Karleen Kennedy

- Set up/assist with in office procedures -Cystoscopies with/without stent removals, dilations, hydrocele drainage, prostate biopsies, vasectomies, TOV, PVR, catheter exchanges, dressing changes, suture/staple removal, other procedures as directed

- Perform Nurse Clinician Office Visits for procedures

- Set up patients' surgeries with surgery letters, orders, instructions, notify departments/obtain equipment

- Put in orders for approximately 40 patients/day during clinic office visits, instructing on what's needed, resulting in better health outcomes for pts.

- Prep charts prior to visits with needed consents, orders, medications/call pt's to get needed tests completed /update virtual visit charts prior to MD joining the call.

- Administer medications accurately and safely, including antibiotics, Lupron/Eligard, Testosterone and more.

-Obtain pre-authorization for procedures/medications, ie: Lupron/Eligard, BCG/Adstiladrin Bladder cancer treatments, Botox, Testosterone, and other Specialty Pharmacy Medications

- Obtain Controlled Substance Agreements as required

- Prepare forms/send required documentation for DME, HHC, PT, radiation/medical oncology, Decipher testing, genetic testing, special urine tests, FMLA and others

- Field phone calls, My Chart messages and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy and timely response to their needs

- Other Duties as assigned

- Review Post-Operative care orders and provide safe, compassionate direct patient care, enhancing recovery by consistently monitoring and assessing patients' post-op airway, breathing, circulation, VS, pain, incisions, drains, catheters, IV fluids and all lines for patients from Surgical, Endoscopy and Interventional Radiology Departments

- Orient patients to unit, safely and accurately provide all needed medications/treatments/blood transfusions via all routes of administration needed and monitor changes/responses/adverse reactions as applicable to reduce complications and enhance patient/family satisfaction through consistently meeting even the most difficult/critical patients' care needs

-Provide strong clinical assessment skills for early identification of potential post-op surgical complications and collaborate with physicians to quickly assess and deliver appropriate treatments while managing rapidly changing conditions

- Assist with Post Operative Nerve Blocks and monitor/help treat for L.A.S.T. Syndrome as needed

- Assist anesthesiologist with blood patches

- Update family members on pt condition, recovery process, bring parents of minor patients to bedside, offering reassurance/education for post-op care

- Prepare report sheets for admissions and transfer patients when ready for DC from PACU

- Provide comprehensive pre-discharge assessment, remove A-lines, IV's, catheters after verifying criteria met for discharge and educate patients, families, caregivers on treatments, medications, post-op recovery care at home, address any remaining concerns/needs prior to leaving facility

- Assist in Pre- op, Same Day Surgery and PACU Boarding, taking extra shifts as needed

- Take call shifts as required and extra call as needed

-Other duties as needed

- All duties listed above under St. John Medical Center PACU RN (except no IR recovery or blood patches) plus:

- Set up and assist with all pre-op nerve blocks using nerve stimulator as needed

- Set up all lines, IV fluids, and supplies for two large bore IV's, Arterial Line, Swan-Ganz Catheter, CVP line and assist anesthesiologist with insertion for open heart patients

- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting

- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the acuity of their condition

- Assisted in codes quickly and efficiently with skilled care assisting physicians during invasive procedures such as intubations, chest tube and central line insertions

- Teamed on trauma/emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, thoracic trauma, amputations, motor vehicle crashes, myocardial infarctions, strokes, full cardiopulmonary arrests, choking episodes, among many other life threatening illnesses

- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients and/or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.

- Delivered culturally competent care to diverse populations, adapting communication styles as needed for optimal understanding between parties involved including use of MARTTI Translator communications

- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of all relevant information related to patient progress,

treatments administered and other pertinent data

- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians and advocate for pt's

-Cared for the adult and child population throughout conscious sedation procedures including monitoring/documenting of vital signs, protection of airway, breathing, circulation and interventions as needed to ensure patient safety from admit through DC

- Contributed to a reduction of infections through strict adherence to infection control protocols and proper hand hygiene.

- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.

- Optimized resource utilization in the ER by managing supplies inventory levels appropriately

- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, pt reactions to meds, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.

- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities

- Collected laboratory samples and performed testing in accordance with established policies and procedures and COLA and CLIA regulations

- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts and worked extra shifts ar UH EMC and UH Amherst ER's as needed

Various Local Travel RN Assignments

- Fairview General Hospital ER

- Lutheran Hospital ER

- Grace Units at Fairview, Lakewood and Amherst Hospitals

- Elyria Memorial Hospital Avon Freestanding ER

- Managed care from admission to discharge

- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health

- Served as a liaison between physicians and patients' families to facilitate clear communication regarding treatment options and progress updates

- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing

- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments

- Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications

- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies, procedures, Worker's Comp cases and other duties as needed

- Monitored patient condition during in office procedures breathing treatments, vaccinations, EKG readings and called for emergency treatment/transfer as needed

- Documented treatments delivered, medications and vaccinations administered, discharge instructions and follow-up care

1999-2003 -RN- Emergency Room

1997-1999 -RN- 3N Medical/Surgical/Oncology

1994- 1997- PCA- 3N- Med/Surg/Onc and floated to 3S- Surgical unit as needed

1986-1994 - Dietary Aide, Prep Cook, Cook