Heather Giles
Hazard
Summary
Compassionate Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager with significant background in managing patient care within the hospice setting. Skilled at leveraging nursing expertise to develop individualized care plans, coordinating services across multidisciplinary teams and providing emotional support for patients and families. Noted for ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders, ensuring alignment on end-of-life decisions. Demonstrated impact through improved patient comfort and streamlined service delivery in previous roles.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2007
2007
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Bluegrass Care Navigators
Hazard
09.2019 - Current
- Coordinated comprehensive care plans for hospice patients and families.
- Assessed patient health needs through detailed clinical evaluations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient support.
- Educated families on disease processes and end-of-life options.
- Managed medication administration and symptom management protocols.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their caregivers during transitions.
- Documented patient progress in electronic health records accurately and timely.
- Conducted regular home visits to monitor patient condition and needs.
- Collaborated closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
- Monitored medication regimens to ensure safe administration of medications in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards of practice.
- Ensured timely completion of all required documentation including admission paperwork, discharge summaries.
- Conducted regular visits with assigned patients in their home setting or at long-term care facilities to assess health status changes.
- Provided guidance on managing symptoms related to terminal illnesses such as pain control techniques or nutrition counseling.
- Identified medical equipment and supplies needed by patient; arranged for delivery and set up as appropriate.
- Responded promptly to emergent situations involving hospice patients and provided crisis intervention when needed.
- Provided patient and family education regarding disease process, symptom management, end-of-life issues, and available resources.
- Attended weekly case conferences to review current cases and develop treatment plans for new admissions.
- Acted as a liaison between the patient, family members and hospice staff, physicians regarding treatment options or prognosis updates.
- Provided emotional support to families during difficult times through active listening skills.
- Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments, medications, and other relevant information within the electronic medical record system.
- Facilitated referrals for additional services such as social work counseling or spiritual care when necessary.
- Delivered respectful, compassionate care to each patient and family member.
- Utilized effective interpersonal, writing and active listening skills to build and cultivate positive relationships with patients, caregivers, and physicians.
- Planned hospice care for elderly and disabled patients.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
Pediatric Registered Nurse
University of Kentucky Children's Hospital
Lexington
09.2012 - 09.2019
- Provided compassionate care to pediatric patients in critical and non-critical settings.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by pediatricians and specialists.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions for timely interventions.
- Utilized age-specific teaching techniques when educating patients and families on self-care strategies.
- Supported family members throughout the course of a child's illness by providing emotional support.
- Administered medications in accordance with physician orders, monitored for effectiveness and reported any adverse reactions.
- Assessed patient's physical, mental and emotional health by taking vital signs, observing skin condition, reviewing medical history and administering tests.
- Performed diagnostic procedures such as venipunctures, immunizations and wound irrigations according to established protocols.
- Implemented infection control measures within the pediatric unit environment in order to reduce risk of transmission.
- Monitored patients' conditions during treatment or recovery periods to determine progress or need for modification of treatment plan.
- Initiated emergency resuscitative measures according to resuscitation and pediatric advanced life support protocols and directives.
- Instructed parents and guardians regarding home care needs such as medication administration and disease management.
- Assisted with coordination of discharge planning activities ensuring continuity of care post hospitalization.
- Facilitated medication management and monitored patients for side effects.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, nurses, therapists and dieticians to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
- Reported patient assessment findings and physical and psychosocial responses to nursing intervention for progress towards care goals.
- Provided education on preventive health practices such as nutrition, hygiene and safety.
Registered Nurse
Saint Joseph Hospital
Lexington
12.2007 - 09.2012
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Assisted in developing care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols and physician orders.
- Assisted in planning and implementing patient care plans for diverse populations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health record systems.
- Trained new nursing staff on best practices and hospital policies effectively.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Maintained a safe environment for both staff and patients through adherence to safety protocols.
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with physician orders.
- Assessed and monitored patient health conditions, including vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure.
- Used sterile techniques to prepare patients for procedures.
- Delivered compassionate care to increase comfort and psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Educated patients on their medical condition, treatment plans, and self-care management techniques.
- Provided nursing care for patients with various medical diagnoses and treatments.
- Responded quickly and effectively in emergency situations utilizing advanced life saving skills when needed.
- Ensured that all documentation was accurate and up-to-date according to established guidelines.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth, and professional development.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives in order to improve patient outcomes.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Hazard
Hazard, KY 08.2003 - 05.2007
Hazard High School
Hazard, KYSkills
- Care plan coordination
- Electronic health records
- Symptom management
- Patient assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Patient education
- Home care management
- Discharge planning
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Active listening
- Emotional support
- Advocacy for patients
- Compassionate care delivery
- Family support
- Palliative care expertise
- Clinical documentation
- Pain control
- Nursing assessment
- Oxygen therapy
- Bereavement support
- Advanced care planning
- Infection prevention
- Pain assessment
- Hospice care management
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- End-of-life care
- Hospice care
- Patient care plans
- Evidence-based care
- Admissions support
- IV and venipuncture
- Patient needs assessment
- Family education
- Medication administration
- Symptom control
- Clinical assessment
- Palliative care
- Hospice of [state] guidelines
- Physician communication
- EMR updating
- EMR / EHR
- Diagnostic test ordering
- Acute and rehabilitative care
- Written communication
- Chronic disease management
- Strong clinical judgment
- Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
- Multitasking capacity
- CPR/AED
- Time management abilities
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Colostomy care
- Geriatric treatment
- Continuous improvement
- Diabetes management
- Creative problem solving
- Relationship building
- Heartsaver first aid CPR AED
- Direct patient care
- Task prioritization
- Procedure room preparation
- Multitasking Abilities
Certification
•CPR
•ACLS
•Preceptor certification
Timeline
Hospice Registered Nurse Case Manager
Bluegrass Care Navigators
09.2019 - Current
Pediatric Registered Nurse
University of Kentucky Children's Hospital
09.2012 - 09.2019
Registered Nurse
Saint Joseph Hospital
12.2007 - 09.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Hazard
08.2003 - 05.2007
Hazard High School