Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Capuano

Parkville,Maryland

Summary

Accomplished Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse with a proven track record at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, showcasing expertise in patient assessment and wound management. Demonstrates exceptional team coordination and compassionate care, significantly enhancing patient outcomes. Skilled in clinical documentation and patient education, embodying a high level of autonomy and commitment to health promotion. Analytical and strategic nurse consultant with excellent problem-solving and time management skills. Organized, efficient and always willing to go extra mile to meet expectations. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
2022.08 - Current
  • Perform wound assessment of ordered treatments
  • Follow protocol for reporting Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries
  • Educate fresh post-operative patients for ostomy surgeries on how to care for thyself after surgery
  • Educate nurses and techs on caring for patients with wounds during competencies, prevalence studies and orientation
  • Attend monthly council meetings
  • Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimized patient treatment plans and outcomes.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on emerging trends in nursing practice to enhance effectiveness in delivering quality care.
  • Documented nursing services provided and uploaded to comprehensive tracking systems for health records and billing.
  • Increased quality of care by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses.
  • Provided emotional support to patients'' family members during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team.

Wound Care Nurse - Outpatient Clinic

University Of Maryland Midtown Campus
2019.04 - 2022.03
  • Evaluated patients'' wounds and recommended appropriate treatments, expediting the healing process.
  • Treated and carefully tended to vascular and diabetic ulcers.
  • Collaborated with healthcare team to implement interventions for wound healing and skin breakdown prevention.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive treatment plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
  • Conducted regular assessments of patients'' wounds to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
  • Communicated effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds, fostering trust and understanding throughout their treatment journey.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on proper at-home wound care, promoting self-management and reducing complications.
  • Instructed patients and caregivers on how to clean and dress wounds and how to prevent infections.
  • Effectively managed inventory of supplies, ensuring availability of necessary materials for timely delivery of care to patients.
  • Contributed to clinic efficiency by streamlining documentation processes and maintaining accurate patient records.
  • Assisted physicians in performing complex debridement procedures, ensuring optimal patient safety and comfort during the process.

Registered Nurse Congestive Heart Care Unit

Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
2014.07 - 2017.07
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • 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.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
  • Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit/Charge Nurse

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
2008.08 - 2014.07
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • 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.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
  • Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
  • 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.

Education

No Degree - Wound/Ostomy/Continence Certification

LaSalle University
Philadelphia, PA
08.2023

Master of Science - Nursing Education

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
07.2021

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
07.2015

Associate of Science - Nursing

Excelsior College
Albany, NY
06.2001

Skills

  • Patient Assessment
  • Wound Management
  • Team Coordination
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Patient Education
  • Clinical judgment
  • Patient Management
  • Compassionate Care
  • Family Education
  • Health Promotion
  • High level of autonomy
  • Managing deadlines

Timeline

Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
2022.08 - Current

Wound Care Nurse - Outpatient Clinic

University Of Maryland Midtown Campus
2019.04 - 2022.03

Registered Nurse Congestive Heart Care Unit

Medstar Good Samaritan Hospital
2014.07 - 2017.07

Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit/Charge Nurse

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
2008.08 - 2014.07

No Degree - Wound/Ostomy/Continence Certification

LaSalle University

Master of Science - Nursing Education

Liberty University

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Liberty University

Associate of Science - Nursing

Excelsior College
Karen Capuano