Amanda Brendel
Saint Marys,PA
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with 20 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with acute and chronic illness.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Control Nurse and Staff Development
Dubois Nursing Home
02.2024 - Current
- Coordinated with local public health agencies during community-based infectious disease outbreaks, providing expert guidance on containment efforts within the facility setting.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Implemented isolation precautions for high-risk patients, minimizing exposure risks to others within the healthcare environment.
- Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis.
- Developed targeted interventions for reducing the risk of infectious diseases among patients and staff.
- Coordinated successfully and with full compliance to prevent infections according to facility and Joint Commission standards.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Conducted thorough investigations of infection outbreaks, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions.
Cardiac Registered Nurse
Penn Highlands
06.2021 - 02.2024
- Increased efficiency of the cardiac unit by streamlining workflows and improving communication among team members.
- Contributed to facility's top ranking in cardiovascular and thoracic patient care.
- Mentored new nursing staff in best practices for cardiac care, contributing to excellent teamwork and improved unit performance overall.
- Implemented advanced cardiac life support measures during medical emergencies, effectively managing critical situations to save lives.
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services.
- Educated patients on lifestyle modifications and medication management to promote long-term heart health.
- Fostered a supportive and educational environment for patients and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of cardiac care.
- Utilized stethoscopes, thermometers and sphygmomanometers to meet patient needs and prescribed medical therapies.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Penn Highlands
06.2021 - 02.2024
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by participating in quality assurance initiatives and making recommendations for process enhancements.
- Monitored hemodynamic variances to identify signs of life-threatening complications.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during challenging situations.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Elk Haven Nursing Home
08.2003 - 05.2021
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Contributed positively towards patient satisfaction scores by consistently providing exceptional care and addressing their concerns.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Assisted nurses with wound care procedures ensuring proper healing processes took place.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Pittsburgh - Bradford
Bradford, PA05.2021
Skills
- Preventive health
- Trauma Nursing Core Course
- Student Precepting
- Unit Administration
- Unit Oversight
- Heartsaver CPR AED (CPR AED)
- Vitals monitoring
- Infection Risk Assessment
- Tracheostomy Care
- Immunizations and Vaccinations
- Attention to Detail
- Delegation and Motivation
- Acute care expertise
Timeline
Infection Control Nurse and Staff Development
Dubois Nursing Home
02.2024 - Current
Cardiac Registered Nurse
Penn Highlands
06.2021 - 02.2024
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Penn Highlands
06.2021 - 02.2024
Certified Nursing Assistant
Elk Haven Nursing Home
08.2003 - 05.2021
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Pittsburgh - Bradford