Denise Smikahl
Registered Nurse
Billings,MT
Summary
Dedicated and personable nurse with CNOR and TNCC certifications, offering 27 years of extensive experience in patient care and medical procedures. Expertise in asepsis standards and a proven ability to anticipate the needs of practitioners while closely monitoring patients ensures the delivery of high-quality care. Committed to fostering teamwork and enhancing patient satisfaction through effective education, counseling, and streamlined safety protocols. Adaptable to evolving healthcare environments, with a strong focus on achieving positive patient outcomes through comprehensive assessment, care planning, and compassionate support.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
5
5
Certification
Work History
RN
Natrona County Sheriff's Office
Casper, WY
02.2025 - 09.2025
- Provided emergency care to inmates by responding promptly to medical emergencies within the facility.
- Enhanced patient care by administering medications and treatments to inmates as prescribed.
- Promoted a safe environment for both staff and inmates by adhering to institutional policies regarding contraband control, safety measures, and crisis intervention techniques.
- Prevented potential health crises by conducting thorough screenings during intake processes for new inmates.
- Administered comprehensive patient assessments to ensure effective care delivery in high-pressure environments.
RN
Centeral Wyoming Hospice
Casper, WY
10.2024 - 12.2024
- 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.
Registered Nurse
Billings Clinic Hospital
Billings, MT
08.2023 - 02.2024
- Teaching Hospital, 16 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes with Aya Healthcare, Charge Experience: Yes, Computer Charting: Cerner
- Provided critical support during emergency situations, utilizing quick thinking and advanced problem-solving abilities under pressure.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during surgical procedures through vigilant monitoring and communication with surgical team.
Travel Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Saint Mary Medical Center
Grand Junction, CO
03.2023 - 07.2023
- Teaching Hospital, 14 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes, Charge Experience: Yes
- Improved surgery efficiency with precise preparation and organization of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Applied strong attention-to-detail when performing instrument counts before and after surgeries, reducing potential risks associated with retained foreign objects.
Registered Nurse Scrub
Summit Medical Center
Casper, WY
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Hospital, 4 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes, Charge Experience: No
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging and updated surgical procedures to select correct instruments for specific surgeries.
Travel Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Saint Vincent Healthcare
Billings, MT
10.2022 - 11.2022
- Teaching Hospital, 12 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes with Aya Healthcare, Charge Experience: No, Computer Charting: Epic
- Maintained sterile environments within the operating room through adherence to infection control protocols.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently following pre-operative protocols and conducting thorough assessments.
- Managed documentation related to surgical events accurately and promptly completed required paperwork according to regulations.
Personal Time Off
Casper, WY
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Personal time off
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Kootenai Health
Coeur D'Alene, ID
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Teaching Hospital, 8 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes, Charge Experience: No, Computer Charting: Epic
- Maintained sterile environments within the operating room through adherence to infection control protocols.
- Coordinated with ancillary staff for efficient patient transport between operating rooms and recovery areas while ensuring optimal levels of care were maintained.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines and advocated for patient rights, ensuring a high standard of care throughout the perioperative process.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Campbell County Hospital
Gillette, WY
10.2021 - 04.2022
- Hospital, 4 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes, Charge Experience: No, Computer Charting: Meditech
- Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
Travel Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Hot Springs Memorial Hospital
Thermopolis, WY
06.2021 - 09.2021
- Hospital, 2 bed Operating Room RN, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: Yes, Charge Experience: No, Computer Charting: Cerner
- Contributed to improved efficiency within the department by assisting with case management tasks such as scheduling surgeries, coordinating resources, and updating documentation.
- Prepared patients for surgery by conducting thorough assessments, implementing individualized care plans, and administering preoperative medications.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Wyoming Medical Center
Casper, WY
04.2021 - 05.2021
- Hospital, 8 bed Operating Room, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: No, Charge Experience: No, Computer Charting: Epic Have worked at this facility numerous times.
- Maintained organized inventory of supplies for the operating room, ensuring availability of necessary equipment for each procedure performed smoothly without interruption.
- Ensured patient safety and comfort during surgical procedures through vigilant monitoring and communication with the surgical team.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure efficient operating room workflows.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
Boise, ID
06.2016 - 11.2020
- Teaching Hospital, 18 bed Operating Room Ortho Neuro, Average Patient Ratio: 1:1, Travel Assignment: No, Charge Experience: No, Computer Charting: Cerner
- Implemented evidence-based nursing interventions to optimize patient outcomes during the perioperative period.
- Mentored new OR nurses, sharing best practices and providing guidance on effective patient care strategies.
- Applied strong attention-to-detail when performing instrument counts before and after surgeries, reducing potential risks associated with retained foreign objects.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of evolving surgical techniques to provide safe nursing assistance during various types of procedures.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Wyoming
Laramie, WY06.1997
Certificate of Completion - First Assisting
National Institute of First Assisting
Denver, CO01.2007
High School Diploma - undefined
Natrona County High School
Casper, WY05.1987
Skills
- Preoperative preparation
- Compassionate Care
- Patient Safety
- HIPAA Compliance
- Sterile Technique Expertise
- Critical thinking abilities
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Patient Charting
Certification
Wyoming Compact, 18588, 2026-12-31
Computer Charting
- Cerner
- Epic
- Meditech
Timeline
RN
Natrona County Sheriff's Office
02.2025 - 09.2025
RN
Centeral Wyoming Hospice
10.2024 - 12.2024
Registered Nurse
Billings Clinic Hospital
08.2023 - 02.2024
Travel Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Saint Mary Medical Center
03.2023 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse Scrub
Summit Medical Center
11.2022 - 02.2023
Travel Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Saint Vincent Healthcare
10.2022 - 11.2022
Personal Time Off
08.2022 - 10.2022
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Kootenai Health
05.2022 - 08.2022
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Campbell County Hospital
10.2021 - 04.2022
Travel Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Hot Springs Memorial Hospital
06.2021 - 09.2021
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Wyoming Medical Center
04.2021 - 05.2021
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center
06.2016 - 11.2020
Certificate of Completion - First Assisting
National Institute of First Assisting
High School Diploma - undefined
Natrona County High School
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Wyoming