Valerie Hickox
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(H) (902) 724-2663, (C) (902) 438-1638,
Objective
Seeking to further my career within the nursing field. I am very passionate about learning, and embrace all opportunities involving educationing, assisting and encouraging others to become competent professionals.
Work Experience
Licensed Practical Nurse (02/15/2001 – Present)
40% permanent positions Wedgewood Manor Apr 2010-PRESENT; Summerset Manor June2009-Apr 2010; PAST Casual and Temporary employers: Colville Manor May2006-Jan 2009; Kings County Memorial Hospital Apr 2003-Jan 2005; Riverview Manor Oct 2001-Jan 2007; Beachgrove Home Feb 2001- July 2004;
Last Employer: Provincial Government
Contact Person: Julie McCaul (902)888-8354
Responsibilities: medication administration; dressings and treatments for pressure ulcers and wounds; working collaboratively with RN; supervising RCWs in the implementation of patient care; ongoing assessment and holistic care of the residents
Accomplishments: Am proud to be working in one of the showcase establishments adopting the new "Collaborative Model Of Care" through the Provincial Government. Successfully completed Medication Administration and Medication Administration Labs 2010; Anatomy and Physiology 2010; Health Assessment 2009
Dietary Aide (08/30/1993 – 03/30/1998)
As well as being a dietary aide, I assisted the RCWs where needed; I was bartender for special functions, volunteered, and worked as a companion for two different families on a part time basis.
Last Employer: Rideau Place Retirement Home
Responsibilities: Initially worked on special needs floor(Alzheimer's unit) serving food to 10 - 20 residents independently. Transferred to the main dining room (capacity 150 residents) for food service in formal dining room. Assissted in writing job descriptions, and training new staff.
Accomplishments: This is the time in my life where I realized that I loved working with the elderly, and decided to further my career as a nurse.
Education
Establishment: Holland College
Education Period: 01/19/2010 - 03/24/2010
Speciality: Pharmacology
Details: final grade 89%
Establishment: Holland College
Education Period: 12/12/2009 - 01/16/2010
Speciality: Anatomy and Physiology
Details: final mark 85%
Establishment: Holland College
Education Period: 09/22/2009 - 10/27/2009
Speciality: Health Assessment
Details: final mark 82%
Establishment: Holland College
Education Period: 01/10/2000 - 12/15/2000
Speciality: Nursing Assistant
Skills
Within my scope of practice, there are a variety of skills that I am able to utilize. Some of these skills are: medication administration, catheter care and removal, obtaining vitals, monitoring intake and output, wound care and management, monitoring blood glucose levels and respond to diabetic symptoms and reactions; assessment and planning, conduct admission, discharge and transfer, assist with ADL's , assist with feeding and monitor diet, monitor elimination and use appropriate measures to assist when necessary, support ventilation and respiration, provide highest level of comfort, end of life care, collect specimens
Computer Skills: Very Computer Literate
Additional Information
Proven to be reliable and responsible; Remain calm and professional in critical situations; demonstrates confidentiality; excellent worker and leader; strong interpersonal skills, possess special sensitivity to meeting diverse needs in varied situations.
Honors: Received the "LPN Peer Excellence Award" at the Annual LPN Annual Meeting in May 2010
Conferences or Courses: LPNA Annual Conference 20o9; 8 credits at U.P.E.I 1989-90; Desktop Publishing Techniques Algonquin College, Ottawa 1993; Alzheimer's Information In-service 1993; Urinary Catheter Care and Removal 2004; Peritoneal Dialysis2004; IV Therapy Training2004; Safe Manual Handling2004; WHMIS 2010; CPR 2010; TLR and Falls Management2009; Dying With Dignity2009; Topical Drugs and Skin Disorders2007; Fire Safety Preparedness2010; Tube Feeding2010; Collaborative Model of Care and Person Focused Care2010; Focused Charting and documentation 2010
Certifications or Licensures: current license - Licensed Practical Nurse #1640
Study Abroad: Was a member of the Foster Parents Program in Alberta in the winter 2005, and spring 2006. Cared for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Was learning the "Parents as Teachers " approach through the community of High Prairie, Alberta."Parents as Teachers" is learning the developmental levels of children, and using the appropriate tools to help them learn.
Interests
I love working in the health care field; I am especially fond of the elderly and giving them the best quality of life possible.
Having just finished a number of courses in the past year, I realized two very important things; I am passionate about learning, and I am very good at teaching, encouraging and helping others.
I have a very outgoing personality and am well liked by others.
Some of my interests include: music, food, good books, painting and being physically active! My familly and friends are extremley important to me and I feel truly blessed and thankful.