Rachel Thomas

• Assessed, evaluated, and cared for neonate and pediatric patients.
• Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill infants, supporting families through the bereavement process.
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance healthcare delivery within the NICU setting.
• Evaluated the effectiveness of interventions on an ongoing basis, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to support optimal patient progress.
• Promoted family-centered care, engaging parents in the decision-making process and addressing their concerns regarding their baby''s health.
• Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized treatment plans for neonatal patients.
• Implemented advanced life-saving measures during emergent situations, stabilizing critically ill infants prior to transfer or surgery.
• Reduced hospital readmission rates by providing thorough discharge education and follow-up support to families of high-risk neonates.
• Performed comprehensive assessments on newborns, identifying potential health issues and initiating appropriate interventions.
• Managed complex cases involving premature infants, ensuring optimal growth and development while minimizing complications.
• Developed individualized care plans for neonates with complex medical conditions, working closely with families and healthcare providers to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Coordinated care for critically ill neonates, collaborating with specialists and advocating for necessary medical interventions.
• Educated parents on infant nutrition, breastfeeding techniques, and strategies for promoting healthy growth and development at home.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care.
• Optimized patient outcomes by staying current with advances in neonatology research and integrating findings into practice.
• Participated in multidisciplinary rounds, providing input on patient care decisions and advocating for the needs of neonates and their families.
• Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans.
• Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
• Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
• Worked with families, caregivers and patients to determine best options for treatment, diagnosis, and prevention.
• Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Implemented individualized patient care plans to address assessment findings.

• Provided care for critically ill neonates requiring life sustaining measures
• Expert in ventilation, care of Extremely Low Birth Weight infants, and intravenous therapy
• Accurately obtained and documented patient background and medication lists
• Delivered a complete range of knowledge and expertise to patients and families
• Initiated and maintained intravenous therapy safely and effectively
• Implemented knowledge of evidence-based practice to change policy and procedure in the unit
• Use of conventional and high frequency ventilation and inotropic infusions
• Implemented applicable knowledge to parents and family members regarding patient needs
• Preceptor to experienced registered nurses and new graduate nurses
• Commended by families, peers, and supervisors for outstanding quality of care and leadership
• Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
• Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.
• Trained new employees on company policies and procedures, contributing to a cohesive team atmosphere and improved overall performance.

The clinical mentor is a member of the leadership team

• The focus of the mentor is to meet the needs of new employees and seasoned staff through education and development
• Implement knowledge of evidence-based practice to change policy and procedure in the unit
• Council and support preceptors and their orientees and meet their needs
• Implemented applicable knowledge to parents and family members regarding patient needs
• Serve as a support to the unit charge nurses and leadership team
• Commended by families, peers, and supervisors for outstanding quality of care and lead
• Evaluated nursing staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and tailored interventions for skill enhancement.
• Promoted a culture of continuous learning, integrating new research findings into daily practice routines and updating protocols accordingly.
• Improved clinical competency of staff members through regular training sessions and hands-on mentoring.
• Developed targeted educational materials for specific clinical topics or procedural updates that were relevant to current practice standards and trends.
• Established a mentorship program within the facility, pairing experienced nurses with new hires to provide continuous support during their transition period into the workplace environment.

Provided care for critically ill neonates requiring life sustaining measures

• Expert in ventilation, care of Extremely Low Birth Weight infants, and intravenous therapy
• Accurately obtained and documented patient background and medication lists
• Delivered a complete range of knowledge and expertise to patients and families
• Initiated and maintained intravenous therapy safely and effectively
• Implemented knowledge of evidence-based practice to change policy and procedure in the unit
• Use of conventional and high frequency ventilation and inotropic infusions
• Implemented applicable knowledge to parents and family members regarding patient needs
• Preceptor to experienced registered nurses and new graduate nurses
• Commended by families, peers, and supervisors for outstanding quality of care and leadership
• Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.

• Provided care for critically ill neonates requiring life sustaining measures
• Cared for infants requiring conventional and high frequency ventilation, pre- and post-surgical heart defects, acutely and chronically ill neonates, and intravenous therapy
• Accurately obtained and documented patient history and medication lists, assessed individual conditions, and needs, and selected departmental referrals for acute and chronically ill patients
• Prepared equipment and assisted physicians during patient examinations and treatments
• Commended by patients’ families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care
• Maintained a high degree of accuracy to achieve optimal patient recovery
• Delivered high-quality patient care during emergency situations, remaining calm under pressure and effectively prioritizing tasks according to urgency.
• Improved patient outcomes through careful monitoring and thorough documentation of vital signs, medical histories, and treatment plans.

• Provided care for critically ill neonates requiring life sustaining measures
• Expert in ventilation, care of Extremely Low Birth Weight infants, and intravenous therapy
• Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
• Accurately obtain and document patient background and medication lists
• Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.
• Delivered a complete range of knowledge and expertise to patients and families
• Initiated and maintained intravenous therapy safely and effectively
• Implemented knowledge of evidence-based practice to change policy and procedure in the unit
• Used conventional and high frequency ventilation and inotropic infusions
• Implemented applicable knowledge to parents and family members regarding patient needs
• Graduate and experienced nurse preceptor
• Facilitator of NICU Respiratory Initiative
• NICU Quality Council
• NICU Policy and Procedure Committee
• Commended by families, peers, and supervisors for outstanding quality of care and leadership

• Served as hospital Newborn Screen Coordinator and preceptor to new and experienced nurses
• Served as charge and staff nurse caring for patients with acute illnesses, including Pulmonary Hypertension, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Sepsis, Retinopathy of Prematurity, heart defects of newborns, and those requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
• Active advocate and promoter of health and support to patients and families in coping with illness and disease
• Provided effective communication skills to each member of the NICU team
• Exhibited motivation and dedication by providing the highest quality of care to each patient and family member
• Commended by families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care
• Charge Nurse
• Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.
• Charge Nurse Preceptor
• Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
• Preceptor for experienced nurses and nurse residents
• Hospital Wide Charge Nurse Workshop Facilitator
• NICU U-ACT
• Delivery Room Committee
• NEC Quality Initiative
• Dedicated Delivery Room Team

• The Clinical Head Nurse is a member of the Leadership/Management team
• Served as a facilitator to unit councils and the multidisciplinary teams
• Responsible for assisting in supervising nursing staff, for providing leadership and orientation to nursing personnel, and for performing a variety of nursing duties to coordinate the delivery of care to patients
• Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
• Served as a liaison between the nursing department and hospital administration to address staffing concerns, policy changes, and budgetary issues effectively.
• Evaluated staff performance regularly, identifying areas for growth and providing constructive feedback when necessary.
• Led multidisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress, adjust care plans as needed, and ensure optimal collaboration among healthcare providers.
• Consistently met regulatory requirements through meticulous record-keeping and timely reporting of incidents.
• Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care.
• Optimized inventory management processes to prevent stockouts while maintaining costeffectiveness.
• Identified unit areas of inadequacy and adjusted procedures to close gaps and improve policies.
• Built strong relationships with patients'' families, providing support and education regarding treatment options and health management strategies.

• The Clinical Head Nurse is a member of the Leadership/Management team
• Served as a facilitator to unit councils and the multidisciplinary teams
• Responsible for assisting in supervising nursing staff, for providing leadership and orientation to nursing personnel, and for performing a variety of nursing duties to coordinate the delivery of care to patients
• Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
• Served as a liaison between the nursing department and hospital administration to address staffing concerns, policy changes, and budgetary issues effectively.
• Evaluated staff performance regularly, identifying areas for growth and providing constructive feedback when necessary.
• Led multidisciplinary team meetings to review patient progress, adjust care plans as needed, and ensure optimal collaboration among healthcare providers.
• Identified unit areas of inadequacy and adjusted procedures to close gaps and improve policies.
• Championed infection control measures within the unit, resulting in reduced rates of hospital-acquired infections.
• Reduced medical errors with thorough documentation and adherence to strict safety standards.

• The Clinical Head Nurse is a member of the Leadership/Management team
• Served as a facilitator to unit councils and the multidisciplinary teams
• Strengthened unit care standards and policies with focus on patient safety and dignity.
• Responsible for assisting in supervising nursing staff, for providing leadership and orientation to nursing personnel, and for performing a variety of nursing duties to coordinate the delivery of care to patients
• Served as a liaison between the nursing department and hospital administration to address staffing concerns, policy changes, and budgetary issues effectively.
• Identified unit areas of inadequacy and adjusted procedures to close gaps and improve policies.
• Reduced medical errors with thorough documentation and adherence to strict safety standards.
• Championed infection control measures within the unit, resulting in reduced rates of hospital-acquired infections.
• Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff participation in quality improvement projects.
• Hospital Newborn Metabolic Screen Coordinator
• Developed comprehensive training programs for new nurses, ensuring a smooth onboarding process.
• Proficient in the Kronos/ payroll system and Smart Square Scheduling
• Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
• Co-Facilitator of NICU Integrated Council
• Successfully managed high-stress situations during emergency cases and mass casualty incidents, providing critical leadership and decision-making skills.
• Facilitator of NICU Clinical Resource Nurses
• Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
• Facilitator of NICU Bereavement Committee
• Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
• Facilitator of NICU Quality Team
• Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols.
• NICU U-ACT Team
• Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
• Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital SPS CLABSI HAC
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
• Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital SPS VAP HAC
• Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
• Proficient in the care and delivery of excellent nursing care to neonates and their families
• Charge nurse and liaison between the multidisciplinary teams

Provided care for critically ill neonates requiring life sustaining measures

• Expert in ventilation, care of Extremely Low Birth Weight infants, and intravenous therapy
• Accurately obtain and document patient background and medication lists
• Delivered a complete range of knowledge and expertise to patients and families
• Initiate and maintain intravenous therapy safely and effectively
• Use of conventional and high frequency ventilation, nitric oxide therapy, and inotropic infusions
• Implemented applicable knowledge to parents and family members regarding patient needs
• Commended by families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care
• Baltimore, Maryland

• The Clinical Resource Nurse acts as a liaison to the Charge Nurse and Care Coordination team, including Advanced Practice Nurses where applicable
• Encouraged staff to participate in physician rounds, follow-up with changes to the patient’s care plans, and receive patient updates
• Led by example, demonstrating commitment to the company''s mission and consistently delivering high-quality work.
• Promoted efficiency of patient care by sharing knowledge and identifying opportunities for growth and development of staff
• Monitored group performance on a regular basis, analyzing data and trends to identify areas for improvement.
• Nursing staff participates in opportunities for growth and development and communicate progress of fulfilling educational goals with the CPGL at regularly scheduled intervals
• Delegated tasks strategically and monitored progress for timely completion.
• Maintained knowledge of each patient’s status throughout the course of the shift by communicating with the RNs to receive updates on each patient’s status and plan of care
• Monitored team performance to identify productivity improvement opportunities.

Served as charge and staff nurse caring for patients with acute illnesses, including Pulmonary Hypertension, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Sepsis, Retinopathy of Prematurity, heart defects of newborns, and those requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

• Active advocate and promoter of health and support to patients and families in coping with illness and disease
• Initiate and maintain intravenous therapy safely and effectively
• Operate 12-lead EKG and Hewitt Packard bedside monitoring
• Served as a preceptor to new and experienced nurses to the NICU
• Provide effective communication skills to each member of the NICU team
• Exhibit motivation and dedication by providing the highest quality of care to each patient and family member
• Implemented and coordinated ongoing staff and family education programs, including Parent Car Seat classes
• Commended by families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care

Provided care for critically ill neonates requiring life sustaining measures

• Cared for infants requiring conventional and high frequency ventilation, pre- and post-surgical heart defects, acutely and chronically ill neonates, and intravenous therapy
• Accurately obtained and documented patient history and medication lists, assessed individual conditions, and needs, and selected departmental referrals for acute and chronically ill patients
• Prepared equipment and assisted physicians during patient examinations and treatments
• Commended by patients’ families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care
• Maintained a high degree of accuracy to achieve optimal patient recovery

• Served as staff nurse caring for patients requiring care of acute illnesses, including Pulmonary Hypertension, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia, Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Sepsis, Retinopathy of Prematurity, and those requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
• Delivered a complete range of knowledge and expertise to patients and families
• Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.
• Initiated and maintained intravenous therapy safely and effectively
• Responded sensitively and competently to service customers with diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Use of conventional and high frequency ventilation, nitric oxide therapy, and inotropic infusions
• New graduate and experienced nurse preceptor
• Certified Car Seat expert and family/parent instructor
• Active member in NICU Quality of Work Life Council
• Initiated Baby Name signs at each patient bedside
• Commended by families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care
• Hershey, Pennsylvania

Served as a graduate and staff nurse upon graduation

• Demonstrated efficiency in providing care for critically ill neonates requiring conventional and high frequency ventilation, Salem sump irrigation, multiple intravenous therapies, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, Sepsis, and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
• Delivered a complete range of knowledge to patients and families for optimal patient care
• Commended by families and supervisors for outstanding quality of care
• Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
• Established positive relationships with customers and other staff members.