Gerald Eugene Banks

Accomplished mental health support professional with extensive experience providing the wide-ranging support needed to improve the patient's quality of life. Able to deliver wide-ranging support while completing a variety of tasks in a timely, professional manner, designed to move the care process forward. Proven strength in building professional relationships with a diverse population base and hospital staff based on the effectiveness of the solutions and support provided.

Recognized for the ability to deliver impactful results while leading in fast-paced, dynamic business environments.

Veteran Service Representative - Kenosha Veteran Service - Kenosha, WI

(2021-01 - 2023-12)

• Delivered exceptional service while helping veterans and their families in obtaining local, state, and federal benefits, serving as an advocate throughout the claims process.
• Helped complete, file, and track VA benefits claims for disability, pension, and education, and counseled veterans and their dependents on eligibility for benefits.

Ward Clerk, Unit Secretary - Substance Abuse - Captain James A. Lovell FHCC - North Chicago VA Hospital - North Chicago, IL

(2016-01 - 2019-12)

• Received and processed new admissions to the inpatient unit (ATP, B-11), answered telephones in a professional manner, and received and provided messages for staff members.
• Filed, copied, and retrieved medical records as needed, assembled patient charts, and inserted required forms upon admission in the correct sequential order.
• Ensured that required forms were complete and signed by the physician or nursing staff, as necessary.
• Prepared patient charts for surgery, ensuring that the preoperative checklist was current and that the appropriate consents had been signed and witnessed.
• Ordered and inventoried medical supplies on a regular basis.
• Made appointments for discharged and transferred patients to home or another facility.

Ward Clerk, Unit Secretary - PTSD - Substance Abuse - Captain James A. Lovell FHCC - North Chicago VA Hospital - North Chicago, IL

(2014-01 - 2017-12)

Supported the unit with 26 years of administrative experience and medical terminology, along with 16 years of direct patient care.

• Received and admitted new veterans to the PTSD unit, transferred and discharged veterans as appropriate, and made, canceled, and coordinated appointments for veterans within the hospital and with outside vendors.
• Consulted with Dr. Anthony Peterson (Section Chief of PTSD Program), Ms. Karen Paddock (PTSD Clinical Coordinator), and Rehab Techs on veteran- and program-related issues and safety concerns.
• Proactively monitored the PTSD Unit daily for safety and health issues and reported findings to the proper authorities.

Ward Clerk, Unit Secretary - Intensive Care Unit - Captain James A. Lovell FHCC - North Chicago VA Hospital - North Chicago, IL

(2010-01 - 2014-12)

• Received and processed new admissions within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), delivered exceptional service while answering telephones in a professional manner, and received and provided messages for staff members.
• Filed, copied, and retrieved medical records as needed, and assembled patient charts and inserted required forms upon admission in the correct sequential order.
• Ensured that required forms were complete and signed by the physician or nursing staff, as necessary.
• Prepared patient charts for surgery, ensuring that the pre-operative checklist was current and that the appropriate consents had been signed and witnessed, and ordered and inventoried medical supplies on a regular basis.
• Made appointments for discharged and transferred patients to home or another facility.

Psychiatric Nurse Assistant - Captain James A. Lovell FHCC - North Chicago VA Hospital - North Chicago, IL

(2004-01 - 2010-12)

• Served as a Psychiatric Nurse Assistant, monitoring and ensuring safety for all Navy personnel, veterans, Armed Forces spouses, dependents, and staff members.
• Proactively monitored patients' daily activities for health and safety, and took and recorded patients' vital signs daily, reporting any abnormal results to nursing staff immediately.
• Collected lab specimens, delivering them to the laboratory in a timely manner, and all STAT lab specimens immediately, ensuring that all specimens were labeled correctly.
• Assisted physicians with intake examinations and monitored patients for abusive and unpredictable behavior. Transported and assisted patients for ECT exams/procedures and to all other exam locations.
• Conducted group meetings to address social and personal issues and assisted patients with transitional needs, including discharges and transfers.
• Provided 1:1 assistance for patients who required close observation around the clock.
• Requested and ordered ADI and supplies for patients' needs on an ongoing basis, as well as special equipment if necessary. Assisted nursing staff with patients experiencing an emergency crisis.

Broadcast Journalism - Columbia University