Carrie Savickas
Summary
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.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, ER Observation Unit
Lehigh Valley Hospital
11.2014 - 07.2023
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- 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.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- 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.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- 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.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Orchestrated quality-driven, cost-effective care in high-volume trauma setting.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Triage Nurse
LVHN Neurosurgery
05.2019 - 03.2020
- Counseled patients via telephone according to established guidelines and protocols, advising on provider-established plans of care.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring thorough documentation of triage assessments and treatment plans.
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills, empathetic communication, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Obtained case history and gathered triage information to determine appropriate avenue for care.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently prioritizing and addressing urgent medical concerns in a timely manner.
- Scheduled appointments for patients not requiring emergency services but needing examination from provider and consulting directly with provider.
- Maintained a calm and professional demeanor during high-stress situations, effectively managing patient expectations and alleviating concerns.
- Provided clear and concise instructions to patients regarding home care plans, ensuring proper understanding and adherence to treatment protocols.
- Provided compassionate care for patients experiencing acute symptoms, offering emotional support and comfort during stressful situations.
- Improved communication among healthcare team members by serving as a liaison between patients, physicians, and nursing staff.
- Suggested appropriate disposition to acting physicians based on assessment.
- Advised patients on pre- and post-operative instructions, medication administration and symptoms indicating emergency care.
Telephonic Triage Nurse
Lehigh Valley Hospital
03.2020 - 09.2021
- Improved patient outcomes by conducting thorough telephonic assessments and promptly addressing medical concerns.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate communication and timely triage responses.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by providing effective discharge instructions and follow-up care advice to patients.
- Supported physicians in managing patient caseloads, ensuring accurate symptom assessment and seamless care coordination.
- Streamlined department workflow by effectively prioritizing urgent cases for physician intervention.
- Delivered quality nursing care remotely, utilizing clinical knowledge and strong communication skills to assess and advise patients effectively.
- Increased efficiency within the triage team through regular collaboration on best practices for phone-based nursing interventions.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards by adhering to established protocols for telephonic nurse triage services.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by mentoring new hires on department procedures and effective telephonic communication techniques.
- Strengthened relationships between providers and patients through empathetic listening, clear explanation of treatment options, and appropriate referral as needed.
- Ensured patient safety during crisis situations by rapidly assessing symptoms over the phone and guiding individuals toward appropriate emergency resources.
- Demonstrated adaptability during periods of high call volume or staffing shortages while maintaining consistent quality of care.
- Assisted in refining triage protocols based on emerging best practices, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the department.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by participating in regular case review meetings and providing constructive feedback to colleagues.
- Relayed triage information and facilitated communication between provider and patient concerning patient disposition.
- Delivered orientation and training of less experienced clinic staff in specific clinic operations and procedures.
- Advised patients on pre- and post-operative instructions, medication administration and symptoms indicating emergency care.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA08.2014
Certificate - Nurse Residency Program
LVHN
Allentown, PA11.2015
Skills
- ADL Assistance
- Patient Management
- Chart Updating
- Nursing Staff Leadership
- Chronic Disease Management
- Removing Sutures
- Wound Care
- Vaccine Administration
- Medical Recordkeeping
- Lab Result Interpretation
- Medical Assessment
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Compassionate Care
- IV Insertion
- Critical Thinking
- Health Promotion
Accomplishments
- Graduate of Lehigh Valley Health Network's Nurse Residency Program. Pennsylvania's First Nurse Residency Program to Receive "Accreditation with Distinction" From The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC).
- Supervision - Headed onboarding process for new nursing staff.
- Supervised team of five LPN staff members.
- Quality Assurance - Ensured and enforced medical office compliance with HIPAA, OSHA and CLIA regulations for maximum quality and control.
- Nominated twice for The DAISY Award
- Patient Advocacy - Explained treatment procedures, medication risks, special diets and physician instructions to patients.
- Surgical Preparation - Assisted in patient surgery preparation by administering proper medication, monitoring patients' conditions and charting abnormalities.
Certification
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- BLS - Basic Life Support
Timeline
Telephonic Triage Nurse
Lehigh Valley Hospital
03.2020 - 09.2021
Triage Nurse
LVHN Neurosurgery
05.2019 - 03.2020
Registered Nurse, ER Observation Unit
Lehigh Valley Hospital
11.2014 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Cedar Crest College
Certificate - Nurse Residency Program
LVHN
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