Brandi Willis
Matteson,IL
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse skilled in medication and IV administration, ensuring optimal patient recovery. Expertise in critical care, complex problem-solving, and effective communication with interdisciplinary teams. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes and providing exemplary post-operative education.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, PACU
South Suburban Hospital
Hazel Crest, IL
06.2015 - 04.2026
- Conducted vigilant assessment of patient vital signs following anesthesia to maintain optimal safety and comfort levels during recovery.
- Administered medications and IV fluids according to prescribed protocols, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Delivered comprehensive education to patients and families regarding post-operative care plans, ensuring clarity and compliance.
- Mentored junior nursing staff in best practices for post-anesthesia care, fostering professional development.
- Conducted interventions to address airway management issues, supporting patient recovery and minimizing respiratory risks.
- Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
- Prevented complications from anesthesia side effects such as nausea or vomiting using effective medication administration techniques.
- Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
- Contributed to efficient unit operations by assisting in the orientation of new staff members to PACU procedures and best practices.
- Provided compassionate support to patients and families, enhancing recovery experiences and reducing anxiety related to surgery.
- Administered recovery care protocols for surgical patients in Phase I and Phase II to ensure optimal healing and patient comfort.
- Engaged with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams to promote safe and effective patient recovery practices.
Registered Nurse, Immediate Care Center
Advocate Medical Group Care Center
Chicago, IL
01.2015 - 06.2015
- Performed triage assessments and prioritized patient care based on clinical acuity in a fast-paced urgent care setting.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline care processes.
- Educated patients and families regarding treatment plans, medication management, and discharge instructions.
- Recognized and responded to medical emergencies, initiating appropriate interventions and coordinating higher levels of care when indicated.
- Administer medications, injections, immunizations, and IV therapies as ordered.
- Assist providers with examinations and procedures.
- Collect specimens for laboratory testing (blood, urine, throat swabs).
- Provide emergency care for urgent situations such as allergic reactions, asthma exacerbations, chest pain and stroke symptoms.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
South Suburban Hospital
Hazel Crest, IL
10.2013 - 12.2014
- Provided critical care to medically complex patients requiring intensive monitoring and intervention.
- Managed ventilated patients and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes.
- Participated in rapid response and code blue events, providing advanced cardiac life support interventions.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
Registered Nurse Adult Surgical Heart Unit
Christ Medical Center
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 10.2013
- Manage complex critical care patients.
- Appropriate use of unit specific critical care equipment such as IABP, CVP, Swan-Ganz
- Assess hemodynamic parameters.
- Managed vasoactive, antiarrhythmic, sedative, analgesic, and inotropic infusions according to physician orders and unit protocols.
- Provide comprehensive critical care to post-operative cardiac and thoracic surgery patients, including coronary artery bypass graft , valve replacement, aortic surgery, and heart transplant recipients.
- Assisted with the management of temporary pacemakers, chest tubes, epicardial pacing wires, and other post-surgical devices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Xavier University
Chicago, IL05-2010
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct patient care
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and physical assessment
- Compassion and empathy
- Professional bedside manner
- ACLS, BLS, PALS certification
- Critical care
- Precepting
- Patient discharge
- Complex Problem-solving
- Emergency response
- Cardiac care
- Home health care
Timeline
Registered Nurse, PACU
South Suburban Hospital
06.2015 - 04.2026
Registered Nurse, Immediate Care Center
Advocate Medical Group Care Center
01.2015 - 06.2015
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
South Suburban Hospital
10.2013 - 12.2014
Registered Nurse Adult Surgical Heart Unit
Christ Medical Center
01.2013 - 10.2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Xavier University