Alicia Dace, BSN, RN, CNOR, RNFA
Saint Clair,MO
Summary
Senior-level Registered Nurse First Assistant with over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Recognized for excellent patient care in accordance with hospital and nursing policies. Skilled in assisting with laparoscopic and general surgeries. Bringing critical care expertise and a strong work ethic.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse First Assistant
Mercy Hospital Washington
Washington, MO
07.2015 - 04.2024
- Assessed patient's condition pre-operatively and intra-operatively, providing necessary interventions as needed.
- Assisted with body plane closures, wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.
- Collaborated with anesthesiologists to ensure optimal sedation levels of patients during surgery.
- Coordinated patient flow through the operating room suite in order to maximize efficiency while maintaining high standards of care.
- Provided assistance to the surgeon during operations by preparing instruments and materials, cutting sutures, retracting tissue and applying dressings.
- Participated in quality improvement activities related to perioperative services within the healthcare facility.
- Cared for sick and injured patients and provided appropriate course of action to address individual needs.
- Maintained sterility of all equipment used during surgery by following standard operating protocols.
- Documented patient data relevant to operative care in medical records.
- Assisted in positioning patient on the operating table prior to beginning procedure.
- Initiated IV access for patients undergoing surgery.
- Developed and maintained positive working relationship with patients, physicians and other team members.
- Assisted in performing surgical procedures consistent with standards of care and practice guidelines.
- Performed admission evaluations of new patients to obtain basic medical information and reported deviations from normal findings to attending physician.
- Recognized potential complications associated with specific surgical procedures and took appropriate action when needed.
- Worked collaboratively with other medical personnel such as surgeons, anesthesiologists and scrub techs to ensure efficient delivery of care.
- Performed wound closure procedures including skin suturing and stapling.
- Directed nursing staff to provide appropriate postoperative care for surgical patients.
- Set up equipment, tools and supplies for procedures and organize instruments as directed in surgeons' preference cards.
- Communicated with professionalism and compassion when interacting with surgical team and patients.
- Demonstrated appropriate techniques to assist surgeons with closure of incisions.
- Assisted surgeons in variety of minor and major surgical procedures.
- Dressed wounds with antiseptic compounds and sterile coverings to protect surgical sites and promote healing.
- Exhibited confidence to work extremely well under pressure and with variety of physicians of different temperaments.
- Used retractors, sponges and suctioning and irrigating equipment to create unobstructed operating fields.
- Analyzed patient chart data and identification to verify accurate information.
- Used hemostatic clamps, suture ligatures and electrocautery equipment to control bleeding.
- Obeyed established surgical techniques and procedures during operations.
- Follows complex and comprehensive verbal and written instructions.
- THIS IS A SUMMARY STATEMENT Punctual and reliable surgical assistant, no matter the time of day or night.
Registered Nurse Critical Care Transport
Mid MO Ambulance District
Versailles, MO
06.2012 - 07.2015
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Adjusted therapies during transport to respond to changes in patient outcomes.
- Coordinated with ground personnel for transport needs, equipment requirements, and resources.
- Administered medications according to established protocols within scope of practice guidelines.
- Evaluated patients throughout ambulance transports to tertiary centers for treatment.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care for critically ill patients en route to a higher level of care facility.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as administering oxygen, IVs, medications, and CPR.
- Delivered high level of care to each and every patient from initial contact until delivery to receiving hospital.
- Completed documentation of all patient care activities in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
- Communicated effectively with interdisciplinary team members on the ground to facilitate continuity of care upon arrival at destination facility.
- Utilized electronic medical records for accurate charting and reporting.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Provided compassionate emotional support to patients and families.
Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Lake Regional Hospital
Osage Beach, MO
07.2002 - 07.2015
- Maintained records, prepared reports and served on special committees.
- Delivered optimum treatments to critical-care patients following prescribed rules, policies, protocol, and procedures.
- Completed patient assessments, triaged and recorded patient histories, symptoms and observations.
- Developed and maintained professional relationship with members of health care team, patient, and patient's family.
- Established and implemented nursing care plans for each patient using protocols of assessment, development, activation and evaluation.
- Helped monitor, maintain and improve nursing-sensitive indicators, core measures and other identified outcome metrics.
- Supported appropriate orientation, education, credentialing and continued professional development of associates.
- Functioned as charge nurse and assumed patient care in absence of nurses ending or arriving for shifts.
- Achieved best possible outcomes for nursing sensitive indicators, core measures, HCAPS, patient satisfaction and associate satisfaction.
- Responded quickly and appropriately to any changes in the condition of the patient while under my direct supervision.
- Evaluated laboratory results and diagnostic tests for accuracy and acted accordingly when necessary.
- Acted as a primary resource for critical care nursing staff members in providing education related to specific conditions or treatments.
- Served as an advocate for critically ill patients by ensuring their rights were respected during their stay at the ICU.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all patient observations, interventions, and treatments according to hospital policy.
- Provided life support measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or trauma stabilization techniques during emergency situations.
- Assessed the need for pain control strategies based on individual assessment findings.
- Conducted physical assessments, monitored vital signs, and provided medical treatments to critically ill patients.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing specialized equipment such as ventilators and monitors that are used in intensive care settings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for each patient's needs.
- Administered intravenous fluids, medications, blood products, and other therapeutic interventions as prescribed by physicians.
- Communicated effectively with physicians regarding changes in patient status or treatment options.
- Identified potential ethical issues among ICU patients and reported them promptly to attending physician or supervisor.
- Monitored hemodynamic parameters such as cardiac output and pulmonary artery pressures using advanced monitoring equipment.
- Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines to ensure quality patient care outcomes.
- Provided care to a variety of complex medical and surgical patients.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities related to critical care nursing practices.
- Successfully managed multiple tasks while maintaining focus on providing safe, high-quality patient care.
- Facilitated admission and discharge processes for ICU patients.
- Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
- Provided post-operative care after major surgeries such as heart bypasses.
- Performed bedside procedures, including intubation, central line placement, arterial lines, chest tubes and wound care.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Maintained accurate records of all treatments administered to each patient.
- Titrated vasoactive medications according to hemodynamic parameters.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Operated advanced medical equipment for patient monitoring.
- Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
- Supervised junior staff members and delegated tasks accordingly.
- Administered medications, IVs, and blood transfusions as ordered.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
John C Lincoln Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ
03.2012 - 06.2012
- Educated families on proper homecare techniques for post-discharge planning purposes.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
- Recognized changes in patient conditions, promptly notified physicians, and implemented appropriate interventions as necessary.
- Responded quickly and effectively to code blue situations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
- Performed bedside procedures such as wound dressing changes, catheterizations, IV starts and changes, tracheostomy care.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary team members to develop individualized plans of care for each patient.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses and outcomes.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and medications administered in electronic medical record system.
- Provided care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment.
- Prioritized multiple tasks while maintaining excellent standards of care delivery.
Cardiac ICU Registered Nurse
Arrowhead Hospital
Glendale, AZ
02.2010 - 06.2010
- Initiated lifesaving measures such as CPR when needed during code blue situations.
- Assisted with research projects related to cardiac ICU nursing practices.
- Participated in daily rounds with attending physicians discussing progress of assigned patients.
- Responded quickly to changes in a patient's condition and reported them to the physician immediately.
- Maintained knowledge of current evidence-based guidelines related to cardiac ICU nursing care.
- Assessed patients for potential complications due to medications or interventions.
- Evaluated laboratory results for abnormal values and took appropriate action based on findings.
- Provided direct patient care and monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and cardiac rhythms.
- Attended continuing education courses related to cardiac ICU nursing practices.
- Facilitated communication between family members, nurses, physicians, social workers, physical therapists, dieticians, pharmacists and other healthcare personnel involved in the care of the patient.
- Administered medications as ordered by physician according to hospital policy and procedure.
- Maintained accurate documentation of assessments, treatments, medications administered and any changes in the patient's condition.
- Provided direct patient care to individuals admitted with cardiac arrhythmias.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Research Medical Center
Kansas City, MO
12.2001 - 07.2002
- Educated families on proper homecare techniques for post-discharge planning purposes.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
- Recognized changes in patient conditions, promptly notified physicians, and implemented appropriate interventions as necessary.
- Responded quickly and effectively to code blue situations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
- Performed bedside procedures such as wound dressing changes, catheterizations, IV starts and changes, tracheostomy care.
- Participated in quality improvement activities aimed at improving the overall standard of care provided to ICU patients.
- Developed strong relationships with interdisciplinary teams throughout hospital departments.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses and outcomes.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and medications administered in electronic medical record system.
- Provided care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment.
- Prioritized multiple tasks while maintaining excellent standards of care delivery.
Education
Registered Nurse First Assistant - Surgical First Assistant
St. Louis Community College
St Louis, MO03-2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL06-2021
Associate of Science - Nursing
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, MO12-2001
Practical Nursing - Nursing
State Fair Community College
Sedalia, MO07-1998
High School Diploma -
Morgan Co. High School
Versailles, MO05-1997
Skills
- General surgery
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong Interpersonal Abilities
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Patient transportation
- Suturing
- Wound Dressing
- Teamwork and Cooperation
- Critical thinking abilities
- Organizational abilities
- Medication Administration
- Anatomy and physiology understanding
- Reliability
- Task Prioritization
- Continuous Improvement
- Time Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Professional Demeanor
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Surgical tube management
- Decision-Making
- Multitasking
- Excellent Communication
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Self Motivation
- Emergency Response
- Written Communication
- Professionalism
- Attention to Detail
Timeline
Registered Nurse First Assistant
Mercy Hospital Washington
07.2015 - 04.2024
Registered Nurse Critical Care Transport
Mid MO Ambulance District
06.2012 - 07.2015
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
John C Lincoln Medical Center
03.2012 - 06.2012
Cardiac ICU Registered Nurse
Arrowhead Hospital
02.2010 - 06.2010
Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Lake Regional Hospital
07.2002 - 07.2015
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Research Medical Center
12.2001 - 07.2002
Registered Nurse First Assistant - Surgical First Assistant
St. Louis Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Columbia College Chicago
Associate of Science - Nursing
State Fair Community College
Practical Nursing - Nursing
State Fair Community College
High School Diploma -
Morgan Co. High School