Debbie Putnam
Blue Ridge Medical Center
Mineral Bluff,GA
1
Certification
39
years of professional experience
Experienced surgery nurse and charge nurse with 39+ years of perioperative care, staff supervision, and care coordination. Known for strong clinical judgment, patient safety, and calm leadership in high-pressure settings.
Managing and ordering department supplies for PreOp, Surgery and PostOp. Lowering and managing cost of supplies for the department.
Work History
Charge Nurse-Surgery
4 Years 7 Months- Coordinated nursing assignments, balancing patient acuity with staffing levels across shifts.
- Communicated patient status changes to physicians, therapists, and interdisciplinary teams.
- Mentored new nurses on documentation, prioritization, and emergency response procedures.
- Monitored charting accuracy and reinforced compliance with electronic health record requirements.
- Addressed urgent care needs, resolving workflow issues and supporting timely interventions.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, enabling informed decision-making among the healthcare team members.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Facilitated ongoing education for nursing staff through in-service training sessions and workshops on relevant topics.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by personalizing care plans based on individual patient needs and preferences.
- Managed supply of medical equipment and consumables, ensuring availability and reducing instances of stock-outs.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Registered Nurse, Surgery
28 Years 11 Months- Assessed surgical patients, verified preoperative readiness, and coordinated care plans with interdisciplinary teams.
- Monitored vital signs, sterile fields, and patient status during procedures to support safe surgical outcomes.
- Administered medications, IV therapies, and perioperative treatments following physician orders and clinical protocols.
- Documented surgical assessments, interventions, and recovery notes accurately within electronic health records.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and support staff to streamline operating room workflow.
- Educated patients and families on preoperative preparation, postoperative recovery, and discharge instructions.
- Led compliance with infection control, sterile technique, and patient safety standards across surgical care.
- Mentored nursing staff on perioperative procedures, clinical judgment, and effective surgical patient support.
- Optimized resource utilization by managing supplies, organizing equipment, and delegating tasks efficiently within the surgical unit.
- Adhered strictly to hospital policies and guidelines regarding infection control measures to prevent transmission of healthcare-associated infections.
- Increased efficiency in the operating room by preparing necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies prior to each procedure.
- Upheld patient privacy rights while diligently maintaining the confidentiality of medical information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Provided compassionate emotional support to patients and families throughout the surgical experience, easing anxieties and promoting trust in healthcare providers.
- Maintained a sterile operating environment to reduce infection risks for patients undergoing surgery.
- Assisted surgeons with various procedures, ensuring timely completion and minimizing patient discomfort.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, evaluations, and medical records in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Registered Nurse, Surgery
10 YearsRegistered Nurse General/GYN Clinical Specialist
7 Years 2 MonthsEducation
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Skills
Decision-making
Clinical leadership
Care coordination
Team leadership
Compassionate and patient
Calm and composed
Medication administration
Mentoring and coaching
Patient care
Staff supervision
HIPAA compliance
Staff training
Patient assessments
Staff scheduling
Staff management
Patient advocacy
Staff education and training
Duty delegation
Nursing expertise
Issue resolution
Documenting observations
Licensed RN
Supply management
Friendly and outgoing
Nurse training
Student precepting
Strong clinical judgment
Certification
- BLS Certification Training - Current
- ACLS Certification Training-Current
Timeline
Charge Nurse-Surgery
Blue Ridge Medical Center
04.2022 - CurrentRead More
Registered Nurse, Surgery
Blue Ridge Medical Center
12.1997 - CurrentRead More
Registered Nurse General/GYN Clinical Specialist
Baptist Hospital of Miami
04.1990 - 06.1997Read More
Registered Nurse, Surgery
Baptist Hospital of Miami
06.1987 - 06.1997Read More
Florida International University
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
Read More