Stephen Hetherington
Lexington
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) earned in July 2024. Experienced in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse healthcare environments, including Intermediate Stepdown as of May 2025. Skilled in clinical assessments, care planning, medication administration, and implementing evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. Adept at managing complex cases, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and maintaining precise medical documentation.
Developed strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and patient advocacy skills in fast-paced healthcare settings. Proficient in advanced medical procedures, patient education, and effective communication to ensure a holistic approach to care. Known for a compassionate, professional demeanor and the ability to thrive under pressure while maintaining high standards of safety and care.
Seeking to leverage transferable skills and healthcare expertise in a new professional role to make a meaningful impact. Eager to apply a strong foundation in patient care and clinical leadership to contribute to organizational success and improve outcomes for diverse populations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
05.2024 - Current
- Enhanced patient recovery by implementing individualized care plans and closely monitoring progress.
- Served as an advocate for patients'' rights, ensuring their voices were heard during healthcare decision-making processes.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients, adhering to infection control protocols and standards of practice.
- Improved patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate care, addressing concerns, and actively listening to feedback.
- Increased efficiency in medication administration by utilizing electronic health record systems and barcode scanning technology.
- Reduced complications in Intermediate Care Unit by providing timely and accurate assessments of patient conditions.
- Mentored new nursing staff members by sharing expertise on effective techniques for managing complex cases within the Intermediate Care Unit setting.
- Coordinated with ancillary services such as physical therapy or nutrition consultation to optimize each patient''s overall well-being while under my care.
- Conducted continuous cardiac monitoring on patients stepping down from ICU care.
- Streamlined documentation processes by maintaining thorough records that accurately reflected each patient''s evolving condition over time.
- Helped team manage patient flow by promoting timely placements for admissions, discharges and transfers.
- Rounded hourly for optimal patient care outcomes using AIDET technique.
Charge Nurse
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
01.2024 - Current
- 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.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Championed a positive work culture by recognizing exemplary performance from team members and addressing conflicts promptly when they arose.
- Streamlined nursing workflows for increased efficiency and improved patient outcomes.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Coordinated discharge planning, collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure seamless transitions of care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Improved team morale and reduced turnover by implementing regular feedback sessions and career development opportunities.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
05.2022 - Current
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
LPN
Heritage
07.2020 - 04.2022
- Collected and documented vital signs to track current patient conditions
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration
- Communicated concerns regarding clients' status, care and environment to nursing supervisors, clinical care supervisors and case managers
- Documented patient intake and dietary requirements and aided with feeding and monitoring
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures
- Responded to patient alarms and needs-assessment requests to identify course of treatment
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
- Prevented drug interactions and contributed to correct diagnosis by recording patient health information, monitoring vitals and updating patient files
- Collected biological specimens and packaged for laboratory transport to complete diagnostic tests
- Examined and addressed lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms to assess and prioritize need for further attention
- Used sterile techniques to prepare patients for procedures
- Triaged patients by phone and provided general assistance for basic and advanced needs
- Charted changes in patient conditions and discussed concerns with supervising healthcare provider
- Addressed patient care needs, collected vitals, dressed wounds and managed catheters
- Cared for patients' acute and chronic wounds by changing dressings and applying medicated compounds
- Observed strict confidentiality and safeguarded all patient-related information
- Answered patient calls, identified issues and determined how best to provide assistance within parameters established by facility and supervisor
- Inserted, cared for and removed patients' catheters and monitored fluid output
- Administered prescribed medications and started intravenous fluids to address patient symptoms and underlying etiologies
- Managed patients' hygiene with comprehensive care for toileting, bathing and grooming needs
- Collected biological samples for routine laboratory testing to assist diagnostic processes
- Looked for physical, emotional and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns
LPN
Heartland Manorcare
08.2017 - 01.2020
- Collected and documented vital signs to track current patient conditions
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration
- Communicated concerns regarding clients' status, care and environment to nursing supervisors, clinical care supervisors and case managers
- Documented patient intake and dietary requirements and aided with feeding and monitoring
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures
- Responded to patient alarms and needs-assessment requests to identify course of treatment
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
- Followed rehabilitation and treatment care plans to accelerate patient recovery, minimize pain and optimize patient outcomes
- Collected biological specimens and packaged for laboratory transport to complete diagnostic tests
- Examined and addressed lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms to assess and prioritize need for further attention
- Charted changes in patient conditions and discussed concerns with supervising healthcare provider
- Cared for patients' acute and chronic wounds by changing dressings and applying medicated compounds
- Observed strict confidentiality and safeguarded all patient-related information
- Administered prescribed medications and started intravenous fluids to address patient symptoms and underlying etiologies
LPN
Meadows Menonnite Nursing Home
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Pass scheduled meds in a timely manner
- Assess and report all health concerns affecting patient to the On-Call physician, Power of attorney of health care, and Nursing Supervisor in a timely manner
- Conduct scheduled treatment of wounds
- Administer first aid to any patient in need
- Assist Doctors with rounds, patient health concerns, write over the phone orders, and report all underlying health conditions
- Supervise CNA's and ensure that all patient cares are being met
- Preform Admission assessments, enter patient information in online charting, create hardcopy charts
- Ensure that all medications, treatments, and appointments are current and up to date in online and hardcopy charts
- Assist CNA's with ADL and ensure patients' needs are met in a timely manner
- Collected and documented vital signs to track current patient conditions
- Monitored patient's respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration
- Followed rehabilitation and treatment care plans to accelerate patient recovery, minimize pain and optimize patient outcomes
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising
- Collected biological specimens and packaged for laboratory transport to complete diagnostic tests
- Started, monitored and managed intravenous medication to stabilize patient heart and blood pressure
- Examined and addressed lacerations, contusions and physical symptoms to assess and prioritize need for further attention
- Charted changes in patient conditions and discussed concerns with supervising healthcare provider
- Cared for patients' acute and chronic wounds by changing dressings and applying medicated compounds
- Observed strict confidentiality and safeguarded all patient-related information
CNA
Westminster Village
10.2015 - 11.2016
- Assist assigned residents with activities of daily living
- Complete bihourly toileting schedule
- Helping in dining room and assist residents with eating
- Dress residents for proper events
- Preform bathing as need and when scheduled
- Assist with resident restorative care programs
- Chart all activities in point click care
Pharmacy Technician
Meijer's Pharmacy
05.2014 - 10.2014
- Pharmacy Tech 1
- Responsibilities
- Prepared medications for review by Pharmacist
- Restock supplies
- Order medications
- Cashier
- Cleaning department before closing
- Assist customers with insurance claims
- Teamed with peers, technicians and pharmacists to prioritize and complete orders
- Created new customer profiles and updated demographics, allergies and new medications in pharmacy computer systems
- Assisted pharmacist with clearing high volume of prescriptions and responded to customer questions
- Interpreted and processed medication orders under supervision of pharmacist
- Inspected medication storage locations to monitor drug expiration dates and supply adequate inventory
- Refilled medications, offered insight into over-the-counter products and verified insurance benefits
- Transmitted claims to insurance companies for payment and reconciled EOBs
- Transmitted daily bulk orders to maintain inventory levels
- Prepared prescription transfers to other pharmacies
- Participated in prescription pharmaceutical and over-the-counter product inventory audits
Corpsman
Walter Reed National Military Hospital
01.2013 - 03.2014
- Managed the scheduling of patient exams
- Kept record of patient missed appointments
- Created health record and dental record copies
- Prepared medical records for doctor's review
- Processed patient's health records in to online formats
- Instructed sailors and marines in first aid, self-aid and personal hygiene procedures
- Administered medications and immunizations
- Maintained health records for marine platoons
- Specialized in preventive medicine and pharmaceutical services
- Observed, recorded and reported patients' condition or injury and treatment provided
Apprentice
United States Navy
08.2008 - 03.2014
- Managed 150 medical records for up to date medical readiness
- Recorded Patient annual health assessments in military data base
- Administrator of 1200 ship board personnel's medical documentation for transferring commands, aviation status, special operations, and separation from the military
- Assisted coordination in the ships sight and hearing program
- Participated in ward care by creating inpatient charts, changing IV's, dispensing medication, wound care, and bathing patients
- Monitored patients health records for deployment eligibility
- Researched and updated all mandated instructions and regulations for the physical examination department every month
- Screened patients (sick call, physical exams)
- Instructed sailors and marines in first aid, self-aid and personal hygiene procedures
- Supervised preventive medicine programs and supervised air, water, food and habitability standards
- Administered medications and immunizations
- Performed both emergency and routine medical procedures in high-pressure environments
- Trained in combat, life savings techniques and conducting physical exams
- Maintained health records for marine platoons
- Performed medical duties for preventive and unscheduled care by conducting lab work, x-rays, phlebotomy and IV fluid administration
- Performed preliminary exams to determine diagnosis and provide medical treatment
- Specialized in preventive medicine and pharmaceutical services
- Observed, recorded and reported patients' condition or injury and treatment provided
- Administered first aid treatment or life support in prehospital settings
- Immobilized patients for transport using backboard or other spinal mobilization
Corpsman
Yokosuka Naval Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Checked in patients into the clinic and completed basic assessments
- Prepared clinical rooms for minor surgical procedures such as vasectomies, lipectomies, skin tag removal, and toenail removal
- Instructed sailors and marines in first aid, self-aid and personal hygiene procedures
- Supervised preventive medicine programs and supervised air, water, food and habitability standards
- Performed both emergency and routine medical procedures in high-pressure environments
- Maintained health records for marine platoons
- Performed medical duties for preventive and unscheduled care by conducting lab work, x-rays, phlebotomy and IV fluid administration
- Performed preliminary exams to determine diagnosis and provide medical treatment
- Collaborated with team members and other first responders, ensuring consistent communication to maintain order and efficient care delivery
- Immobilized patients for transport using backboard or other spinal mobilization
- Monitored and replenished ambulance supplies, maintaining well-stocked inventory and properly functioning equipment
- Cleaned and sanitized ambulance and supplies between calls
Corpsman
Yokosuka Naval Hospital
02.2009 - 01.2011
- Completed initial assessments of incoming patients and vital signs
- Assisted the Doctor and nurses during emergent care
- Annotated information and procedures of medication flow sheet and nursing notes
- Dispensed correct amounts of medication to the right patient at the right time
- Transported patients to a higher levels of care via ambulance
- Managed supply and kept inventory for ER equipment
- Volunteered as an EMT for the Keego, Japan Fire Department
- Performed venipuncture
- Discharged patients' and transported the patients to their personal vehicle
- Instructed sailors and marines in first aid, self-aid and personal hygiene procedures
- Supervised preventive medicine programs and supervised air, water, food and habitability standards
- Administered medications and immunizations
- Maintained functionality and organization of medical treatment areas and provisions, including equipment maintenance and team leadership
- Performed medical duties for preventive and unscheduled care by conducting lab work, x-rays, phlebotomy and IV fluid administration
- Managed logistics to ensure all injuries and illnesses were efficiently addressed, including arranging transport to other care facilities
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Illinois State University
Normal, IL07-2024
Associate of Applied Science - Registered Nursing
Heartland Community College
Normal, IL05.2022
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Heartland Community College
Normal, IL05.2020
Certificate - LPN
Illinois Central College
Peoria, IL10.2015
Hospital Corpsman -
Naval Station Great Lakes
Great Lakes, IL01.2009
High School Diploma -
Prairie Central High School
Fairbury, IL01.2007
Skills
- Decision-making
- Clinical leadership
- Care coordination
- Team leadership
- Nursing documentation
- Chest tube management
- Basic life support
- Clinical judgment
- Teamwork
- Cardiac monitoring
- Medication administration
- Intravenous therapy
- Vitals monitoring
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Tracheostomy care
- Telemetry monitoring
- Critical thinking
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Creative problem solving
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Professionalism
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
05.2024 - Current
Charge Nurse
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
01.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
OSF St. Joseph Medical Center
05.2022 - Current
LPN
Heritage
07.2020 - 04.2022
LPN
Heartland Manorcare
08.2017 - 01.2020
LPN
Meadows Menonnite Nursing Home
01.2016 - 12.2016
CNA
Westminster Village
10.2015 - 11.2016
Pharmacy Technician
Meijer's Pharmacy
05.2014 - 10.2014
Corpsman
Walter Reed National Military Hospital
01.2013 - 03.2014
Corpsman
Yokosuka Naval Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2011
Corpsman
Yokosuka Naval Hospital
02.2009 - 01.2011
Apprentice
United States Navy
08.2008 - 03.2014
Associate of Applied Science - Registered Nursing
Heartland Community College
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Heartland Community College
Certificate - LPN
Illinois Central College
Hospital Corpsman -
Naval Station Great Lakes
High School Diploma -
Prairie Central High School
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Illinois State University
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