- Centerville, MA
- January 28, 2014
Dear Human Resources Director,
It was with great interest that I reviewed the posting for the Community Nurse at Harbor Community Health Center in Plymouth. Helping people achieve optimal health and comfort has always been professionally and personally satisfying. I was intrigued by the variety of the tasks from triaging and immunizing to relaying medical information in layman's terms; all skills I possess and would like to continue to use.
My skill sets in the areas of education, nursing and nutrition include co-facilitating support groups in bariatrics and diabetes, teaching nutrition and diabetes health classes, working flu shot clinics, planting and reading PPDs as well as a former adjunct professor are transferrable skills that will make me a strong candidate for this position. Throughout my career I have succeeded in all the positions I have held which I attribute to my listening skills and willingness to take on new challenges. My vast experience includes educating and caring for people of varied backgrounds and education levels, establishing rapport and relationships to foster self management of chronic conditions as well as empowering patients to care for themselves. I have collaborated closely with a variety of specialty teams including, primary care, endocrinology, behavioral medicine as well as surgical and have established a collegial work atmosphere with the aforementioned teams.
I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss how I could help the population in need meet their health goals and best help your organization.
Thank you for your time and for considering my sincere interest in this position. I hope to join your team and make a difference to the population you serve.
Sincerely,
Dawn M. Sprague, MS, RN, RD, CDE, LDN
Education
Framingham State College, Framingham, MA
Master of Science in Food and Nutrition December 2009
Coordinated Program in Dietetics May 2008
Fitchburg State College, Fitchburg, MA
Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing magna cum laude May 1983
LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION
• Nursing Licensure ▪ Commonwealth of Massachusetts ▪ License # RN165615.
• Dietitian Licensure ▪ Commonwealth of Massachusetts ▪ License # 2765.
• Certified in weight management by the Commission on Dietetic Registration
• Certified Diabetes Educator ▪ May 2012
Experience
• Provide lifestyle change education to patients with diabetes and their families.
• Collaborate with endocrinologist in the management of patients with diabetes.
• Act as a resource for fellow nurses in their care of patients with diabetes.
• Presented diabetes topics at VivaPalooza and Centerville Library public education sessions.
Adjunct Professor Fall 2009 – Spring 2010
Mount Wachusett Community College, Gardner, MA
• Provided classroom instruction in nutrition concepts to class size of twenty students.
• Challenged and motivated students to learn by engaging students in an interactive learning
process.
• Communicated with and mentored students of diverse backgrounds and career goals.
Diabetes Nurse Educator March 2011 – August 2012
Reliant Medical Group, Plantation St. and Leominster sites
• Teach diabetes education classes to patients newly diagnosed with diabetes.
• Teach diabetes education classes to patients newly diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
• Empower patients through diabetes self management education via individual counseling to
patients and their families.
• Collaborate with primary care physicians and endocrinologists in medication adjustments.
• Guide patients in self-care through telephonic instruction and support.
Bariatric Care Manager October 2008 – January 2012
Reliant Medical Group, Plantation St., Worcester, MA
• Teach introductory classes to prepare patients entering the bariatric surgical program for
lifestyle changes needed to be successful in long-term weight management after bariatric
surgery.
• Teach pre-operative classes to bariatric patients who have completed the bariatric surgical
program and have been cleared for surgery.
• Co-facilitate monthly post-surgical bariatric support group.
• Monitor post-operative patient care and encourage attendance at bariatric support group.
• Educate patients and primary care physicians of current treatment protocol as recommended
by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Nutrition Consultant for Healthy Latinos Fall 2008 – Fall 2009
HealthAlliance, Leominster, MA
• Screen and assess patients for nutritional risk.
• Plan and conduct patient education on modified diets.
• Organize booths and present a variety of nutrition topics at health fairs to diverse audiences.
• Develop and present lesson plans and food demonstrations on healthy snacking for students
ranging from elementary to high school age students as well as preschool children.
Office/Billing Manager 1995-2005
Robert Stephen Sprague, M.D., Anesthesiologist Gardner, MA
• Collected payments from insurance companies.
• Organized referral process.
• Implemented an on-line billing program to enhance reimbursement.
Nurse Analyst 1987-1990
Biodynamic Research Corporation San Antonio, TX
• Reviewed medical records and wrote reports for expert witnesses and trial preparation
• Trained newly hired nurse analysts.
Charge Nurse 1983-1986
Georgetown University Hospital Washington, D.C.
• Coordinated and administered care of orthopedic patients.
• Delegated and administered care of oncology patients including assessing the end of life needs
for patients and their families.