Kara Sams
Castle Rock,CO
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Care
Sky Ridge Medical Center
06.2024 - Current
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Charge Nurse, Douglas County Corrections
Wellpath
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic and Spine
Sky Ridge Medical Center
08.2018 - 05.2021
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Ordered and analyzed diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient conditions.
Registered Nurse
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions
03.2017 - 04.2019
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Littleton Adventist Hospital
02.2015 - 05.2019
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Managed caseload of six patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
Registered Nurse
Life Care Center Of Littleton
09.2015 - 11.2019
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Certified Nurse Aide
Life Care Center Of Littleton
06.2010 - 09.2015
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Reported unusual or urgent circumstances in patients' condition or environment immediately to nurse supervisor.
- Furthered skills by actively taking part in employee training and taking classes to improve skills.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Denver School of Nursing
03.2015
Skills
- Intakes and Discharges
- Medication Distribution
- Disease Management Programs
- Acute and Rehabilitative Care
- Patient Care
- Trauma Recovery
- Pain Management
- Insulin Medication Assistance
- Patient Assessments
- Performing EKGs
- Life-Sustaining Machines
- Chest Pain Management
- Patient Education
Certification
- Licensed Registered Nurse - Denver, Colorado RN-1635859
- BLS Healthcare Provider (CPR/First Aid/AED Certified)
- ACLS Healthcare Provider
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Care
Sky Ridge Medical Center
06.2024 - Current
Charge Nurse, Douglas County Corrections
Wellpath
05.2021 - 06.2024
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic and Spine
Sky Ridge Medical Center
08.2018 - 05.2021
Registered Nurse
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions
03.2017 - 04.2019
Registered Nurse
Life Care Center Of Littleton
09.2015 - 11.2019
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Littleton Adventist Hospital
02.2015 - 05.2019
Certified Nurse Aide
Life Care Center Of Littleton
06.2010 - 09.2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
Denver School of Nursing
- Licensed Registered Nurse - Denver, Colorado RN-1635859
- BLS Healthcare Provider (CPR/First Aid/AED Certified)
- ACLS Healthcare Provider
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