Kathy Aker
Marion ,VA
Summary
Detail-oriented Registered Nurse with expertise in a wide variety of nursing departments to include OB surgical and LTC. Committed to delivering compassionate care to both patients and families.
Overview
1
1
Certification
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Circulating Registered Nurse in Surgery
Ballad Health
Abigdon, VA
01.2021 - Current
- Provide direct nursing care and support to patients before and after surgery.
- Maintain surgical instruments' sterility and readiness for use throughout procedures.
- Assist surgical team with patient positioning and preparation for procedures.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize surgical workflow and efficiency.
- Communicate with surgeons regarding changes in patient conditions and respond accordingly.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current trends in surgical nursing practice.
Registered Nurse
Francis Marion Manor
Marion , VA
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Coordinated with physicians, nurses, therapists, and social workers to create individualized treatment plans that addressed specific patient needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans, enhancing overall patient outcomes.
- Administered medications and treatments prescribed by physicians to ensure patient safety and adherence to care protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to medical staff.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Assisted in coordinating patient admissions, discharges, and transfers efficiently.
Circulating Registered Nurse in Surgery
Bristol Regional Medical Center
Bristol, Tennessee
11.2011 - 01.2020
- Provided direct nursing care and support to patients before and after surgery.
- Maintained surgical instruments' sterility and readiness for use throughout procedures.
- Assisted surgical team with patient positioning and preparation for procedures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize surgical workflow and efficiency.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records system during surgeries.
- During this time, I was the charge nurse and urology coordinator.
LPN to Registered Nurse, OB
Smyth County Community Hospital
Marion , VA
04.1990 - 11.2011
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers.
- Monitored patients' vital signs and reported changes to the nursing team.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Provided compassionate bedside care to enhance patient comfort and well-being.
- Assisted in patient education about health management and medication adherence.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care and resources available.
- Trained new staff on procedures, safety protocols, and best practices in care delivery.
- Cross-trained to same day surgery, endoscopy lab, and operating room.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Virginia Highlands Community College
Abingdon, VA05-1999
Licensed Practical Nursing - Nursing
Smyth County Technology
Marion 04-1990
Skills
- Surgical instrumentation
- Operating room protocols
- Sterile technique expertise
- Infection control practices
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Electronic health records
- Detailed documentation
- Critical thinking
- High-stress adaptability
- Leading nursing teams
- Effective communication
- Adaptability to change
- Sterile technique expertise
Certification
- Registered Nursing License
Timeline
Circulating Registered Nurse in Surgery
Ballad Health
01.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
Francis Marion Manor
01.2020 - 01.2021
Circulating Registered Nurse in Surgery
Bristol Regional Medical Center
11.2011 - 01.2020
LPN to Registered Nurse, OB
Smyth County Community Hospital
04.1990 - 11.2011
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Virginia Highlands Community College
Licensed Practical Nursing - Nursing
Smyth County Technology