Dorcas Assifuah
Summary
Seasoned Mental Health Registered Nurse with a proven track record at Ghana Health Service, enhancing patient outcomes through expert application of psychiatric assessment and de-escalation techniques. Spearheaded initiatives reducing readmissions and fostered recovery, showcasing exceptional counseling and clinical documentation skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Ghana Health Service (St. Theresa's Hospital- Nandom)
Nandom, Upper West
08.2017 - Current
- Administered psychotropic medications, monitoring for side effects, effectiveness, and making adjustments as necessary to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Established rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds through empathic listening and culturally sensitive communication practices.
- Coordinated discharge planning with patients, families, and community providers to ensure continuity of care and successful transition back into the community.
- Educated patients and family members about medical conditions and mental health, medications, treatments and preventive measures.
- Determined patient risk by utilizing subjective and objective data obtained through patient interaction.
- Supported newly licensed nurses in their orientation process by serving as a preceptor and providing guidance on clinical practice within mental health nursing.
- Promoted recovery and wellness by providing psychoeducation to patients and their families on coping strategies and available resources.
- Assisted with program development initiatives to establish or expand mental health services within the facility based on identified needs.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing timely follow-up care, assessing progress, and adjusting treatment plans accordingly.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Assessed patients' physical and mental status by analyzing complaints and symptoms.
- Created and implemented group therapies and programs to help patients improve or regain coping abilities.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans focused on mental health needs.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to track patient progress, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and modify plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Christian Health Association Of Ghana (Pentecost Hospital)
Madina- Ghana
07.2016 - 12.2016
- Educated patients and family members about medical conditions and mental health, medications, treatments and preventive measures.
- Assessed patients' physical and mental status by analyzing complaints and symptoms.
- Promoted recovery and wellness by providing psychoeducation to patients and their families on coping strategies and available resources.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Mental Health Authority (Accra Psychiatric Hospital)
Accra - Ghana
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Administered psychotropic medications, monitoring for side effects, effectiveness, and making adjustments as necessary to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Established rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds through empathic listening and culturally sensitive communication practices.
- Coordinated discharge planning with patients, families, and community providers to ensure continuity of care and successful transition back into the community.
- Educated patients and family members about medical conditions and mental health, medications, treatments and preventive measures.
- Participated in case conferences to discuss complex cases collaboratively with colleagues from various disciplines for better decision-making processes.
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Ghana Health Service ( Kekele Polyclinic)
Madina- Ghana
01.2016 - 03.2016
- Educated patients and family members about medical conditions and mental health, medications, treatments and preventive measures.
- Assessed patients' physical and mental status by analyzing complaints and symptoms.
- Participated in case conferences to discuss complex cases collaboratively with colleagues from various disciplines for better decision-making processes.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to track patient progress, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and modify plans as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Enhanced overall quality of care through participation in ongoing professional development opportunities related to mental health nursing best practices.
- Prevented medication errors by carefully reviewing prescriptions from psychiatrists before administering medication in accordance with established guidelines.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Education
Diploma - Psychiatric Nursing
Pantang Nurses' Training College
Pantang, Accra08.2015
West African Senior School Certificate Examination - Home Economics
Action Senior High And Technical School
Madina, Accra06.2011
Skills
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Clinical Quality Improvement
- Counseling
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation
- Psychiatric assessment
- Stress Reduction Strategies
- Psychoeducation Delivery
- Clinical Documentation
- Relapse Prevention
- Mental health counseling
- Family Support
- Medication Administration
- Patient Health Education
- Motivational Interviewing
- Wound Care
- Infection Control
- Medication and IV administration
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Vitals monitoring
- Intake and discharge
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
Accomplishments
Best Mental Health Nurse in Nandom Municipal for 2021
Certification
- Diploma Certificate (August,2012- August,2015)
- West African Senior School Certificate Examination ( August, 2007- June, 2011)
- Basic Education Certificate Examination (August,2003 - April, 2006)
Timeline
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Ghana Health Service (St. Theresa's Hospital- Nandom)
08.2017 - Current
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Christian Health Association Of Ghana (Pentecost Hospital)
07.2016 - 12.2016
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Mental Health Authority (Accra Psychiatric Hospital)
03.2016 - 06.2016
Mental Health Registered Nurse
Ghana Health Service ( Kekele Polyclinic)
01.2016 - 03.2016
Diploma - Psychiatric Nursing
Pantang Nurses' Training College
West African Senior School Certificate Examination - Home Economics
Action Senior High And Technical School