Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Compassionate Registered Nurse with experience offering comprehensive patient care in outpatient environments. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care. Accomplished PACU Nurse proudly offering more than 26 years' expertise in the healthcare field. Strong capacity to work with physicians to develop successful patient care plans.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse PACU Pre/post
UVA Health
11.2023 - 05.2024
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
RN SUPERVISOR
SEVITA
05.2022 - 11.2023
Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols
Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs, and ancillary staff
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures
Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks
Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options
Managed infection control and critical incidents and made procedural changes and improvements
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes
Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
Registered Nurse
Patient First
08.2022 - 10.2022
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
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
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action
Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management
Managed care from admission to discharge
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans
Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings
Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches
Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management
Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence
Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities
Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions
Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit
Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation
Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease
Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy
Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff
Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care
Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
Registered Nurse, PACU
Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center
06.2021 - 07.2022
Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy
Performed arterial cut-downs, inserted central lines and inserted endotracheal tubes as part of trauma team
Delivered proper care to victims of domestic violence at urgent care clinic
Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses
Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action
Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans
Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management
Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care
Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures
Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations
Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches
Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management
Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity
Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions
Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation
Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education
Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease
Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
Rn PACU
Mary Washington Hospital
11.2021 - 04.2022
Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures
Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort
Supported healthy working environment, adhering to patient safety protocol, complying with hospital policies and maintaining situational awareness
Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary
Provided individualized care and dedicated oversight to 2 patients on average in post-operative recovery room
Assessed and identified individual patient educational needs, removing barriers to learning and supporting comprehensive progress
Kept meticulous charting notes regarding patient assessments and medications, later transferring information into records management system
Performed flawless autonomous practice consistent with evidence-based standards and patient care considerations
Promoted quality of care by adhering to industry standards and measuring health outcomes against patient care goals and benchmarks
Collaborated with patients and healthcare teams to assess, plan, implement and evaluate custom care plans for each individual
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches
Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures
Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies
Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients
Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies
Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities
Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission
Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated
Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems
Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities
Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency
Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction
Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices
Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions
Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
Registered Nurse Staff, PACU
HCA JW/ Chippenham Hospital
10.2015 - 02.2021
Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals
Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care
Verified patients had information necessary for ongoing care, providing guidance on diagnoses, management of medications and prevention methods.
Registered Nurse Staff, PACU
VCU Hospital
06.2003 - 04.2015
Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals
Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care
Verified patients had information necessary for ongoing care, providing guidance on diagnoses, management of medications and prevention methods
Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
Education
Bachelor Of Nursing - Nursing
VCU School of Nursing
Richmond, VA
06.2003
Diploma - Nursing
Sentara School of Professional Nursing
Norfolk, VA
08.1995
Skills
Pain Management
Healthcare Team Collaboration
Patient Recovery Assessments
Treatment Plan Creation and Revision
IV Fluid Administration
Patient Monitoring
Vital Sign Monitoring
Shock Symptom Identification
Medical Equipment Setup
Medical Histories and Assessments
Medication Administration
Recovery Guidance
Task and Work Prioritization
Perioperative Care
Medication Side Effect Knowledge
Perioperative Management
Resource Monitoring
Blood Transfusion Administration
Adaptable and Flexible
Data Compilation and Analysis
Fluid Intake and Output Monitoring
Emergency Interventions
Medical Device Monitoring
Pulmonary Assessments
Patient Health Information Access
Disease Processes
Bronchoscopy and Endoscopy
Infection Control Procedures
Operational Procedures
Seizure Disorders
Operational Standards
Emotional Support
Therapeutic Procedures
Diagnostic Procedures
Work Assignments
Crisis Prevention Intervention
Post-Mortem Care
Nursing Staff Supervision
Patient Admission
MEDITECH Software
Intramuscular Injections
Nursing Assignments
Withdrawal Symptoms
Standards Administration
Dressing Changes
Tracheostomy Care
Needs Assessment
Physical Examinations
Record Updating
Compliance Issues
Patient Coping Mechanisms
Staffing Requirements
After-Care Planning
Catheter Monitoring
Evidence Collection
Medical Records and Documentation
Maintaining Patient Safety Standards
Foley Catheter Insertion and Removal
Cosmetic Surgery
Ulcer Diagnosis and Treatment
Intervention Recommendations
Intravenous Procedures
Psychosocial Analysis
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Monitoring Recovery
Understanding of Medical Terms
Training Junior Team Members
General Surgery
Patient Reassurance
Heart Failure
PICC Lines
Certification
PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
BLS
Hyperlinks
Online Digital Resume, https://www.myperfectresume.com/me/joe%2Dgajewski/265
Certified Medical Assistant Trainee – Earn While You Learn Program at UVA HealthCertified Medical Assistant Trainee – Earn While You Learn Program at UVA Health