Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Awards
Timeline
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AMELIA AMY MCGARGILL

West Des Moines,IA

Summary

Experienced and motivated RN adept in infusion therapy with backgrounds in ICU & ER, who upholds the highest standards in clinical judgment and providing patient centered care. Exceptional in working individually while simultaneously fostering teamwork and collaborating with co-workers, demonstrates empathy in patient care, excels in managing complex clinical situations and assessing patient needs to enhance patient outcomes. Efficient in use of electronic health records. Committed to evidenced-based practice and continued education.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse

Mission Cancer and Blood
11.2024 - Current
  • Participated in ongoing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in oncology nursing and chemotherapy administration.
  • Reduced infusion complications by closely monitoring patients throughout treatment sessions and promptly addressing any concerns or issues.
  • Enhanced patient comfort during infusions through skilled IV placement, implanted port access and supportive care.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of medication administration, vital signs, and infusion reactions, contributing to quality patient care.
  • Improved patient outcomes by effectively administering chemotherapy treatments and monitoring for side effects.
  • Contributed to positive treatment experiences for patients by providing compassionate care in a professional manner.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between healthcare providers by communicating pertinent information about patients'' conditions and treatment progress clearly and concisely.
  • Recognized potential adverse reactions during infusions and intervened swiftly, mitigating potential negative outcomes for patients.
  • Assessed patient needs prior to infusions, allowing for appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Supported colleagues during high census periods by offering assistance with patient care tasks as needed.
  • Educated patients and their families on chemotherapy medications, side effects, and self-care strategies for better understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
  • Ensured a safe environment for patients by adhering to infection control procedures and proper handling of hazardous materials.
  • Managed daily clinic workflow by prioritizing tasks and working collaboratively with team members, resulting in a well-organized and efficient patient care environment.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.

RN- INFUSION NURSE

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
03.2014 - 12.2024
  • Performed ongoing patient assessments, notifying supervising clinician of abnormal findings
  • Attended educational workshops and reviewed professional publications to maintain competency in nursing specialty
  • Maintained accurate patient records using Electronic Health Records software
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, policies, procedures, standards of care and ethics codes, as well as HIPPA guidelines
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes while demonstrating excellent communication skills
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical judgments in complex situations and managing multiple tasks
  • Identified potential risks or complications associated with assigned interventions and treatments
  • Educated patients on preventative healthcare measures
  • Assessed and monitored patient health, including vital signs and medical histories
  • Adhered strictly to infection control guidelines while performing nursing duties
  • Delivered non-judgmental and non-discriminatory care sensitive to patient diversity, preserving dignity and rights
  • Provided emotional support for families dealing with difficult situations or diagnoses
  • Determined learning needs of patients and families to provide customized patient care and education
  • Administers medications safely and monitoring for potential reactions and side effects
  • March, 2004 to December, 2004- changed to Flex status

Inpatient Chemotherapy Nurse

Mercy One Medical Center
03.2024 - 11.2024
  • Participated in continuous professional development opportunities to stay current on emerging trends and advancements in chemotherapy nursing care.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients undergoing chemotherapy by following strict infection control protocols.
  • Administered prescribed chemotherapy medications safely and accurately, ensuring proper dosage and infusion rates.
  • Served as a resource for colleagues seeking guidance on best practices in administering chemotherapy medications or managing side effects among their own patients.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate and empathetic care during chemotherapy treatments.
  • Coordinated with pharmacies to ensure timely delivery of chemotherapy medications, avoiding delays in essential treatments for patients.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of new patients to determine appropriate candidacy for chemotherapy treatment options.
  • Implemented evidence-based nursing practices to optimize patient outcomes during the course of their chemotherapy regimen.
  • Ensured patient safety through meticulous attention to detail during medication preparation and administration processes.
  • Educated patients and their families on chemotherapy procedures, potential side effects, and self-care strategies to promote optimal health outcomes.
  • Provided emotional support to patients coping with difficult diagnoses, helping them navigate the challenges of cancer treatment with resilience and hope.
  • Advocated for individualized patient needs within a healthcare setting, ensuring optimal support and resources were provided during each patient''s treatment journey.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Complete nursing care for a variety of inpatient cancer patients including post-surgical, on-going chemotherapy treatment, and end of life.

Sabatical to Help Run Family Business

Brian Steinkuehler- KOOLERZ, LLC
03.2012 - 03.2016
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments and large group events.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Managed small business number of employees- scheduling/bookkeeping/training/marketing & promotion

REGISTERED NURSE, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

SHENANDOAH MEDICAL CENTER
10.2008 - 02.2012
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated patient care plans according to established protocols, responded quickly to change in vital signs or symptoms of illness/injury
  • Prioritized workload efficiently based on acuity level of each patient while demonstrating strong clinical judgement and critical thinking skills
  • Facilitated times transfer of critically ill patients to higher levels of care via ambulance/air
  • Acted as a role model for nursing staff members demonstrating professionalism at all times, acted as preceptor for new nurse hires
  • Utilized advanced cardiac life support certification for management of cardiac, respiratory, and shock emergencies
  • Utilized Trauma Nursing Core Certification for management of trauma emergencies
  • Utilized Pediatric Advanced Life Support for management of pediatric emergencies
  • Care of a variety of emergent patient ranging from infant and adult emergencies, cardiac and respiratory emergencies, trauma, orthopedic, gynecological, psychiatric,
  • Utilized nursing skills for artificial airways/ventilators, oxygen delivery systems, variety of emergent cardiac drugs and infusions, emergent blood/platelet transfusion, orthopedic emergencies, pain medication administration, assisting in splinting/casting/suturing.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient information in the electronic medical record system
  • Educated patient/families on discharge instructions and follow-up care

REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
10.2002 - 10.2008
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered plans of care and coordinate discharge planning activities
  • Provided critical care to acutely ill patients in the intensive care unit including cardiac monitoring, artificial ventilation, various cardiac medication infusions, various venous access devices, chest tubes and drains, etc.
  • Performed comprehensive physical assessments, including vital signs, lab values and diagnostic tests interpretation
  • Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions by monitoring patient responses and adjusting plans accordingly
  • Administered medications intravenously, by injection, orally, through gastric tubes, and by other methods
  • Actively participated in daily rounds providing patient updates to physicians

REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

METHODIST HOSPITAL
10.2001 - 04.2003
  • Performed comprehensive physical assessments, including vital signs, lab values and diagnostic tests interpretation
  • Managed ventilator settings, monitored hemodynamic parameters and adjusted therapies as necessary
  • Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions by monitoring patient responses and adjusting plans accordingly
  • Set up and monitored medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators, and alarms, oxygen delivery devices, transducers, and pressure lines, medications and cardiac IV medications.
  • Monitored patients for changes in status and indications of conditions such as sepsis and shock and institute appropriate interventions
  • Administered blood and blood products, monitoring patients for signs and symptoms related to transfusion reactions
  • Care of a variety of critically ill patients- cardiac, cardiac surgical (CABG, s/p cardiac catheterization/stent placement, IABP, L-VAD, subdural hematoma evacuation); neurovascular, (CVA, aneurysm); respiratory failure, etc.

REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

CLARKSON HOSPTIAL/NEBRASKA MEDICINE
10.1995 - 10.2001
  • Performed comprehensive physical assessments, including vital signs, lab values and diagnostic tests interpretation
  • Managed ventilator settings, monitored hemodynamic parameters and adjusted therapies as necessary
  • Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions by monitoring patient responses and adjusting plans accordingly
  • Set up and monitored medical equipment and devices such as cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators, and alarms, oxygen delivery devices, transducers, and pressure lines, medications and IV drips
  • Monitored patients for changes in status and indications of conditions such as sepsis and shock and institute appropriate interventions
  • Administered blood and blood products, monitoring patients for signs and symptoms related to transfusion reactions
  • Care of a variety of critically ill patients- cardiac, surgical (CABG, s/p cardiac catheterization/stent placement, IABP, kidney-pancreas transplant); neurovascualr (CVA, subdural hematoma evacuation, aneurysm); respiratory failure, etc.

Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - NURSING

NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE OF NURSING
Omaha, NE
05.1995

Skills

  • Patient Advocate/ Compassion and Empathy
  • Basic Life Support/ Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Quality Improvement
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Teamwork and Collaboration/Clinical Judgement
  • Flexibility & Adaptability/ Time management
  • Infection Control
  • Patient & Family Education
  • Medication Administration-oral/IM/SQ/IV
  • Administration of chemotherapy/ immunotherapy
  • Use of various vascular access devices including access and monitoring
  • Performing peripheral and port /PICC blood draws
  • Therapeutic phlebotomies
  • Blood product transfusions
  • Management of chemotherapy emergencies
  • ONS Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Certified

Accomplishments

    PALS/BLS instructor for healthcare workers 2006-2022

    RQI super-user for implementation of AHA BLS & ACLS testing/skills

    Implementation of Cerner EMAR for chemotherapy infusion department.

    Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health Honor Society

    Daisy Award Winner- Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, 2023

    Daisy Award Nominee x2- Mercy One Medical Center, 2024

Certification

  • Iowa Nursing License #095480
  • ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate ONS ID# 389349
  • ACLS
  • BLS
  • PALS- expired
  • PALS Instructor - expired
  • TNCC- expired

Awards

Daisy Award 2023

Timeline

Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse

Mission Cancer and Blood
11.2024 - Current

Inpatient Chemotherapy Nurse

Mercy One Medical Center
03.2024 - 11.2024

RN- INFUSION NURSE

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
03.2014 - 12.2024

Sabatical to Help Run Family Business

Brian Steinkuehler- KOOLERZ, LLC
03.2012 - 03.2016

REGISTERED NURSE, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

SHENANDOAH MEDICAL CENTER
10.2008 - 02.2012

REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
10.2002 - 10.2008

REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

METHODIST HOSPITAL
10.2001 - 04.2003

REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

CLARKSON HOSPTIAL/NEBRASKA MEDICINE
10.1995 - 10.2001

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - NURSING

NEBRASKA METHODIST COLLEGE OF NURSING
AMELIA AMY MCGARGILL