Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

DOROTHEA PRITCHARD

Alton

Summary

Dynamic healthcare professional with extensive experience in patient-focused care and crisis intervention, proficient in leading interdisciplinary teams and developing tailored care plans. Expertise in applying critical thinking and stress management techniques to improve health outcomes and optimize staff performance. Committed to fostering a culture of learning through education and teaching, while poised for advancement into management or administrative roles to enhance organizational effectiveness. Passionate about driving positive change in healthcare environments through innovative solutions and collaborative leadership.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Charge Registered Nurse

Saint Louis University Hospital
04.2023 - Current
  • Led shift handover meetings effectively communicating critical information about each patient''s status ensuring continuity of care.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by actively participating in unit meetings, sharing ideas to improve efficiency or address ongoing challenges faced by colleagues.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
  • Mentored newly hired nurses to ensure seamless integration into the team and facilitate their professional development.
  • Skillfully performed various clinical procedures such as IV insertion, wound dressing changes, catheterizations; ensuring optimal comfort levels for patients during these processes.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration through effective communication and teamwork with physicians, therapists, and support staff.
  • Built rapport with patients and family members to deliver exceptional care.

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

BJC Healthcare
04.2025 - 07.2025
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all interactions with clients according to HIPAA regulations.
  • Provided clinical screenings and assessments of treatment needs for new patients, collaborating with other departments to support intake operations.
  • Utilized crisis intervention techniques to deescalate acute situations involving clients.
  • Provided individual and family counseling to clients with mental health issues, utilizing evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies to promote positive change among individuals.
  • Created referral networks with community resources that could benefit the wellbeing of clients.
  • Actively listened to client concerns in order to build trust and rapport during sessions.
  • Collaborated with physicians in screening and evaluating patients for psychotropic medications, when necessary.
  • Identified environmental stressors impacting the wellbeing of clients.
  • Guided clients in development of skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Provided targeted therapeutic interventions for clients experiencing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related issues, and substance abuse concerns.
  • Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.

Registered Nurse

Chestnut Family Health Center
02.2023 - 03.2024
  • Prepared patients for examinations, operations, and treatments and assisted during procedures.
  • Performed EKGs using proper techniques and procedures.
  • Informed physician of patient's condition during procedures.
  • Identified potential risk factors that may lead to adverse events or complications.
  • Reviewed laboratory results and diagnostic tests to identify changes in patient status.
  • Trained and supervised nursing staff in proper patient care techniques.
  • Supervised safe and effective use of equipment involved in direct patient care.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • 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.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.

ER Registered Nurse

Alton Memorial Hospital
05.2019 - 04.2020
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
  • Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
  • Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
  • Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
  • Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
  • Prevented medication errors by diligently verifying drug orders against patient records before administering treatments.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.

Registered Nurse Supervisor (Corrections)

Saint Louis County Department of Health
06.2019 - 03.2020
  • Provided leadership and supervision for nursing staff in a correctional setting.
  • Participated in regular staff training sessions to stay current on best practices in correctional nursing and maintain licensure requirements.
  • Enhanced patient care by providing comprehensive medical assessments and developing tailored treatment plans for inmates.
  • Improved overall patient outcomes by closely monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatments as necessary.
  • Exhibited strong clinical judgment by accurately triaging patients and escalating concerns to higher levels of care when necessary.
  • Contributed to the successful rehabilitation of inmates by addressing underlying health issues that could impact their ability to reintegrate into society postrelease.
  • Completed thorough intake assessments on newly admitted inmates, identifying urgent medical needs and initiating prompt interventions.
  • Assisted in emergency situations, providing critical first-response care while adhering to strict safety protocols.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes, maintaining accurate records and ensuring timely distribution to patients.
  • Developed strong rapport with inmates, fostering trust and open communication for effective healthcare delivery.

Registered Nurse Supervisor

Department of Health Clayton
12.2017 - 05.2019
  • Developed and implemented nursing care plans.
  • Developed patient care plans, including assessments, evaluations and nursing diagnoses.
  • Specialized in the nursing care of patients with chemical dependency.
  • Strong leader for nursing personnel assigned to the unit/shift.
  • Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management and treatment of various disorders and diseases.
  • Detoxification from substances such as alcohol or drugs.
  • Self-directed with astute judgment skills.
  • High level of personal accountability.
  • Performed lab tests and communicated results.
  • Liaised between patients and physicians to ensure patient comprehension of treatment plans.

Registered Nurse Behavioral Health

SSM DePaul Hospital
06.2016 - 05.2019
  • Increased patient satisfaction by establishing trust and rapport through compassionate listening and empathetic communication.
  • Streamlined documentation processes, resulting in increased efficiency and accuracy of patient records.
  • Conducted group therapy sessions to facilitate peer support, coping skill development, and emotional expression among patients.
  • Evaluated treatment plan efficacy by regularly assessing patient progress toward established goals, adjusting interventions as needed based on clinical judgment.
  • Collaborated with psychiatrists to adjust medication regimens, optimizing therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
  • Promoted self-care among patients through the teaching of effective coping strategies and stress management techniques.
  • Prevented escalation of psychiatric crises by recognizing early warning signs and intervening promptly with appropriate de-escalation techniques.
  • Educated patients and families on mental health conditions, treatment options, and community resources to promote informed decisionmaking.

Registered Nurse

Christian Hospital
06.2009 - 02.2015
  • Provided medical screening upon arriving in the facility.
  • Medication administration and assessment.
  • Obtained vitals.
  • Psychiatric evaluations.
  • IM injections.
  • Detox management from opioids, amphetamines, alcohol and other street substances.
  • Electronic charting of medical information.
  • Intervening during medical emergencies.
  • Assisting the physicians with medical procedures.

Student Nurse Technician

Christian Hospital
09.2008 - 06.2009
  • Assisting nurses with management of patients.
  • Obtained vitals.
  • Helped patient with ADL's.
  • Patient advocate.
  • Transporter.
  • Some assessment pertaining to the patients care.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing
10.2012

Associate of Science - Nursing

Lutheran School of Nursing
06.2008

Skills

  • Proficient in intravenous therapy concepts
  • Patient evaluation/intervention
  • Professional bedside manner
  • Compassionate
  • Efficient and reliable team player
  • Public speaking ability
  • Proficient in clinical nursing programs and medication management systems
  • Patient-focused care
  • Wound care specialist
  • Adept at treatment and discharge planning
  • Proficient in computer software programs
  • Staff training
  • Performance management
  • Issue resolution
  • Adept at critical care
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills
  • Stress management strategies
  • Suicide prevention
  • Multicultural competence
  • Staff leadership
  • Care coordination
  • Policy compliance
  • Discharge planning
  • Resource allocation
  • Duty delegation

Certification

  • TNCC - Trauma Nurse Core Course, Past
  • CPR certified through American Heart Association, Current
  • ACLS - Advanced cardiac life support, Current
  • PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support, Past
  • CPI - Crisis Prevention Intervention, Past
  • Registered Nurse, Illinois, 041398652
  • Registered Nurse, Missouri, 2008029036

Interests

  • Music
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Photography
  • Dance
  • Yoga
  • Gym Workouts

Timeline

Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

BJC Healthcare
04.2025 - 07.2025

Charge Registered Nurse

Saint Louis University Hospital
04.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse

Chestnut Family Health Center
02.2023 - 03.2024

Registered Nurse Supervisor (Corrections)

Saint Louis County Department of Health
06.2019 - 03.2020

ER Registered Nurse

Alton Memorial Hospital
05.2019 - 04.2020

Registered Nurse Supervisor

Department of Health Clayton
12.2017 - 05.2019

Registered Nurse Behavioral Health

SSM DePaul Hospital
06.2016 - 05.2019

Registered Nurse

Christian Hospital
06.2009 - 02.2015

Student Nurse Technician

Christian Hospital
09.2008 - 06.2009

Associate of Science - Nursing

Lutheran School of Nursing

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Chamberlain College of Nursing
DOROTHEA PRITCHARD