Tara Southerland
Quitman
Summary
Dedicated registered nurse with extensive experience in delivering evidence-based therapeutic care. Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in high-pressure environments. Committed to providing compassionate and effective patient care while ensuring adherence to best practices.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Conway Outpatient Surgery Center
Conway
04.2021 - Current
- Monitored patients' conditions during procedures under conscious sedation, collaborated with physician regarding sedation levels, and documented status throughout procedures to ensure patient safety.
- Monitored patients post-operatively by assessing vital signs and reactions to sedation, charting conditions, and collaborating with physician on any abnormalities to facilitate appropriate care.
- Prepared patients for procedures by assessing vital signs, interpreting EKG, inserting IVs, and evaluating overall health history and current condition to ensure readiness.
Registered Nurse, Medical Surgical, CCU
Baptist Health Medical Center
Little Rock and Heber Springs
01.2015 - 12.2024
- Provided patient-centered care in 800 bed hospital with 1:6 patient ratios, educating patients and families on prognosis, treatment plans, and at-home care to ensure understanding and adherence.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitored patient responses, and collaborated with healthcare teams to adapt care plans based on individual needs.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and refine patient care plans, enhancing overall patient outcomes.
Clinical Adjunct
Baptist Health Schools
Little Rock
09.2020 - 05.2022
- Delivered clinical instruction to nursing students, enhancing their practical skills in a real-world setting.
- Guided nursing students in delivering professional care while fostering critical thinking skills essential for clinical decision-making.
- Guide students in medication administration, nursing procedures and patient care in the clinical setting.
- Maintained comprehensive records of students' attendance, grades, and clinical performance to support academic progress.
Registered Nurse (Travel). High Acutely LTACH
UT Health East Texas
Tyler
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Delivered high-quality care to four high-acute patients requiring complex interventions, including ventilator management and extensive wound care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to create and implement tailored care plans, ensuring thorough documentation of patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
Registered Nurse, CCU
Conway Regional Medical Center
Conway
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Monitored patient conditions by interpreting EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry, and updating team on changes in stability or acuity to ensure timely interventions.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and coordinated next steps in treatment to enhance patient outcomes.
Licensed Practical Nurse
St. Andrew's Place Nursing Home
Conway
07.2013 - 01.2014
- Administered medications to 30 to 45 residents, ensuring adherence to physician orders.
- Performed wound, tracheostomy, and gastrostomy care, and inserted Foley catheters to support patient recovery.
- Supervised care delivered by three to four nursing aides, promoting quality and consistency in patient care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain University
Downers Grove, IL04-2020
Associate of Arts - Science
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
Morrilton, AR12-2017
Diploma - Registered Nursing
Baptist Health Schools Little Rock
Little Rock, AR12-2014
Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing
Baptist Health Schools Little Rock
Little Rock, AR07-2013
Associates - General Studies
University of Arkansas Community College-Morriton
Morrilton, AR12-2011
High School Diploma -
Guy-Perkins High Schools
Guy, AR05-2008
Skills
- Outpatient surgery care
- Medical-surgical care
- Clinical adjunct
- Critical care
- Hospice care
- Epic software use
- Meditech software use
- One Chart software use
Certification
- ACLS
- BLS
- CMSRN
Accomplishments
- Awarded three Daisy Runner up awards in 2017 and 2018
- Awarded Top Performer for Medical-Surgical unit in 2016 and 2017
- Awarded BEST Champion for Medical-Surgical unit in 2016
- Graduated with Honors in Nursing School in 2013 and 2014
- Received Faculty Award for 'Most Outstanding Student' in 2014
- Elected to attend 1921 Leadership Lecture Series in 2014
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Conway Outpatient Surgery Center
04.2021 - Current
Clinical Adjunct
Baptist Health Schools
09.2020 - 05.2022
Registered Nurse (Travel). High Acutely LTACH
UT Health East Texas
06.2019 - 09.2019
Registered Nurse, CCU
Conway Regional Medical Center
01.2019 - 06.2019
Registered Nurse, Medical Surgical, CCU
Baptist Health Medical Center
01.2015 - 12.2024
Licensed Practical Nurse
St. Andrew's Place Nursing Home
07.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain University
Associate of Arts - Science
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
Diploma - Registered Nursing
Baptist Health Schools Little Rock
Diploma - Licensed Practical Nursing
Baptist Health Schools Little Rock
Associates - General Studies
University of Arkansas Community College-Morriton
High School Diploma -
Guy-Perkins High Schools