Elizabeth Portz
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Dedicated nursing professional with over 30 years of experience, including 3 years as a house supervisor and 20 years in critical care and Bone Marrow Transplant. Proven expertise in general med/surg nursing, complemented by 9 years of LTACH experience. Recognized as a two-time Daisy Award nominee and member of the Team Daisy Award-winning hospital for exceptional patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Committed to advancing healthcare quality and supporting collaborative team environments. Self-motivated professional promoting attention to detail and the drive to resolve issues effectively. Calm and poised in the most stressful environments. Seeking the opportunity to join organization in the role of Utilization Review Nurse.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, PCCU (Seasonal Then Baylor)
Tucson Medical Center
Tucson, AZ
10.2023 - Current
- Ensured that all documentation was accurate and up-to-date in the electronic health record system.
- Performed wound care, dressing changes and administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Provided emotional support to families during stressful times.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored intravenous infusion pumps, ensuring proper dosage of medication.
- Communicated effectively with other healthcare staff to coordinate patient care plans.
ICU Travel/Charge Nurse
Northwest Houghton
Tucson, AZ
09.2023 - 10.2023
- Delivered optimum treatments to critical-care patients following prescribed rules, policies, protocol and procedures.
- Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
- Functioned as charge nurse while assuming an assignment and provided support for other nurses on the unit.
- Completed patient assessments, triaged and recorded patient histories, symptoms and observations.
Travel Registered Nurse
Banner University Medical Center
Phoenix, AZ
05.2023 - 09.2023
- Utilized strong assessment skills to determine necessary patient care.
- Educated patients and family members about preventive health care and recovery.
- Administered medications intravenously, by injection or orally.
- Interviewed patients to obtain medical information and measure vital signs.
- Directed and instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care.
Travel Nurse, STICU
Mercy Medical Center Redding
Redding, CA
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Delivered optimum treatments to critical-care patients following prescribed rules, policies, protocol and procedures.
- Monitored patients' respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Achieved best possible outcomes for nursing sensitive indicators, core measures, HCAPS, patient satisfaction and associate satisfaction.
- Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
Travel Nurse, ICU Float Pool
Inova Fairfax
Falls Church, VA
10.2022 - 01.2023
- Developed and executed care plans for assigned patients.
- Administered medications intravenously, by injection or orally.
- Furnished emotional, psychological and spiritual support to patients and families to establish compassionate environment.
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
Travel Nurse
Advent Health Tampa
Tampa, FL
06.2022 - 09.2022
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Administered injections and IV therapy and placed IV catheters.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values and beliefs.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Collaborated with physical and occupational therapists and physicians to develop exercise plans tailored to patient's specific needs.
Travel Nurse
Advent Health Orlando
Orlando, FL
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Implemented treatment plans, monitored vitals and administered medications for patients in ICU.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Worked toward team goals of medical unit and accounted for department and system-specific metrics.
Staff RN
Texas Health Resources Cleburne
Cleburne, TX
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Performed nursing care following prescribed rules, policies, protocol and procedures.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Monitored patients' respiration activity, blood pressure and blood glucose levels in response to medical administration.
- Treated patients by administering various types of medications and therapies.
Travel and Then Staff Nurse/Relief Charge Nurse
Swedish Medical Center-Issaquah
Issaquah, WA
10.2015 - 06.2021
- Managed all facets of telemetry, including PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drug administration and titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tube management.
- Instructed patients, families and caregivers on diagnoses, chronic disease management and medication self-management.
- Treated patients with broad range of diagnoses ranging from sepsis, renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
- Fore-front of COVID-19 treatment and management as part of Swedish Hospital system high-containment unit.
Travel Nurse
Swedish Medical Center-Cherry Hill
Seattle, WA
06.2015 - 09.2015
- Performed therapeutic nursing care interventions for patients with neurosurgical and neurological injuries, including stroke, brain hemorrhage, trauma and tumors.
- Informed treating team of subtle changes indicative of derangement of cerebral hemodynamics, intervening appropriately.
- Monitored critical patient safety utilizing validated assessment tools such as continuous infusions, patency of intravenous lines and ICP monitors.
Staff RN
AMG Specialty Hospital
Houma, Louisiana
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Reviewed physician orders and administered therapies, treatments and medications.
- Imparted medical, operational and patient care knowledge to junior nurses to maximize performance and quality of team operations.
- Maintained reports to provide oncoming shift with full patient status.
- Addressed rapid response and code situations by strategically organizing and delegating tasks.
RN Per Diem
Gifted Healthcare
Metairie, Louisiana
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Consistently assessed and evaluated patients' health needs by coordinating across medical disciplines to create, implement and modify personalized care plans.
- Treated patients using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities to address various disorders, diseases and injuries.
Administrative Coordinator (Nursing Supervisor)
Tulane Medical Center
New Orleans, LA
01.2011 - 04.2014
- Facilitated patient flow during emergency situations, directing evacuations, admissions and transfers.
- Maintained composure and efficiency during rapid response situation and emergency codes.
- Circulated throughout multiple hospital departments to perform nursing rounds.
- Addressed rapid response and code situations by strategically organizing and delegating tasks.
Staff Nurse/ Charge Nurse
Tulane Medical Center
New Orleans, LA
08.2007 - 01.2011
- Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Assisted with insertion of and managed central, arterial and PICC lines.
- Delivered extensive training to newly hired employees and student nurses, offering insight and assistance related to emergent situations.
- Treated patients with strokes, head traumas, comas and intracranial hematomas.
Staff Nurse / Charge Nurse ICU
Tulane - Lakeside Hospital
Metairie, LA
01.2006 - 08.2007
Staff Nurse/ Charge Nurse/ Preceptor Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Tulane Medical Center
New Orleans, LA
08.1998 - 01.2006
Staff Nurse/ Charge Nurse
Tulane Medical Center
New Orleans, LA
08.1991 - 08.1998
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northwestern State University
08.1991
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
Vickie Millazo Institute
01.2021
Skills
- Culturally-sensitive care
- Workflow Optimization
- Team management
- Life-sustaining machines
- Catheters
- Organization
- Ventilator care
- Intake and discharge
- Multitasking
- Geriatric treatment knowledge
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Diagnostic tools experience
- Pain management oversight
- Vitals assessments
- IV fluid administration
- Medication and IV administration
Certification
Registered Nurse Arizona: 306724 Expires 04/01/2029 (multistate)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: Expires 06/30/2026
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification: Expires
06/30/2026
NIHSS Certification: Expires 07/13/2025
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant: Expires 3/2024
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Nurse, PCCU (Seasonal Then Baylor)
Tucson Medical Center
10.2023 - Current
ICU Travel/Charge Nurse
Northwest Houghton
09.2023 - 10.2023
Travel Registered Nurse
Banner University Medical Center
05.2023 - 09.2023
Travel Nurse, STICU
Mercy Medical Center Redding
01.2023 - 05.2023
Travel Nurse, ICU Float Pool
Inova Fairfax
10.2022 - 01.2023
Travel Nurse
Advent Health Tampa
06.2022 - 09.2022
Travel Nurse
Advent Health Orlando
04.2022 - 06.2022
Staff RN
Texas Health Resources Cleburne
06.2021 - 04.2022
Travel and Then Staff Nurse/Relief Charge Nurse
Swedish Medical Center-Issaquah
10.2015 - 06.2021
Travel Nurse
Swedish Medical Center-Cherry Hill
06.2015 - 09.2015
Staff RN
AMG Specialty Hospital
07.2014 - 05.2015
RN Per Diem
Gifted Healthcare
05.2014 - 05.2015
Administrative Coordinator (Nursing Supervisor)
Tulane Medical Center
01.2011 - 04.2014
Staff Nurse/ Charge Nurse
Tulane Medical Center
08.2007 - 01.2011
Staff Nurse / Charge Nurse ICU
Tulane - Lakeside Hospital
01.2006 - 08.2007
Staff Nurse/ Charge Nurse/ Preceptor Bone Marrow Transplant Unit
Tulane Medical Center
08.1998 - 01.2006
Staff Nurse/ Charge Nurse
Tulane Medical Center
08.1991 - 08.1998
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northwestern State University
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
Vickie Millazo Institute
Registered Nurse Arizona: 306724 Expires 04/01/2029 (multistate)
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification: Expires 06/30/2026
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification: Expires
06/30/2026
NIHSS Certification: Expires 07/13/2025
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant: Expires 3/2024
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