Stephanie Taylor

Board-Certified Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP-C) with more than 15 years of progressive healthcare experience, including over 5 years as a Nurse Practitioner and extensive experience conducting disability evaluations, medical record reviews, and independent clinical assessments. Highly skilled in reviewing complex medical documentation, interpreting diagnostic findings, formulating evidence-based medical opinions, and preparing comprehensive clinical reports for federal and commercial healthcare programs. Demonstrated expertise in veteran disability examinations, Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs), Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), chronic disease management, occupational health, public health, and preventive care.

Proven ability to manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining exceptional accuracy, regulatory compliance, and documentation quality. Experienced in evaluating medical necessity, analyzing clinical data, assessing functional impairment, identifying evidence-based treatment recommendations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support healthcare decision-making. Proficient in Epic, eClinicalWorks, and electronic documentation systems with a strong foundation in utilization review principles, quality assurance, clinical documentation review, and healthcare compliance.

Recognized for exceptional analytical skills, clinical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to independently evaluate complex medical cases while delivering timely, objective, and well-supported determinations.

Nurse Practitioner – Veteran Disability Examinations - Optum Serve - Augusta, Georgia

(2021-06)

• Conduct comprehensive disability examinations for United States military veterans.
• Complete approximately 25 Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) daily while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
• Review service treatment records, VA records, private medical records, imaging studies, laboratory reports, and specialty consultations.
• Develop Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) utilizing evidence-based medical literature and clinical judgment.
• Perform General Medical, Aid and Attendance, Gulf War, and Toxic Exposure examinations.
• Evaluate multi-system conditions involving musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, dermatological, and other medical impairments.
• Assess functional limitations and occupational impact of service-connected conditions.
• Interpret diagnostic testing including laboratory studies, pulmonary function testing, and ECG findings.
• Ensure compliance with Veterans Benefits Administration requirements and documentation standards.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support accurate and timely disability determinations.
• Completed and documented more than 30,000 Veteran Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs) and medical evaluations since joining Optum Serve in 2021.
• Maintained a productivity average of approximately 25 DBQs per day while meeting quality assurance, accuracy, and compliance standards.
• Developed thousands of Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) and evidence-based clinical assessments supporting Veterans Benefits Administration disability determinations.
• Reviewed and analyzed extensive medical records, diagnostic studies, specialty consultations, service treatment records, and private medical records to support comprehensive disability evaluations.
• Demonstrated the ability to independently manage a high-volume caseload while maintaining timely completion of examinations and documentation requirements.

Nurse Practitioner – COVID-19 Testing Services - CVS MinuteClinic - Aiken, South Carolina

(2021-04 - 2021-06)

• Conducted patient screening and evaluation for COVID-19 testing services.
• Performed specimen collection and point-of-care testing.
• Educated patients regarding test results, isolation protocols, and follow-up recommendations.
• Maintained infection prevention and laboratory processing standards.
• Utilized Epic electronic medical records for patient documentation and management.

Nurse Practitioner – Women's Health, Family Planning, Public Health & Hypertension Management - Richmond County Health Department - Augusta, Georgia

(2019-09 - 2021-03)

• Performed comprehensive assessments, diagnoses, and treatment planning for diverse patient populations.
• Prescribed medications and managed patient care according to public health protocols.
• Ordered and interpreted laboratory and diagnostic testing.
• Conducted annual women's health examinations, Pap smears, breast examinations, and preventive screenings.
• Inserted and managed long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), including Nexplanon implants and intrauterine devices.
• Assessed, diagnosed, and managed hypertension and other chronic health conditions.
• Administered adult and pediatric immunizations.
• Conducted COVID-19 PCR and rapid testing.
• Administered Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Delivered health education and disease prevention services to patients and the community.
• Participated in disaster preparedness and emergency response activities.
• Documented patient encounters within electronic medical record systems.

Registered Nurse (PRN) - Harrington Park Health & Rehabilitation - Augusta, Georgia

(2015-04 - 2024-04)

• Provided skilled nursing care to long-term care and rehabilitation residents.
• Managed medication administration, clinical assessments, and care coordination.
• Supervised Certified Nursing Assistants and delegated nursing responsibilities.
• Ensured compliance with federal, state, and facility regulations.
• Delivered patient and family education regarding treatment plans and ongoing care needs.

Staff Registered Nurse – Ambulatory Surgery Center (GS-11) - Eisenhower Army Medical Center - Fort Gordon, Georgia

(2012-06 - 2019-08)

Population Served: Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Gynecology, Vascular Surgery, Urology, and Pain Management

• Provided preoperative and postoperative nursing care for outpatient surgical patients.
• Coordinated patient care, education, and discharge planning.
• Supervised Licensed Practical Nurses and ancillary personnel.
• Assisted with patient assessments, treatment planning, and recovery monitoring.
• Operated and monitored specialized clinical equipment, including cardiac monitors and emergency response equipment.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Registered Nurse – Renal Medical Surgical Unit - Augusta University Health - Augusta, Georgia

(2011-01 - 2012-06)

Population Served: Renal, Renal Transplant, Gastrointestinal, Vascular, and Urology Patients

• Delivered direct patient care to complex medical and surgical patient populations.
• Performed comprehensive assessments, medication administration, and care planning.
• Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Participated in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Provided patient and family-centered education and support.

RN Supervisor / Charge Nurse - Brandon Wilde Retirement Community - Evans, Georgia

(2010-09 - 2016-08)

• Supervised Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants.
• Coordinated staffing assignments and daily nursing operations.
• Ensured compliance with Joint Commission standards and patient safety goals.
• Assisted leadership with staffing, scheduling, quality improvement, and resident care planning.
• Oversaw medication administration and clinical care delivery for skilled nursing residents.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner - South University, Savannah, Georgia (2018-04)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, Georgia (2012-05)

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) - Augusta State University (Augusta University Health), Augusta, Georgia (2009-12)