Heather Dawson
Huntley
Summary
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 30 years of nursing and 10 years of advanced practice experience in pediatric primary care, women's health, and newborn care. Seeking full-time clinical role in a collaborative clinic that prioritizes patient-centered care and professional development. Committed to delivering compassionate care and enhancing clinical knowledge within a supportive healthcare team.
Overview
1
1
Certification
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Nurse Practitioner
Children's Medical Group
Lake in the Hills
08.2016 - Current
- Provide comprehensive primary care for patients from birth through 21, including preventive, wellness, acute and chronic disease management.
- Conduct well-child examinations, sports physicals, developmental screenings, and same-day sick visits to ensure comprehensive pediatric care.
- Diagnose and treat common pediatric illnesses, minor injuries, while promoting evidence-based preventive care.
- Educate patients on disease prevention, immunizations, nutrition, and developmental milestones to promote healthy growth and development.
- Coordinate patient care by collaborating with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to enhance treatment outcomes.
- Participate in on-call coverage.
- Perform office-based procedures including suture removal, cryotherapy, and minor laceration repairs with skin adhesive.
- Mentor nursing staff, advanced practice nursing students, and provide clinical education to support quality patient care.
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Harper College
Palatine
08.2019 - 04.2024
- Supervised third-semester nursing students during obstetric rotation, facilitating skill development and clinical readiness.
- Evaluated clinical performance and critical thinking skills using evidence-based standards.
- Instructed students in postpartum, newborn, and maternal assessment.
- Encouraged professional development through hands-on coaching and constructive feedback, improving student confidence and competencies.
- Fostered patient-centered care, enhancing nursing service quality and patient satisfaction.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery, Postpartum
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington
07.2007 - 07.2016
- Managed comprehensive care for laboring, antepartum, postpartum, and newborn patients, ensuring optimal outcomes in a community hospital.
- Delivered compassionate, evidence-based maternal-child nursing care, enhancing patient experience and recovery.
- Circulated cesarean deliveries and responded to obstetric emergencies, ensuring patient safety and effective interventions.
- Assumed the role of Charge Nurse, coordinating staffing and patient flow, while supporting interdisciplinary communication.
Registered Nurse, Postpartum
Sherman Hospital
Elgin
10.2006 - 07.2007
- Delivered tailored postpartum care for mothers and newborns, supporting recovery and promoting family bonding.
- Provided direct patient care during postpartum recovery at a community hospital.
- Conducted assessments to monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being.
- Educated new mothers on breastfeeding techniques and newborn care practices.
Nursing Office Coordinator
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge
10.2004 - 09.2006
- Supported clinical manager by leading nursing office staff and providing oversight for 26 inpatient units.
Registered Nurse, OB Float Pool
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge
06.2004 - 10.2004
- Delivered comprehensive patient care in postpartum and labor & delivery, ensuring optimal recovery and satisfaction.
- Assisted in labor and delivery processes, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Monitored fetal heart rates and maternal vital signs during labor.
Operational Supervisor
Swedish American Hospital
Rockford
12.2003 - 05.2004
- Supervised daily operations in a community hospital environment.
- Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage across departments.
- Assisted clinical manager in overseeing labor & delivery, postpartum, and newborn nursery operations.
Care Coordinator
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge
11.1999 - 12.2003
- Coordinated care for Women's Health Services to enhance patient experience and streamline care during hospital stays.
- Contributed to discharge planning, utilization review, cost containment, and quality improvement initiatives to optimize patient outcomes.
- Served as a resource for nursing and medical staff, improving communication and collaboration.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge
08.1997 - 11.1999
- Managed care for laboring, high-risk patients during cesarean sections and vaginal deliveries to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Collaborated with maternal transport team to facilitate safe transfers of high-risk patients, enhancing patient care continuity.
- Precepted new staff and nursing students, fostering their clinical skills and integration into the team.
Registered Nurse, OB/Gyn
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge
11.1995 - 08.1997
- Managed care for antepartum, postpartum, newborn, and surgical/gyn patients, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
- Guided new staff and nursing students during training, enhancing their competency and confidence in clinical skills.
- Role of Charge Nurse, Shared Governance Representative, and educator of maternal/newborn care and breastfeeding.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05-2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05-1999
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Oakton Community College
Des Plaines, IL05-1995
Skills
- Pediatric primary care
- Chronic disease management
- Health assessment
- Evidence-based care
- Preventive wellness
- Office procedures
- Clinical decision-making
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Certification
- Family Nurse Practitioner, State of Illinois, 2016 - present
- ANCC FNP Certification, 2016 - present
- Registered Nurse, State of Illinois, 1995 - present
- Inpatient Obstetrics Certification, 1999 - present
- Certified Holistic Nutritionist, 2025 - present
Timeline
Clinical Nursing Supervisor
Harper College
08.2019 - 04.2024
Family Nurse Practitioner
Children's Medical Group
08.2016 - Current
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery, Postpartum
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
07.2007 - 07.2016
Registered Nurse, Postpartum
Sherman Hospital
10.2006 - 07.2007
Nursing Office Coordinator
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
10.2004 - 09.2006
Registered Nurse, OB Float Pool
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
06.2004 - 10.2004
Operational Supervisor
Swedish American Hospital
12.2003 - 05.2004
Care Coordinator
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
11.1999 - 12.2003
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
08.1997 - 11.1999
Registered Nurse, OB/Gyn
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
11.1995 - 08.1997
Master of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Oakton Community College