DAFNA POKU, RN, BSN, MHA
Germantown
Summary
Dynamic tech savvy health professional with extensive experience as a Clinical Nurse in various hospital settings and as a Health Food Store Owner. Expert in wellness coaching and clinical assessment, I excel in developing personalized care plans and fostering client relationships. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through education and advocacy while training staff in best practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Health Food Store Owner
Self-employed
11.2017 - 07.2025
- Developed personalized wellness plans for 5-10 clients at a time addressing individual health goals and needs.
- Conducted regular one-on-one coaching sessions to monitor progress and provide accountability.
- Guided clients in setting realistic goals, implementing effective action plans, and monitoring progress for long-term success.
- Evaluated client progress regularly, adjusting coaching approaches as needed for optimal results.
- Managed daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices for customer service and sales techniques.
- Established vendor relationships to improve product offerings and pricing structures.
- Developed a loyal customer base with personalized assistance, attentive listening, and friendly interactions.
- Analyzed market trends to identify new product opportunities and ensure alignment with consumer preferences.
Clinical Nurse
Memorial Hermann Hospital
07.2008 - 04.2012
- Monitored and provided individualized care for 2 to 3 high-acuity patients after bariatric or transplant surgery.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to ensure timely intervention and care adjustments.
- Educated patients and families on health management, treatment options, and wellness strategies.
- Mentored junior nursing staff in best practices, clinical procedures, and patient care techniques.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care outcomes.
Clinical Nurse
Mount Sinai Medical Centre
08.2005 - 05.2008
- Implemented total nursing care through a team nursing process covering high-acuity patients in the transplant ICU and step-down unit.
- Monitored and provided individualized care for 2-3 high acuity transplant patients.
- Acted as a patient advocate, assessed patient status, and notified physicians of clinical changes.
- Fulfilled the role of charge nurse, with the responsibility to schedule and coordinate work assignments, and supervise three patient care technicians per shift.
- Explained side effects from medications and provided in-depth education to patients on diabetes, cancer, and other diseases.
Education
Master of Science - Health Care Administration
TEXAS WOMENS UNIVERSITY
Houston, TX06-2011
Bachelor of Science - NURSING
RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE
Troy, NY05-2005
Skills
- Wellness coaching
- Nutritional Counseling
- Clinical Assessment
- Patient Advocacy
- Staff training and development
- Inventory management
- Health education
- Client goal setting
- Progress tracking
- Patient advocacy
- Clinical care coordination
- Compliance with health regulations
Accomplishments
- Recognized as a super user during new EMR (Electronic Medical Record) Implementation.
- Trained and assisted colleagues in using new EMR system.
- Part of hospital committee for the prevention of hospital acquired infections, reducing nosocomial infections throughout the hospital by 80%.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Nutrition Certification- Food Matters Institute, Jan. 2025
- Health Coach Certification- Food Matters Institute, Dec. 2025
- Registered Nurse, Texas Board of Nursing, Compact/ Multistate License # 751480 Expires 6/2027
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Timeline
Health Food Store Owner
Self-employed
11.2017 - 07.2025
Clinical Nurse
Memorial Hermann Hospital
07.2008 - 04.2012
Clinical Nurse
Mount Sinai Medical Centre
08.2005 - 05.2008
Master of Science - Health Care Administration
TEXAS WOMENS UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - NURSING
RUSSELL SAGE COLLEGE