Andrea Sword

• Enhanced patient recovery by consistently monitoring and assessing post-operative vital signs.
• Participated in continuous education initiatives to stay current on best practices in PACU nursing care.
• Promoted a comfortable environment for patients, addressing concerns, and providing emotional support during post-operative recovery.
• Ensured patient safety through effective communication with surgical team members regarding patient status.
• Facilitated smooth transfer of patients from ORs to PACUs, coordinating closely with surgical teams and ensuring seamless continuity of care.
• Reduced complications through timely administration of medications and pain management strategies.
• Educated patients and families on post-operative care instructions, fostering better understanding and adherence to prescribed treatments or therapies.
• Collaborated with anesthesia providers to ensure safe and effective management of patient pain during the post-operative period.
• Provided comprehensive pre-discharge assessments, verifying that patients met criteria for discharge while addressing any remaining concerns or needs prior to leaving the facility.
• Demonstrated strong clinical assessment skills for early identification of potential complications or adverse reactions following surgery.
• Served as an advocate for patients and their families throughout the perioperative process, fostering trust and open communication between all parties involved in care delivery.
• Maintained accurate documentation of patient medical records, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
• Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
• Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary.
• Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
• Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients in a level 2 trauma center PACU.
• Assisted physicians in conducting bedside procedures, such as wound dressing changes or IV insertions, to foster optimal healing processes.
• Performed flawless autonomous practice consistent with evidence-based standards and patient care considerations.

Served as PACU RN at Jefferson Medical Center. Also offered expertise in Pre-op and discharge of outpatients.

Dedicated 14 years to positions of staff RN and charge RN in an extremely active oncology/medsurg environment, later transitioning to PACU.

Provided comprehensive acute care nursing across multiple medical-surgical units in float pool.

Specialized as Oncology/MedSurg RN in demanding and diverse hospital unit.