Samantha Descoteaux
Calgary
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environments. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication and a respectful attitude. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinates with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse - Addiction Network
Alberta Health Services
07.2008 - Current
- Consultation, evaluation and implementation of care plans for inpatients with multiple co - occurring diagnoses including addiction and mental health needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Conducted STI and communicable disease screening and history collection, and arranged interventions as necessary, be it immunization, harm reduction supplies / treatment and referrals to appropriate community agencies.
- Advised patients on safe supplies and infection prevention strategies, while connecting them with appropriate community resources.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Implemented culturally sensitive practices within the program, ensuring that diverse clientele felt understood and respected throughout their admission.
- Managed client caseloads efficiently by prioritizing tasks and maintaining effective communication with team members, ensuring timely provision of services and coordinated care.
- Maintained detailed case notes on each client''s progress, facilitating continuity of care among team members while safeguarding confidential information.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to help clients identify personal goals and overcome barriers to change, increasing their chances of long-term success in recovery.
- Reduced disease transmission by identifying missed immunizations and providing education on infection prevention.
- Monitored trends in communicable diseases for early identification of potential outbreaks or emerging issues affecting the population''s health status.
- Increased client engagement in harm reduction activities by establishing trust through empathetic listening and nonjudgmental communication.
- Coordinated with external providers such as pharmacies or laboratories to ensure seamless continuity of care for patients transitioning between settings or requiring additional services outside the acute care setting.
- Provided a safe, non judgemental environment for vulnerable patients of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Assisted in coordination of aftercare and outreach programs for patients often lost in follow up.
Registered Nurse Emergency Department
Foothills Medical Centre
09.2006 - 01.2020
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Optimized patient flow within the Emergency Department by collaborating with charge nurses in coordinating bed assignments and discharges according to capacity constraints.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Assessment and treatment of blood and body fluid exposures.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
Board Member
Calgary Alpha House
11.2011 - 08.2015
- Proposed and initiated revisions and development of bylaws for Board governance.
- In collaboration with Chair of the Board, developed a performance evaluation tool for our Executive Director (where none existed previously).
- Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision making.
- Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.
- Served as a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, influencing positive community impact.
Registered Nurse
Renfrew Recovery Centre
04.2007 - 07.2008
- Triage, assess, evaluate and implement care plans to support client detox while working with a multidisciplinary team.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities for successful transition from detox programs into other levels of care or community-based resources.
- Streamlined admission processes by efficiently assessing incoming patients, gathering relevant medical history information, and initiating appropriate treatment protocols.
- Enhanced patient safety with diligent monitoring of vital signs and appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Consistently maintained a high level of professional conduct and confidentiality while working with sensitive patient information.
- Promoted a therapeutic environment conducive to recovery by fostering trust, open communication, and empathy with patients.
Registered Nurse
Opioid Dependency Program, Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
01.2007 - 07.2008
- Assessment of patients, administration of Methadone and Suboxone, case management and follow up, collaboration with appropriate community agencies.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs in a safe non judgemental environment.
- Monitored trends in communicable diseases for early identification of potential outbreaks or emerging issues affecting the population''s health status.
- Prevented illness by education public on healthy practices to stop disease.
- Assessed and responded to individual and community health education needs.
Registered Nurse Emergency Department
Royal Alexandra Hospital
05.2001 - 09.2006
- Developed fundamental skills of collaboration and prioritization while honing critical thinking skills.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care by effectively communicating pertinent information during hand-offs and discharge planning.
- Reduced stress and anxiety for patients and families by offering compassionate care and support.
Graduate Registered Nurse
Medical Surgical Nursing
09.2000 - 05.2001
- Delivered culturally competent care tailored to meet the diverse needs of the patient population served within the facility.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients in various clinical settings.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB05.2001
Skills
- Advanced clinical experience in the treatment of addictions
- Skilled critical thinker and problem solver
- Concurrent Capabilities expertise
- Strong innovator and collaborator
- Medication and IV administration
- Phlebotomy
- Documentation and Charting
- Reliable team player
- Patient and family advocacy
- Strong Clinical Judgment and patient assessment skills
- Patient education and counseling
- Compassion and Empathy
- BCLS
- Lab result interpretation
- Performing EKGs
- EMR Systems
- Team Coordination
- Intake and discharge
- Vaccine administration
- Patient Counseling
- Data Collection
- Health screening
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Full Professional
Timeline
Board Member
Calgary Alpha House
11.2011 - 08.2015
Registered Nurse - Addiction Network
Alberta Health Services
07.2008 - Current
Registered Nurse
Renfrew Recovery Centre
04.2007 - 07.2008
Registered Nurse
Opioid Dependency Program, Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre
01.2007 - 07.2008
Registered Nurse Emergency Department
Foothills Medical Centre
09.2006 - 01.2020
Registered Nurse Emergency Department
Royal Alexandra Hospital
05.2001 - 09.2006
Graduate Registered Nurse
Medical Surgical Nursing
09.2000 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
University of Alberta
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