Portland, Oregon, United States
Driven, inspired, and compassionate registered nurse with 12 years of nursing experience across three VA Medical Centers, including the Portland VA, Central Texas VA, and Milwaukee VA. Experienced in independent, collaborative, and remote clinical environments, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics at Western Governors University. "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." - Buckminster Fuller
Assists veterans, family members, and caregivers in navigating complex healthcare needs by facilitating access to appropriate services, resources, and care. Coordinates care across multidisciplinary teams, multiple specialties within the Department of Hospital and Specialty Medicine (DHSM) and Operative Care Division (OCD), as well as VA and community healthcare systems, to ensure seamless transitions and continuity of care. Provides oversight of the diagnostic and treatment continuum, ensuring critical milestones are completed efficiently and supporting coordination of evidence-based care. Guides veterans from the earliest suspicion of cancer through diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, surveillance, and palliative or end-of-life care, serving as a consistent advocate, educator, and point of contact throughout the cancer care journey.
Provided care coordination for Veterans receiving services through non-VA healthcare systems, serving as a liaison between the VA, community providers, and third-party payor (Optum). Managed moderate-complexity caseloads, supporting Veterans in selecting appropriate providers, ensuring timely completion of authorizations and required documentation, and obtaining external medical records to support closed-loop communication between VA and community providers. Provided clinical expertise on Community Care authorization processes and benefits, including 72-hour emergency care services, and processed Durable Medical Equipment (DME) requests and Requests for Services (RFS). Processed referrals across multiple specialties including cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, pulmonology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, general surgery, dermatology (including Mohs), neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, physical medicine & rehabilitation, pain management, ophthalmology, ENT, plastic surgery, bariatric surgery, hematology/oncology, radiation oncology, skilled nursing (PT/OT/ST), acute inpatient and rehabilitation services, and mental health. Served on the Milwaukee VA Community Care Women’s Health Team, collaborating with the Women Veterans Program Manager, VISN 12 Women’s Health Clinical Coordinator, and national stakeholders. Supported specialized referral processing including infertility services (1332), IVF/ART (1334), cryopreservation, breast imaging (diagnostic mammography, MRI, biopsy), breast surgery, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, radiation therapy, and maternity care. Additional features, accomplishments, and recognition during this role include publication of three articles through ZVAMC Public Affairs, recognition as ICARE Champion of the Month (July 2023), active membership in the Nursing Informatics Committee and the Nursing Brand Ambassador Program, and enrollment in the FY25 VHA Innovation Network Incubation Series.
Served veterans on a 30-bed medical-surgical telemetry unit (7C) with a diverse patient population including General Surgery, Vascular, Urology, Orthopedics, ENT, Plastic Surgery, Ophthalmology, and Gynecology. Functioned in dual roles as both a bedside nurse and unit scheduler for more than 60 nursing staff members. Developed and implemented scheduling tools and standard operating procedures that improved efficiency, promoted transparency and accountability, and facilitated resolution of staffing concerns. Provided frontline care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including two unit conversions to dedicated COVID care. Actively contributed to the Nursing Care Plan Committee and served as both a BCMA Super User and Documentation Super User, providing peer support, education, and expertise related to clinical documentation workflows.
Provided on-site Japanese-English interpretation at multiple local hospitals and clinics, between healthcare professionals and Non-English speaking clients who required extra human interaction and visual contact of an interpreter. This position required clear and effective communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of how to work in a diverse, multicultural setting.
Provided care under the supervision of the Director of Nursing and ordering physician. Promoted a positive physical and psychosocial environment for all patients.
Maintained and protected the garden's 5.5 acre landscape. Served as the first point-of-contact for guests, enforced garden etiquettes, and performed opening/closing operations.
Greeted and efficiently seated guests in the dining area, booked reservations, answered phone calls, and guided customers throughout the 32,000 sq. ft. layout. Ensured needs of guests were met.