Karen Kastello
Tampa,FL
Summary
Adept at delivering compassionate care and clinical documentation, I enhanced patient satisfaction and reduced hospital-acquired infections significantly at HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital. Skilled in medication and IV administration, my leadership in critical care nursing and patient management has consistently improved treatment outcomes and healthcare delivery standards.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Register Nurse Recovery Room
HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital
2901 W. Swann Avenue Tampa, FL 33609
01.2018 - Current
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Remained calm during high-stress, critical situations, demonstrating sustained focus and problem-solving in real-time.
- Educated patients on disease management, self-care techniques, and wellness strategies to improve long-term health outcomes.
- Improved patient satisfaction ratings by delivering compassionate and personalized care.
- Implemented infection control measures that significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections.
- Utilized strong clinical judgment in prioritizing patient needs during high-stress situations, ensuring optimal outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimized patient treatment plans and outcomes.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Reduced medication errors through thorough double-checking of prescriptions and dosages.
- Followed proper procedure for installation and removal of catheters, IVs, and PIC lines.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Documented nursing services provided and uploaded to comprehensive tracking systems for health records and billing.
- Provided emotional support to patients'' family members during critical incidents, strengthening overall trust in the healthcare team.
- Consistently adhered to strict safety guidelines while administering medications or performing invasive procedures.
- Created an efficient shift handover process which improved continuity of care between nursing shifts.
- Assisted patients in performance of routine recovery and mobility exercises, providing support when getting in and out of bed as well as walking and stretching.
- Developed individualized care plans tailored to diverse patient populations with varied medical conditions.
- Evaluated charting procedures for adherence to best practices.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
Registered Nurse
Tampa General Hospital
1 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606
01.1994 - 01.2017
- 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.
- Managing Post Operative Open Heart Surgery patients
- Managed post operative patients to next level of care. To post operative care unit.
- Open Heart Surgical including post operative care.
- 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.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Regents College
New York,NYBachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01.2010
Skills
- Medication Administration
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Care
- Patient Assessment
- Clinical Documentation
- Patient Management
- Licensed RN
- Health Promotion
- Compassionate Care
- Nursing staff leadership
- Critical Care Nursing
- Treatment Planning
Timeline
Register Nurse Recovery Room
HCA Florida South Tampa Hospital
01.2018 - Current
Registered Nurse
Tampa General Hospital
01.1994 - 01.2017
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Regents College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University