SCHOLAR DIRECTORY

After attaining my Bachelors of Nursing Degree (BSN 2nd Degree) from the University of Maryland in 2005, I joined Dimensions Healthcare Systems as a Critical Care/ICU/Trauma Nurse where I gained vast experiences as an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse. As part of my career advancement in late 2006, I was offered a position with The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington DC as an ICU Staff Nurse. I have been with this great Veterans’ healthcare provider since then. In 2012 I achieved my MSN (Adult/Acute Care Clinical Nurse Specialist). My career advancement within the VA had been progressive. My position as the Admission Utilization Management Coordinator with the VAMC in DC is very involving and rewarding, as we serve a large population of veterans in the DC metropolitan area. I use research to search for and understand practice as related to veterans care. I also use evidence based practice to improve my patient’s quality of care. For example, I used current literature findings when asked to help with the ICU performance improvement council, this is a committee that works to organize, direct, and assess the departmental performance improvement activities. As an Advanced Practice Nurse (APN)/clinical nurse specialized, I have learnt to act as a patient advocate and assist my patients and their families in problem solving in regards to their healthcare. My goal is to continue to look for the best way to improve the care of the veterans’ population.