Diane Turco
Sault Ste. Marie,Canada
Summary
With a distinguished career at Sault Area Hospital, I leveraged my expertise in mental health assessments and compassionate patient care to significantly improve patient outcomes. My adeptness in medication administration and empathetic patient advocacy ensured high-quality, individualized care, positioning me as a leader in nursing practices and patient education.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse - Retired
Sault Area Hospital
Sault Ste. Marie, Canada
01.1998 - 02.2023
- Knowledge and experience working on the in-patient mental health unit, the medication clinic, the ECT clinic, Crisis Services and Outpatient Mental Health Services as a Registered Nurse
- Assessed patient health and developed individualized care plans accordingly.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Advised family members on the best course of action for their loved ones' healthcare needs.
- Provided emotional support to families facing difficult decisions about a loved one's care.
- Worked closely with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Carried out physician orders regarding tests or medication administration accurately and safely.
- Identified potential safety hazards in the environment or among patients' behaviors.
- Attended continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on current trends in nursing practice.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages, and documented patient conditions.
- Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
Registered Nurse
Tender Care Nursing Home
01.2000 - 01.2003
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
Hairstylist
Jackie's Beauty Salon
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Greeted customers, answered phones and booked appointments.
- Provided consultations to clients about their desired hairstyle and hair care needs.
- Shampooed, conditioned, cut, colored and styled hair according to client's instructions.
- Maintained cleanliness of work station by sanitizing tools and equipment between uses.
- Managed cash register transactions during checkout process.
Registered Nurse
Northern Treatment Center
01.1999
- Assessed patient health and developed individualized care plans accordingly.
- Educated patients on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Provided emotional support to families facing difficult decisions about a loved one's care.
- Worked closely with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Attended continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on current trends in nursing practice.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
Registered Nurse
Pathways Retirement Home
01.1995
Registered Nurse
Algoma Steel Medical Department
- Was a temporary job for the Number 7 blast furnace reline
- Educated patients on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
- Assisted doctors during medical procedures.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Identified potential safety hazards in the environment or among patients' behaviors.
- Participated in community outreach programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among vulnerable populations.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and health maintenance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
St. Francis Xavier University
01.2004
Registered Nursing Diploma -
Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology
01.1993
Skills
- Mental Health assessments
- Care planning
- Medication administration
- Patient assessments
- Documentation and charting
- Direct patient care
- Strong clinical judgement
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient and family advocacy
- Precepting
- Vaccine administration
- Nursing staff leadership
- Chart updating
- Discharge coordination
- Direct nursing care
- Inpatient and outpatient care
- Patient evaluation
- EMR systems
- Maintaining privacy
- Compassion and empathy
Certification
- Current Registration with the Colleges of Nurses of Ontario
- Current Registration with RNAO
- Current Certification in Mental Health Nursing - Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse (Canada)
- Certification in Gerontology (St. Francis Xavier University)
- Certification in Concurrent Disorders (CAMH including one-year of training and case consultation)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
- Suicide Intervention Course
- Assisted with the development of data to be inputted into Medi-tech for Mental Health
- Super User for the original Medi-tech implementation
- Knowledge of the Resident Assessment Instrument-Mental Health (RAI-MH)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Registered Nurse
Tender Care Nursing Home
01.2000 - 01.2003
Registered Nurse
Northern Treatment Center
01.1999
Registered Nurse - Retired
Sault Area Hospital
01.1998 - 02.2023
Hairstylist
Jackie's Beauty Salon
01.1996 - 01.1999
Registered Nurse
Pathways Retirement Home
01.1995
Registered Nurse
Algoma Steel Medical Department
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
St. Francis Xavier University
Registered Nursing Diploma -
Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology