directives of primary intensivists.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for paediatric, adult, and geriatric ICU patients.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
Education
Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA04-2025
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing - Nursing
Monash University
Clayton, VICInitial Registration Division 1 For OQN - Nursing
Victorian College of Health And Nursing
Heidelberg, VICBachelor of Science - Nursing
Emilio Aguinaldo College
Manila, PhilippinesSkills
- Patient care coordination
- Leadership and management
- Patient assessments
- Nursing research utilisation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Clinical leadership & Ethical Practice
- Continuing education
- Compassionate and caring
- Problem-solving
- BLS/ALS
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with the hospital educators in the development and implementation of instructions and guidelines on how to effectively prepare medications during an emergency situation in paediatrics utilising the 3-way cap. Currently being implemented in both hospitals where I work.
- Collaborated with the education team in developing a checklist for junior nurses in managing patients with ACS in the emergency department.
Certification
- Safe script Education – April 2024
- Rash & common skin conditions - April 2024
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - May 2024
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease & Bleeding in Early Pregnancy – June 2024
- Nurse Practitioner Skills Assessment Day – August 2024
- Abdominal Examination – September 2024
- Australian Sepsis Grand Round – September 2024
- Early Management of Severe Trauma (EMST) Nurse Candidate – March 2023
- Occupational Exposure Education – October 2023
- Paediatric Trauma Management – October 2023
- Nurse Practitioner Education Day – November 2023
- Suturing Skills – December 2023
- Fracture Management: Immobilisation, Splinting
And Casting Course - April 2022
- PIPER Paediatric Advanced Education Program - July 2022
- Emergency Triage Course SWHC ED - July 2021
- Emergency Triage Course (CENA Online) - September & November 2021
Affiliations
- Australian College of Nurse Practitioner - Associate Member
- Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation - Job Representative
Timeline
Nursing Coordinator (After Hours)
St. John of God
08.2022 - Current
Clinical Nurse Specialist
South West Healthcare
12.2019 - Current
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Moyne Health Services
04.2018 - 01.2020
Critical Care Registered Nurse
I-Nurse Nursing Agency
03.2016 - 06.2019
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Monash Medical Centre
01.2009 - 08.2017
Master of Science - Nurse Practitioner
Flinders University
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing - Nursing
Monash University
Initial Registration Division 1 For OQN - Nursing
Victorian College of Health And Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Emilio Aguinaldo College
Similar Profiles
Nikki SlagterNikki Slagter
Emergency Department/Medical Surgical Registered Nurse at South West HealthcareEmergency Department/Medical Surgical Registered Nurse at South West Healthcare
Holly Janet BarnesHolly Janet Barnes
Clinical Placement 4 at South West HealthcareClinical Placement 4 at South West Healthcare
ANU GEORGEANU GEORGE
Registered Nurse, Medical Unit at South West HealthcareRegistered Nurse, Medical Unit at South West Healthcare
Jonty WestJonty West
Cook's Assistant at Kermonds BurgersCook's Assistant at Kermonds Burgers
Jessica TaylorJessica Taylor
Early Childhood Educator and Teacher at Port Fairy Community Services CentreEarly Childhood Educator and Teacher at Port Fairy Community Services Centre