KAREN SKEENS

ER Registered Nurse

MT SINAI HOSPITAL

01.2006 - Current

Planned, prioritized and provided nursing care by applying advanced specialty clinical nursing knowledge and skills to support comfort and safety of patients and families.
Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail under pressure during busy shifts in the ER department.
Increased efficiency within the triage system by prioritizing cases based on severity levels.
Developed strong relationships with colleagues across departments, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall patient care delivery processes.
Observed and recorded signs, symptoms, behaviors and physiological status of patient.
Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients and staff, adhering to infection control protocols and reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Assembled equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures in specialty service areas.
Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough assessments and developing individualized nursing plans.
Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively resulting in a smoother transition for patients back into their communities.
Adhered to required infection control, isolation procedures and aseptic techniques in delivery of patient care.
Contributed to a reduction in medication errors by implementing a double-check system for drug administration.
Participated in ongoing education initiatives to remain current on best practices in emergency nursing care.
Provided emotional support for patients and families, fostering trust and rapport during challenging situations.
Collected laboratory samples and performed testing in accordance with established policies and procedures and COLA and CLIA regulations.
Assisted physicians with diagnostic procedures, providing critical support during emergency situations.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans, maximizing patient outcomes.
Mentored new nursing staff members, promoting professional development and enhancing the overall quality of care provided within the ER setting.
Improved patient safety by identifying and addressing potential risks and implementing preventative measures.
Facilitated effective communication between healthcare professionals, ensuring accurate information sharing and timely decisionmaking.
Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for potential improvement and suggesting evidence-based solutions.
Administered prescribed medications and treatments, adhering to hospital protocols and regulatory guidelines.
Maintained accurate medical records for each patient, ensuring proper documentation of interventions, evaluations, and progress updates.
Fostered professional collaboration and participation of staff in decisions affecting patient care and practice environment.
Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented nursing interventions regularly through feedback from both patients and other healthcare team members.
Served as an advocate for patients'' rights by addressing concerns or complaints related to their care promptly.
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Delivered important IV and venous medications to control symptoms and provide effective treatments.
Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.