Kayla Whitworth
Jackson,MO
Summary
Seasoned Registered Nurse adept in leading multidisciplinary teams and driving process improvements. Excelled in nursing staff supervision and clinical documentation, enhancing quality care. Skilled in employee coaching, demonstrating a strong work ethic. Achieved significant enhancements in patient care and operational efficiency.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PACU Charge Nurse
Mercy Southeast
Cape Girardeau, MO
04.2025 - Current
- Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures.
Director of Nursing
Landmark Hospital
Cape Girardeau, MO
10.2023 - 04.2025
- Implemented and directed clinical services and operations to deliver competent, quality care.
- Assisted with recruitment efforts by interviewing potential employees and making hiring decisions when appropriate.
- Evaluated staff performance and prepared accurate reports detailing findings.
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by nurses related to any adverse events that occurred during their shift.
- Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
- Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
- Oversaw the daily operations of the nursing department including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.
BSN, RN- Contract
Southeast Hospital, Elite Temporary Staffing
Cape Girardeau, MO
02.2023 - 10.2023
- Administered medications to manage progression off anesthesia medications, deal with side effects and promote recovery.
- Managed emergency situations such as airway obstruction, cardiac arrest and shock.
- Administered medications as ordered by physicians via various routes.
- Instructed family members on post-operative care techniques at home.
- Utilized effective communication skills to educate patients and family members on side effects from both surgery and anesthesia.
Charge RN
Landmark Hospital
Cape Girardeau, MO
10.2018 - 02.2023
- Supported physicians and consultants with tests and procedures.
- Delegated tasks appropriately among staff members according to their qualifications.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
RN
Gastroenterology Associates of Southeast Missouri
Cape Girardeau, MO
01.2017 - 09.2021
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
- Communicated with care and compassion to help patients feel comfortable with procedures and increase compliance with health directives.
- Administered medications as prescribed by the physician for gastrointestinal diseases.
- Rotated between preop, intraprocedure, and recovery room in a GI lab setting.
RN
Southeast Hospital
Cape Girardeau, MO
05.2012 - 08.2017
- Delivered individualized care to post-operative patients by monitoring pain levels, checking vital signs and explaining next steps to recovery.
- Utilized effective communication skills to educate patients and family members on side effects from both surgery and anesthesia.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized plans of care for each patient.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO05-2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
Southeast Hospital College of Nursing
Cape Girardeau, MO05-2012
High School Diploma -
Jackson High School
Jackson, MO05-2009
Skills
- Multidisciplinary team collaboration
- Process improvements
- Nursing staff supervision
- Quality improvement
- Employee coaching
- Strong work ethic
- Staff scheduling
- Clinical documentation
Certification
- BLS
- ACLS
- PALS
Timeline
PACU Charge Nurse
Mercy Southeast
04.2025 - Current
Director of Nursing
Landmark Hospital
10.2023 - 04.2025
BSN, RN- Contract
Southeast Hospital, Elite Temporary Staffing
02.2023 - 10.2023
Charge RN
Landmark Hospital
10.2018 - 02.2023
RN
Gastroenterology Associates of Southeast Missouri
01.2017 - 09.2021
RN
Southeast Hospital
05.2012 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southeast Missouri State University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Southeast Hospital College of Nursing
High School Diploma -
Jackson High School