Karen Harris
Thunder Bay,ON
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with numerous years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with Case Management, primary health care, disability management, education, health protection and promotion.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
DISABILITY CONSULTANT
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
Thunder Bay, Ontario
10.2016 - 10.2022
- Monitored participant's progress and provided encouragement and motivation to succeed
- Devised and implemented individualized employment plans to support client goals
- Conducted assessments, interviews, and job trials with clients to develop person-centered plans for employment and support
- Maintained records of consumer employment activity such as potential and current employers.
ELIGIBILITY ADJUDICATOR
Workplace Safety And Insurance Board
Thunder Bay
05.2009 - 09.2016
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
REGISTERED NURSE CASE MANAGER
Workplace Safety And Insurance Board
Thunder Bay, ON
04.2000 - 04.2016
- Used Software to maintain database of relevant information for practitioners to access and coordinate patient care
- Authored initial assessments of patients and family to develop plans for individual home care needs
- Coordinated rehabilitative and preventive nursing processes and procedures
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
- Verified legibility of patient clinical notes and updates prior to review by primary physicians
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Confederation College
Thunder Bay, ON
08.1998 - 06.2000
- Compiled, administered and graded examinations to evaluate and record student comprehension levels
- Stayed current on advances in biological science and incorporated into curriculum
- Supported student educational and vocational planning to help each optimize learning strategies and reap long-term career benefits
- Oversaw laboratory and clinical environments to help students advance knowledge and abilities
- Identified and assigned appropriate activities and projects to enhance student learning
- Monitored progress of each student and provided formal evaluation upon completion of clinical placements.
COMMUNITY CASE MANAGER
Community Care Access Centre
Thunder Bay, ON
06.1993 - 05.2000
- Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding
- Conducted community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
COMMUNITY NURSE
Victorian Order Of Nurses
Thunder Bay, ON
01.1989 - 09.1993
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated
- Discussed individualized education to answer questions for patient and family
- Performed treatments as ordered by physicians and documented actions
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
- Communicated with physicians and practitioners for patient care concerns to obtain orders and intervention protocols
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Canadian University Services Oversees (CUSO)
Papua New Guinea
08.1983 - 09.1988
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
STAFF NURSE
St. George's Hospital
Alert Bay, BC
08.1981 - 07.1983
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission
- Participated in hospital committees to recommend quality improvement initiatives.
MATERNITY NURSE
Port Arthur General Hospital
Thunder Bay, ON
11.1980 - 07.1981
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information
- Coordinated and consulted with Number-member health care team to plan, implement and assess both mother and infant care plans
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
CHILDCARE WORKER
Kibbutz Dorot
Jerusalem, Israel
03.1980 - 08.1980
- Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play, and instruction
- Led children in creative, athletic, and educational activities while maintaining safe and orderly group
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs
- Provided emotional support and guidance to children during difficult times
- Introduced children to educational games and activities to boost learning
- Developed age-appropriate activities and crafts to engage children
- Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
REGISTERED NURSE/MIDWIFERY STUDENT
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital
Aberdeen, SK
08.1978 - 03.1980
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
STAFF NURSE/CHARGE NURSE
St. George's Hospital
Fort Albany, ON
09.1975 - 08.1978
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Education
Business Certificate - Business/conflict Resolution
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
06.1993
Honours Bachelor Of Science - Nursing
Lakehead University
03.1979
Midwifery - Midwifery
Foresterhill College
06.1975
Nursing Diploma - Nursing
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Skills
- Hiring and Training
- Client Requirements
- Compassionate Care
- Case Management
- Complaint Handling
- Problem Resolution
- Employee Discipline
- Workforce Improvements
- Employee Orientation
- Employee Performance Reviews
- Effective Communication Skills
- Service Delivery
- Monitoring Outcomes
- Workplace Safety
- Employee Coaching
Timeline
DISABILITY CONSULTANT
Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
10.2016 - 10.2022
ELIGIBILITY ADJUDICATOR
Workplace Safety And Insurance Board
05.2009 - 09.2016
REGISTERED NURSE CASE MANAGER
Workplace Safety And Insurance Board
04.2000 - 04.2016
NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Confederation College
08.1998 - 06.2000
COMMUNITY CASE MANAGER
Community Care Access Centre
06.1993 - 05.2000
COMMUNITY NURSE
Victorian Order Of Nurses
01.1989 - 09.1993
NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Canadian University Services Oversees (CUSO)
08.1983 - 09.1988
STAFF NURSE
St. George's Hospital
08.1981 - 07.1983
MATERNITY NURSE
Port Arthur General Hospital
11.1980 - 07.1981
CHILDCARE WORKER
Kibbutz Dorot
03.1980 - 08.1980
REGISTERED NURSE/MIDWIFERY STUDENT
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital
08.1978 - 03.1980
STAFF NURSE/CHARGE NURSE
St. George's Hospital
09.1975 - 08.1978
Business Certificate - Business/conflict Resolution
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
Honours Bachelor Of Science - Nursing
Lakehead University
Midwifery - Midwifery
Foresterhill College
Nursing Diploma - Nursing
Confederation College of Applied Arts And Technology
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