Katalina Rivera

Pre op and PACU Registered Nurse

• Conducted pre-op assessment of patients prior to surgery or procedure.
• Assessed patients' post-operative physical condition, including vital signs and oxygen saturation levels.
• Administered medications as ordered by physicians via various routes.
• Initiated IV access when needed for blood draws or administration of fluids and medications.
• Communicated effectively with other healthcare staff to coordinate patient care plans.
• Provided emotional support to families during stressful times.
• Administered medications to manage progression off anesthesia medications, deal with side effects and promote recovery.
• Helped patients regain independence with clear recovery goals and guidance.
• Delivered individualized care to post-operative patients by monitoring pain levels, checking vital signs and explaining next steps to recovery.
• Evaluated patients recovering from surgeries and coming out of anesthesia.
• Utilized effective communication skills to educate patients and family members on side effects from both surgery and anesthesia.
• Monitored patient pain levels and administered medication to diminish patient discomfort.
• Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.

Pre and post op Registered Nurse

• Provided emotional support to patients and their families before, during and after surgeries.
• Cared for patients in recovery room following surgery until they were stable enough for discharge or transfer.
• Assisted with patient surgery preparation by administering proper medication, monitoring patients' conditions and charting abnormalities.
• Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
• Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
• Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
• Documented all relevant information regarding patient's medical history, allergies. prior to surgery.
• Provided patient education on preoperative and postoperative care instructions.
• Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
• Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
• Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
• Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
• Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.

Scrub nurse

• Assisted surgeons in a wide range of ophthalmologic surgeries such as cataract and glaucoma treatments.
• Collaborated with surgeons and other operating room staff in order to maintain best outcomes for the patient.
• Experience with wide range of opthalmic surgical instruments.
• Initiated emergency measures in cases of adverse reactions or complications during surgery.
• Sterilized and arranged operating equipment and instruments to prepare room for surgery.
• Observed surgical procedures to closely monitor patient and quickly assist physician with potential complications or additional needs.
• Responsible for ordering supplies, medications, and equipment.
• Ensured that all necessary equipment was available in the operating room prior to surgery.
• Maintained a sterile field in the operating room at all times in accordance with accepted standards of practice.
• Provided emotional support to patients throughout the perioperative period.

• Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
• Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
• Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values and beliefs.
• Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
• Treated patients using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities to address various disorders, diseases and injuries.
• Actively participated in daily rounds with physicians to discuss plan of cares for assigned patients.
• Identified changes in patient status or condition based upon data collected during assessment process.
• Assessed and monitored patient's vital signs, condition and response to treatments.
• Performed physical assessments of critically ill patients in the ICU setting.

• 17 bed unit
• Delivered care to 2-3 critically ill patients per shift, including coordinating and evaluating interdisciplinary care.
• Monitored and educated nursing students and externs on proper care procedures and prioritization strategies.
• Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
• Proficient at monitoring and assembly of invasive monitoring equipment; such as arterial lines and central venous pressure (CVP) lines.
• Placement of orogastric/ nasogastric tubes, foley catheters, peripheral intravenous catheters (with and without ultrasound ), esophageal temperature probes.
• Assisting in placement of chest tubes, central venous catheters, arterial lines, central venous pressure lines, Pulmonary bronchoscopy
• Assisting in emergent intubation; preparing and delivering medications ( paralytics and sedatives) and directing care.
• Management, monitoring, and intervention of patients on ventilators.
• Obtaining various cultures; such as sputum, blood, urine, fecal, and plural fluid.
• managing and titration of sedatives (propofol, versed, dilaudid, fentanyl, ketamine) and paralytics ( nimbex).
• paralytic/ sedative therapy with Train of four and bispectral index monitor
• Proning and supinating patients with severe ARDS
• Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.

Began in a 15 bed Critical Care Unit. Transitioned to a Neuro-Science Universal Bed Unit, an acuity adaptable unit from step down to critically ill patients.

• Trained on the following ICU treatments:

- CRRT, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, Artic Sun,

BIPAP, titratable cardiac drips, titratable sedatives (Propolol,

Precedex, Ativan), central venous pressure, arterial line,

tracheostomy, brain death studies, heparin drips, etc

• Demonstrated critical thought and judgment in delivery of care and management of acute and chronic pain of neurosurgical patients with the use of oral, IVP, and continuous IV pain medications (Ketamine)
• Care and management of patients post status Craniotomy and back surgery(external drains including ventricular, lumbar, JP and hemovac)
• Collaborated with Gift of Life of Michigan on a brain dead patient who was an organ donor.
• Developed care plans and coordinated care, in collaboration with patients, caregivers and primary care physicians.

Advanced Cardiac Care Unit

• 28 bed unit
• Supervised and managed the care of 3-4 cardiac patients with the following medical conditions and treatments:

- congestive heart failure, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrythmias, congenital

heart defects, post cardiac catherization procedures, post WATCH

procedures, hypertensive emergency, alcohol withdrawl, cardiac dips

• Interpretation, treatment, and management of cardiac rhythms
• Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
• Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
• Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
• Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
• Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.

• Created and maintained safe living environment for patients.
• Turned and positioned patients for comfort and prevention of decubitis ulcers.
• Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
• Answered patient call lights and requests.
• Assisted patients with bathing, grooming and feeding and activities of daily living.
• Monitored and recorded patient vital signs, intake and output, weight.
• Recognize  and report to RN of abnormal vital signs or patient status.