Ellen Keefe
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Registered Nurse with experience in high-acuity perioperative nursing at a Level 1 trauma center, specializing in orthopedic trauma and complex surgical care. Brings a strong interest in healthcare systems, nursing practice, medical ethics, and the intersection of clinical care, leadership, and healthcare policy.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
REGISTERED NURSE
Ascension St. Vincent's, Operating Room
Indianapolis, IN
05.2025 - Current
- Precepting multiple new-hire registered nurses during orientation, providing hands-on clinical instruction, guidance, and feedback across perioperative workflows
- Preparing operating rooms for procedures, ensuring availability of proper instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications needed for the case
- Conducting pre-operative patient assessments, verifying identity, consents, surgical site marking, history & physicals, relevant lab results, and any allergies
- Maintaining strict sterile technique during surgical site preparation, foley catheter insertion, and transfer of supplies, implants, and medications to the sterile field
- Safely transporting and positioning patients for surgery, applying monitors, padding pressure points, and ensuring proper safety measures
- Assisting anesthesiologists with intubations, nerve blocks, intravenous & arterial lines, and blood product verification
- Leading surgical time-outs, completing surgical counts, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and efficient operating room workflow
- (full-time)
PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT
Cincinnati Children's, Neuroscience/Trauma
Cincinnati, OH
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Assessed vital signs on multiple patients every 4 hours and promptly reported abnormal findings to nursing staff to ensure timely interventions
- Monitored external ventricular drains, ensured patients were not draining more than their designated hourly limit, and notified nursing staff immediately during episodes of rapid drainage followed by abrupt changes in vital signs
- Provided 1:1 support for behavioral patients and patients with external ventricular drains
- Documented vital signs, intake/output, and acute shift care in Epic EMR to maintain accurate patient records and facilitate care continuity
- (part-time)
HOME CARE PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT
Independent client
Cincinnati, OH
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Administered and managed morning and evening oral medications for patient adherence
- Assisted patient with transfers via hoyer lift and personal care
- Supported patient with spinal neuromuscular atrophy in daily living activities to enhance independence
- Assisted patient with daily stretches and use of leg compression devices
- Delivered physical and emotional support to patient, fostering comfort and well-being
- (seasonal)
STUDENT NURSE LAB ASSISTANT
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH
09.2023 - 04.2024
- Instructed nursing students on essential nursing skills during open lab hours to enhance practical competency
- Assessed and validated student proficiency in various skills alongside clinical faculty member to ensure readiness for clinical practice
- Facilitated preparation for ATI medical-surgical dosage calculation exams, supporting students in achieving academic success
- Organized medical supplies for open labs to facilitate smooth operations and support student learning
- Set up mannequins and equipment in simulation lab to create realistic training scenarios for nursing students
- (part-time)
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Nordstrom
Indianapolis, IN
11.2021 - 01.2022
- Provided information and assistance to customers regarding available merchandise, enhancing their shopping experience
- Facilitated returns and exchanges for purchased merchandise, ensuring customer satisfaction
- Navigated interactions with diverse customer personalities during peak season, maintaining a positive service environment
- Encouraged prioritization of customer concerns to improve service quality
- (seasonal)
Education
Bachelor's of Science - Nursing
Xavier University
Cincinnati, OH05-2025
Honors Diploma -
Bishop Chatard High School
Indianapolis, IN05-2021
Skills
- Perioperative Nursing
- Patient safety
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Clinical education
- Team leadership
- Family communication
Affiliations
- National Honors Society; 2017-2021
- Dean's List & Cum Laude; 2021-2025
Certification
- Registered Nurse: Indiana & Compact States, BLS: Basic Life Support, American Heart Association
VOLUNTEERISM
International Volunteer HQ-Medical Care, Peru, 2022
Timeline
REGISTERED NURSE
Ascension St. Vincent's, Operating Room
05.2025 - Current
PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT
Cincinnati Children's, Neuroscience/Trauma
05.2024 - 05.2025
HOME CARE PATIENT CARE ASSISTANT
Independent client
05.2024 - 08.2024
STUDENT NURSE LAB ASSISTANT
Xavier University
09.2023 - 04.2024
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
Nordstrom
11.2021 - 01.2022
Bachelor's of Science - Nursing
Xavier University
Honors Diploma -
Bishop Chatard High School