Jo Hammer

Currently, I am the Charge Nurse on 3N WKB, a 24-bed Med-Surg unit. Previously, I was the Charge Nurse on the CDU, a 15-bed Observation Unit.

Responsibilities include bed assignments, and the flow of the unit. Communicating with the house supervisor, management, and physicians. Being an available resource nurse, I support nurses with medical tasks, questions, and concerns regarding the patients and the nurses.

• Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
• Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
• Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
• Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
• Educated patients, caregivers and families on diagnoses, treatment and disease prevention.
• Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.

Charge Nurse of a 34-bed Post-Operative and Pediatric Unit. I was responsible for patient bed assignments. The flow of the unit. Communicating with the house supervisor and physicians. Experience in taking care of surgical patients, bariatrics, EENT, general, and orthopedics.

• Experience with PCAs, CPMs, wound vacs, and drains.
• Obtained Certification in Bariatrics.

• Coordinate and manage the team.
• Corresponding with the House Supervisor, physician, parish coroners, and funeral homes in various parishes throughout the northern and southwestern parts of Louisiana.
• Responsible for the arrangement of transportation, scheduling surgeries, and calling out recovery teams.
• Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
• Recruited, interviewed and selected employees to fill vacant roles.
• Responsible for the call schedule of the Tissue Team.
• Investigation of medical records.
• Responsibility for documentation and recovered tissue/organs.
• Monitored inventory levels and ordered additional supplies as needed.