ELENA READ
Fuquay-Varina,NC
Summary
Highly skilled Critical Care Nurse with experience in providing quality care to critically ill patients. Demonstrated strengths include advanced clinical skills, ability to thrive under pressure and exceptional communication skills for coordinating multidisciplinary team efforts. Praised for triage excellence and detailed documentation. Notably contributed to improved patient outcomes and increased efficiency in previous roles.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Critical Care Nurse and Patient Care Coordinator
BluePearl Specialty + Emergency
Cary, NC
11.2023 - Current
- Actively participated in daily rounds with physicians providing feedback regarding patients' status and progress towards goals of care plan.
- Assessed and monitored vital signs, laboratory results, clinical data, and patient responses to treatments.
- Managed pain relief interventions utilizing pharmacological agents as well as non-pharmacologic modalities.
- Monitored patient progress in order to identify changes in condition or response to treatment.
- Educated patients and families about critical care procedures, treatments, medications and health maintenance practices.
- Developed individualized care plans for each patient based on assessment of physical and psychosocial needs.
- Prepared detailed documentation of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, changes in condition and status and follow up instructions upon discharge from unit.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex medical procedures, such as tracheostomy insertions or centeses.
- Alerted physician of diagnostic study results and changes in patient condition.
- Managed peripheral and central venous catheters, indwelling urinary catheters, various types of feeding tubes, rectal Foley's, and chest tubes.
- Provided direct care in surgical, cardiac and neurological critical care units.
- Administered care to patients suffering from catastrophic traumatic injuries.
- Utilized a wide range of medical equipment, including ventilators and intravenous (IV) pumps, to support patient care.
- Performed advanced life support skills, such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, venous cutdown, and defibrillation, in accordance with RECOVER guidelines.
- Identified potential problems that could compromise patient safety or interfere with quality outcomes.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives related to critical care nursing practice standards.
- Developed and implemented a number of medical quality initiatives as an active member of the BluePearl Medical Quality Committee.
Interim Lead Veterinary Assistant
Carpenter Animal Hospital and Pet Inn
03.2023 - Current
- Cleaned and disinfected exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors
- Provided customer support to clients, answering questions and addressing concerns
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and ultrasounds
- Worked closely with veterinarians and surgeons to develop and carry out plans of care
- Assisted with euthanasia procedures humanely and compassionately to minimize suffering
- Enacted several personalized training programs for veterinary assistants and support staff that focused on strengthening individuals' capabilities
- Performed regular preventative maintenance on laboratory and radiology equipment
- Prepared surgical patients using proper aseptic technique and sterility procedures
Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist
Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital
02.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided exemplary customer service to clients by answering their questions in detail, walking them through diagnoses and treatments, and educating them on animal care
- Evaluated incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care
- Provided timely, compassionate updates on hospitalized patients
- Exhibited excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage consumers from diverse social, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines
Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Technician
Towson Veterinary Hospital
05.2015 - 06.2021
- Assisted veterinarian during immunologic, medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures
- Monitored patients before, during, and after surgical procedures, and performed pre-op and post-op care
- Collected, prepared, and interpreted various specimens and samples for both in- house and outside laboratory analysis
- Administered medications, vaccines, and treatments as instructed by veterinarians
- Positioned animals for diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and ultrasounds
- Served as the primary trainer for several new employees
- Prepared estimates for care, presented invoices, and collected payment from clients
Education
M.S. - Biological Research
01.2021
B.A. - International Studies,Italian
Towson University
01.2019
B.S. - Biology
01.2019
Skills
- Able to work quickly and efficiently in a fast-paced, high-stress environment
- Demonstrates a superb work ethic, persistence, and dedication
- Eager and willing to learn, expand knowledge, and strengthen skills
- Able to work professionally with colleagues, while exhibiting strong leadership skills
- Motivated to take on challenges with minimal direction
- Ability to maintain professionalism and composure in high-pressure situations, especially around clients in varying emotional states
- Proficient in illness, injury assessment, and triage
- Well-versed in veterinary anatomy, medical terminology, and pharmacology
- Advanced venipuncture and catheter placement skills
- Adept at performing and interpreting various diagnostic tests, including CBC differentials, blood chemistries, PCV/TS, fecals, urinalyses, and cytologies
- Proficient at taking vitals, administering SQ, IV, and IM injections, administering SQ and IV fluids, and dosing medication
- Comfortable using several types of laboratory and diagnostic equipment, including microscopes, Zoetis machines (VetScan Abaxis and Imagyst), and IDEXX machines (Sedivue, ProCyte, Catalyst, and SNAP Pro)
- Extensive knowledge of several types of veterinary software, including Cornerstone, VIA, Instinct, TeleVet, VitusVet, and PetDesk, as well as Microsoft Word and Excel
Languages
Italian, ASL, Spanish
CONTINUING EDUCATION
- Participated in interactive anatomy lessons and dissection while enrolled in "The Dog Class", taught by Dr. Patrick Larkin at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2019
- Assisted with and led several animal husbandry demonstrations while enrolled in "Animal Nutrition", taught by Dr. Darryl Ragland at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020
Timeline
Critical Care Nurse and Patient Care Coordinator
BluePearl Specialty + Emergency
11.2023 - Current
Interim Lead Veterinary Assistant
Carpenter Animal Hospital and Pet Inn
03.2023 - Current
Veterinary Assistant and Receptionist
Holly Springs Veterinary Hospital
02.2022 - 05.2023
Veterinary Assistant and Kennel Technician
Towson Veterinary Hospital
05.2015 - 06.2021
M.S. - Biological Research
B.A. - International Studies,Italian
Towson University