Summary
Overview
Education
Work History
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
cropped
Kristen Vandrunen

Kristen Vandrunen

Registered Nurse
Harbeson,DE

Summary

Detailed oriented Registered Nurse with progressive career history in direct patient care in a fast-paced hospital environment. Bachelor educated Registered Nurse recognized for leadership and academic excellence by Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Expertise as a clinical educator and clinical resource, superuser, preceptor, charge nurse and experience with Electronic Health Records (EHR) using Cerner, McKesson, EMAR, IBEX, Surginet, DHIN, Athena, Gold, and Dr First. Proven clinical expertise in the day to day operations and patient centered care on Cardiac Telemetry/ CHF/ Observation Unit, Progressive Care Short Term Observation Unit (PCU STO), Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) and Pre-Op/Preadmission Testing Unit (PAT). Exceptional organizational, teamwork, and cross-functional communication skills. Consistently use clinical judgement and critical thinking to proactively identify areas for process improvement to maintain patient safety and improve quality care. Collaborated in the Strategy for Surgical Reporting and Analytics, Kaizen, and multiple workflow process improvement meetings. Highly effective coordination of staff, resources, training, education, and ability to lead. This seasoned BSN Registered Nurse with 13 years of diverse experience skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments, staff supervision, and departmental operations while providing exceptional patient care is offering her expertise.

Overview

13
13

Years as Registered Nurse

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing -

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
12.2010

Bachelor of Science - Small Animal Science

Delaware Valley University
Doylestown, PA
05.1996

Work History

Pre-Op/ Pre-Admission Testing RN-PAT

BEEBE HEALTHCARE
03.2017 - 10.2021
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing thorough pre-admission assessments and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Improved communication with surgical teams by diligently updating patient information in electronic health records.
  • Increased accuracy of patient records by meticulously verifying medical history, allergies, and medication lists.
  • Reduced procedure cancellations by identifying potential issues during the pre-admission testing process.
  • Contributed to departmental goals by participating in quality improvement initiatives focused on streamlining the pre-admission testing process.
  • Developed and presented measures for Process Improvement.
  • Actively contributed to Team Daily Management (TDM) Rounds
  • Collaborated in the Strategy for Surgical Reporting Analytics.
  • Promoted a positive work environment through effective collaboration with colleagues and maintaining open lines of communication among team members.
  • Demonstrated strong clinical judgment when evaluating patients for potential risks or complications related to anesthesia or surgery.
  • Mentored new RNs joining the Pre-Admission Testing team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and teamwork.
  • Provided empathetic support to anxious patients, easing their concerns and establishing trust throughout the pre-admission process.
  • Championed patient advocacy by maintaining open communication with surgical teams regarding any changes in patient status or needs.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.

Registered Nurse-CNIII- Clinical Decision Unit-CDU

Beebe Healthcare
08.2014 - 03.2017
  • Orchestrated clinical operations and coordination of care as Charge Nurse ensuring adherence to established clinical guidelines.
  • Served as a preceptor for graduate nurses providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
  • Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
  • Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
  • Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
  • Created CHF Guidelines educational tool for CHF education for staff and patients.
  • Collaborated with Stroke and CHF coordinator to provide evidence based training and resources for staff and patients.
  • Career Development through the Professional Practice Ladder Pathway to accomplish a "Value Added Nursing Approach." Represented unit on several Committees and Councils including Education Committee Chair, Professional Education and Development Council, Positive Improvements in Nursing Committee, and Certification Subcommittee.
  • Developed proposal for management to support and approve guidelines to qualify staff to achieve certifications and acquire reimbursement. Improving staff satisfaction.
  • Created and implemented a successful interactive and fun Unit Blitz education training program designed to address Core Measures and Hospital Patient Safety Goals addressing quality measure deficiencies on unit.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical and surgical procedures and managed post-op cardiac procedure patients.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.

Registered Nurse- CNIII- PCU STO/CDU

Beebe Healthcare
04.2013 - 08.2014
  • Oversaw delivery of care for patients on Progressive Care/Clinical Decision Unit split between 2 floors, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, certified nursing assistances, and unit clerks.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.

Registered Nurse, CNII- Progressive Care Unit STO

Beebe Healthcare
11.2012 - 04.2013
  • Expedited critical medical interventions through timely recognition of early warning signs of patient deterioration or complications.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Enhanced patient care by assessing, planning, and implementing individualized nursing interventions.
  • Streamlined nursing workflows by efficiently managing time, prioritizing tasks, and delegating responsibilities as needed.
  • Coordinated seamless transitions between shifts by providing comprehensive report updates on patient status and progress toward goals during handoffs.
  • Maintained accurate documentation in electronic health records systems to support continuity of care across multidisciplinary team members.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.

Registered Nurse-3W Telemetry Unit

PENINSULA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
01.2011 - 10.2012
  • Skilled Cardiac Telemetry Nurse providing quality research based care to patients in collaboration with multiple departments and within my scope of practice.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Worked with healthcare team to manage patient workload consisting of patients with multiple drips, peritoneal dialysis, CHF, Stroke, CAD and medical protocols for withdrawal management for treatment of drug and alcohol addictions.

Skills

  • Clinical Judgment
  • Problem Solving
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Surgical Procedures
  • Anesthesia Knowledge
  • Attention to Detail
  • Lab Result Interpretation
  • High Level of Autonomy
  • Quality Improvement
  • Nursing Process
  • Critical Thinking
  • Teamwork Abilities

Affiliations

  • Delaware Nurses Association (DNA)
  • American Nurses Association (ANA)
  • Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society

Timeline

Pre-Op/ Pre-Admission Testing RN-PAT

BEEBE HEALTHCARE
03.2017 - 10.2021

Registered Nurse-CNIII- Clinical Decision Unit-CDU

Beebe Healthcare
08.2014 - 03.2017

Registered Nurse- CNIII- PCU STO/CDU

Beebe Healthcare
04.2013 - 08.2014

Registered Nurse, CNII- Progressive Care Unit STO

Beebe Healthcare
11.2012 - 04.2013

Registered Nurse-3W Telemetry Unit

PENINSULA REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
01.2011 - 10.2012

Bachelor of Science in Nursing -

Salisbury University

Bachelor of Science - Small Animal Science

Delaware Valley University
Kristen VandrunenRegistered Nurse