Michelle Gerrard

• 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.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Assisted in training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to 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.
• Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
• Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
• Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
• Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
• Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
• Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
• Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
• Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.

• Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
• Drove clients safely to social activities and appointments.
• Developed strong interpersonal relationships with clients, earning their trust and respect through consistent empathy and understanding.
• Supported clients in maintaining a clean living space by assisting with household tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, and general tidying.

• Set up, stored and updated customer files, department records and regulatory paperwork
• Communicated acceptance or rejection to applicants via mail, email, telephone or personal consultations
• Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
• Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information
• Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
• Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
• Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
• Maintained highest levels of patient satisfaction, generating referrals to maintain productivity levels for ABI rehabilitation unit
• Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care

Member of the Wellington Benefit Review Panel
• Policy management
• Acting Service Centre Manager
• Employment coordinator for Clients with mental health, physical, intellectual and sensory disabilities
• Site Strengthening Families Coordinator
• Site Women's Refuge liaison
• High risk client portfolio management, working alongside Corrections/Police in employment placement
• Knowledge and understanding of a wide range of policy and legislation including
Social Welfare Act 1964, Privacy Act 1993, Official Information Act 1982 etc
• Awareness and ability to refer clients to other relative agencies
• Negotiating with stakeholders on behalf of clients
• Providing advice on a range of product and services, training and employment option's
• Working effectively within external stakeholders' ie Non Government Organisations (NGO), Private Training Establishments (PTE) amongst other contracted services for example, The New Zealand Defense force.
• Assisting other staff, providing staff training around LSV and other training programs

• Assisted in developing company-wide policies relating to equal opportunity employment, fostering a diverse work environment.
• Streamlined communication between HR and department managers to ensure a seamless recruitment process.
• Negotiated competitive compensation packages, ensuring fair market value for both employees and the organization.
• Implemented diversity hiring initiatives, promoting an inclusive workplace culture within the organization.