Theresa Cruse
Salisbury
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, excelling in patient assessments and medication administration. Known for strong clinical judgment and compassionate care, I effectively collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction, ensuring continuity of care in high-pressure environments.
Experienced healthcare professional skilled in patient care, critical thinking, and communication. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring efficient and compassionate care in dynamic environments. Equipped with expertise in medical procedures, patient assessments, and care coordination.
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
06.2013 - Current
- Supported patient assessments by collecting vital signs and health histories.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Engaged in ongoing training to enhance clinical skills and knowledge base.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
Registered Nurse
Atrium Health Cabarrus
03.2011 - 06.2013
- Educated patients and families on health management and wellness practices.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop tailored care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care and health management strategies.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.
- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Expedited treatment plans by interpreting diagnostic tests accurately and collaborating with physicians on appropriate interventions.
Registered Nurse
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
06.2008 - 03.2011
- Assessed patient conditions to determine priority for treatment in high-pressure situations.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
- Prevented medication errors by diligently verifying drug orders against patient records before administering treatments.
- Ensured continuity of care by thoroughly documenting vital information in electronic health records systems for seamless transitions between healthcare providers.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Registered Nurse
Atrium Healthcare Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
10.2006 - 05.2008
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols to ensure patient safety and compliance.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Updated personal nursing knowledge through continuing education courses, staying current on best practices in emergency medicine.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Moses Cone Memorial Hospital
10.2001 - 09.2006
- Assessed and prioritized patient needs in fast-paced emergency environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to implement patient-centered care plans.
- Trained staff on emergency response procedures, improving team readiness and confidence.
- Reduced patient wait times by efficiently triaging patients based on acuity levels and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Optimized patient flow within the Emergency Department by collaborating with charge nurses in coordinating bed assignments and discharges according to capacity constraints.
- Acted as a resource for colleagues by sharing clinical expertise, participating in educational opportunities, and serving as a preceptor for new nurses joining the Emergency Department team.
- Upheld professional nursing standards and ethical principles when advocating for patients'' rights, respecting their autonomy, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement patient care strategies.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay updated with latest in emergency nursing practices.
- Assisted in training and mentoring of new nursing staff, ensuring high standards of care.
- Reduced patient wait times with efficient triage processes.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Ajax Pickering Regional Hospital
06.2001 - 09.2001
- Administered medications and treatments accurately according to protocols.
- Developed and refined workflows to improve patient throughput and care efficiency.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments, ensuring timely interventions for diverse patient populations.
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients presenting with diverse medical conditions in the Emergency Department.
Registered Practical Nurse
Lakeridge Health Centre
08.1988 - 06.2001
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and patient care plans.
- Monitored patient vital signs, identifying changes to ensure timely interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on health management and wellness practices for improved outcomes.
- Advocated for patient rights, ensuring adherence to ethical standards within healthcare settings.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult medical situations, fostering trust and rapport.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans that promoted optimal health outcomes.
Registered Practical Nurse
Civic Hospital
08.1987 - 08.1988
- Led training sessions for new nursing staff, enhancing team efficiency and knowledge retention.
- Streamlined documentation processes in electronic health records for improved accuracy and accessibility.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by actively participating in team meetings and offering support to colleagues as needed.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, attentive care and effective communication.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, treatments administered, and observations made during shifts.
Registered Practical Nurse
St Joesphs Hospital
09.1986 - 01.1987
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and adjust care plans accordingly.
- Ensured timely wound care for patients, reducing the risk of infection and promoting healing.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Assisted physicians during procedures, ensuring a sterile environment and necessary equipment were available as needed.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
Registered Practical Nurse
Central Hospital
02.1986 - 07.1986
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Promoted a safe clinical environment by adhering to infection control guidelines and maintaining proper hygiene standards.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patients regularly, identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts through clear communication during handoff reports with colleagues regarding pertinent patient information.
- Conducted comprehensive initial assessments of newly admitted patients, collaborating with other healthcare providers to establish a plan of care tailored to individual needs.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
Education
Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Durham College
Oshawa, Ont06-2001
Practical Nurse - Nursing
Ross Memorial Hospital
Lindsay, Ont05-1986
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Patient assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Compassion and empathy
- Patient management
- Professional bedside manner
Accomplishments
TNCC
ENPC
ENA
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
06.2013 - Current
Registered Nurse
Atrium Health Cabarrus
03.2011 - 06.2013
Registered Nurse
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
06.2008 - 03.2011
Registered Nurse
Atrium Healthcare Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
10.2006 - 05.2008
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Moses Cone Memorial Hospital
10.2001 - 09.2006
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Ajax Pickering Regional Hospital
06.2001 - 09.2001
Registered Practical Nurse
Lakeridge Health Centre
08.1988 - 06.2001
Registered Practical Nurse
Civic Hospital
08.1987 - 08.1988
Registered Practical Nurse
St Joesphs Hospital
09.1986 - 01.1987
Registered Practical Nurse
Central Hospital
02.1986 - 07.1986
Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing
Durham College
Practical Nurse - Nursing
Ross Memorial Hospital
Similar Profiles
Rebecca MillsRebecca Mills
ED-BH CNA II at Novant Health Rowan Medical CenterED-BH CNA II at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
Kimberly GoodmanKimberly Goodman
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department at Novant Health Rowan Medical CenterRegistered Nurse, Emergency Department at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
Burgen AbejuelaBurgen Abejuela
Behavioral Health RN at Novant Health Rowan Medical CenterBehavioral Health RN at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
Jake PaiceJake Paice
Practice manager at MedivetPractice manager at Medivet
Jennifer WestJennifer West
Accounts Payable Administrator at Whitehead Rental ManagementAccounts Payable Administrator at Whitehead Rental Management