Izabela Anna Kowal-Stafinski
Plainfield,IL
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse with over 2.5 years of hospital experience and about 5 years of CNA experience (3 out of 5 in hospital setting). Specialized in orthopedic, medical-surgical, and telemetry units. Skilled in assessing patients' medical conditions and developing personalized patient care plans. Able to quickly recognize changes in patiets' conditions and provide critical care based on own assessment and physician orders. Certified in ACLS and BLS. Proficient in health assessments, pre/post surgical care, wound care, medication administration, blood draws and transfusions, telemetry monitoring, and documentation. Recognized for reliability, emphaty, and caring nature. Eager to expand knowledge and adapt to new challenges. Thrives under pressure and capable of managing effectively even in stressful conditions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Rush Copley Hospital
11.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Made sure patient has a full understanding of surgical procedure prior to obtaining informed consent.
- Prevented life-threatening complications by quickly recognizing early warning signs of deterioration in critically ill patients under close observation.
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care (especially CHF patients).
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, while monitoring their response to treatment and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Followed physician's instructions application and removal of stabilization devices (bucks traction, surgical shoes/boots, braces). Removed stitches and staples from incision site per doctor's orders.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients while supporting their families during difficult times.
- Utilized Epic to document data related to patient care such as medications, interventions and patient's responses,
Orthopedic Registered Nurse
Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center
06.2022 - 11.2023
- Managed patients prior to and recovering from medical or surgical procedures like knee/hip replacements, external/internal fixation of bones, kyphoplasties, spinal surgeries and many more.
- Obtained informed consent and made sure patient had a full understanding of the risk and benefits of surgical procedure.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, pre/post surgical care and precautions, discharge plan objectives, and safe medication use.
- Acted as an advocate for patients'' rights regarding pain management, working closely with physicians to optimize analgesia while minimizing side effects of medications. Used non-medicated pain relief when possible.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Implemented a fall prevention program within the orthopedic unit that resulted in decreased incidents of fall-related injuries among patients.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Monitored and notified physician of telemetry/ECG changes.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Promoted a safe environment in the orthopedic unit by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining appropriate supplies and equipment.
- Utilized Meditech and Perfect Serve for accurate and timely documentation and physician notification.
- Charge Nurse experience - optimized resource utilization by effectively assigning staff to appropriate patient ratios according to acuity levels. Provided help and resources for nursing staff.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Amita Health St. Joseph Medical Center
06.2019 - 06.2022
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity to 10+ patients.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Followed and reminded patients of pre/post surgical precautions on orthopedic unit. Assisted with ambulation, repositioning and assistive devices use and maintenance.
- Prepared patients for surgery by helping with CHG bath, reminding of NPO status and providing alternatives such as mouth care.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels and notified RN in a timely manner.
- Monitored and responded to patient change of condition, and promptly notified RN.
- Responded to codes, provided glucose monitoring and high quality CPR.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
- Performed bladder scans and assisted with catheterization. Observed medication administration by the RN through different sites.
- Provided basic telemetry adjustments (battery, electrode changes, placing and checking the lead placement, reacting to alarms and notifying RN if the patient is in distress).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Dial "Willow Falls Assisted Living"
12.2017 - 06.2019
- Provided care for 18+ residents each shift, including bathing, ambulating, repositioning, dressing, feeding, and toileting.
- Helped with laundry, cleaning and keeping the residents' environment neat.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with residents.
Education
Associate of Science - Professional Nursing
Rasmussen University
Romeoville, IL03.2022
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Orthopedic/Med-Surg/Tele Nursing
- ACLS & BLS certified
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient Assessment and Quality Care
- Medication Administration via different routes
- Wound Care & Infection Control
- Blood draws and transfusions
- Good Time Management
- Quick Learner
- Team Work
- Documentation (great with Epic and Meditech)
Certification & Licensure
- Illinois Board of Nursing RN License, 041526744
- ACLS & BLS Certified, American Heart Association, 11/4/24
- Certified Nursing Assistant, Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL, 01/01/18
Languages
Polish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Rush Copley Hospital
11.2023 - Current
Orthopedic Registered Nurse
Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center
06.2022 - 11.2023
Certified Nursing Assistant
Amita Health St. Joseph Medical Center
06.2019 - 06.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant
Dial "Willow Falls Assisted Living"
12.2017 - 06.2019
Associate of Science - Professional Nursing
Rasmussen University
Similar Profiles
Halima AbrarHalima Abrar
ICU Nurse at Rush Copley HospitalICU Nurse at Rush Copley Hospital
Laura Plazak, MSN, BA, RNLaura Plazak, MSN, BA, RN
Cardiovascular Surgery & Vascular Project Manager at Rush Copley HospitalCardiovascular Surgery & Vascular Project Manager at Rush Copley Hospital
Natasha ChambersNatasha Chambers
Patient Care Technician at Rush Copley HospitalPatient Care Technician at Rush Copley Hospital