KAREN BISKABORN
London,ON
Summary
Dedicated healthcare professional prepared to contribute skills in patient care and clinical support. Proven track record in delivering quality care, supporting colleagues, and adapting to dynamic healthcare environments. Valued for team collaboration and achieving outstanding patient outcomes with focus on empathy and reliability.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Practical Nurse
McCormick Care Group
04.2024 - Current
- Administer medications via oral, tube feed, and intramuscular injections and monitor patient responses to ensure optimal health outcomes.
- Perform wound care and dressing changes, adhering to strict infection control protocols for patient safety.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans for patients.
- Educate patients and families on health management strategies and medication adherence.
- Assess patient conditions and provided timely interventions based on clinical evaluations.
- Evaluate nursing practices, identifying areas for improvement to enhance quality of care.
- Contribute to a positive work environment by actively participating in team meetings and offering support to colleagues as needed.
- Maintain accurate documentation of patient information, treatments administered, and observations made during shifts.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, attentive care and effective communication.
- Monitor vital signs and assess patients regularly, identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Facilitate smooth transitions between shifts through clear communication during handoff reports with colleagues regarding pertinent patient information.
- Conduct comprehensive initial assessments of newly admitted patients, collaborate with other healthcare providers to establish a plan of care tailored to individual needs.
- Provide emotional support to patients and families during difficult medical situations, fostering trust and rapport.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans that promote optimal health outcomes.
- Responded to patient requests with appropriate clinical and personal assistance.
Registered Practical Nurse
Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care
05.2021 - 02.2024
- Provided care to patients with a severe and persistent mental illness who have been found criminally not responsible.
- Adhered to expectations that were within parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order.
- Developed therapeutic rapport with patients using psychotherapy and effective communication.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team with patient community re-integration/discharge planning, ensuring seamless transitions for patients returning home or to other facilities within the community.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verified interventions met the treatment goals and identified any risk factors.
- Increased efficiency by streamlining workflow processes within the nursing unit, optimizing staff productivity levels.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and delivered appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on mental health issues, treatment options, and coping strategies.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administered medications as prescribed, and intervened during incidents of aggression or self-harm.
- Demonstrated adaptability by providing coverage in various psychiatric units as needed, maintained high standards of care across diverse patient populations.
- Contributed to improving team morale by demonstrating a positive attitude, supported colleagues during challenging situations, and celebrated shared successes.
Occupational Health Nurse (temp Contract)
St. Joseph's Health Care London
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Provided guidance on regulatory compliance related to occupational health standards and practices.
- Completing employee health reviews, provided counseling related to health concerns, family issues and/or mental health.
- Liaised between employees with health concerns and supervisors, maintaining medical confidentiality to communicate work status and coordinate return to work accommodations.
- Conducted regular health screenings to detect potential health issues early, improving overall workforce wellbeing.
- Assisted with operations of the Covid PCR and rapid testing clinics for employees.
Registered Practical Nurse
Regional Rehabilitation- Parkwood Institute
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Worked with patients of varying ages towards rehabilitation from Spinal cord injuries, Acquired Brain Injuries, and stroke.
- Supported patients' emotional well-being, providing compassionate listening during difficult times in their healing journey.
- Administered patient assessments and developed individualized rehabilitation plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient recovery outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on medical conditions and rehabilitation techniques.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patient status accurately.
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care techniques and providing adaptive equipment recommendations.
- Medication and treatment administration using Power Chart patient computer systems.
- Completing appropriate assessments based on each individual needs.
Registered Practical Nurse
Mount Hope- St. Joseph's Healthcare London
10.2015 - 09.2020
- Provided care to Geriatric residents with varying diagnosis- physical and mental health
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team for timely interventions.
- Developed personalized care plans based on individual patient needs and preferences.
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with care plans and regulatory standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes through coordinated care strategies.
- Trained new nursing staff on best practices, safety protocols, and patient care standards.
- Promoted a positive and supportive environment for family members, addressing concerns and providing education on long-term care processes.
- Supervised Personal Care Providers (PCPs) to carry out designated/assigned tasks appropriately and in a timely manner, responsible for 45 residents care on the unit
- Work collaboratively with various interdisciplinary team members
Registered Practical Nurse
Arbor Trace
09.2013 - 10.2015
- Worked with Alzheimer's and dementia residents; specializing in providing meaningful moments; dementia and related memory loss care.
- Provided care designed specifically for each resident's needs; worked closely and collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team and with families.
- Responsible for overseeing the care of 23 residents when on duty; directed and supervised PSW's.
- Facilitated new admissions process; skin assessments; performed monthly summaries.
Dietary Aide
Extendicare London
10.2004 - 11.2013
- Collaborated with nursing staff to tailor meals for residents with special dietary requirements.
- Assisted with meal preparation and meal delivery to residents, ensuring dietary needs were met.
- Implemented efficient workflow processes in food service operations, enhancing overall productivity.
- Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of dining areas, adhering to health and safety regulations.
- Followed proper protocols for infection control and food safety (food handling and preparation)
- Developed positive relationships with residents and family members; Consistently commended for excellent work and professionalism
Education
Practical Nursing Diploma Program -
Fanshawe College
London, ON03.2013
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Strong communication skills
- Competent in Spanish communication
- Proficient in balancing multiple tasks
- Adaptable to diverse environments
- Independent and collaborative work
- Skilled in using technology
- Experienced in adapting care approaches
- Mental health support
- Direct patient care
- Empathetic communication
- Patient assessment
- Skilled in applying Gentle Persuasive techniques
- Fostering client trust
- Supporting individual personal care preferences
Languages
English
Spanish
Certification
First Aid and CPR
Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA)
The Working Mind - Mental Health
Behavioral Management Systems
Timeline
Registered Practical Nurse
McCormick Care Group
04.2024 - Current
Registered Practical Nurse
Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care
05.2021 - 02.2024
Occupational Health Nurse (temp Contract)
St. Joseph's Health Care London
10.2020 - 05.2021
Registered Practical Nurse
Regional Rehabilitation- Parkwood Institute
09.2020 - 05.2021
Registered Practical Nurse
Mount Hope- St. Joseph's Healthcare London
10.2015 - 09.2020
Registered Practical Nurse
Arbor Trace
09.2013 - 10.2015
Dietary Aide
Extendicare London
10.2004 - 11.2013
Practical Nursing Diploma Program -
Fanshawe College