Cheryl Zils
Mequon
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with strong clinical judgment in medication administration, patient assessments, and patient education. Committed to enhancing patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and compassionate care. Also has a background in emergency medical services as a firefighter/paramedic. Known for mentoring junior staff to foster skill development and promote high-quality patient care. Equipped with expertise in medical procedures and experienced with critical thinking in high stress situations.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Froedtert Hospital
Milwaukee, WI
03.2007 - 05.2013
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, promoting skill development and adherence to best practices in patient care.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall care quality.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments, documenting findings accurately in electronic health records systems.
- Streamlined workflow processes within the unit, enhancing efficiency and reducing wait times for patient interventions.
- Educated patients and families on health management strategies, fostering informed decision-making regarding treatment options.
- 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.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
Firefighter/Paramedic
Lisbon Fire Department
Lisbon, WI
10.2006 - 06.2008
- Responded to emergency calls, providing rapid assessment and intervention in high-pressure situations.
- Administered emergency medical care to patients in pre-hospital settings, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop patient care plans, enhancing overall treatment protocols.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients' conditions, providing critical data for informed decision-making.
- Trained and mentored junior paramedics in advanced life support techniques and emergency response procedures.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and patient outcomes during emergencies.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies and equipment, ensuring readiness for all emergency situations.
- Evaluated and refined response strategies based on patient feedback and incident reviews to improve service delivery.
- Delivered advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), basic life support (BLS), and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) under pressure.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, traumas, strokes, and respiratory distress.
- Led community outreach programs focused on health education, promoting awareness of emergency services available.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing timely and accurate assessments, treatments, and interventions.
- Worked en-route to hospital to prepare patients for arrival or surgery and control wounds.
- Documented patient care accurately using electronic medical records software according to regulatory guidelines for billing purposes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
- Enhanced team efficiency through clear communication and collaboration during high-pressure emergency situations.
- Transferred patients safely and securely to medical facilities for continued care.
- Assessed patient condition through physical and verbal exams and by collecting information from others at scene.
- Adapted treatment plans quickly and effectively based on changing patient conditions and reactions.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to strict protocols for proper lifting techniques, equipment use, and infection control.
- Identified appropriate medications based on potential interactions with other medicines, accurately calculating correct dosages according to drugs on hand and patient's weight.
- Responded to daily emergencies and worked alongside firemen and EMTs.
- Triaged injuries by communicating with patients, bystanders and family members and identified appropriate medical facility for transport.
- Streamlined patient handoff processes at hospitals by clearly communicating relevant information to receiving staff, ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Collaborated with team members during training exercises, enhancing operational efficiency and teamwork skills.
- Increased survival rates with rapid recognition of life-threatening conditions and swift initiation of appropriate interventions.
- Coordinated with other emergency services personnel such as police officers and firefighters during complex incidents for optimal scene management and resource allocation.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
- Administered fluid replacement via IV, IO, and IM to replace fluid volumes and correct electrolyte imbalances.
- Administered continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram monitoring to record heart rhythms in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
- Promoted health equity within the community by offering culturally sensitive care to diverse populations while respecting individual preferences or needs.
- Managed challenging or combative patients using de-escalation techniques and appropriate physical restraints when necessary, prioritizing safety for both the patient and medical team.
- Educated patients and family members on medical treatments and therapies for informed support.
- Contributed to community outreach efforts by participating in public education events on CPR, first aid, and emergency preparedness.
- Maintained patient care, treatment and medication documentation for accurate, up-to-date clinical records.
- Restocked ambulance with proper equipment such as vents, ET tubes, medication, and IV pump tubing to maintain optimum inventory.
- Conducted equipment and vehicle checks to maintain continuous and safe operation.
Education
EMT-Paramedic - RN To Paramedic
Lakeshore Technical College
Cleveland, WI 05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI06.2006
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Patient assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Documentation and charting
- Patient education and counseling
- Clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Compassion and empathy
- Patient monitoring
- IV setup
- Intravenous therapy
- Professional bedside manner
Certification
- BLS- Basic Cardiac Life Support
- ACLS- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Froedtert Hospital
03.2007 - 05.2013
Firefighter/Paramedic
Lisbon Fire Department
10.2006 - 06.2008
EMT-Paramedic - RN To Paramedic
Lakeshore Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Marquette University