Daphne Smith
Ragley,LA
Summary
Perioperative Registered Nurse with extensive experience in providing quality perioperative care and supporting surgical teams under high-pressure situations. Proficient in aseptic techniques, infection control, and patient assessments, contributing to optimal patient outcomes. Known for enhancing patient satisfaction and safety through diligent adherence to protocols and effective communication.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Perioperative Registered Nurse
Ochsner Medical Center
12.2022 - Current
- Maintained compliance with facility policies, state regulations, and national nursing standards through diligent adherence to established protocols.
- Supported surgical teams under high-pressure situations while maintaining composed demeanor, contributing to optimal patient outcomes.
- Provided quality perioperative care by closely monitoring patients throughout their surgical experience.
- Reduced surgical site infections through meticulous adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control protocols.
- Improved patient satisfaction by addressing concerns, answering questions, and offering support before and after surgery.
- Contributed to a positive work environment within the perioperative department through active participation in staff meetings.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting thorough preoperative assessments and effectively communicating with the surgical team.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient information by maintaining electronic health records in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Planned, executed, directed and evaluated nursing care given to surgical patient through perioperative experience to promote highest quality and patient safety.
- Involved patient and support person in decisions affecting perioperative plan of care and rehabilitation process and evaluated patient progress toward attaining outcomes.
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes and streamline the surgical process.
- Expedited discharge planning by assessing patient needs, coordinating resources, and facilitating communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Promoted professional development among nursing staff by participating in continuing education programs and sharing best practices with peers.
- Assisted with or initiated emergency measures for sudden adverse development in patients with cardiac arrest, respiratory distress and shock.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
School Nurse
Picayune School District
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
- Monitored ongoing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, adjusting care plans accordingly to maintain optimal student wellness levels.
- Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
- Managed immunization compliance within the school population to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- Assessed students'' physical and emotional well-being during daily clinic visits, providing appropriate care or referrals as needed.
- Implemented emergency protocols in medical emergencies to promote safety for students and staff.
- Served as a resource for faculty and staff by providing training on first aid, CPR, and other health-related topics.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by serving as an advocate for student health and wellness, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
- Oversaw health services for school of [Number] students and faculty.
- Maintained upkeep on defibrillators, blood pressure monitors and first aid kits to keep resources in working condition for emergencies.
- Provided support to students with special needs and disabilities to deliver appropriate care and meet educational needs.
- Reduced absenteeism rates by proactively addressing student health concerns and providing timely interventions.
- Promoted a healthy school environment through regular inspections, identifying potential hazards and recommending corrective actions.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
Registered Nurse, PACU
Ochsner Medical Center
12.2019 - 01.2022
- 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.
- Streamlined the discharge process for PACU patients, ensuring thorough education on home care instructions and follow-up appointments.
- Improved patient satisfaction through compassionate nursing care and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues through active participation in huddles, meetings, initiatives, and collaborative projects within the department.
Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse
Anderson Regional Health System
06.2018 - 08.2019
- Reduced patient anxiety by explaining catheterization procedures, addressing concerns, and answering questions in a compassionate manner.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by assisting in the development of standardized policies and protocols for the cardiac cath lab.
- Assessed patients'' conditions upon arrival to the cath lab, gathering pertinent medical information and initiating appropriate interventions as needed.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering strong relationships with fellow healthcare professionals and collaborating effectively on shared goals.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring vital signs and administering medications as needed during cath lab procedures.
- Demonstrated exceptional proficiency in operating advanced cardiac imaging equipment for accurate diagnosis during invasive cardiovascular procedures.
- Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services.
- Facilitated seamless communication between patients'' primary care providers and cardiologists to ensure comprehensive care planning following cath lab procedures.
- Delivered 3D mapping, therapeutic ablative procedures with both radio frequency and cryoablation and CRT rhythm management procedures.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Anderson Regional Health System
10.2014 - 06.2018
- 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.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Prevented medication errors by diligently verifying drug orders against patient records before administering treatments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.
- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Updated personal nursing knowledge through continuing education courses, staying current on best practices in emergency medicine.
- Delivered culturally competent care to diverse populations, adapting communication styles as needed for optimal understanding between parties involved.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Improved patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
- Reduced wait times by swiftly completing documentation and communicating effectively with medical staff.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
CCU Registered Nurse
Anderson Regional Health System
10.2013 - 10.2014
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures such as central line insertions, intubations, and chest tube placements ensuring patient safety throughout each process.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment for patients and families during critical health situations.
- Facilitated emotional support for patients'' families during difficult times, promoting an empathetic approach to care.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently following protocols and maintaining clear communication with the healthcare team.
- Anticipated potential complications by closely monitoring lab values trends and reporting abnormalities promptly.
- Streamlined communication between team members by utilizing effective handoff techniques during shift changes.
- Implemented therapeutic hypothermia protocols after cardiac arrest events resulting in improved neurological outcomes.
- Continuously updated nursing knowledge through participation in ongoing education programs relevant to critical care nursing practice.
- Provided expert wound care management contributing to faster healing rates among postoperative patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive assessments and initiating timely interventions.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices in the CCU.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient conditions, interventions, and responses to treatments.
Orthopedics Registered Nurse
Rush Medical Center
02.2012 - 10.2013
- Managed multiple priorities effectively while caring for high acuity orthopedic patients requiring complex medical intervention.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by serving as an approachable resource for colleagues seeking guidance or assistance with orthopedic nursing care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices and emerging trends in orthopedic nursing.
- Assisted surgeons in the operating room with various orthopedic procedures, ensuring safe and efficient surgical experiences for patients.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Meridian Community College
Meridian, MS12-2012
Associate of Applied Science - Dental Hygiene
Meridian Community College
Meridian, MS05-2004
Skills
- Indirect Patient Care
- Operating room preparation
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Safety
- Patient Assessments
- Clinical judgment
Timeline
School Nurse
Picayune School District
08.2023 - 08.2024
Perioperative Registered Nurse
Ochsner Medical Center
12.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, PACU
Ochsner Medical Center
12.2019 - 01.2022
Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse
Anderson Regional Health System
06.2018 - 08.2019
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Anderson Regional Health System
10.2014 - 06.2018
CCU Registered Nurse
Anderson Regional Health System
10.2013 - 10.2014
Orthopedics Registered Nurse
Rush Medical Center
02.2012 - 10.2013
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Meridian Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Dental Hygiene
Meridian Community College