Desired Job Title
Registered Nurse, PACUAmbulatory Surgery NurseWork Type
Full TimePart TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridOn-SiteLocation: USSouthport, NC
Open to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
Colleen Luttrell
BSN RN
Southport,nc
Work Preference
Summary
Patient-oriented PACU Nurse with strong background in post-anesthesia recovery and airway management. Proven ability to provide high-quality patient care and enhance patient satisfaction through effective communication and clinical judgment. Demonstrated expertise in patient monitoring and pain management, ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
1
1
License
Work History
Registered Nurse, PACU/Registered Nurse, Endoscopy
Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital
Greensburg, PA
04.2023 - Current
- Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
- Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
- Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-anesthesia care and monitoring vital signs.
- Decreased medication errors by meticulously administering medications following proper protocols and verifying dosages.
- Prevented complications from anesthesia side effects such as nausea or vomiting using effective medication administration techniques.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the recovery process, easing anxiety related to surgery outcomes.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures in the PACU setting, such as wound care, dressing changes, and insertion of invasive monitoring devices.
- Administered post-anesthesia care to ensure patient safety and comfort during recovery.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient responses to interventions in real-time.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Educated patients and families on postoperative care requirements and recovery expectations.
- Trained new nursing staff on PACU protocols and best practices for patient management.
Cardiothoracic Surgery & Vascular RN, BSN
UPMC Presbyterian
Pittsburgh, PA
06.2020 - 11.2021
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes in patient conditions to healthcare providers promptly.
- Administered patient care, including medication management of oral, IV, IM and wound dressings, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
Home Health Aide
Independent
Leechburg, PA
08.2014 - 11.2019
- Helped patients maintain personal hygiene through bathing, grooming, and toileting assistance when necessary for dignity preservation.
- Maintained a clean and safe home environment for patients, reducing falls and accidents.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
- Performed light housekeeping duties including laundry linen changes sweeping vacuuming and mopping ensuring a clean and organized living space for patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management/Marketing
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock, PABachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, PA05-2020
Master of Science - Human Resources Management Certificate
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, PA05-2019
Skills
- Post-anesthesia recovery support
- Airway assessment
- Anesthesia recovery
- Vital signs monitoring
- Clinical judgment
- Ethical practice
- Cardiac monitoring
- IV Infusions
- Patient condition monitoring and documentation
- Discharge patients
Accomplishments
- Clinical Skills - Monitored patients' respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Vitals Testing - Measured an average of 30 patients' weight, height, body temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure daily.
- Patient Care - Delivered compassionate care that exceeded hospital requirements. Successfully provided quality care to patients in a post-surgery environment.
- 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.
- Documentation - Ensured charting accuracy through precise documentation.
Certification
- RN License
- BLS - Basic Life Support
- CPR - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- ACLS - Acute Care Life Support
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Act 33 Clearance
- Act 34 Clearance
Timeline
Registered Nurse, PACU/Registered Nurse, Endoscopy
Independence Health System Westmoreland Hospital
04.2023 - Current
Cardiothoracic Surgery & Vascular RN, BSN
UPMC Presbyterian
06.2020 - 11.2021
Home Health Aide
Independent
08.2014 - 11.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Management/Marketing
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Master of Science - Human Resources Management Certificate
La Roche University