Competent and caring Registered Nurse offering 34 years of coordinating and carrying out patient care in high-volume hospital environments. Demonstrated performing with speed and accuracy to assess patients, deliver treatments and delegate tasks. Proven history of advocating for patient needs and fostering top-quality care.
Experienced nursing professional bringing demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring medications and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Charge Nurse, Emergency Department
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo, TX
08.2017 - Current
Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
Provided patient care according to established standards and protocols.
Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
Supported physicians during trauma resuscitations in the Emergency Department.
Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
Ensured proper handling of specimens for laboratory testing.
Facilitated discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care after leaving the facility.
Participated in educational activities such as seminars or classes related to emergency nursing practices.
Actively participated in staff meetings to discuss current trends in emergency nursing practices.
Conducted regular rounds throughout the department ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients.
Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care.
Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
Treated patients by administering various types of medications and therapies.
Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
Administered critical IV medications to stabilize patients for assessment and treatment.
Cared for patients experiencing acute traumas, including cardiac arrests, strokes and gunshot wounds.
Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
Charge Nurse/RN
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo, TX
02.1997 - 08.2017
Provide specialized care for patients in the emergency department, varying from infants to geriatric
Oversee patient flow, manage the day shift scheduling
Assist in coordinating the preceptorship of new employees.
Educator/ACCS
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo, TX
05.2012 - 08.2013
Responsible for on-boarding all new employees, facilitating the preceptorship of same employees
Provided new resident orientation monthly to the Texas Tech residents assigned to the critical care units for the month
Provided house wide education to all employees in collaboration with fellow educators.
Created a safe, comfortable learning environment for students by establishing positive relationships with them.
Assessed student progress regularly through formal and informal assessments.
Provided appropriate feedback on work, behavior, and attitude towards learning.
Encouraged critical thinking skills among students through problem-solving activities.
Integrated multi-media tools such as videos, slideshows, audio recordings into lessons when appropriate.
Registered Nurse Staff, PACU
Quail Creek Surgical Hospital
Amarillo, TX
04.2006 - 08.2012
Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting.
Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
SICU RN/Charge Nurse
Northwest Texas Healthcare System
Amarillo, TX
06.2000 - 12.2010
Provide patient care for patients in the Surgical ICU
Types of patients include patients who have had abdominal surgery, trauma patients, neurological surgeries and open heart surgeries
Provide care for patients requiring the use of ICP monitors, IABP, Impella Caths, and CRRT
Also work MICU, providing care for patients suffering from such medical emergencies as DKA, and severe GI bleeds
Also work CCU, providing care to patients suffering from STEMIS, Non-STEMIS, and cardiogenic shock as examples
Worked many years of this time as charge nurse/relief charge nurse.
Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
Performed physical examinations and assessments of patients' medical histories.
Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
Assisted doctors during medical procedures.
Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
Counseled patients on lifestyle changes that could improve their overall health outcomes.
Advised family members on the best course of action for their loved ones' healthcare needs.
Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
Worked closely with other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
Carried out physician orders regarding tests or medication administration accurately and safely.
Attended continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on current trends in nursing practice.
Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
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.
Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values and beliefs.
Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
St Anthony’s Hospital
Amarillo, TX
05.1990 - 02.1997
Assessed patient's condition and monitored vital signs.
Provided care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment.
Performed intubations, chest tube insertions, central line placements, and arterial line placements.
Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Coordinated with multidisciplinary team members to develop individualized plans of care for each patient.
Participated in quality improvement activities aimed at improving the overall standard of care provided to ICU patients.
Monitored ventilator settings and adjusted as needed according to physician orders or established protocols.
Responded quickly and effectively to code blue situations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
Recognized changes in patient conditions, promptly notified physicians, and implemented appropriate interventions as necessary.
Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
Assisted with end-of-life decisions by providing guidance and education regarding available options.
Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses and outcomes.
Performed bedside procedures such as wound dressing changes, catheterizations, IV starts and changes, tracheostomy care.
Prioritized multiple tasks while maintaining excellent standards of care delivery.
Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
Functioned as charge nurse and assumed patient care in absence of nurses ending or arriving for shifts.
Helped monitor, maintain and improve nursing-sensitive indicators, core measures and other identified outcome metrics.
Completed patient assessments, triaged and recorded patient histories, symptoms and observations.
Worked with patients and families to provide in-hospital and after-hospital follow-up through teaching and referrals.
Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
Kept track of patients' changing pain levels and proactively worked to minimize excess pain or discomfort.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Texas A&M University
Skills
Excellent IV skills
Perform phlebotomy skills with IV starts
Assessments of variety of age group patients ranging from neonatal to geriatric
Basic wound care
Splinting
Current certifications in ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ATLS, ENPC, BLS
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department Float Team at University Of Chicago Medical CenterRegistered Nurse, Emergency Department Float Team at University Of Chicago Medical Center