Senior RN and outstanding performer in PACU and train new nurses to be confident within the PACU setting and function independently. I have proven my success in leadership, operational excellence and organizational development with keen understanding of elements within the PACU with 21 years experience. Recognized for inspiring team members to excel and encouraging creative work environments while keeping a positive attitude that became infectious.
Skills
Intravenous therapy
Preventative health
Patient and family advocacy
Collecting vitals
Patient privacy
Patient counseling
Patient check-ins
Direct patient care
High level of autonomy
Personal care needs
Administering immunizations
Medication Administration
IV setup
Performing EKGs
Patient assessments
Precepting
Confidentiality
Infection control and aseptic procedures
Charting and clinical documentation
Supply restocking
Appointment Scheduling
Otoscope use
Physical assessments
Indirect patient care
Infection control measures
Cerner use
Foley catheters
Patient consultation
Managing deadlines
Medical recordkeeping
Strong clinical judgment
Patient management
Lab result interpretation
Patient evaluation
Emotional intelligence
Professional bedside manner
Feeding assistance
Infant vitals monitoring
Work History
03/2002 to 01/2020
Post Operative Care Unit RNUchealth – Fountain, CO,
Relieved external units such as outpatient IV therapy, pre- and post-operatives, PACU and recovery, recovery and postpartum with skilled nursing services
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence
Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion
Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options
Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare personnel to meet patients' personal, physical, psychological and cognitive needs
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy
Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care
Orchestrated quality-driven, cost-effective care for patients each day in a mid-volume PACU setting
Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency
Participated in education activities, including evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities
Developed strategy to target nursing and patient satisfaction issues, improve response and patient care quality and suggest actionable improvements to promote hospital-wide quality and safety initiatives
Fostered improvement in all operational facets, including staff development, personnel training and standards of patient care
Kept meticulous charting notes regarding patient assessments and medications, later transferring information into records management system
Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
Provided individualized care and dedicated oversight to patients on average in post-operative recovery room
Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities
Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns
Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures
Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management
Addressed disruptions in patient care, including delays in discharge, postponed procedures and discharge equipment unavailability
Documented patient information obtained from interviews concerning symptoms, medications and prior treatment
Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge
Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety
Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management, & extubation
Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction
Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale
Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients
Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit to achieve optimal outcomes
Cared for patients in PACU, supporting fellow nurses in delivering outstanding treatment to patients
Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented progress of individuals participating in clinical trials
Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action
Diagnosed and treated patients with chronic and acute health problems such as MI, arrhythmias, asthma, COPD and pneumonia
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort
Updated patient charts using Cerner with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
01/1998 to 08/2002
RN, PACUKids Peace Mesabi Academies – Muncie, IN,
Relieved external units such as outpatient IV therapy, pre- and post-operatives, PACU and recovery, and postpartum with skilled nursing services
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence
Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches
Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures
Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission
Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies
Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
Fostered improvement in all operational facets, including staff development, personnel training and standards of patient care
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy
Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management
Diagnosed and treated patients with chronic and acute health problems such as MI, arrhythmias, asthma, COPD and pneumonia
Orchestrated quality-driven, cost-effective care for as many as 2 patients at a time in high-volume PACU setting
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options
Prepared patients for surgery, educating patients and family members on diverse surgical procedures
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
Updated patient charts using paper charting and verbal communication with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
Developed strategy to target nursing and patient satisfaction issues, improve response and patient care quality and suggest actionable improvements to promote hospital-wide quality and safety initiatives
Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing and interpreted results to diagnose patients
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care
Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented progress of individuals participating in clinical trials
Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort
Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care
Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices
Addressed disruptions in patient care, including delays in discharge, postponed procedures and discharge equipment unavailability
Provided exceptional care high-acutity patients needing complex care such as extubation, extensive wound care, post c-section, IV med and pain management
Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented all patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems
Kept meticulous charting notes regarding patient assessments and medications, later transferring information into records management system
Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action
Cared for patients 10-bed PACU supporting fellow nurses in delivering outstanding treatment to patients
Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit to achieve optimal outcomes
Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns
06/1992 to 01/1998
RN Staff NurseWyoming Medical Center – City, STATE,
Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
Accurately documented all elements of nursing assessment, including treatment, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care
Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient loads
Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
Delivered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, monitoring responses to address new concerns
Explained course of care and medications, including side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
Provided complete care to home health patients, including physical assessments, medication and chronic disease management
Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans
Recorded details regarding all therapies to keep patient charts updated
Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care
Participated in education activities, including evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities
Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan
Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures, including facilitating wound care, pressure ulcer prevention and pain management
Observed and reported patient condition, progress and medication side effects to accurately document updates
Managed care from admission to discharge, including patient assessments, care planning, health educations and discharging support to provide comprehensive care to patients daily
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of Pediatric patients in challenging environment
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans
Implemented interventions, including medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit to achieve optimal outcomes
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion
Education
Expected in
Associate of Science: General Studies Casper College - Casper Wyoming, GPA:
Expected in
Bachelor of Science: University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY GPA:
Majored in Zoology
Expected in 05/1992
Bachelor of Science: University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY GPA:
Majored in Nursing
Awarded Community Health Nursing Award
Accomplishments
I volunteered in the SMH gift shop for 8 years and managed the store for 2 years while working as an RN and taking call. I took the store from being dollar store -type to a boutique-type that gave considerable donations back to SMH at the end of the year.
I served as President to the SMH Auxillary Board for 2 years while working as an RN. I was on that board for for 6 years.
Certifications
ACLS
PALS
BLS
Additional Information
I was always told during my evaluations that I was a great and positive asset to the department. When I retired at 56 years old my managers told me there would always be a place for me if I chose to come back. Several of the staff, Surgeons and Anesthesiologists asked me to stay on as PRN. But, I was burned out and did not wish to take call any longer. My husband had retired 2 years earlier.
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