Dawn Fitzgerald
Highland,NY
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nuse, Vascular Access
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Poughkeepsie, NY
09.2005 - Current
- Provided patient education and support regarding vascular access devices.
- Assessed, monitored and troubleshooted patients with central venous catheters.
- Performed dressing changes on vascular access sites to maintain patency.
- Performed the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheter lines and midlines
- Ensured proper documentation in the medical record related to vascular access device management.
- Utilized ultrasound technology to place peripheral IVs as needed.
- Maintained a safe environment when caring for patients with vascular access devices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop plans of care for patients receiving therapy through a vascular access device.
- Monitored infusion rates, solution compatibility, line integrity, site condition, and other parameters associated with intravenous therapy.
- Reported any adverse events or complications related to the use of the device immediately to the physician.
- Provided guidance on infection control practices while managing VADs.
- Performed assessments on all patients receiving treatment through a VAD prior to discharge from hospital setting.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Provided direct care to patients receiving intravenous fluids, medications, and other treatments.
- Performed venipuncture procedures for access to veins for IV therapy.
- Troubleshot issues related to malfunctioning equipment or improper administration techniques.
- Troubleshot and resolved vascular access issues to successfully complete treatments.
- Implemented providers' orders to initiate IVs and access ports and deliver medications.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
Home IV Infusion RN
Apria Healthcare
Albany, NY
09.2004 - 09.2005
- Monitored intravenous infusion therapy, including calculating drug dosages, setting up IV pumps, and troubleshooting when necessary.
- Administered prescribed medications via IV push or piggyback according to established protocols.
- Performed venipuncture for blood draws and other laboratory tests as needed.
- Educated family members about IV therapies being administered at home and ensured they were comfortable providing them safely.
- Managed a caseload of patients receiving various types of intravenous therapies such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, fluids, electrolytes, parenteral nutrition, pain management medications.
- Performed routine assessments prior to initiating any type of intravenous therapy in order to determine appropriateness of treatment plan.
- Observed patients closely during the course of their treatments for signs of adverse reactions or complications.
- Demonstrated excellent customer service skills by responding promptly to patient inquiries or complaints concerning their care.
- Conducted evaluations and obtained vitals prior to administering IV treatments.
- Troubleshot and resolved vascular access issues to successfully complete treatments.
- Implemented providers' orders to initiate IVs and access ports and deliver medications.
- Visited customers at different locations to provide professional and high-quality infusion care.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Poughkeepsie, NY
07.1995 - 09.2005
- Assisted in the delivery of newborns, including cesarean sections and forceps deliveries.
- Provided postpartum care to mothers, including monitoring vital signs and providing education on breastfeeding and infant care.
- Monitored fetal heart rate patterns during labor, intervening as needed to ensure the health and safety of mother and baby.
- Administered medications to patients as prescribed by a physician.
- Performed assessments of labor progress, communicating with physicians when necessary regarding patient condition.
- Educated patients about their conditions, treatments and procedures prior to delivery or surgery.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care services for case reviews.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations such as maternal hemorrhage or fetal distress.
- Developed effective relationships with patients based on trust and respect while promoting a positive attitude toward childbirth experience.
- Ensured that all equipment used in labor is functioning properly before use.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary due to complications during birth process or preterm delivery.
- Provided emotional support to both mother and family members throughout the birthing process.
- Assessed newborns at birth for any abnormalities or medical issues requiring further attention.
- Identified potential risks associated with pregnancy or labor using established protocols.
- Maintained current knowledge of evidence-based practice guidelines related to obstetrics.
- Monitored fetal heartbeat and length and strength of contractions to guide labor.
- Reviewed and tracked progress of mothers in labor, interpreted fetal heart monitor and informed delivering physician of status.
- Oversaw labor by coaching women, assisting with complications and administering medications during birth.
- Cared for pregnant women expecting imminent birth and for babies immediately after birth in hospitals and health clinics.
- Explained and demonstrated after-birth care to parents of newborns, answered questions and addressed concerns.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Dutchess Community College
Poughkeepsie, NY05-1991
Skills
- PICC and Mid-line Insertion
- Specialist in vascular access, including Ultrasound Guided PIV insertion
- Organizational Skills
- Computer Skills
- Dependable and Responsible
- VA-BC Certified
Affiliations
- Singing in a Victorian Christmas Caroling Quartet
- Crochet
- Piano
- Avid reader
Certification
- VA-BC Certification 06/2023
Timeline
Registered Nuse, Vascular Access
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
09.2005 - Current
Home IV Infusion RN
Apria Healthcare
09.2004 - 09.2005
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
07.1995 - 09.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Dutchess Community College