Adwoa Harris-Dacus
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Richmond, TX 281-***-**** ************@*****.***
Summary
Patient-centered and empathetic Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 10+ years of experience performing patient assessments, providing pre/post-operative care, and facilitating group/individual therapy sessions within diverse healthcare settings, including psychiatric hospitals and general medical-surgical units. Adept at using evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy to promote behavioral change. Skilled in managing acute care scenarios, administering medications, and employing critical interventions for patients with psychiatric and medical comorbidities.
Work Experience
Memorial Hermann Hospital Sugarland, TX
Registered Nurse/Perioperative Services January 2017 – Present
●Evaluate patient conditions and manage pre-/post-operative care for patients with congestive heart failure, COPD, and diabetes within the 179-bed facility to support quicker recoveries
●Administer medications and blood products while skillfully inserting IVs, peg tubes, and Foley catheters to ensure patients receive the correct medication, dosage, and route at the appropriate time
●Enable informed decisions and foster a deeper understanding of health conditions by educating patients and families on diagnosis and treatment plans
●Provide compassionate and quality care to patients with ADHD, schizophrenia, dementia, psychosis, and bipolar disorders alongside individuals with restraints and/or handcuffs
Inner Wisdom Inc. (Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient Treatment Center) Houston, TX
Clinical Rotation-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student Nurse Intern August 2023 – December 2023
●Facilitated group therapy sessions with a keen focus on instilling motivation for change, encouraging critical thinking, and addressing maladaptive behaviors via utilization of cognitive behavioral techniques
●Upheld an empathetic and professional attitude while interacting with patients during individual therapy sessions to create a safe space for expressing emotions
●Contributed to treatment planning and medication management by attending daily interdisciplinary meetings
Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital Houston, TX
Clinical Rotation-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student Nurse Intern May 2023 – August 2023
●Collaborated with psychologists, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners to create individualized treatment plans, while assisting in prescribing medication and ordering lab work for optimal therapeutic outcomes
●Engaged with licensed professionals to evaluate, diagnose, and treat up to 45 patients of varying ages suffering from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, psychosis, and suicidal ideation
●Prioritized patient well-being and comfort by carefully supervising patient progress and adjusting treatment plans
Harris County Psychiatric Center Houston, TX
Clinical Rotation-Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Student Nurse Intern January 2023 – April 2023
●Coordinated with interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement structured, patient-centered interventions
●Guided patients and families through mental health diagnoses, treatment pathways, and care plans to foster knowledge and confidence in managing complex conditions
●Maintained accurate patient records and updated documentation for evidence-based healthcare interventions
Memorial Hermann Hospital - Med Surgery Sugarland, TX
Registered Nurse/Perioperative Services October 2015 – January 2017
●Rendered hands-on support with cardiac diagnosis, proper healing, and alleviating respiratory distress by performing EKGs, handling wound care, and overseeing breathing treatments
●Monitored patients’ vital signs and addressed changes in conditions during preoperative and postoperative phases to initiate timely interventions and prevent complications
●Followed strict infection control techniques and safety guidelines to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections and promote overall patient well-being
Additional Experience
West Janisch Health Care Center LVN
●Managed the assessment and care planning for diabetic, dialysis, tracheostomy, and hospice patients to promote quality care for chronic and end-of-life conditions
●Handled patient intake and discharge activities, including scheduling surgeries, setting up appointments, and arranging transportation for the continuity of appropriate care
Skills
Patient Assessment, Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Pain Management, Crisis Intervention, Patient/Family Education, QA
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Progress Monitoring, Medication Management, Colostomy Care, Tracheostomy Care
Education
Master of Science in Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner The University of Texas Health Science Center, 2023
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Texas Tech University Health Science Center
Licenses/Credentials
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Texas (PMHNP-BC)
Registered Nurse Texas
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
Awards
Academic Scholarship Award, Alvin Community College, Alvin, TX