Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kaitlyn Cochran

East Montpelier

Summary

Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Central Vermont Medical Center, excelling in operating room safety and infection control. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through critical thinking and effective teamwork. Skilled in medication administration and maintaining sterility, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes patient care and safety.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse

Central Vermont Medical Center
Berlin, VT
10.2023 - Current
  • Assisted in the preparation of operating rooms, maintaining sterile environments and necessary equipment.
  • Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
  • Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
  • Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Evaluated surgical supplies inventory, coordinating timely restocking to prevent delays in procedures.
  • Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
  • Monitored vital signs and administered medications, ensuring compliance with patient care protocols.
  • Documented procedures accurately in electronic health records to maintain clear communication among staff.
  • Implemented time-out protocols before starting surgeries, verifying correct patient identification and procedural details.
  • Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
  • Collected, labeled, and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
  • Promoted a culture of teamwork within the surgical suite by fostering open communication and collaboration among colleagues.
  • Managed efficient use of operating room resources, streamlining procedures and minimizing waste.
  • Provided high-quality care for diverse patient populations, addressing individual needs and concerns.
  • Served as a liaison between the surgical team and family members, providing timely updates on patient progress.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.

Experienced in the following services

General- Laparoscopic cases, hernia repair, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, bowel resection, mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node biopsy, central port placement, hemorrhoidectomy, soft tissue excision, fissure repairs.

Urology- Cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, bladder biopsy, laser lithotripsy, TURP, prostate biopsy, ESWL, circumcision, priapism, ureteral stent placement, vasectomy, hydrocelectomy, catheter insertion, suprapubic cathether creation.

ENT- Tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, parathyroid removal, thyroid mass excisions, FESS, tympanoplasty, myringotomy, endoscopic sinus surgery.

Plastics- Breast augmentation for gender reaffirming care

GYN- Hysteroscopy, polypectomy, dilation and curettage, endometrial biopsy, hysterectomy, salpingectomy, oophorectomy, IUD insertion, ectopic pregnancy, cesarean section.

Ortho- MAKO robot, total shoulder arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty anterior and posterior, trochanteric fixation nail, external and internal fixations, below the knee amputation, revisions, tendon repairs, carpal tunnel release, cubital tunnel release, hand surgeries, shoulder/knee/hip arthroscopy, meniscus repairs, rotator cuff repair, ACL repair, achilles tendon repair, etc.

Podiatry- Amputations, debridements, hammer toe fixation, bunionectomy, fracture fixations.

Eyes- Cataract removal, eye stents, eye laceration repairs.

Registered Nurse

Central Vermont Medical Center
Berlin, VT
06.2023 - 02.2024
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based practices in daily routines.
  • Implemented infection control measures to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections in the long-term care setting.
  • Developed trusting relationships with patients and families by exhibiting empathy, active listening skills, and professionalism in all interactions.
  • Provided skilled nursing assessments and interventions for complex medical conditions, enhancing patient outcomes.
  • Maintained accurate electronic health records, contributing to improved quality of care and regulatory compliance.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary meetings discussing clinical recommendations based on individualized care plans.
  • Evaluated patient responses to interventions regularly adjusting treatment plans accordingly to achieve desired outcomes.
  • Educated family members on disease processes, management techniques, and available resources for additional support.
  • Administered intravenous therapy monitoring patient response to treatment and promptly addressing any adverse reactions.
  • Reduced medication errors through meticulous documentation, verification, and administration of medications.
  • Managed wound care efficiently coordinating with wound specialists when necessary resulting in faster healing rates.
  • Delegated tasks appropriately to nursing assistants, ensuring efficient delivery of care services while maintaining quality standards.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Trained and mentored new nursing staff on protocols and best practices in long-term care.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Central Vermont Medical Center
Berlin, VT
07.2020 - 06.2023
  • Assisted with patient hygiene and mobility, ensuring comfort and safety.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
  • Conducted routine assessments, identifying potential health issues for timely intervention.
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
  • Managed time-sensitive tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining composure during critical situations or emergencies.
  • Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
  • Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
  • Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
  • Monitored patient reactions to medications and treatments, quickly addressing adverse reactions.
  • Led training sessions for new LPNs and nursing assistants, improving team competency and patient care standards.
  • Conducted regular patient assessments to identify changes in health status, enabling timely interventions.
  • Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare providers, fostering patient-centered care.

Rehabilitation Technician

Central Vermont Medical Center
Berlin, VT
07.2019 - 07.2020
  • Supported patients during physical therapy sessions, providing encouragement and motivation for continued progress.
  • Established collaborative relationships with patients through consistent and meaningful communication.
  • Answered telephones and performed light clerical duties to maintain smooth operations while attending to various program needs.
  • Managed inventory of supplies and ordered new materials when needed, maintaining a well-stocked therapy space.
  • Provided compassionate care to patients, ensuring their comfort during rehabilitation sessions.
  • Communicated back to nurses and therapists regarding patient performance and condition.
  • Transferred, moved and ambulated patients to and from departments with wheelchairs and stretchers.
  • Monitored patient progress and reported changes to therapists, aiding in optimal treatment adjustments.
  • Maintained cleanliness and sanitation of clinic or treatment environment.
  • Utilized gait belts, lifts, or slings to safely move and transfer patients.
  • Demonstrated proper body mechanics and patient handling techniques for patient transfers and positioning.
  • Monitored patients' responses to treatments, providing feedback to therapists for adjustments as needed.

Licensed Nursing Assistant

Mayo Healthcare
Northfield, VT
01.2017 - 07.2019
  • Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities and personal hygiene.
  • Monitored vital signs, documenting changes to ensure accurate health assessments.
  • Collaborated with nursing staff to develop and implement individualized care plans.
  • Assisted in mobility and transportation of patients, ensuring safety and comfort.
  • Mentored junior staff, enhancing team performance and patient care standards.
  • Provided exceptional support for patients requiring specialized care, such as those with dementia or complex medical conditions.
  • Enhanced patient safety through diligent monitoring, accurate documentation, and timely reporting of health concerns.
  • Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
  • Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
  • Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
  • Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.

Kitchen Prep Cook

House of Tang
Montpelier, VT
10.2013 - 01.2017
  • Maintained cleanliness of prep area, adhering to safety and sanitation standards.
  • Assisted chefs in assembling dishes, contributing to timely service delivery.
  • Implemented inventory controls, reducing waste and optimizing ingredient usage.
  • Washed, peeled, and cut fruits and vegetables in advance to save time on food preparation.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail under pressure during busy shifts.
  • Operated kitchen equipment safely and maintained its cleanliness after use for continued functionality throughout the shift.
  • Maintained high sanitation standards, adhering to local health department guidelines and ensuring food safety.
  • Restocked inventory and ingredient items to maintain optimal kitchen efficiency.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

Vermont Technical College
Williston
05-2023

Certificate - Nursing

Vermont Technical College
Randolph
06-2020

High School Diploma -

U-32 Middle And High School
Montpelier, VT
06-2016

Skills

  • Operating room safety
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Patient positioning
  • Patient safety
  • Scrub nurse skills
  • Circulating nurse skills
  • Maintaining sterility
  • Critical thinking
  • Medication administration
  • Infection control
  • Preoperative checklists
  • EMR software
  • Pre-surgery assessments
  • Student precepting
  • BLS/ACLS/PALS certified

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Central Vermont Medical Center
10.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse

Central Vermont Medical Center
06.2023 - 02.2024

Licensed Practical Nurse

Central Vermont Medical Center
07.2020 - 06.2023

Rehabilitation Technician

Central Vermont Medical Center
07.2019 - 07.2020

Licensed Nursing Assistant

Mayo Healthcare
01.2017 - 07.2019

Kitchen Prep Cook

House of Tang
10.2013 - 01.2017

Associate of Science - Nursing

Vermont Technical College

Certificate - Nursing

Vermont Technical College

High School Diploma -

U-32 Middle And High School