April Strayer
Newport News
Summary
Dedicated and experienced professional registered nurse with several years of experience in delivering high-quality care in the acute care setting. Detail-oriented, responsive, and proficient in all aspects of patient care. Possess strong communication skills, adaptability to high-stress environments, and the ability to work effectively in a team setting, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and collaborative healthcare environments. . Strong work ethic and adept at working effectively, unsupervised.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PACU /ASCU REGISTERED NURSE
HAMPTON VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER
Hampton
02.2019 - 02.2025
- Monitored patient vital signs during recovery from anesthesia.
- Administered medications and pain management interventions as prescribed.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure smooth patient transitions.
- Educated patients and families on postoperative care instructions.
- Assisted in the preparation of patients for discharge from PACU.
- Trained new staff on PACU procedures and safety standards.
- Administered medications to manage progression off anesthesia medications, deal with side effects and promote recovery.
- Employed nursing best practices and clinical judgment to continuously evaluate patients' progress and employed intervention to achieve desired outcomes.
- Monitored intravenous infusion pumps, ensuring proper dosage of medication.
- Managed emergency situations such as airway obstruction, cardiac arrest and shock.
- Conducted pre-op assessment of patients prior to surgery or procedure.
- Initiated IV access when needed for blood draws or administration of fluids and medications.
- Coordinated follow up appointments with primary care providers upon discharge.
- Utilized evidence-based nursing practices while providing direct patient care.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
REGISTERED NURSE ENDOSCOPY
RIVERSIDE HEALTH SYSTEM
Newport News
04.2012 - 02.2019
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient-centered care plans.
- Educated patients about gastrointestinal health, treatments, and dietary modifications.
- Assisted in endoscopic procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients' gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms.
- Coordinated referrals to other healthcare professionals when needed.
- Provided patient care to individuals with acute and chronic gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams in order to provide comprehensive care for gastrointestinal diseases.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses in gastrointestinal care settings.
- Utilized evidence-based practices when providing care for those suffering from a GI condition.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
Registered Nurse, Float Pool
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Newport News
05.2008 - 02.2015
- Administered medications and treatments to patients per physician orders.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Sentara Healthcare
Hampton
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Performed comprehensive assessments of patients presenting with a wide range of acute conditions in a high-volume emergency department.
- Cared for patients experiencing acute traumas, including cardiac arrests, strokes and gunshot wounds.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Performed an initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
- Perform advanced life support techniques during critical medical emergencies.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Administer medications and monitor patient responses in emergency situations.
- Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
- Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Educate patients and families about treatment options and post-discharge care.
- Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to patient's care.
- Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines for appropriate nursing interventions.
- Facilitated discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care after leaving the facility.
- Maintained inventory of medical supplies and medications, ensuring availability for emergency situations.
- Participated in professional development programs to stay current with advances in emergency nursing practice.
Education
BACHLOR'S DEGREE - BSN
American Sentinel /Post University
Aurora, CO, United States05.2015
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE - ADN
Thomas Nelson Community College
Hampton, VA, United States01-2000
LISCENSE PRACTICAL NURSE - LPN degree
Riverside School of Nursing
Hampton, VA, United States01.1992
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Care coordination
- Evidence-based practice
- Critical thinking
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Telemetry monitoring
- Acute care expertise
- Patient monitoring
- Diagnostic tools experience
- Family and patient support
- Emergency response
- Time management
- Direct and indirect patient care
- Professional bedside manner
- Emergency procedures
- Precepting
- High level of autonomy
Availability
Permanent, Telework, Full-time, Part-time, Shift work, ALL, Virginia, United States
References
Cynthia Stokes, HAMPTON VA MEDICAL CENTER, MSN/OR SUPERVISOR, 7577229961, CYNTHIASTOKES@VA.GOV
Job Related Training
- Perioperative nurse certification, 2020
- ACLS/BLS
- SGNA certification, 2015
- Critical Care Certification, 1996
- CMSRN certified, 2011
Certification
- ACLS/BLS CURRENT
- SGNA CERTIFIED 2015
- CRITICAL CARE CERTIFIED 1992
- CMSRN CERTIFICATION 2011
- PERIOPERATIVE NURSE CERTIFIED 2022
Timeline
PACU /ASCU REGISTERED NURSE
HAMPTON VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CENTER
02.2019 - 02.2025
REGISTERED NURSE ENDOSCOPY
RIVERSIDE HEALTH SYSTEM
04.2012 - 02.2019
Registered Nurse, Float Pool
RIVERSIDE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
05.2008 - 02.2015
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Sentara Healthcare
01.2001 - 01.2009
BACHLOR'S DEGREE - BSN
American Sentinel /Post University
ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE - ADN
Thomas Nelson Community College
LISCENSE PRACTICAL NURSE - LPN degree
Riverside School of Nursing
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