Bridget Nichols
Sioux Falls,SD
Summary
- Patient-oriented Nurse 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 Cardiovascular specialty.
- Experienced Nurse Educator from Novice to Expert Nurses.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN, Critical Care
Avera Heart Hospital Of South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD
03.2001 - Current
- Counseled patients and families on treatments, care options and discharge instructions.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Performed timely resuscitation and stabilization of acutely ill patients.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Provided immediate post-operative care for CVOR patients to include CABG, AAA, Valve replacement/repair.
- Analyzed PA catheter data and Flo-Track to maximize medications for patient outcomes.
- Participated in Hospice and Palliative Care discussions.
- Provided empathetic support for patients and families.
RN Supervisor
Avera Heart Hospital Of South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD
05.2014 - 07.2022
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
- Facilitated ongoing education for staff RN's seeking critical are certification through ECCO by AACN.
- Responsible for day to day supervision of RN's and UAP's.
- Completed and maintained UAP work schedule utilizing multiple software programs and manual paper.
- Completed chart reviewed for RN Annual Competency utilizing EMR and traditional paper charting.
- Completed payroll oversite using multiple software platforms.
- Participated in Interview process for prospective employees.
- Provided counseling or coaching for RN's and UAP's
- Inserted PICC lines and MidLine catheters. Trained new PICC/midline team members.
Instructor
University Of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD
09.2004 - 05.2014
- Created, provided, and maintained didactic content
- Provided instruction in online and in-person environments.
- Facilitated learning in simulation lab environment.
- Assisted struggling students through additional support materials and meetings.
- Proctored exams and provided remediation for learning improvement goals.
- Participated in accreditation readiness.
- Provided direct student instruction in the clinical setting in acute care environment.
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
Sioux Falls, SD
03.1999 - 03.2001
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess, plan and implement evidence-based patient care.
- Assisted patients to maintain current understanding of conditions and presentations.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Documented work in hospital system and updated patients' charts with orders and observations.
- Protected critically ill patients from unnecessary risks by limiting visitors, using proper PPE, and using strong infection control procedures.
Long Term Care Charge Nurse
Good Samaritan Society
Sioux Falls, SD
05.1995 - 03.1999
- Managed caseload to satisfy multiple patients with diverse needs.
- Maintained detailed records of patient progress, documentation of services and case notes.
- Participated in interdisciplinary care conferences to discuss patient care plans and referrals.
- Completed Medicare evaluations on patients.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ05.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
Augustana University
Sioux Falls, SD05.1995
Skills
- PICC line insertion and instruction
- Nursing collaboration and consultation
- Critical Patient Care Assessment
- Medication preparation and Administration
- Patient condition monitoring
- Phlebotomy
- Medical Supply Management
- Heart Failure Education
Certification
- CCRN
- ACLS
- BLS
- Prior CNE
Timeline
RN Supervisor
Avera Heart Hospital Of South Dakota
05.2014 - 07.2022
Instructor
University Of South Dakota
09.2004 - 05.2014
RN, Critical Care
Avera Heart Hospital Of South Dakota
03.2001 - Current
Critical Care Registered Nurse
Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
03.1999 - 03.2001
Long Term Care Charge Nurse
Good Samaritan Society
05.1995 - 03.1999
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Nursing
Augustana University