KAREN GUGALA
Northville,USA
Summary
Dependable employee seeking opportunity to expand skills. Considered hardworking, ethical and detail-oriented. Focused RN who delivers consistent and professional work for every assignment. Offers 25+ years in nursing. Trained in ER, ICU, Med surg, Ortho/Neuro, Home Care and Hospice. Proficient in many EHR's.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
3999
3999
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Quality Improvement & Education Specialist
Angela Hospice
Livonia, Michigan
06.2015 - Current
- Triage/On Call /Telehealth Manager (2016-2024) RN Case Manager (2015-2016)
- Collaborated with Informatics Team through two EMR implementations. (Informatics/Telehealth 2017-2023)
- Implemented and developed Telehospice Program
- Mentored new nurses through orientation programs and ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Analyzed quality metrics data to identify areas of improvement and develop action plans.
- Fostered positive work environment by promoting teamwork, collaboration, and effective communication.
- Conducted regular meetings with nursing team to discuss concerns, challenges, and accomplishments.
- Stayed at forefront of medical and technical advances, evaluating options, and integrating useful solutions.
- Supervised and evaluated work activities of telehealth, triage and on call personnel.
- Improved care delivery by monitoring performance and optimizing strategies.
- Protected patient data with secure records management system.
- Procured relevant, strategically-aligned and quality content for hospice education program.
- Maintained documentation related to quality assurance activities, ensuring accuracy and completeness at all times.
- Drove quality objectives thorough implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Drove company quality standards, supporting external audits, and regulatory inspections and applying feedback to correct deficiencies.
- Worked with interdisciplinary team to organize and implement patient care plans.
- Reviewed patient records to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Investigated patient complaints and incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Coordinated with external accrediting agencies during site visits or inspections, demonstrating compliance with industry standards.
- Monitored infection control procedures and provided feedback to staff on adherence to guidelines.
- Assisted in development of policies and procedures to support high-quality patient care.
- Participated in regular leadership meetings to discuss quality assurance findings and recommendations.
Office RN
Advanced Cardiovascular
05.2014 - 06.2015
- Completed detailed patient intakes with full histories and current complaints.
- Coordinated smooth examinations, preparing patients, and helping with assessments.
- Advised patients on at-home care and preventive lifestyle choices.
- Prepared patients for appointments and procedures, completing intake processes and giving instructions.
- Assisted with examinations, treatments and office procedures.
ER Registered Nurse
Providence Park Novi Hospital
Novi
08.2006 - 05.2014
- Intervened and stabilized patients during emergencies with immediate first aid, CPR or advanced life support care.
- Inserted intravenous lines IVs and managed patients on IV therapy.
- Supported emotional well-being of patients through active listening, empathy, and therapeutic communication techniques.
- Documented all patient interactions and treatments in electronic medical records system.
- Responded quickly to sudden changes in patient conditions, including cardiac arrest or respiratory distress events.
- Communicated effectively with other healthcare professionals to ensure safe patient handoffs during shift changes or transfers to other departments.
ER Registered Nurse
Bon Secours Cottage Hospital
01.2003 - 07.2006
- Deescalated agitated or violent patients using appropriate crisis intervention techniques.
- Assisted physicians during procedures such as intubation, central line placement, or lumbar punctures.
- Responded quickly to sudden changes in patient conditions, including cardiac arrest or respiratory distress events.
RN Case Manager/Clinical Manager
Personal Home Care
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Implemented home health telehealth program.
- Supervised RN home care team.
- Developed satellite office in Grand Blanc.
ICU Clinical Nurse
Oakwood Hospital Dearborn
Dearborn
01.2000 - 12.2001
- Conducted regular rounds on assigned patients to ensure ongoing assessment of needs and provision of timely care.
- Taught patients, caregivers and loved ones how to manage conditions and improve outcomes.
- Adjusted specialized equipment to manage different pressures, cardiac rhythms and respiration.
- Operated advanced medical equipment, including ventilators, infusion pumps, and cardiac monitors.
ER Registered Nurse
Sanai Grace Hospital
01.2000 - 12.2001
- Intervened and stabilized patients during emergencies with immediate first aid, CPR or advanced life support care.
- Supported procedures by handling instruments and monitoring patients.
- Resolved or reduced patient symptoms with intramuscular, intravenous, and oral medicines.
Ortho/Neuro Registered Nurse
Bronson Methodist Hospital
Kalamazoo, MI
01.1998 - 12.1999
- Assessed patients' medical conditions and provided appropriate nursing care for orthopedic issues.
- Administered medications, injections, and IV treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Educated patients and families about post-operative care, including pain management strategies.
- Assessed patients' neurological status and monitored vital signs.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families coping with neurological illnesses or injuries.
- Coordinated discharge planning for patients transitioning from hospital to home or other care settings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MIRegistered Nurse Associate Degree - Nursing
Kellogg Community College
Kalamazoo, MISkills
- Critical Thinking
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Self-Directed
- IV insertion
- Medical device monitoring
- CPR/AED
- Emergency care
- Accountability
- Patient triage
- Patient assessments
- Emergency triage
- Telemetry monitoring
Timeline
Quality Improvement & Education Specialist
Angela Hospice
06.2015 - Current
Office RN
Advanced Cardiovascular
05.2014 - 06.2015
ER Registered Nurse
Providence Park Novi Hospital
08.2006 - 05.2014
ER Registered Nurse
Bon Secours Cottage Hospital
01.2003 - 07.2006
RN Case Manager/Clinical Manager
Personal Home Care
01.2001 - 01.2003
ICU Clinical Nurse
Oakwood Hospital Dearborn
01.2000 - 12.2001
ER Registered Nurse
Sanai Grace Hospital
01.2000 - 12.2001
Ortho/Neuro Registered Nurse
Bronson Methodist Hospital
01.1998 - 12.1999
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Michigan University
Registered Nurse Associate Degree - Nursing
Kellogg Community College