Susan Maree Lewis
Hobart,TAS
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. Organized Nurse Manager dedicated to maintaining high-performance and quality-driven healthcare. Evaluating staff performance. Strong communicator developed skills in problem-solving and conflict management.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Nurse Manager Withdrawal Services
Department of health services
Hobart, Tasmania
08.2024 - Current
- Oversee smooth running of a 10-bed unit based on a 7-day medically assisted detox program.
- Rostering and staff management, probation reports, professional development meetings.
- Developed and implemented nursing policies and procedures.
- Provided guidance to staff on patient care, clinical practice, and professional development.
- Participated in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, orientation of new employees.
- Monitored quality assurance activities for compliance with standards of care.
- Collaborated with other departments to ensure quality patient outcomes.
- Assisted with budgeting process by forecasting staffing needs and supplies.
- Evaluated performance of individual nurses against established standards.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress and plan care strategies.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss concerns or issues related to nursing practices.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, sick leave requests, vacation time.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication with staff members.
- Investigated incidents or complaints from patients or their families.
- Addressed disciplinary issues among staff in accordance with organizational policy.
- Resolved conflicts between staff members in an efficient manner.
- Facilitated communication between physicians, nurses, support services personnel.
- Monitored staff performance and provided coaching and formal counseling to staff.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Applied clinical judgment and comprehensive knowledge of facility policies to assist floor nurses with patient care decisions.
Acting Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Department health services
Hobart, Tasmania
04.2024 - Current
- Assisting the Nurse Manger in the clinical oversight of the unit, Current portfolios
- Provided direct supervision to nursing staff including hiring, disciplinary action, staff assignments, and performance evaluations.
- Developed strategies to improve patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
- Responded to complex clinical questions from patients and families regarding diagnosis and treatment options.
- Collaborated with physicians, other healthcare providers, and administrative personnel to ensure optimal patient care delivery.
- Monitored staffing levels to meet patient needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Maintained current knowledge of evidence-based practice guidelines related to nursing care delivery.
- Implemented infection control protocols throughout the facility in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Served as a mentor for new employees providing guidance on departmental practices and procedures.
- Reviewed medical charts for accuracy ensuring proper documentation is present according to policy.
- Received and investigated complaints from families, patients and clinical staff, devising solutions to multifaceted challenges.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
Inpatient Withdrawal Unit – Alcohol and Drug Services
01.2020 - Current
- Effective assessment and management of persons presenting at the Inpatient withdrawal unit with alcohol and drug related problems
- The ability to utilize and conduct a range of assessments and therapeutic interventions for clients undergoing withdrawal (including risk, developing appropriate nursing care plans)
- Perform basic interventions requested from MO/RMOs, venipuncture, ECG, Stat medications, assessments, etc
- Monitor client’s health/mental health status during the detoxification process, utilising appropriate clinical monitoring charts and responding appropriately to changes in the clients’ health status
- Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions surrounding client care and organise care plans and treatment pathways
- Administering of schedule 8 narcotics safely in accordance with ANMC medication guidelines
- Practice health promotion, through relapse prevention, smoking cessation, healthy eating, art therapy, and brief intervention clinics
- Maintain confidentiality and dignity of clients and their family, whilst engaging in therapeutic relationships and providing support during their stay in the detox unit
- Confidence in de-escalating techniques with upset clients
- Admitting clients whilst following the appropriate pathways to facilitate a comfortable admission
- Ability to be ‘in charge’ during a shift and delegate tasks to other staff on duty in a fair and friendly manner
- Constantly showing initiative in all areas of nursing and demonstrating good leadership and team player skills
- Being flexible in the changes due to COVID-19 and undergoing training so I can safely swab clients if they exhibit any COVID symptoms
- Follow the appropriate procedure and protocol following a suspected COVID case, including isolating the client, COVID swabbing, don and doff the appropriate PPE, taking the appropriate precautions to ensure safety amongst clients and staff.
Registered Nurse Level 2
Presbyterian Care Tasmania (ADARDS)
12.2008 - Current
- Clinical Nurse Specialist dementia specific, Acting Manager of care services (when manager is not in facility or on RDO)
- Responsibilities included Staff employment, disciplinary processes, working towards accreditation standards and outcomes, Electronic documentation and care planning.
Registered Nurse Educator Uniting Agewell
11.2017 - 03.2019
- Part of a team implementing online mandatory training, face to face training
- Organising education sessions around all aspects of older persons care needs and health
- Orientation and induction programs, working with post graduate nurses
- Pressure injury prevention program.
Registered Nurse Older Persons Mental Health
01.2016 - 10.2017
- Provide a therapeutic level of care to patients presenting with Mental Health illness
- Provide safe and ethical care
- Liaise with family, doctors and allied health professionals maintaining open communication between all
- Supervise staff and there work practices according to organisational policies and procedure
- Precept student nurses and beginning practitioners using “best practice” policy
- Promote Legal ethical and moral standards of care throughout the unit
- Identify and act upon unsafe equipment or care promote quality improvement.
Care Manager Uniting Agewell Ningana
06.2014 - 01.2016
- Manage the care delivery for 72 residents
- Ensure systemic planning, implementation, evaluation of resident care for all residents
- Direct and manage as well as staff appraisal and new staff recruitment for the facility
- Performance manage staff as necessary and actively contribute to a culture shift within the facility
- Manage the ACFI team and delegates maximising funding for the organisation, review evidence in the packs
- Ensure best practise is delivered throughout the facility implementing and managing quality programs
- Monitor case conferencing and maximising outcomes for the residents and their wishes
- Proven ability to manage time effectively in a day to day capacity
- Complete Comprehensive assessment of residents with a change in condition, monitor response to a change in needs
- Monitor and plan care in relation to residents with cognitive impairments
- Nurse immuniser for staff and residents flu vaccination
- Case Management prior to eligibility to enter aged care facility.
Registered Nurse. Uniting Agewell Ningana Sorell site
11.2013 - 08.2014
- Registered Nurse providing and maintaining a high level of clinical care for care recipients with varying health needs
- ACFI: overseeing the staff under my supervision to complete the documentation required for funding requirements
- Within the role I am required to maintain documentation at a high level to meet the requirements of accreditation
- Currently I supervise Enrolled Nurses personal care assistants
- Provide clinical care according to care recipient’s needs, wound care, catheter care, medication administration, PEG feeds, stoma care, continence, mobility and many other requirements.
Registered Nurse. Supervisory role
12.2011 - 11.2013
- Clinical Nurse Specialist aged care
- Provide and maintain a high level of person cantered care needs to aged residents with high level care needs
- ACFI co-ordinator making sure funding requirements and documentation meet funding needs through collating documentation
- Currently my role is a supervisory role requiring me to oversee the care and documentation requirements of 80 residents
- Within the role I am required to maintain documentation at a high level to meet the requirements of accreditation
- Currently I supervise Enrolled Nurses personal care assistants
- Patient immunisation for annual flu vaccination.
Nurse Manger level 3
06.2011 - 12.2011
- Facilitate development and monitoring of standards of care for the resident population specifically dementia specific residents
- Using a person cantered approach to care and encompassing the Eden approach
- Meeting accreditation requirements
- Oversee and collate ACFI information and submit ACFI
- Promote a culture of evidence based practice
- Ensure documentation is consistent with contemporary practice
- Monitor staff practices and general productivity.
Registered Nurse Care Manager
Vaucluse Gardens residential care
07.2007 - 12.2008
- Facilitate development and monitoring of standards of care for the resident population specifically Accreditation Standard 2 and standard 3 acknowledging the interrelationship between standards
- Co-ordinating documentation requirements for ACFI
- Participate and support staff in the development and implementation of quality plans consistent with the mission, philosophy and strategic plan of the organisation and encourage staff to participate
- Structure and facilitate team work opportunities within the clinical environment and act as a change agent
- Mediate problems involving residents /families, hospital personnel and the public
- Promote a positive work environment through well-developed interpersonal skills and serve as a mentor to staff members
- Liaise with Director of Care, HR Manager and quality assurance Manager, to ensure resources are utilized effectively
- Participate in budget planning, monitoring and planning
- Staff appraisals and work analysis reporting.
Registered Nurse Level 2
Uniting aged care Strathaven
11.2006 - 07.2007
- Current duties as a level two nurse include, Assisting with the development, review and monitoring of policy and procedure
- Care plan co-ordinator review and compiling
- Staff supervision, education, organise training as identified
- Work with personal care staff during RCS reviews to ensure accurate data collection
- Organise and run case conferences with residents/families after admission
- Supervise Enrolled Nurses ensuring they work within scope of practice
- Preceptor to student nurses
- A co-ordinate new admission including initial assessment and documentation until RCS is completed
- Annual review and rewrite care plan
- Act as a resource for clinical procedures
- Update my skills regularly
- Maintain effective and open communication with all members of the care team, manager, residents, relatives and visitors
- Staff rostering and allocations, order medical supplies and continence aids
- Ensure a high standard of care and lifestyle options are delivered to residents
- Ensure staff documentation is up to date
- Remain flexible in my role as a level 2, up-skilling when required, resolve conflict.
Assessor and trainer / Registered Nurse
Parkside Training Services
Bellerive
12.2005 - 04.2007
- Conduct training courses with a set curriculum in, Medication management, PEG feed management, First aid workplace level 2 certificates
- These courses were offered to disability services extended care assistants
- Disability service care plan preparation
- Epilepsy care plan development and implementation in collaboration with Epilepsy Tasmania
- To provide ongoing support to students undertaking Certificate 111 and Certificate 1V in disability services and aged care.
Registered Nurse level 1
St Ann’s Inc.
Hobart
06.2004 - 09.2006
- Appointed responsible officer of a 38 bed unit, duty include stock control, RCS documentation and global reports, clinical care of the residents
- Maintain a high standard of resident care and needs
- Liaise with family, doctors and allied health professionals maintaining open communication between all
- Supervise staff and there work practices according to organisational policies and procedure
- Precept student nurses and beginning practitioners using “best practice” policy
- Promote Legal ethical and moral standards of care throughout the unit
- Identify and act upon unsafe equipment or care promote quality improvement
- Promoted the introduction and ongoing use of icare, an electronic documentation system designed for aged care facilities.
Trainer and assessor
St Johns Ambulance Moonah
06.2004 - 09.2006
- Conduct the training and assessment in the delivery of CPR theory and technique.
Registered Nurse
Independent Health Services Moonah
06.2004 - 12.2004
- Clinical nursing care and medication management for community based patients at home, semi-rural region
- Risk analysis and care plan development.
Enrolled Nurse 2 medication endorsed
St Ann’s Homes
11.1996 - 06.2004
- Clinical care and medication management within scope of practice of an Enrolled nurse
- Liaise with residents, families, Doctors and other allied health professionals
- Communicated well with my direct supervisors (registered Nurses)
- A focus on high standards of care delivered to residents, always re-evaluating my practice and others.
Enrolled Nurse
Hobart Private Hospital
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Work as part of a highly motivated team to deliver nursing care during surgery, as well as set up and clean up
- Working collaboratively with Registered Nurses, Surgeons and Anaesthetists
- Gained an excellent knowledge of sterile environment and wound care.
Registered Nurse Uniting Agewell
03.2019
- Registered Nurse providing and maintaining a high level of clinical care for care recipients with varying health needs
- Weekend supervisor and in-charge of 72 bed facility.
Sep 2010 Clinical Nurse Specialist
Presbyterian care
- Clinical Nurse Specialist, dementia specific care
- Provide and maintain a high level of person cantered care needs to aged residents with high level Dementia
- ACFI co-ordinator making sure funding requirements are met through collating documentation and requirements...
Registered Nurse
Skills institute Tasmania
- Teacher Human Services Aged care stream
- Currently teaching classroom based workshops/using training packages to deliver units, workload of current trainees Certificte11, 111, 1V Aged Care
- Certificate 1V Leisure and lifestyle
- Trainer Assessor and Registered Nurse
- Role included work place skills assessment
- Health Dimensions casual as required.
Jan 2009-OCT 2010 Clinical Nurse Manager L3
Presbyterian Care Tasmania (ADARDS)
- This position required clinical, organisational, leadership and management skills and a practical understanding and application of care for aged residents
- Responsibilities included Admission documentation and management of care plans
- Resource for all Nursing and Personal Care Staff Supporting and contributing to a focussed approach to care development
- Responsibilities included accurate clinical assessment of all residents
- Overseeing ACFI documentation and claim submissions
- Research “Best Practise “standards in the aged care sector
- Liaise with other health care professionals for the best outcome for residents care and general well-being
- Provide in-service training as required
- Act as Manager of facility in Managers absence
- Client case management prior to eligibility to enter aged care facilitity.
Registered Nurse
St Ann’s
- Responsibilities included Safety of the facility and residents
- Staffing issues as required, including roster replacements
- Clinical care of all residents, (142 bed facility).
Education
Post graduate certificate in Mental health Nursing -
University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Nursing -
University Tasmania
Post Graduate Certificate “Nurse immuniser RNCA -
Post Graduate certificate in dementia -
Bachelor of Nursing Degree -
University of Tasmania
Certificate IV in assessment and workplace training -
Archer College
ANCM NBT approved preceptor -
Northern Group Training
Customer Services Certificate -
Skills
- Department management
- Staff Leadership
- Crisis Intervention
- Compliance Oversight
- Critical Thinking
- Hiring and Terminations
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Multitasking and Organization
- Performance Improvement
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer Ambulance Officer, Tasmanian Ambulance Service, current, Cert 1
References
- Jane Oliver, Team Leader ADS Consultation and Liaison, Jane.oliver@ths.tas.gov.au, 0482 655 122
- Eveline Durken, Nurse Manager Withdrawal services/Project Manager, Eveline.durkin@ths.tas.gov.au, 61660836
Training
- Role Development Model of Clinical Supervision (RDMCS) current
- Insight Queensland Alcohol and other drugs training packages 2022-2024 30hrs
- Mental health first aid 2022
- Anaphylaxis training first response 2022
- Upgrading Cert 1V assessment and training 2019
- Safe wards training 2017
- Niki syringe driver training course August 2022
- CNE points through Royal College Nursing and ANF 2020
- Fire safety 2023
- Manual handling 2023
- Medication management 2023
- Wound Management 2023
- RCNA 3LP
- P3 Aged care specific Assault management program
- Alzheimer’s Tasmania 2007-
- Meal management
- Megan Hanley speech pathologist
- Post graduate Dementia course
- Age concern Prue Mellor
- High Performance Management
- Assessor and trainer cert 4
- Dementia Management
- Certified Nurse Immuniser 16/1/2014 current
- RCN Immunisation for Registered Nurses
Timeline
Acting Nurse Manager Withdrawal Services
Department of health services
08.2024 - Current
Acting Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Department health services
04.2024 - Current
Inpatient Withdrawal Unit – Alcohol and Drug Services
01.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse Uniting Agewell
03.2019
Registered Nurse Educator Uniting Agewell
11.2017 - 03.2019
Registered Nurse Older Persons Mental Health
01.2016 - 10.2017
Care Manager Uniting Agewell Ningana
06.2014 - 01.2016
Registered Nurse. Uniting Agewell Ningana Sorell site
11.2013 - 08.2014
Registered Nurse. Supervisory role
12.2011 - 11.2013
Nurse Manger level 3
06.2011 - 12.2011
Registered Nurse Level 2
Presbyterian Care Tasmania (ADARDS)
12.2008 - Current
Registered Nurse Care Manager
Vaucluse Gardens residential care
07.2007 - 12.2008
Registered Nurse Level 2
Uniting aged care Strathaven
11.2006 - 07.2007
Assessor and trainer / Registered Nurse
Parkside Training Services
12.2005 - 04.2007
Registered Nurse level 1
St Ann’s Inc.
06.2004 - 09.2006
Trainer and assessor
St Johns Ambulance Moonah
06.2004 - 09.2006
Registered Nurse
Independent Health Services Moonah
06.2004 - 12.2004
Enrolled Nurse
Hobart Private Hospital
01.2002 - 01.2003
Enrolled Nurse 2 medication endorsed
St Ann’s Homes
11.1996 - 06.2004
Sep 2010 Clinical Nurse Specialist
Presbyterian care
Registered Nurse
Skills institute Tasmania
Jan 2009-OCT 2010 Clinical Nurse Manager L3
Presbyterian Care Tasmania (ADARDS)
Registered Nurse
St Ann’s
Post graduate certificate in Mental health Nursing -
University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Nursing -
University Tasmania
Post Graduate Certificate “Nurse immuniser RNCA -
Post Graduate certificate in dementia -
Bachelor of Nursing Degree -
University of Tasmania
Certificate IV in assessment and workplace training -
Archer College
ANCM NBT approved preceptor -
Northern Group Training
Customer Services Certificate -
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