Erica Zyjewski
Wallingford,CT
Summary
Dynamic nursing professional with extensive experience at Yale New Haven Hospital, excelling in critical care and patient monitoring. Proven leadership in precepting and developing nursing staff, enhancing patient outcomes through complex problem-solving and advanced cardiac life support. Recognized for fostering collaboration and advocating for patient needs in high-pressure environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Nurse Manager, Pre-op/PACU
Yale New Haven Hospital
12.2024 - Current
- Worked closely with bed management, operations leaders, and OR charge RNs to ensure safe and timely throughput of patients from the operating room to the PACU.
- Resolved conflicts among staff members by employing effective communication techniques and seeking mutually beneficial solutions when issues arose.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and support for professional development opportunities.
- Managed scheduling to ensure optimal coverage while maintaining a healthy work-life balance for staff members.
- Assisted in budget management, optimizing resource allocation to maximize patient care quality without compromising fiscal responsibility.
- Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall patient experience and satisfaction levels.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff and administration, advocating for the needs of both parties to promote overall organizational success.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards by staying up-to-date on industry best practices and incorporating them into daily operations as necessary.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
Pre-op/PACU RN
Yale New Haven Hospital
06.2014 - 12.2024
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- 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.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Implemented infection control measures within the unit, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- As an active member of our periop Patient Satisfaction committee, leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Effectively acted as charge RN and supercharge RN for several years.
- Served as Interim APSM from April 2023-present.
RN,CTICU
Yale New Haven Hospital
09.2013 - 06.2014
- Improved patient outcomes by effectively assessing, planning, and implementing individualized care plans for CTICU patients.
- Reduced complications by closely monitoring and detecting early signs of potential issues in critically ill patients.
- Enhanced patient comfort and safety through diligent attention to detail and adherence to strict infection control protocols.
- Promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
- Supported families during difficult times by providing compassionate care, education, and emotional support to both patients and their loved ones.
- Administered various life-saving medications such as vasopressors, sedatives, analgesics, anticoagulants under stringent protocols ensuring accuracy and safety.
- Assisted with bedside procedures such as central line placements, arterial lines insertions, endotracheal intubations ensuring proper sterile technique and efficient teamwork.
RN,CTICU
Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus
05.2008 - 09.2013
- Improved patient outcomes by effectively assessing, planning, and implementing individualized care plans for CTICU patients.
- Reduced complications by closely monitoring and detecting early signs of potential issues in critically ill patients.
- Mentored new nursing staff in the CTICU setting, sharing expertise and providing guidance on best practices.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients and staff by regularly participating in unit-based quality improvement initiatives.
- Supported families during difficult times by providing compassionate care, education, and emotional support to both patients and their loved ones.
- Ensured continuity of care during emergencies by actively participating in Rapid Response Team interventions as needed.
- Managed ventilators for mechanically ventilated patients, collaborating with respiratory therapists to adjust settings as required for optimal patient outcomes.
- Administered various life-saving medications such as vasopressors, sedatives, analgesics, anticoagulants under stringent protocols ensuring accuracy and safety.
- Assisted with bedside procedures such as central line placements, arterial lines insertions, endotracheal intubations ensuring proper sterile technique and efficient teamwork.
- Administered complex care such as CVVH and and hemodynamic monitoring to patients post cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgeries.
- Frequently acted as charge RN
RN, V5E/SLA2 Stepdown Floor
Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus
07.2005 - 05.2008
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Implemented infection control measures within the unit, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Devised individualized care plans tailored to each patient's unique situation, optimizing clinical outcomes.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions post hospitalization.
- Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Frequently acted as a preceptor and charge RN
Student Nurse Technician
Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus
12.2002 - 07.2005
- Enhanced patient care by accurately documenting vital signs, medical histories, and relevant information.
- Assisted in conducting physical assessments to identify potential health concerns and inform appropriate interventions.
- Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing electronic medical records systems for accurate documentation of patient information.
- Developed strong rapport with patients by actively listening to concerns and addressing individual needs.
- Participated in hands-on clinical training under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Actively sought and incorporated feedback from nursing mentors to continuously improve clinical skills and knowledge.
- Performed regular rounds to check on well-being of patients.
- Assisted with patient transfers, observing safety protocols to prevent damage to patient and self.
- Administered CPR to patients in cardiac arrest following American Heart Association Standards.
- Performed blood draws and specimen collection.
- Assisted in dressing changes, urinary catheterization, and nasal tracheal suctioning.
- Precepted new techs/PCAs to the unit
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Capella University
Currently EnrolledBachelor of Science - Nursing
Southern CT State University
New Haven, CT07.2005
Skills
- Precepting
- Nursing staff leadership
- Critical Care
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Monitoring
- Cardiac Care
- Nursing team management
Certification
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Licensed RN in the state of CT
Additional Information
I have been acting as Interim APSM since April 2023 and officially APSM since December 2024, overseeing nursing and PCAs in preop and PACU, maintaining an organized staffing schedule, assisting in the interview process of new hires, attending multiple meetings along with covering the PSM role for vacations and during vacancy, and participating in frequent communication with bed management, to ensure a smooth flow and effective care of pre and post-op patients. I have enjoyed the experience this opportunity has provided, and am interested in expanding my leadership to become the PSM of this unit.
Timeline
Assistant Nurse Manager, Pre-op/PACU
Yale New Haven Hospital
12.2024 - Current
Pre-op/PACU RN
Yale New Haven Hospital
06.2014 - 12.2024
RN,CTICU
Yale New Haven Hospital
09.2013 - 06.2014
RN,CTICU
Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus
05.2008 - 09.2013
RN, V5E/SLA2 Stepdown Floor
Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus
07.2005 - 05.2008
Student Nurse Technician
Yale New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus
12.2002 - 07.2005
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership And Management
Capella University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southern CT State University
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