Kathleen Garger
Jacksonville,Florida
Summary
Dynamic former Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Mayo Clinic, excelling in patient assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven track record in crisis management and quality improvement initiatives, enhancing patient care outcomes. I had provided compassionate care and support to patients and families during their hospital stay.
A total of 42 years of hospital nursing experience, who retired from the Mayo Clinic in December 2021.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Mayo Clinic
Jacksonville, Florida
03.2016 - 12.2021
- Facilitated collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuous patient care across settings.
- Accessed essential data points to fulfill patient charting system requirements.
- Employed technology systems to retrieve medication administration and lab value information.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills while managing multiple tasks under pressure.
- Conducted rounds to assess the condition of critical care patients.
Surgical Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Mayo
Jacksonville, Florida
07.1986 - 03.2016
- Facilitated communication among multidisciplinary team members regarding patient status updates during treatment.
- Provided direct patient care, including wound management, catheterization, medication administration, and education.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during crises or stressful situations.
- Guided and mentored new nurses transitioning into the SICU environment.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments and treatments in electronic medical records.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop personalized plans of care for each patient.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to reduce complications related to SICU admissions.
- Assessed and monitored critically ill patients undergoing major surgical procedures.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Mercy Hospital
Pittsburgh, PA
08.1979 - 12.1985
- Instructed patients and families on medication administration instructions prior to discharge from facility.
- Recognized changes in patient conditions, promptly notified physicians, and implemented appropriate interventions as necessary.
- Provided care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses and outcomes.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
- Responded quickly and effectively to code blue situations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
- Assessed patient's condition and monitored vital signs.
- Prioritized multiple tasks while maintaining excellent standards of care delivery.
- Performed bedside procedures such as wound dressing changes, catheterizations, IV starts and changes, tracheostomy care.
- Developed strong relationships with interdisciplinary teams throughout hospital departments.
- Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
- Responded to life-saving situations using appropriate resuscitation techniques and emergency protocols.
- Assessed ICU patients each shift to ascertain vitals and key information.
- Delivered optimum treatments to critical-care patients following prescribed rules, policies, protocol, and procedures.
- Provided emotional support and education to patients' families, helping them navigate complex medical information.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Universary of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL08-1992
Diploma in Nursing - Nursing
Mercy Hospital School of Nursing
Pittsburgh, PA08-1979
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Electronic medical records
- Quality improvement
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Crisis management
Timeline
Registered Nurse Supervisor
Mayo Clinic
03.2016 - 12.2021
Surgical Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Mayo
07.1986 - 03.2016
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Mercy Hospital
08.1979 - 12.1985
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Universary of North Florida
Diploma in Nursing - Nursing
Mercy Hospital School of Nursing