Tamela Russell
Lynchburg
Summary
Experienced and dedicated healthcare professional with a strong desire to secure a Licensed Practical Nurse position. Proven track record as a compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant in home health and orthopedics, providing unwavering care and support to patients. Holds certification as a Medical Assistant with valuable experience in OB/GYN at Women's Health Services of Virginia and UVA Physicians for Women at Northridge. Committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services and making a positive impact on patient well-being through professionalism and compassion.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
BLS CPR Certified
1
1
Revive certified
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
Horizon Behavioralhealth
2235 Landover Place Lynchburg VA 24501
02.2024 - Current
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Educated patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care management strategies.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Delivered culturally competent care that respected diverse patient populations'' unique values, beliefs, and traditions.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork through active participation in unit meetings, performance improvement initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Contributed to organizational success by participating in accreditation surveys, quality assurance programs, and ongoing staff education activities.
- Monitored patient reactions to medications and treatments, quickly addressing adverse reactions.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare providers, fostering patient-centered care.
LPN- HHD nurse
DaVita
Lynchburg, VA
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Monitor patients during hemodialysis
- Assist physicians during clinic days
- Setup Nxstage machines
- Initiate hemodialysis treatment
- Educate patients on dialysis modalities
- Monitor patient labs
- Infection control manager
- Oversee lab draws and shipping
- Perform vascular access cannulation
- CVC care
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge base and skillset as an LPN.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times, fostering positive relationships built on trust and compassion.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
LPN - Medical Surgical Immediate Unit
Centra
Lynchburg, VA
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Performed wound care treatments using sterile techniques, promoting healing and preventing complications.
- Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and closely monitoring vital signs.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Reduced medication errors by accurately administering medications and diligently verifying patient information.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge base and skillset as an LPN.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times, fostering positive relationships built on trust and compassion.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Accurately recorded interactions in medical charts, documenting accidents and interventions applied.
- Addressed any concerns or questions posed by patients or family members promptly to maintain confidence in their care plan.
- Assisted in the management of chronic health conditions by providing education, support, and follow-up care.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify medical needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients.
- Increased nursing team cohesiveness through active participation in staff meetings and open communication with colleagues.
- Facilitated smooth transitions from acute care settings to long-term care facilities or home environments.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Reviewed patient history to verify conditions and current medications.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Clearly and thoroughly explained diagnoses, treatment options and procedures to patients and loved ones, checking in to verify understanding.
LPN- CENTRA SPECIALTY
Centra Health
Lynchburg, VA
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Tracheostomy care
- IV insertion, therapy
- Vital signs
- Ventilator care
- Wound care
- Medication administration
- PEG tube
- NG tube
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Performed wound care treatments using sterile techniques, promoting healing and preventing complications.
- Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and closely monitoring vital signs.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Reduced medication errors by accurately administering medications and diligently verifying patient information.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times, fostering positive relationships built on trust and compassion.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Addressed any concerns or questions posed by patients or family members promptly to maintain confidence in their care plan.
- Assisted in the management of chronic health conditions by providing education, support, and follow-up care.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, ensuring that patients were comfortable and families felt supported during the process.
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Supported the delivery of evidence-based interventions by staying current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Provided diagnosis information, treatment possibilities, disease management tips and wound care advice to patients, loved ones and caregivers.
LPN- Dispensing nurse
Acadia Healthcare
Lynchburg, VA
03.2022 - 05.2022
- Perform UA screening for clients
- Perform dosing of Methadone, Suboxone, Subutex
- Perform annual and intakes exams
- Utilized time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively, allowing for efficient completion of daily responsibilities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all relevant clinical data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Adhered to treatment plan instructions when administering medications and treatments to patients.
- Reduced medication errors by accurately administering medications and diligently verifying patient information.
- Facilitated seamless communication between pharmacy staff, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals involved in patient care coordination efforts.
- Handled high-pressure situations with composure, prioritizing urgent cases while maintaining attention to detail in medication preparation and distribution.
- Increased efficiency of the dispensing process by effectively utilizing automated dispensing systems.
- Participated in quality assurance initiatives by evaluating medication errors and recommending improvements to dispensing procedures or workflows.
- Enhanced patient care by administering medication in a timely and accurate manner.
- Strengthened patient education efforts by providing clear instructions on dosage, administration, potential side effects, and storage of medications.
- Assisted pharmacists in preparing, labeling, and dispensing medications as per physicians'' orders.
- Reduced medication errors by maintaining precise documentation of dispensed medications.
- Ensured patient confidentiality by adhering to HIPAA regulations when handling sensitive information.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals on interdisciplinary teams to ensure the highest level of patient care, discussing patients'' needs and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
- Improved patient safety through rigorous adherence to proper dispensing procedures and protocols.
- Streamlined inventory management by conducting regular audits and maintaining accurate records of all controlled substances.
- Collected specimens to prepare for laboratory test procedures.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Patient Access Representative
Centra Health
Lynchburg, VA
09.2021 - 05.2022
- Register patients for treatment in the emergency department
- Verify insurance information
- Register transfer patients from other Centra locations
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations to maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient information during all interactions.
- Stayed calm under pressure to and successfully dealt with difficult situations.
- Provided excellent customer service through active listening skills, understanding patient needs, and offering tailored solutions where applicable.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships among colleagues, promoting teamwork, and sharing best practices.
- Streamlined patient registration processes by implementing efficient data collection methods and reducing wait times.
- Developed proficiency in various healthcare software programs for accurate documentation of patient encounters and streamlined workflows within the department.
- Demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills by identifying potential bottlenecks within the registration process and implementing effective solutions to address them.
Medical Assistant
UVA Health Systems
Charlottesville, VA
06.2019 - 12.2020
- Greet and room patients according to policy
- Obtain vital signs and chief complaint
- Perform POCT within the scope of practice
- Perform PHI
- Administer medications and immunizations as directed by physician
- Assist physicians in room with procedures
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by assisting physicians with routine procedures and diagnostic tests.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols by following proper sterilization techniques for medical equipment.
- Conducted routine laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
- Prepared lab specimens for diagnostic evaluation.
- Explained procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and increase patient cooperation.
Medical Assisting
Women's Health Services
Lynchburg, VA
06.2018 - 06.2019
- Greet and room patient according to policy
- Obtain vital signs, PMH, and chief complaint
- Perform patient call backs regarding lab results and medication refills
- Refill medications within scope of practice
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Maintained a safe and clean clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and disposing of biohazardous waste properly.
- Facilitated seamless patient care with thorough and accurate documentation of medical histories, vital signs, and medications.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during examinations, effectively addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Assisted in minor surgical procedures, ensuring sterile environment and patient comfort.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Supported duties for diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, such as setting up and operating special medical equipment and apparatus.
Medical Assisting
Centra Health- CMG Nationwide
Lynchburg, VA
12.2017 - 06.2018
- Greet and room patients according to policy
- Obtain vital signs and chief complaint
- Administer medication as directed by physician and within the scope of practice
- Perform patient call backs regarding lab results and medication refills
- Refill medications within scope of practice
Customer Service Rep
Centra Health
Lynchburg, VA
05.2016 - 12.2017
- Answer calls in a warm and professional manner regarding questions to Medicare benefits and claims to members and providers
- Screen and transcribe calls from answering service for quality control issues
- Provide quality service relating to Part D drug plan and discuss pharmacy benefits with plan members and providers
- Process payments made from plan members using Cybersource software
- Identify processing issues pertaining to Medicare
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
EKG Technician
Centra Health
Lynchburg, VA
02.2015 - 04.2016
- Transcribe doctor interpretations using Pyramis software
- Perform EKG tests on patients throughout the hospital and before surgery
- Edit transcriptions for cardiologist
- Enhanced patient care by accurately performing EKG testing and analyzing results.
- Adhered to cleaning protocol for EKG machine, Holter cables and accessories to provide safe environment.
- Facilitated seamless transfer of data between departments by uploading completed EKG reports into electronic medical records systems accurately.
- Educated patients on testing and preparation steps prior to procedure.
- Assisted in the identification of abnormal heart conditions by recognizing irregularities in patient''s heart rhythms during EKG readings.
- Provided valuable assistance during emergencies, quickly setting up necessary equipment for life-saving interventions.
- Communicated with healthcare workers and physicians concerning test results.
- Minimized errors in test results by thoroughly cleaning electrodes before each use, ensuring optimal contact with skin during testing.
- Conducted detailed EKG interpretations to assist doctors in diagnosing cardiovascular conditions, leading to timely and effective treatment plans.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Centra Health
Lynchburg, VA
03.2014 - 02.2015
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
- Educated patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care management strategies.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Delivered culturally competent care that respected diverse patient populations'' unique values, beliefs, and traditions.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork through active participation in unit meetings, performance improvement initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Contributed to organizational success by participating in accreditation surveys, quality assurance programs, and ongoing staff education activities.
- Monitored patient reactions to medications and treatments, quickly addressing adverse reactions.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare providers, fostering patient-centered care.
Education
License Practical Nurse -
Centra College of Nursing
Lynchburg, VA12.2021
Medical Assisting -
Miller-Motte Technical College
Lynchburg, VA07.2017
Skills
- Medical documentation
- Medication and IV administration
- Patient communication
- Patient assessment
- Intravenous therapy
- Vital signs monitoring
- Tracheostomy care
- Problem resolution
- Lead placement
- Wound care
- Computer proficiency
- Dressing assistance
- Reliable team player
- Health promotion
- Procedure assistance
- Electronic medical records
- CPR certification
- EMR / EHR
- Nursing documentation
- De-escalation techniques
- Healthcare software proficiency
- Policy and procedure compliance
- Infection control procedures
Accomplishments
Three time Daisy Award nominee for providing excellent patient care.
Certification
- Certified Medical Assistant, Lynchburg, VA, 07/01/17, present
- CPR/ BLS certified, AHA, Lynchburg, VA
- Licensed Practical Nurse, Lynchburg, VA, 02/01/22, present
- Certified HHD Nurse, Lynchburg, VA
Timeline
Licensed Practical Nurse
Horizon Behavioralhealth
02.2024 - Current
LPN - Medical Surgical Immediate Unit
Centra
10.2023 - 09.2024
LPN- HHD nurse
DaVita
10.2022 - 10.2023
LPN- CENTRA SPECIALTY
Centra Health
05.2022 - 05.2023
LPN- Dispensing nurse
Acadia Healthcare
03.2022 - 05.2022
Patient Access Representative
Centra Health
09.2021 - 05.2022
Medical Assistant
UVA Health Systems
06.2019 - 12.2020
Medical Assisting
Women's Health Services
06.2018 - 06.2019
Medical Assisting
Centra Health- CMG Nationwide
12.2017 - 06.2018
Customer Service Rep
Centra Health
05.2016 - 12.2017
EKG Technician
Centra Health
02.2015 - 04.2016
Certified Nursing Assistant
Centra Health
03.2014 - 02.2015
License Practical Nurse -
Centra College of Nursing
Medical Assisting -
Miller-Motte Technical College