Derek Herfurth
Easton
Summary
Compassionate and highly motivated Registered Nurse with experience in emergency medicine and acute patient care. Skilled in critical thinking, IV access/phlebotomy, chart documentation, medication administration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dedicated to providing safe, holistic, evidence-based care and advocating for patients across diverse populations. Recognized for leadership, adaptability, and commitment to continuing professional development.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
St. Luke's University Health Network
Allentown, PA
06.2024 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments per protocols in fast-paced emergency department environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients presenting with diverse medical conditions in the Emergency Department.
- Reduced patient wait times by efficiently triaging patients based on acuity levels and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Acted as a resource for colleagues by sharing clinical expertise, participating in educational opportunities, and serving as a preceptor for new nurses joining the Emergency Department team.
- Upheld professional nursing standards and ethical principles when advocating for patients'' rights, respecting their autonomy, and maintaining confidentiality at all times.
- Assessed patient conditions and prioritized care based on severity of illnesses and injuries.
- Educated patients and families on treatment options, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to enhanced service delivery standards within department.
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
Patient Care Assistant
St. Luke's University Health Network
Easton, PA
05.2022 - 06.2024
- Assisted nurses in providing direct patient care and support during daily activities.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patient condition for medical staff review.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient rooms, ensuring a safe environment.
- Assist patients with activities of daily living such as personal hygiene, eating, ambulating and voiding
- Obtain laboratory values through phlebotomy and specimen collection
- Transport patients via bed or wheelchair for radiology diagnostics
- Maintains responsibility in participation of continuing education programs and completes them in a timely manner
- Routinely checks equipment to ensure it is up to standard protocol
- Restock utility and linen supplies when needed
Student Nurse Extern
St. Luke's University Health Network
Easton, PA
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Shadowed nurses on various units throughout the network
- Learned and practiced valuable new skills to incorporate into my nursing practice
- Experienced many different patient cases and disease processes
- Toured multiple campus facilities and units
- Witnessed expert nurses perform evidence-based practice nursing skills and interventions
- Helped experienced nurses care for patients of all age groups and ethnicities
- Assisted nursing staff with patient assessments and care planning to enhance overall patient outcomes.
- Developed skills in various nursing procedures, enhancing proficiency in delivering high-quality patient care.
- Proactively sought out opportunities to learn from experienced nurses and other healthcare professionals, growing in clinical knowledge and aptitude.
Licensed Resident Caregiver
Arden Courts of Old Orchard/Promedica
Easton, PA
12.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Monitored resident health conditions, reporting changes to medical staff promptly.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans.
- Trained new caregivers on best practices in resident care and safety protocols.
- Implemented engaging activities to enhance social interaction among residents.
- Promoted a culture of respect and dignity by treating each resident as an individual deserving of personalized attention and care.
- Enhanced resident quality of life by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Developed trusting relationships with residents and their families, establishing a strong support system for those in our care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA05-2024
Skills
- PALS/BLS Certified
- Ultrasound Peripheral IV Certified
- Port Access Certified
- Certified Nurse Preceptor
- Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC)
- Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and One Drive
- Proficient in Google Office Suite: Documents, Sheets, Slides, and Forms
- Proficient in using EPIC EMR software system
Licensing
Registered Nurse, Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Pennsylvania (Homestate)
Accomplishments
- Member of POD Leader Nurse Committee
- Daisy Award Nominee
- Recipient of Lillian S. Brunner Undergraduate Nursing Award
- Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (March 2023 - Present)
- Member of Tri Alpha Honor Society (Nov. 2021 - May 2024)
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
St. Luke's University Health Network
06.2024 - Current
Student Nurse Extern
St. Luke's University Health Network
06.2023 - 08.2023
Patient Care Assistant
St. Luke's University Health Network
05.2022 - 06.2024
Licensed Resident Caregiver
Arden Courts of Old Orchard/Promedica
12.2021 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Cedar Crest College