Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Activities
Awards
Timeline
Generic
Kari Hammer

Kari Hammer

Carroll,Iowa

Summary

Highly experienced nurse seeking to obtain a position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management, communication and problem-solving skills. This nurse takes great pride in achieving team goals while at the same time achieving ideal outcomes of given tasks. With a multitude of experience and knowledge, this nurse would be a great asset to the team.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Employee Health Nurse/ACLS Instructor

St. Anthony Regional Hospital
02.2019 - Current
  • Conduct annual respiratory fit testing
  • Respond promptly to workplace incidents, providing immediate care and coordinating appropriate follow-up treatment when necessary.
  • Streamline the employee onboarding process by developing comprehensive health screening protocols and immunization requirements.
  • Support employees in maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations through regular trainings and educational materials.
  • Assist in organizing continuing education events related to emergency cardiovascular care, promoting professional growth among attendees.
  • Develop targeted interventions for high-risk populations within the company, such as employees with chronic conditions or those in physically demanding roles.
  • Provide ongoing support to employees dealing with personal health challenges, offering guidance on managing symptoms and maintaining productivity at work.
  • Maintain OSHA/CMS required documentation throughout pandemic.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements through regular participation in professional development opportunities.
  • Conduct high fidelity simulations to enhance education experiences
  • Serve on Code Blue Committee, Safety Committee and Infection Control Committee

Registered Nurse - SDS/Surgery

St. Anthony Regional Hospital
08.2015 - 03.2023
  • 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.
  • Managed care from admission to discharge in same day surgery setting.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

Registered Nurse/Team Lead - Operating Room

Sioux Falls Surgical Hospital
06.2007 - 06.2013
  • Prepare surgery suite for assigned procedure, gather supplies and medications
  • Greet patient as enters surgery room, verify patient's 5 rights
  • Work as a team member with anesthesia, surgical techs and physicians to provide a safe environment for the patient
  • Efficiently turn over room for next procedure
  • Proficient in General Orthopedics/Spine, Plastics, ENT, Gynecology and Urology surgeries.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and their families, offering emotional support and addressing concerns during the course of treatment.
  • Served as a liaison between patients'' families, physicians, and other healthcare practitioners to ensure seamless coordination of care throughout the treatment process.
  • Maintained compliance with regulatory requirements by participating in quality improvement initiatives and staying abreast of current nursing trends and evidence-based practices.
  • Elevated teamwork among staff members through open communication channels, fostering a collaborative work environment conducive to problem-solving and continuous learning.

Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
01.2000 - 06.2007
  • Provided emergent care for patients including trauma, pediatrics and geriatrics
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as liaison between healthcare teams and loved ones.
  • Orchestrated quality-driven, cost-effective care in high-volume trauma setting.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.

Surgical Technologist - Operating Room

Sioux Falls Surgical Hospital
01.1997 - 01.2000
  • Maintained high infection control standards.
  • Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
  • Handled high-pressure situations calmly and efficiently, contributing to successful completion of critical surgeries.
  • Increased efficiency during surgeries by anticipating surges needs and providing timely assistance.
  • Demonstrated exceptional adaptability when faced with unexpected challenges or changes during surgery, responding quickly without compromising patient safety or procedural success.
  • Supported smooth transitions between surgeries by promptly preparing operating rooms for subsequent cases.
  • Enhanced patient safety by maintaining sterile surgical environments and adhering to strict protocols.

Surgical Technologist - Operating Room

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
05.1994 - 06.1997
  • Prepared operating rooms with required instruments, ensuring efficient setup for various surgical cases.
  • Minimized infection risks by strictly adhering to aseptic techniques when handling surgical supplies and equipment.
  • Evaluated procedure needs and set up equipment, tools, supplies, and instruments.
  • Introduced new staff members to training protocols regarding operating room procedures, infection control, safety standards, and overall facility policies.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Chamberlain University
Downers Grove, IL
12.2021

Certificate - Legal Nurse Consulting

Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS
01.2015

Associate of Arts - Nursing

Dakota Wesleyan University
Mitchell, SD
04.2000

Diploma - Surgical Technology

Southeast Technical Institute
Sioux Falls, SD
05.1994

High School Diploma -

Hanson High School
Alexandria, SD
05.1993

Skills

  • Immunization Administration
  • Defibrillation Techniques
  • Emergency Care
  • Surgical care
  • Licensed by Iowa nursing board
  • Performance Analysis
  • Professionalism and Ethics
  • Data Collection
  • Healthcare ethics
  • Strong Clinical Judgment
  • Infection control measures

Certification

  • BLS
  • ACLS
  • PALS


Activities

  • Golfing
  • Attending kids' activities
  • Reading
  • Spending time with family

Awards

100 Great Iowa Nurses Award (2021). This is awarded to those nurses that have been identified as nurses whose courage, competence and commitment to patients and the nursing profession stand out above all others. 


Career Achievement Program (Gold Recipient, 2023) This award recognizes those nurses that continue to enhance their knowledge by participating and/or offering continuing education programs and take pride in their organization by participating in sponsored events. 

Timeline

Employee Health Nurse/ACLS Instructor

St. Anthony Regional Hospital
02.2019 - Current

Registered Nurse - SDS/Surgery

St. Anthony Regional Hospital
08.2015 - 03.2023

Registered Nurse/Team Lead - Operating Room

Sioux Falls Surgical Hospital
06.2007 - 06.2013

Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
01.2000 - 06.2007

Surgical Technologist - Operating Room

Sioux Falls Surgical Hospital
01.1997 - 01.2000

Surgical Technologist - Operating Room

Avera Queen of Peace Hospital
05.1994 - 06.1997

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Chamberlain University

Certificate - Legal Nurse Consulting

Kansas State University

Associate of Arts - Nursing

Dakota Wesleyan University

Diploma - Surgical Technology

Southeast Technical Institute

High School Diploma -

Hanson High School
  • BLS
  • ACLS
  • PALS


Kari Hammer