Jennifer Vawter
Sherman,TX
Summary
Seasoned nursing professional with multiple years of experience. 6 years of demonstrated proficiency in PREOP/PACU. Additional years of expertise included in the role of circulating RN for the operating room and endoscopy lab. Recognized for reliability, teamwork, and extensive healthcare knowledge. Able to deliver exceptional nursing care across multiple surgical department areas. Committed to providing safe, compassionate and exceptional patient care in a fast-past environment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PREOP /PACU-RN
Texoma Medical Center
01.2018 - Current
- Prepared and recovered patients of all ages and acuity levels for inpatient/outpatient surgical and endoscopic procedures.
- Specialties: General, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, Neurology, Urology, Ophthalmology,ENT, Cardiovascular, Pain management, Bariatrics, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology
- Perform all necessary lab tests. Establish IV access. Administer intravenous fluids/blood products/medications as prescribed
- Utilized facility EMR system (Cerner) to update patient records, place/ receive orders from physician, complete medication reconciliation, and document assessment of body systems
- Ensure patient safety until Phase I/Phase II guidelines are met and patient is ready for discharge from PACU
- Provided compassionate and culturally appropriate care during all phases of the surgical process.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs and administering medications postsurgery.
- 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.
- Mentored new PACU nurses, sharing best practices for efficient patient turnover and discharge processes.
- 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.
- Supported successful implementation of newly adopted protocols within the PACU department through active involvement in training sessions and policy updates.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean and organized work environment, adhering to infection control standards for optimal patient health.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current with advancements in nursing practices and trends within the PREOP/PACU specialty area.
- Increased patient comfort during recovery by addressing anxiety and concerns about surgery results.
- Ensured seamless transitions to inpatient units by preparing thorough documentation for handoffs.
- Provided emotional support to patients during their postoperative experience, creating a positive atmosphere that facilitated smooth recoveries.
- Assisted surgeons in post-operative procedures, ensuring optimal wound healing and preventing complications.
- Managed challenging cases effectively by utilizing clinical judgment, problem-solving skills, and prioritization techniques in dynamic situations.
- Provided individualized care and dedicated oversight to multiple patients on average in the preoperative unit. Utilized a 2:1 patient to nurse ratio(1:1 ratio for patient with artificial airway)during post-operative care.
- Supported healthy working environment, adhering to patient safety protocol, complying with hospital policies and maintaining situational awareness.
- Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary.
- Assessed and identified individual patient educational needs, removing barriers to learning and supporting comprehensive progress.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship 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.
Operating Room -Circulating RN
Texoma Medical Center
01.2016 - Current
- Supported efficient workflow within the operating room by promptly setting up required instrumentation and equipment.
- Served as a mentor for new nursing staff members, sharing knowledge and expertise in circulating RN duties.
- Coordinated patient scheduling for surgeries, balancing surgeon preferences with available resources to optimize operating room utilization.
- Assisted anesthesia providers during induction thus ensuring seamless transition into surgery.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases, improving overall treatment plans and collaboration among providers.
- Maintained sterile environments, reducing the risk of infection and ensuring patient safety.
- Adhered to all regulatory requirements, maintaining compliance with healthcare standards and guidelines.
- Managed surgical equipment inventory, ensuring availability of necessary tools for each procedure.
- Evaluated patient readiness for surgery through thorough assessments, identifying potential risks or complications prior to procedures.
- Provided thorough documentation of each surgery, ensuring accurate records were maintained for future reference or audits.
- Assisted in various surgical techniques, contributing to successful outcomes and decreased recovery times.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure optimal patient safety and satisfaction during procedures.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives, analyzing data related to surgical outcomes and implementing changes as needed.
- Effectively managed post-operative care promoting quicker recovery times.
- Ensured timely communication between the surgical team members during procedures resulting in smooth operations.
- Developed strong relationships with patients and families, providing education and support throughout the surgical process.
- Demonstrated adaptability by working across multiple specialties further expanding skillset.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and maintaining a safe operating room environment.
- Recorded observations, patient assessments and progress and physician's orders, using Cerner.
- Positioned patients in operating rooms to prepare for surgical procedures, using supine, prone and sitting surgical positions.
- Used aseptic techniques to maintain sterile fields and actively monitored situations to prevent breaches in aseptic techniques.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
GI/ENDO-Circulating RN
Texoma Medical Center
01.2016 - Current
- Provided safe and reliable nursing care for elective, non-elective, and emergent procedures to a diverse population of patients
- Accurately placed/retrieved orders for specimens to be sent for laboratory testing while inspecting containers for proper labeling
- Built a positive relationship with patients and their families throughout their visit.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting thorough pre-operative assessments and verifying surgical consents.
- Facilitated timely turnover of operating rooms by promptly cleaning and resetting them for the next procedure.
- Assisted surgical teams with seamless communication, resulting in a well-coordinated and successful procedure.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care before, during, and after surgery.
- Promoted positive working relationships within the surgical team through open communication and collaboration on best practices.
- Provided comfort to patients during stressful moments prior to their surgeries with compassionate attention and empathetic listening skills.
- Demonstrated adaptability by quickly adjusting to new technologies or procedures in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry.
- Improved patient care by efficiently preparing procedure room and ensuring all necessary supplies were readily available.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grayson College
Denison, TX12.2022
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Grayson College
Denison, TX12.2015
Skills
Professional bedside manner
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Texas, #895232
- Basic Life Support, American Red Cross (current)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, American Red Cross(current)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support, American Red Cross-(current)
Timeline
PREOP /PACU-RN
Texoma Medical Center
01.2018 - Current
Operating Room -Circulating RN
Texoma Medical Center
01.2016 - Current
GI/ENDO-Circulating RN
Texoma Medical Center
01.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grayson College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Grayson College