Donna Nelson-Lowe
Paragould
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience in direct and indirect patient care. Expertise in developing comprehensive care plans, enhancing patient outcomes, and mentoring new staff. Committed to fostering a collaborative healthcare environment.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Legacy Hospice of North Arkansas
Osceola
01.2026 - Current
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Collaborated with medical team to create, implement, and evaluate patient care plans, ensuring comprehensive care.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices and hospital policies to enhance patient care quality.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Engaged in quality improvement initiatives to enhance departmental practices and patient outcomes.
Registered Nurse
Baptist Paragould
Paragould
01.2020 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders and established protocols, ensuring patient adherence to care plans.
- Monitored patient vitals and reported changes to the healthcare team promptly.
- Educated patients and families on care plans and health management strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
- Assisted with patient care activities to enhance comfort and safety, contributing to positive patient experiences.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records, facilitating effective communication within the healthcare team.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
Registered Nurse
Elite Hospice
Jonesboro
03.2025 - 01.2026
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive patient care, improving patient outcomes through integrated approaches.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Educated patients and families on care plans and health management strategies, enhancing understanding and adherence to treatment.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records systems.
- Supported end-of-life care by providing emotional support to patients and families, facilitating a compassionate transition.
Registered Nurse
Lebonheur Children Medical Center
Memphis
03.2023 - 12.2025
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders and established protocols.
- Monitored patient vitals and reported changes to the healthcare team promptly.
- Instructed patients and families on care plans and health management strategies, promoting adherence and understanding.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive patient care, ensuring holistic treatment approaches.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed respiratory status of infants requiring ventilator support and managed airway suctioning.
Director of Hospice and Palliative Care
St. Bernards Medical Center
Jonesboro
10.2011 - 12.2019
- Led hospice care operations in alignment with organizational policies and standards.
- Managed budgetary resources to optimize service allocation and support.
- Ensured adherence to local, state, and federal regulations in hospice operations.
- Researched best practices from similar organizations to enhance service delivery.
- Coordinated community outreach activities, increasing local awareness of available hospice services.
Manager of Flo and Phil Jones Hospice house
St. Bernards Medical Center
Jonesboro
09.2009 - 10.2011
- Oversaw daily operations of medical center departments, ensuring effective staff management and workflow.
- Coordinated patient care services, enhancing efficiency and quality of service delivery.
- Managed budgeting and resource allocation for departmental needs, aligning resources with project goals.
- Developed policies to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
- Facilitated staff training sessions to improve skills and patient interaction techniques.
- Collaborated with leadership to implement strategic initiatives for operational improvement.
Palliative Care Nurse
St. Bernards Medical Center
Jonesboro
10.2006 - 09.2009
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with serious illnesses and their families, ensuring comfort and dignity during challenging times.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans.
- Educated patients on symptom management and end-of-life options.
- Coordinated seamless patient transitions between care settings, enhancing continuity of care and supporting optimal patient outcomes.
- Conducted thorough assessments to determine patient needs and preferences.
- Guided families through emotional challenges and complex decisions, providing support and resources to navigate difficult circumstances.
Registered Nurse, Neurological
St. Bernards Medical Center
Jonesboro
02.2004 - 10.2006
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders and tailored patient care plans, ensuring adherence to protocols.
- Monitored neurological assessments to evaluate patient conditions and responses to interventions, facilitating timely adjustments in care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care strategies for patients.
- Educated patients and families on neurological disorders and post-discharge care plans, empowering them to manage health effectively.
- Utilized electronic health records for accurate documentation and patient data management.
Pediatric ICU Nurse
Lebonheur Children Medical Center
Memphis
05.2001 - 01.2003
- Administered medications and treatments, ensuring optimal care for critically ill pediatric patients.
- Monitored vital signs, promptly reporting changes to healthcare team for timely interventions.
- Assisted in emergency procedures during critical situations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for patient care plans.
- Documented patient progress and interventions in electronic health records, enhancing communication and continuity of care.
- Educated families on treatment procedures and care expectations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, AR05-2001
Skills
- Direct and indirect patient care
- Electronic health records management
- High level of autonomy
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Legacy Hospice of North Arkansas
01.2026 - Current
Registered Nurse
Elite Hospice
03.2025 - 01.2026
Registered Nurse
Lebonheur Children Medical Center
03.2023 - 12.2025
Registered Nurse
Baptist Paragould
01.2020 - Current
Director of Hospice and Palliative Care
St. Bernards Medical Center
10.2011 - 12.2019
Manager of Flo and Phil Jones Hospice house
St. Bernards Medical Center
09.2009 - 10.2011
Palliative Care Nurse
St. Bernards Medical Center
10.2006 - 09.2009
Registered Nurse, Neurological
St. Bernards Medical Center
02.2004 - 10.2006
Pediatric ICU Nurse
Lebonheur Children Medical Center
05.2001 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science
Arkansas State University