Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Marafka

McDonald

Summary

With a proven track record at AHN West Penn Hospital, I excel in staff supervision and critical thinking, driving quality improvement and efficient department management. My leadership has significantly enhanced patient outcomes and staff professional growth, embodying a dynamic blend of strategic oversight and compassionate healthcare delivery.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Postpartum/ New Born Nursery Nurse Manager

AHN West Penn Hospital
04.2022 - Current
  • Evaluated patient care processes to identify areas for improvement, implementing changes that enhanced overall patient outcomes.
  • Oversaw daily operations of nursing department, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
  • Conducted performance evaluations for nursing personnel, providing constructive feedback to support career growth.
  • Coordinated staff training sessions to enhance clinical skills, promoting professional development among nursing staff.
  • Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
  • Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Managed budgets and controlled costs, achieving financial targets without compromising patient care quality.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients with complex needs.
  • Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
  • Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
  • Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decision making.
  • Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining accurate records and staying up-to-date on industry standards.
  • Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
  • Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
  • Improved patient satisfaction scores by fostering a team-oriented environment among nursing staff.
  • Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
  • Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training.
  • Fostered improvement in staff development, personnel training, and standards of patient care.

Assistant Nurse Manager

AHN West Penn Hospital
05.2021 - 04.2023
  • Performed real-time chart audits for patients ensuring accuracy and completeness of information while capitalizing on opportunities for process improvement.
  • Resolved conflicts among staff members by employing effective communication techniques and seeking mutually beneficial solutions when issues arose.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities.
  • Managed scheduling to ensure optimal coverage while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for staff members.
  • Collaborated with other departments to streamline processes and enhance interdisciplinary teamwork, ultimately improving continuity of care for patients.
  • Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience and satisfaction levels.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with patients'' families to ensure their needs were met and concerns addressed promptly.
  • Served as a liaison between nursing staff and administration, advocating for the needs of both parties to promote overall organizational success.
  • Communicated with members of medical staff and department heads during weekly update meetings.
  • Created work schedules for multiple shifts to confirm complete floor coverage.
  • Developed departmental goals and objectives to improve satisfactory rating with patients.
  • Ensured timely documentation of all nursing activities within electronic medical records system, contributing to accurate record keeping and informed decision-making processes.
  • Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication, teamwork, and professional growth opportunities for nursing staff.
  • Streamlined nursing operations for efficiency and quality improvement by conducting regular audits and addressing areas of concern.
  • Assisted Nurse Manager.
  • Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
  • Reduced turnover rate by implementing effective recruitment strategies, attracting highly skilled nursing professionals to join the team.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by implementing individualized care plans and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Enhanced staff competency by developing and delivering targeted training programs, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
  • Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignment,
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.


Registered Nurse Labor & Delivery

AHN West Penn Hospital
09.2020 - 05.2021
  • Delivered culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations while respecting unique beliefs surrounding childbirth customs or traditions.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of obstetrics nursing.
  • Reduced complications during labor and delivery by closely monitoring patients'' vital signs, progress, and comfort levels.
  • Improved patient outcomes by utilizing evidence-based practices in labor and delivery nursing care.
  • Managed high-pressure situations, such as emergency deliveries or complications during labor, with professionalism and composure.
  • Prevented infections in postpartum patients through strict adherence to sanitary procedures when caring for both mother and newborn infant.
  • Assisted in cesarean sections and high-risk deliveries, maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure to support patients through challenging situations.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, individualized care to mothers and newborns during the labor and childbirth process.
  • Worked closely with doctors and midwives in coaching pregnant women through childbirth and post-natal recovery.
  • Facilitated open communication with expectant parents to address concerns, educate on birth plans, and provide emotional support throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

RN Stork Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
09.2017 - 05.2021

· Attendance at Births: Providing immediate neonatal care during and immediately after delivery, responding promptly to emergent situations.

· Initial Assessment & Stabilization: Performing APGAR scoring, evaluating vital signs, and administering necessary interventions (suctioning, warming, stimulation, oxygen, resuscitation).

· Documentation & Communication: Accurately documenting all assessments, interventions, and observations; communicating effectively with the delivery team and neonatal provider.

· Admission Procedures: Obtaining vital signs, weight, length, and head circumference; facilitating skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding initiation; administering routine medications and vaccinations.

· Family Education & Support: Educating parents on immediate newborn care and breastfeeding; providing emotional support during the birthing process.

· Collaboration & Teamwork: Coordinating with the labor and delivery team, neonatal providers, and postnatal units; participating in debriefings and case reviews.

· Compliance & Standards: Adhering to hospital policies, protocols, and evidence-based practices; maintaining NRP certification

Postpartum Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
09.2010 - 09.2017
  • Educated families on newborn care techniques such as feeding, bathing, diapering, and comforting strategies.
  • Performed comprehensive assessments on both mother and newborn during each shift, identifying any potential problems early for prompt intervention.
  • Promoted breastfeeding success by offering lactation support and resources to new mothers.
  • Administered medications accurately and safely according to physician orders throughout the postpartum period.
  • Provided emotional support to patients experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, connecting them with appropriate mental health resources when necessary.
  • Prepared patients for discharge by providing thorough education on self-care, infant care, and follow-up appointments.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all nursing interventions, assessments, and patient responses during the entire stay in the postpartum unit.
  • Improved patient recovery rates by providing comprehensive postpartum care and education to new mothers.
  • Provided culturally sensitive care by respecting diverse family values and traditions related to childbirth and the postpartum period.
  • Advocated for patient needs, securing necessary interventions and support.
  • Educated families on infant care, promoting healthy development and bonding.

Surgical / Neuro / Ortho Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
03.2005 - 09.2010
  • Performed emergency response procedures, including CPR and airway management, to stabilize patients.
  • Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care, improving adherence to treatment plans.
  • Provided direct patient care, including wound care and vital sign monitoring, to promote healing and recovery.
  • Operated infusion pumps to deliver intravenous therapies, ensuring patient safety and comfort.
  • 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.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.

Rehabilitation Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
04.2002 - 03.2005
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care and improved treatment outcomes.
  • Applied critical thinking skills when analyzing complex medical conditions; collaborated with healthcare professionals through interdisciplinary rounds to devise patient-centered treatment plans.
  • Managed caseload of diverse patients with various diagnoses, ensuring appropriate treatment plans were in place.
  • Served as a liaison between physicians, therapists, case managers, insurance companies to ensure proper coordination of services for each patient.
  • Coordinated with healthcare providers to create seamless transition plans for patients returning home or transferring to other facilities.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of therapy equipment utilized within the facility; contributed suggestions for improvements or replacements when necessary.
  • Maintained a safe and supportive environment for all patients during their rehabilitation journey, addressing any concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Conducted community outreach events to educate the public on the importance of rehabilitation services and advocate for improved access to care.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Participated in continuous professional development opportunities, staying current on industry advancements and incorporating new techniques into practice.

Nursing Assistant

AHN West Penn Hospital
08.2000 - 03.2005
  • Applied wound care techniques to support patient recovery and prevent infections.
  • Monitored patient vitals and documented changes using patient monitoring tools.
  • Administered medications and recorded patient responses utilizing healthcare management systems.
  • Supported nursing staff by performing basic medical procedures, such as taking blood pressure and temperature.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Increased patient engagement by providing emotional support, companionship, and encouragement during challenging times.
  • Promoted a safe and clean environment by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and sanitation standards.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Skillfully operated medical equipment, such as glucose monitors and blood pressure cuffs, ensuring accurate data collection for informed decision-making by healthcare providers.

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing - Registered Nurse

West Penn Hospital School of Nursing
Pittsburgh, PA
05-2022

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing

Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA
05-2005

Masters in Nursing - Nursing

Capella University
05-2001

Skills

  • Staff supervision
  • Critical thinking
  • Quality improvement
  • Department management

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with team in the development of poster presentation at AWHONN Conference , Interprofessional Team Approach to Trans Pregnancy.
  • Active participant and attendee at the PA Perinatal Quality Collaborative (PQC) Conference with poster presentation, Improving Care for Substance-Exposed Newborns.

Certification

Certified Breastfeeding Counselor

Timeline

Postpartum/ New Born Nursery Nurse Manager

AHN West Penn Hospital
04.2022 - Current

Assistant Nurse Manager

AHN West Penn Hospital
05.2021 - 04.2023

Registered Nurse Labor & Delivery

AHN West Penn Hospital
09.2020 - 05.2021

RN Stork Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
09.2017 - 05.2021

Postpartum Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
09.2010 - 09.2017

Surgical / Neuro / Ortho Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
03.2005 - 09.2010

Rehabilitation Registered Nurse

AHN West Penn Hospital
04.2002 - 03.2005

Nursing Assistant

AHN West Penn Hospital
08.2000 - 03.2005

Associate Degree in Nursing - Registered Nurse

West Penn Hospital School of Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing

Clarion University of Pennsylvania

Masters in Nursing - Nursing

Capella University
Jennifer Marafka