Karen Pritchard
Christus Health Highland
Johns Creek,GA
1
Certification
34
years of professional experience
Professional healthcare provider with strong foundation in pre-operative care and patient assessment. Skilled in working closely with surgical teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes and safety. Highly adaptable and reliable, contributing effectively within dynamic healthcare settings. Known for strong communication, attention to detail, and collaborative approach to achieving clinical excellence.
Work History
Preop Nurse
1 Year 2 Months- Prepared patients for surgical procedures, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and guidelines.
- Conducted pre-operative assessments, collecting vital information to aid in surgical planning.
- Educated patients on pre-operative instructions and post-surgery care to enhance recovery outcomes.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to optimize patient flow and minimize delays in operations.
- Demonstrated adaptability when managing varying caseloads, ensuring timely completion of all required pre-op tasks.
- Used Epic to maintain information about medicine administered, responses and blood loss for procedures.
- Instructed patient on postop care and when to notify md
Preop Nurse
2 Years- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting changes promptly to ensure immediate intervention when necessary.
- Administered medications and IV fluids to monitor reactions, side effects and adverse effects.
- Streamlined the pre-operative process through effective communication with surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and patients.
- Promoted a positive working environment by fostering teamwork among colleagues within the pre-op unit.
- Cultivated strong relationships with patients'' primary care providers, facilitating seamless transitions of care both before and after surgical interventions.
- Provided empathetic support to patients and their families during emotionally charged moments before surgery.
- Enhanced patient safety by conducting thorough pre-operative assessments and identifying potential risks.
Telemetry Charge Nurse, PACU Nurse, Preop Charge N
7 Years 5 Months- Oversaw telemetry department operations, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
- Led a team of nurses to manage patient care in high-acuity settings effectively.
- Developed patient care plans based on telemetry data analysis and clinical assessments.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency within the telemetry unit.
- Facilitated continuing education opportunities for nursing staff to enhance skill sets and stay current on industry advancements.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring optimal coverage for high-quality patient care.
- Enhanced patient recovery outcomes by providing timely and compassionate post-operative care.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to prepare for patient arrivals in PACU, ensuring seamless continuation of care.
- Assessed patients'' readiness for transfer to step-down units or home, ensuring all criteria were met before proceeding with transitions of care.
- Advocated for patients'' needs throughout their stay in the PACU, establishing trustful relationships with patients and their families.
- Monitored vital signs and administered medications to support patient stabilization, facilitating smoother transitions to recovery.
- Safeguarded patients from potential complications with vigilant recognition and prompt intervention when necessary.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Home Health Nurse
1 Year 6 Months- Administered patient care, including medication management and wound care, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patient health status, identifying needs for additional support or intervention.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans that address individual patient needs and goals.
- Educated patients and families on health management strategies, enhancing understanding of medical conditions and treatments.
Home Health Nurse
12 Years 3 Months- Mentored junior nursing staff on best practices in home health care delivery and regulatory compliance standards.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems, improving accuracy and efficiency in record-keeping.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient outcomes and satisfaction rates within homecare services.
- Advocated for patients' rights and needs, coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care across settings.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication during challenging times.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, medication safety, and at-home healthcare strategies to promote selfcare.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors, and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Identified early warning signs of patient deterioration or complications, promptly notifying physicians to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Conducted regular follow-up visits to monitor patient progress and make adjustments to care plans as needed.
Staff Nurse Telemetry. Charge Nurse Telemetry
21 Years- Delivered direct patient care in compliance with hospital protocols and procedures.
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients.
- Mentored new nursing staff, providing guidance on best practices and hospital policies.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
- Coordinated patient admissions and discharges, streamlining workflow for nursing staff.
- Led interdisciplinary team meetings to enhance communication and resolve patient care issues.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, maintaining a calm atmosphere for patients during critical moments in their care.
- Served as a liaison between medical staff, patients, and families for effective communication of treatment goals and progress updates.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Associate of Science - Nursing
Skills
Documentation accuracy
IV insertion
Surgical preparation
Pre-operative care
Compassionate care
Wound care
Telemetry monitoring
Surgical procedures
Physician collaboration
Postoperative care
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Time management
Problem-solving abilities
Multitasking
Reliability
CPR certification
PALS certification
ACLS certification
Adaptability and flexibility
Patient and family advocacy
Blood draw and sample collection
Delegation and motivation
Self motivation
Certification
BLS/ACLS certified
PALS certified
Timeline
Preop Nurse
Christus Health Highland
02.2025 - 04.2026Read More
Preop Nurse
HCA Mission Hospital
10.2022 - 10.2024Read More
Telemetry Charge Nurse, PACU Nurse, Preop Charge N
Delray Medical Center
12.2014 - 05.2022Read More
Home Health Nurse
APlus Homecare
06.2013 - 12.2014Read More
Home Health Nurse
Associated Home Health
03.2001 - 06.2013Read More
Staff Nurse Telemetry. Charge Nurse Telemetry
Delray Medical Center
03.1992 - 03.2013Read More
Lynn University
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
Read More
Palm Beach State College
Associate of Science from Nursing
Read More