Gidget Mills
Springfield,IL
Summary
Hardworking Registered Nurse with success providing individualized patient care. Committed to delivering best-in-class patient care through effective education and counseling. Proven leadership focused on increasing and enhancing patient care and satisfaction. Streamline safety protocols for comprehensive patient care.
I have years of experiance in adult Pre anesthesia and Post Anesthesia and also Pediatric Pre Anesthesia and Post anesthesia. All while working at a Level 1 trauma center for the majority of my career. I've taken care of patients from age 5 days to 105 years old. I have a vast knowlege in almost all surgical procedures and comfortable taking care of all patients with a variety of needs.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN Pacu
Women’s Hospital Columbia
Columbia, MO
10.2023 - Current
- Enhanced patient recovery by consistently monitoring and assessing post-operative vital signs.
- Reduced complications through timely administration of medications and pain management strategies.
- Provided comprehensive pre-discharge assessments, verifying that patients met criteria for discharge while addressing any remaining concerns or needs prior to leaving the facility.
- Contributed to quality improvement efforts by identifying areas for process enhancements and implementing evidence-based solutions in the PACU unit.
- Demonstrated strong clinical assessment skills for early identification of potential complications or adverse reactions following surgery.
- Optimized resource utilization by effectively managing supplies and equipment necessary for patient care delivery within the PACU setting.
- Ensured patient safety through effective communication with surgical team members regarding patient status.
- Promoted a comfortable environment for patients, addressing concerns, and providing emotional support during post-operative recovery.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient medical records, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
- Assisted physicians in conducting bedside procedures, such as wound dressing changes or IV insertions, to foster optimal healing processes.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care instructions, fostering better understanding and adherence to prescribed treatments or therapies.
- Collaborated with anesthesia providers to ensure safe and effective management of patient pain during the post-operative period.
- Supported ongoing professional development of fellow nurses through mentorship opportunities within the PACU setting.
- Participated in continuous education initiatives to stay current on best practices in PACU nursing care.
Registered Nurse
Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
Winfield, IL
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Registered Nurse, PACU
Cleveland Clinic Hospital
Stuart, FL
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
RN PACU
Cleavland Clinic North
Stuart, FL
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Enhanced patient recovery by consistently monitoring and assessing post-operative vital signs.
- Improved patient outcomes by collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams on individualized care plans.
- Supported ongoing professional development of fellow nurses through mentorship opportunities within the PACU setting.
- Reduced complications through timely administration of medications and pain management strategies.
- Reduced recovery times through effective pain management and close collaboration with the surgical team.
- Maintained accurate records of medication administration, vital signs monitoring, and other critical data points for proper evaluation of patients'' progress during recovery.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and maintaining open communication with patients and families.
- Promoted teamwork among nursing staff, fostering a supportive environment conducive to high-quality patient care.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized work environment, adhering to infection control standards for optimal patient health.
- Managed challenging cases effectively by utilizing clinical judgment, problem-solving skills, and prioritization techniques in dynamic situations.
Registered Nurse, PACU
Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital
Saint Peters, MO
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Collaborated with members of patients' healthcare team to deliver appropriate level of care.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Registered Nurse, PACU
Barnes Jewish Hospital
Saint Louis, MO
11.2021 - 08.2022
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve conditions.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
Registered Nurse
HSHS St Johns Hospital
Springfield, IL
11.1990 - 11.2021
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
05.2010
Skills
- Interpreting EKGs
- Blood Product Transfusion
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Sedation Management
- Tracheotomy Equipment
- Patient Assessments
- Anesthetic Administration
- Chest tube monitoring
- Patient Condition Monitoring
- 12-Lead EKG Monitoring
- Blood Draw and Sample Collection
- Perioperative Management
- IV Fluid Administration
- Anesthesia Recovery
- Patient Recovery Assessments
- General Surgery
Accomplishments
ACL
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ACLS
- BLS
Timeline
RN Pacu - Women’s Hospital Columbia
10.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse - Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital
05.2023 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse, PACU - Cleveland Clinic Hospital
01.2023 - 05.2023
RN PACU - Cleavland Clinic North
01.2023 - 04.2023
Registered Nurse, PACU - Barnes Jewish St. Peters Hospital
08.2022 - 12.2022
Registered Nurse, PACU - Barnes Jewish Hospital
11.2021 - 08.2022
Registered Nurse - HSHS St Johns Hospital
11.1990 - 11.2021
Lincoln Land Community College - Associate of Applied Science, Nursing