Brenda McDonnell
Medicine Hat,AB
Summary
Registered Nurse active and in good standing with CARNA. Accomplished leader with extensive experience leading teams, delivering results, and exceeding expectations. Experienced Manager focused on meeting service expectations and achieving company goals. Drives success by directing high-producing teams while developing lasting employee rapport. Forward and system-thinking bringing 30+ years of expertise in the ever changing areas of Nursing, Case Management and Leadership for Healthcare and Government funded/managed programs. Organized, dependable, and pays attention to detail. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and values the ongoing professional development of self and others. Willing to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Relationship focused collaborative leader with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Committed to a workplace that is, and delivering services that are, inclusive and welcomes, respects, and values the diversity of all individuals. As a Registered Nurse who has worked in many areas of patient care, understands and values supportive, safe, high quality, recovery-oriented, evidence-based, programs for individuals experiencing addiction and mental health challenges.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Palliser Primary Care Network
2023.04 - Current
- Performs effective management of patients living with chronic diseases such as hypertension, chronic heart failure, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, obesity, osteoporosis and various mental health issues through in person medical office visits and/or phone calls.
Manager of Employee Services/Corporate Lead of Health and Wellness
City of Medicine Hat
2018.02 - 2023.05
- Responsible for leadership and overall direction of corporate payroll, benefits, and occupational health functions.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and legal requirements/legislation by developing and implementing comprehensive policies.
- Developed and maintained strong working relationships with clients/employees and stakeholders.
- Openly supported diversity and inclusion efforts within workplace.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Recruited, interviewed, hired and trained employees.
- Provided critical expert guidance guidance and advice during pandemic to ensure continuity of essential and emergency services for City of Medicine Hat and public served.
- Precepted group of student nurses focusing on mental health and wellness in workplace.
Senior Advisor Ability Management South Zone
Alberta Health Services
2012.01 - 2018.01
- Performed all duties described in Ability Advisor and Staff Health Consultant roles below.
- Responsible for providing expert advice and operational solutions to Ability Advisors to ensure client needs were met.
- Enhanced stakeholder relationships by providing expert advice and guidance on industry trends and best practices.
- Participated in conferences and networking events to strengthen our leadership team and ensure south zone ha provincial presence.
- Lead continuous improvement efforts by identifying process inefficiencies and implementing best practices.
- Established connections with key stakeholders through consistent communication and collaboration efforts, promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Streamlined internal processes by conducting thorough evaluations and implementing necessary improvements.
- Led change management initiatives to improve team effectiveness and support long-term organizational growth objectives.
- Provided support in negotiations and legal matters to help resolve issues between workers and leaders.
- Improved processes by recommending operational changes.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies and maintain excellence in service delivery.
Ability Advisor
Alberta Health Services
2010.07 - 2012.01
- Performed all duties described under 'Staff Health Consultant' for related Disability Case Management accountabilities carrying an assigned caseload for non-occupational medical cases.
- As an informal team leader, played a key role in successfully transitioning services from the former Palliser Health Region to the newly created provincial organization of Albert Health Services.
- Streamlined service coordination efforts through diligent maintenance of client files and efficient use of case management software tools.
Staff Health Consultant
Alberta Health Services
2006.10 - 2010.10
- Created and developed Disability Management Program for former Palliser Health Region.
- Researched and developed timely and essential disability management guidance materials for communication with medical providers and community stakeholders.
- Increased worker satisfaction by providing personalized support, resources, timely follow-ups on progress and seeking early return to work opportunities.
- Served as liaison in communicable disease, immunization promotion, infection prevention and evidence-based best practices.
- Developed and implemented communication strategies and resources to achieve employee health objectives.
- Advised policymakers on best practices in disability management services based on current research findings, legislation, and industry trends.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop effective return to work plans addressing physical, mental, and social aspects of health.
- Reduced sick time and disability costs for workers and organization through proactive health management strategies, early modified work plans, and wellness/safety promotion.
- Cultivated positive work environment by promoting culture of inclusivity, open communication, collaboration, and mutual support among team members.
- Facilitated Personality Dimensions workshops with diverse groups to foster increased understanding of each workers strengths, weaknesses/challenges, and how to work effectively with others.
- Resolved problems related to benefits, eligibility and disability claims.
- Precepted student nurse providing guidance and mentorship on best practices.
Emergency Room Staff Nurse
Palliser Health Region
2000.11 - 2006.10
- Responsible for direct patient care including charge nurse/triage duties, patient/family education, and prioritizing individual diverse patient care needs, in dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality nursing care, adhering to best practices, and maintaining clean and safe environment.
- Managed time effectively to ensure all assigned tasks were completed in timely manner, maintaining productivity during high-pressure situations.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, fostering their professional growth through sharing expertise and guidance during orientation periods and work hours.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by actively participating in department meetings and offering suggestions for process enhancements.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations supporting inclusivity while overseeing patient admission, and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Staff Nurse
St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs
1999.09 - 2000.08
- Responsible for direct patient care on medical, surgical, telemetry, acute inpatient rehabilitation, and skilled/long term care nursing units.
- Covered Nursing Unit Manager duties as needed.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Acted as patient advocate, ensuring their diverse needs were met and their inclusivity rights were protected throughout their healthcare journey.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
Outcomes Nurse/Nurse Manager, Inpatient Rehab Unit
Columbia Independence Regional Health Center
1996.02 - 1999.01
- Developed new role as Outcomes Nurse coordinating a rehabilitation team of doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, and speech therapists along with patients and their families to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Led and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs, formulate tailored support strategies, monitor patient progress, track patient services and set/re-evaluate goals to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
- Advocated for client rights and inclusivity when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Enhanced communication between patients, their families, and providers through consistent follow-ups and written progress update reports.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients..
- Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements through continuous staff education and policy updates.
- Strengthened relationships with community organizations to increase access to supportive resources for clients in need.
- Evaluated program effectiveness continually through data analysis and outcome measurement metrics.
- Conducted performance evaluations for nursing staff, providing constructive feedback to enhance skills and competencies.
- Onboarded new nurses through orientation meetings, training sessions, competencies and applicable certifications to prepare them for success in their respective roles.
- Introduced and encouraged leadership development, coaching and team management, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Collaborated on development of policies and procedures for delivery safe and effective healthcare services.
Staff Nurse/Assistant Director of Nursing
Welsh General Hospital
1994.04 - 1995.12
- Performed nursing assessments, applicable interventions and care evaluations for all patients.
- Directed patient care in Emergency Room and Medical/Surgical Unit by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients on self-care management, empowering them to take active role in their overall health and wellbeing.
- In collaboration with Director of Nursing, championed positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
Education
Certificate of Achievement -
Career Life Skills Resources, Inc.
Medicine Hat, ABCertificate of Achievement -
Calgary
Calgary, ABLegal Nurse Consultant
Connect MLX Medical Legal Experts
Calgary, AB, Canada05.2014
Certificate of Achievement -
Institute for Life Coach Training
California, USA03.2009
Diploma of Nursing -
Medicine Hat College, School of Nursing
Medicine Hat, AB12.1993
Skills
- Leadership and decision-making
- Complex creative problem-solving and critical thinking
- Analytical
- Program and policy development
- Organization, time management, and prioritization
- Relationship building, teamwork, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Strong/effective written and verbal communication
- Interviewing and investigative skills
- Computer and software programs
- Performance management and tracking
- Documentation proficiency
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Palliser Primary Care Network
2023.04 - Current
Manager of Employee Services/Corporate Lead of Health and Wellness
City of Medicine Hat
2018.02 - 2023.05
Senior Advisor Ability Management South Zone
Alberta Health Services
2012.01 - 2018.01
Ability Advisor
Alberta Health Services
2010.07 - 2012.01
Staff Health Consultant
Alberta Health Services
2006.10 - 2010.10
Emergency Room Staff Nurse
Palliser Health Region
2000.11 - 2006.10
Staff Nurse
St. Mary's Hospital of Blue Springs
1999.09 - 2000.08
Outcomes Nurse/Nurse Manager, Inpatient Rehab Unit
Columbia Independence Regional Health Center
1996.02 - 1999.01
Staff Nurse/Assistant Director of Nursing
Welsh General Hospital
1994.04 - 1995.12
Certificate of Achievement -
Career Life Skills Resources, Inc.
Certificate of Achievement -
Calgary
Legal Nurse Consultant
Connect MLX Medical Legal Experts
Certificate of Achievement -
Institute for Life Coach Training
Diploma of Nursing -
Medicine Hat College, School of Nursing
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