Kathleen Lester
Groton,NY
Summary
Registered nurse with extensive experience in outpatient specialty care, oncology infusion, medical-surgical nursing, and pain management. Expertise in patient assessment, IV access, procedural assistance, chemotherapy administration, and moderate sedation monitoring. Proven leadership in mentoring staff, coordinating patient care, and managing clinic operations. Highly proficient in electronic medical record systems, including Epic, with a strong ability to perform under pressure and collaborate effectively with healthcare teams.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Team Leader-Pain Clinic
Cayuga Medical Center
Ithaca, New York
07.2011 - Current
- Perform patient assessments, education, and triage of symptoms
- Assist physicians with procedures including epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablations
- Administer prescribed medications including moderate sedation and monitor patient responses
- Coordinated follow-up care and managed patient health records to ensure continuity of care
- Mentored new staff and supported clinical team development through training and guidance
- Schedule staff for five providers and maintain clinic supplies and equipment
Registered Nurse - Oncology / Infusion Clinic
Cayuga Medical Center
06.2004 - 07.2011
- Administer medications including chemotherapy and provide wound care
- Conduct patient assessments and educate oncology patients on treatment plans and self-care strategies
- Perform phlebotomy and evaluate laboratory results, including critical values, to inform treatment decisions
- Established IV access using various techniques including peripheral IVs and PICC lines in clinical settings.
- Assist physicians with bone marrow biopsies, paracentesis, and lumbar punctures to support diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
RN Nurse Manager - Medical/Surgical & Short Stay Surgical
Cayuga Medical Center
07.2003 - 06.2004
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure compliance with hospital policies.
- Coordinated staff schedules to optimize workflow and resource allocation.
- Addressed staff concerns, fostering a supportive work environment for nurses.
- Monitored staff performance, providing coaching and formal counseling as needed.
- Participated in recruitment, interviewing, selection, and orientation of new employees.
- Guided staff on patient care, clinical practices, and professional development.
- Investigated incidents or complaints from patients or families to ensure resolution.
- Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, sick leave requests, and vacation time.
Staff Nurse - Medical/Surgical / Short Stay Surgical
Cayuga Medical Center
11.1999 - 07.2003
- Delivered direct patient care, monitoring vital signs in fast-paced environment.
- Administered medications while maintaining accurate dosage records for patient safety.
- Educated patients and families on health management and recovery processes.
- Assisted in emergency situations, applying critical thinking and quick decision-making skills.
- Mentored junior nurses, sharing best practices to enhance clinical competencies.
- Participated in staff training programs to elevate nursing practices and standards.
- Maintained precise records of patient progress notes and medications administered.
- Demonstrated effective communication with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare staff.
Head Nurse (RN) 1994-1999; CNA 1987-1994
Cortland Care Center (now Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center)
Cortland, New York
07.1987 - 10.1999
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure high standards of patient care.
- Coordinated long-term care plans for optimal health outcomes.
- Delivered direct patient care, addressing individual needs effectively.
Education
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Nursing
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Dryden, NY01-1994
Skills
- Chemotherapy Administration
- Oncology Infusion Care
- IV therapy
- Sedation monitoring
- Patient Assessment
- Patient Education
- Phlebotomy
- Staff training
- EMR management
- EPIC (Department Super User)
- Meditech
- Medent
Certification
- BLS Certification
- ACLS Certification - American Heart Association
Core Clinical Skills
- Patient Assessment
- Patient Education
- IV Therapy & Vascular Access
- Chemotherapy Administration
- Moderate Sedation Monitoring
- Phlebotomy
- Triage & Care Coordination
- Procedural Assistance
- Pain Management Procedures
- Oncology Infusion Care
- Wound Care
- Staff Mentoring & Training
- Clinical Operations Support
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Team Leader-Pain Clinic
Cayuga Medical Center
07.2011 - Current
Registered Nurse - Oncology / Infusion Clinic
Cayuga Medical Center
06.2004 - 07.2011
RN Nurse Manager - Medical/Surgical & Short Stay Surgical
Cayuga Medical Center
07.2003 - 06.2004
Staff Nurse - Medical/Surgical / Short Stay Surgical
Cayuga Medical Center
11.1999 - 07.2003
Head Nurse (RN) 1994-1999; CNA 1987-1994
Cortland Care Center (now Cortland Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center)
07.1987 - 10.1999
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Nursing
Tompkins Cortland Community College