Karen Snider
Denver
Summary
A proven leader at AirLife Denver, I’ve elevated team performance and efficiency through effective coaching and fostering open communication. My adeptness in critical patient care and operational improvements, coupled with exceptional problem-solving and customer service skills, has significantly contributed to our success. This blend of hard and soft skills underscores my commitment to excellence and adaptability in high-stakes environments. Reliable and adaptable to changing needs, with strong focus on strategic planning and operational management.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Specialty Team Manager
AirLife Denver
05.2011 - Current
- Coached, mentored, and trained staff to improve performance, increase productivity, and maximize efficiency
- Monitored team performance, identified areas of improvement, and developed plans to address deficiencies
- Actively listened to team members’ concerns and facilitated open communication within team
- Represented business in marketplace and developed relationships with key accounts to promote and market business
- Delegated tasks effectively, matching assignments to individual strengths and development needs
- Maintained strong relationships with team members to ensure team success
Flight Nurse (Adult/Pediatric & High Risk OB)
AirLife Denver
05.2001 - Current
- Ordered, interpreted, and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition
- Led team debriefings following each mission to review successes and challenges encountered during flight operations
- Assessed patient responses during transport scenarios and adjusted treatment plans accordingly
- Committed to delivering excellent customer service while working in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks while remaining adaptable and flexible
- Demonstrated expertise in patient assessment, medication administration, treatments, and procedures
- Assisted in the development of new policies and procedures for
- Maintained flight medicine knowledge base by attending mandatory meetings, performing chart and equipment reviews, skills labs and clinical rotations and participating in continuing education sessions for care and transport of critically ill and injured patients.
Specialty Team Educator
AirLife Denver
08.2008 - 05.2011
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching techniques.
- Collaborated effectively with colleagues on curriculum development, sharing best practices for instructional methods.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate various learning needs and abilities within the team.
- Trained and mentored new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify gaps in performance and develop targeted learning solutions.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
Equipment Advisor
AirLife Denver
08.2005 - 05.2008
- Coordinated logistical aspects of equipment acquisition projects, including transportation, installation, and training requirements.
- Enhanced workplace safety with thorough inspections and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
- Created and maintained up-to-date spreadsheets to track cap EX, expendable usage and general department expenses.
- Managed repairs and vendors to minimize inventory downtime.
- Maintained inventory of necessary expendables, parts and supplies.
- Educated and managed staff on best practices in use and maintenance of equipment inventory.
- Diagnosed cause of problems and completed repairs.
- Trained staff on proper operation of equipment as well as initial troubleshooting techniques.
ICU RN & Emergency Room RN
Swedish Medical Center
04.1996 - 05.2001
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and providing high-quality care in the ICU setting.
- Served as an advocate for patients and their families, addressing concerns and facilitating open lines of communication between healthcare providers and loved ones.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs, identifying early warning signs of complications, and taking prompt action in emergent situations.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the ICU by adhering to established protocols, reporting potential hazards, and participating in regular safety drills.
- Contributed to efficient care coordination by collaborating with case managers, social workers, and other support staff to ensure timely patient discharges and smooth transitions between care settings.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices related to ICU nursing care management strategies.
- Provided emotional support for patients'' families during times of crisis by maintaining open lines of communication, offering guidance on coping strategies, and connecting them with available resources as needed.
- Facilitated smooth handoff processes during shift changes by maintaining accurate documentation of patient status updates, treatments provided, and pending tasks requiring immediate attention from incoming staff members.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate and empathetic communication during challenging situations.
- Improved patient outcomes by efficiently assessing, triaging, and treating patients in a high-volume emergency room setting.
- Decreased hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge education and follow-up care instructions.
- Reduced wait times for patients by effectively prioritizing care based on the severity of medical conditions.
- Proactively sought out additional training opportunities to expand knowledge across various specialty areas within Emergency Medicine.
High Risk OB RN
AirLife Denver
08.1995 - 05.2001
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Served as a liaison between physicians and patients'' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates.
Labor & Delivery RN (Lead Preceptor)
Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital
05.1994 - 05.1997
- Educated expectant parents on prenatal care, childbirth options, breastfeeding techniques, and newborn care for informed decision-making.
- Assessed neonates immediately after delivery for any signs of distress or complications, initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Served as a patient advocate by communicating concerns promptly to healthcare providers and intervening when necessary to protect patients'' rights.
- Supported maternal-infant bonding by encouraging skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth whenever possible.
- Contributed to efficient unit operations by maintaining accurate medical records, updating care plans, and documenting interventions.
- Assisted with pain management techniques including epidurals, spinal blocks, intravenous medications safely while monitoring their effectiveness.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment for mothers, newborns, and families through effective communication and teamwork.
Labor & Delivery RN (Clinical Nurse IV)
St. Lukes Hospital
05.1988 - 04.1994
- Enhanced patient care by providing assistance during labor and delivery procedures.
- Served as preceptor for new nursing staff members, facilitating smooth transitions into the demanding labor and delivery environment.
- Assisted clients in preparing for labor and delivery through tailored birth plan consultations and childbirth education classes.
- Ensured safe and efficient patient care by adhering to evidence-based practices, hospital policies, and nursing standards in all aspects of labor and delivery nursing.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing emotional support and compassionate care during labor and delivery.
- Actively participated in quality improvement efforts to enhance safety standards within the labor and delivery unit.
- Mentored new nursing staff in the labor and delivery unit, fostering a culture of professional growth and continuous learning.
- Contributed to a positive birth experience for clients by educating them on their rights, options, and decision-making strategies during labor and delivery.
CNA
Kingswood Manor
08.1986 - 08.1988
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Assisted in emergency situations under the direction of nursing supervisors or physicians, providing crucial support during life-saving interventions.
Education
Post Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Regis University
Denver, CO02.2023
Master of Science (M.S.) - Perinatal Nurse Practitioner
Regis University
Denver, CO08.2007
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Nursing
Regis University
Denver, CO08.1999
Diploma RN Program - Nursing
St. Lukes Hospital
Kansas City, Missouri05.1988
High School Diploma -
Grandview High School
Grandview, MO05-1984
Skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Team leadership
- Problem-Solving
- Team Development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Listening skills
- Problem-solving abilities
- Critical thinking
Awards
Graduate Honors
Certification
Neonatal Resuscitation Provider
Basic Life Support
Advanced Life Support
Pediatric Advanced Life Support
NIHSS (National Institute Health Stroke Scale)
CMTE (Certified Medical Transport Executive)
CFRN (Certified Flight Registered Nurse)
Timeline
Specialty Team Manager
AirLife Denver
05.2011 - Current
Specialty Team Educator
AirLife Denver
08.2008 - 05.2011
Equipment Advisor
AirLife Denver
08.2005 - 05.2008
Flight Nurse (Adult/Pediatric & High Risk OB)
AirLife Denver
05.2001 - Current
ICU RN & Emergency Room RN
Swedish Medical Center
04.1996 - 05.2001
High Risk OB RN
AirLife Denver
08.1995 - 05.2001
Labor & Delivery RN (Lead Preceptor)
Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital
05.1994 - 05.1997
Labor & Delivery RN (Clinical Nurse IV)
St. Lukes Hospital
05.1988 - 04.1994
CNA
Kingswood Manor
08.1986 - 08.1988
Master of Science (M.S.) - Perinatal Nurse Practitioner
Regis University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Nursing
Regis University
Diploma RN Program - Nursing
St. Lukes Hospital
Post Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Regis University
High School Diploma -
Grandview High School
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