Abby Smith

Registered Nurse: Burn/ Surgical Intensive Care Unit, West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA July 2024- Present

• Provided direct patient care in a 14 bed ICU with focus on critically ill burn patients, acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, acute respiratory failure, CRRT/hemodialysis, medical, neurological and surgical oncology patients among others
• Treatment modalities utilized included Level I fluid resuscitation, massive transfusions, vasoactive drugs
• Admitted patients to the ICU from the emergency department, operating room, and from other units when escalation of care was indicated
• Member of code and rapid response team
• Fluid resuscitation for critical burn patients
• Management of patients with endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy, and oral and nasal airway insertion
• Titrate vasopressor drips for hemodynamically unstable patients
• Initiation and titration of paralytic drips
• Maintenance and troubleshooting CRRT
• Assessing patients frequently throughout the shift
• Quickly identifying change in patient status
• Working closely with ICU teams to provide the best patient care
• Assisting with intubation, extubation, and terminal extubation
• IV insertion and maintenance
• Blood/ lab draws
• Management of patients with CVC, PICC, Mediport, arterial lines, and dialysis catheters
• Administering blood products
• Administering a variety of medications to patients IV, IM, SQ, PO, by tube, and rectally
• Insertion and management of indwelling foley catheters

• Monitored vital signs such as pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure.
• Performed basic life support, including CPR and airway management.
• Provided emotional support to patients and their families during medical emergencies.
• Provided emergency care at the scene of an accident or other medical incident.
• Assessed patients' conditions during transport and communicated findings to healthcare staff upon arrival at hospital.
• Responded to 911 calls for assistance with medical emergencies.
• Communicated with dispatchers regarding updates on location, estimated time of arrival, and any special needs of the patient.
• Participated in drills designed to prepare responders for handling large-scale emergencies.
• Trained new hires by offering insight into job duties and assessing shift performance.
• Asked patients questions about over-the-counter medications, prescriptions and illicit drug activity to identify side effects or signs of overdose.
• Ensured that all safety protocols were followed when responding to emergency situations.
• Collaborated with other healthcare providers such as paramedics and nurses.
• Operated ambulances safely under both normal and emergency conditions.

• Operated emergency vehicles with caution to keep patients, public, and first responders safe.
• Transported patients from accident scenes to hospitals in emergency vehicles.
• Remained level-headed and proactive during emergency situations.
• Developed strong rapport with other medical professionals to foster quality and efficient patient care.

• Conducted equipment inspections and vehicle checks in adherence with required maintenance schedules.