Katherine Wages
Summary
Experienced PACU Registered Nurse with 1,200+ hours serving as PACU Charge Nurse Relief in a high-volume Level II Trauma Center. Proven ability to coordinate patient flow, make acuity-based assignments, support nursing staff, and collaborate across the perioperative team to promote safe, efficient patient care.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
PACU Charge Nurse Relief
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
09.2024 - Current
- Triage incoming postoperative patients and determine appropriate nursing assignments based on patient acuity, current patient needs, nurse workload, and individual nurse experience and skill set.
- Coordinate PACU patient flow and continuously reassess unit capacity, staffing resources, and patient acuity to maintain safe and efficient operations.
- Collaborate with Pre-Op, Phase II Recovery, anesthesia, surgical teams, and nursing staff to evaluate patient readiness and facilitate timely transitions throughout the perioperative continuum.
- Coordinate with hospital flow leadership and interdisciplinary teams to address barriers to patient movement, bed availability, and transfer from PACU.
- Identify and address workflow barriers to reduce patient wait times and improve PACU throughput.
- Serve as a clinical resource for PACU staff, assisting with high-acuity patients, changes in patient condition, prioritization, and escalation of care.
- Promote patient safety throughout the PACU phase of care through appropriate assignments, ongoing assessment of unit needs, and timely communication with the interdisciplinary team
Registered Nurse, PACU
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
- Assess and manage postoperative patients following a wide range of surgical procedures, providing safe care from immediate recovery through discharge or transfer.
- Anticipate and manage changes in patient condition, including airway compromise, hemodynamic instability, pain, and other postoperative complications.
- Collaborate closely with anesthesia, surgical teams, and interdisciplinary staff to provide safe and efficient postoperative care.
- Provide 400+ hours of precepting for new graduate nurses and newly hired PACU nurses, supporting clinical development and successful transition into the department.
- Serve as a PACU Safety Coach, participating in department safety initiatives and promoting organizational safety tools and practices among staff.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
08.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided emergency nursing care to a high-volume, diverse patient population, rapidly recognizing changes in condition and initiating interventions for critically ill patients.
- Managed multiple high-acuity patients simultaneously, prioritizing care for conditions including myocardial infarction, stroke, sepsis, respiratory failure, and other medical and surgical emergencies.
- Collaborated with physicians, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, and interdisciplinary team members during emergency interventions and bedside procedures.
Registered Nurse, Adult Cardiac Stepdown Unit
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Managed complex cardiac patients with arrhythmias, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, and cardiac medication infusions, promptly recognizing and responding to changes in patient condition to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Provided pre- and postoperative nursing care for patients undergoing cardiac catheterizations, pacemaker placements, ablations, and valve procedures.
- Coordinated care with physicians and interdisciplinary team members for multiple patients, prioritizing clinical needs to deliver safe, patient-centered care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Augusta University
Augusta, GACertification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) — American Heart Association
- Registered Nurse — Georgia Board of Nursing
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) — American Heart Association
- Basic Life Support (BLS) — American Heart Association
Accomplishments
- Piedmont Promise 360 Award Winner | August 2024
- DAISY Award Nominee | February 2025
Timeline
PACU Charge Nurse Relief
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
09.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse, PACU
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
08.2022 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse, Adult Cardiac Stepdown Unit
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
07.2021 - 07.2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Augusta University