Kristine Laxa
Canoga Park,CA
Summary
Experienced registered nurse specializing in postoperative and preoperative care with over 13 years of experience. Skilled in optimizing patient care processes and proficient in administering 20+ IVs and blood draws daily. Known for providing compassionate care, demonstrating empathy, critical thinking, and adaptability to enhance patient outcomes.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-Op/ PACU Nurse
Disc Surgery Center
04.2025 - Current
- Assessed patient health status and vital signs to ensure readiness for surgical procedures.
- Administered medications and IV therapies as per physician orders, adhering to safety protocols.
- Evaluated patient medical history and diagnostic test results to identify potential contraindications for surgery.
- Ensured compliance with all necessary regulatory requirements and accreditation standards during the pre-op phase of care.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care, promoting adherence to discharge instructions.
- Monitored patient vital signs and recovery progress post-anesthesia to ensure safety and comfort.
- Administered medications and managed pain relief protocols tailored to individual patient needs.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care, enhancing understanding of recovery processes.
Pre-op/PACU Registered Nurse
Advanced Pain Medical Group
10.2017 - 04.2025
- Obtain informed consent for surgical procedures and anesthesia on the day of surgery, ensuring patients are fully aware of the risks and benefits.
- Prepare patients for a range of surgical procedures, including spine, orthopedic, ENT, and pain management, by conducting preoperative assessments, verifying completion of pre-admit testing, and ensuring all results are communicated to the physician and anesthesia provider.
- Skilled in starting IV lines and administering IV fluids and medication as ordered by the physician or anesthesia provider, adhering to safety and protocol guidelines. Performing blood draws, processing PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), and assisting anesthesia staff with peripheral nerve blocks.
- Monitor and evaluate vital signs and laboratory results to ensure they are within normal limits, and promptly report any abnormalities to the physician and anesthesia provider before the procedure.
- Administer medications per established protocols and physician orders, adjusting treatment based on patient needs and ensuring a smooth and comfortable recovery.
- Ensure patient safety throughout the recovery process, monitoring for complications, and readiness for discharge. Provide comprehensive discharge instructions to patients and caregivers, verify understanding, and schedule follow-up appointments as necessary.
- Assist the Director of Nursing in monitoring inventory and ordering supplies needed through Hybrent.
Director of Nursing/ Pre-op/ PACU Registered Nurse
Santa Clarita Surgery Center for Advanced Pain Management
02.2012 - 10.2017
- Efficiently plan and implement the daily routine of the surgery center and ensure smooth operations.
- Led nursing staff in delivering high-quality patient care and enhancing overall clinic operations.
- Developed and implemented efficient staff schedules to optimize labor costs and maintain adequate coverage. Manage staff services, ensuring high-quality care, and monitoring compliance with regulations.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance. Performing monthly and quarterly Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement studies, audits, reports, and in-services.
- Schedule preventative maintenance and equipment repairs
- Regularly monitored medical and office supply inventory levels and placed orders to maintain optimal stock availability.
- Performs conscious sedation and performs as a scrub nurse as needed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
04-2025
Associate Degree of Science - Nursing
Moorpark Community College
Moorpark, CA12.2011
High School Diploma - undefined
Chatsworth High School
Chatsworth, CA06.2005
Skills
- Expert in Initiating IV’s
- Patient Assessment and Care Planning
- Ambulatory Infection Control Specialist
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Compassion and Empathy
- Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Patient Education
- Centricity HST and Hybrent Proficiency
- Time Management and Prioritization
- Post-Operative Care
- Conscious Sedation Certified
- Certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Certified Pediatric Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Certified Basic Life Support
Timeline
Pre-Op/ PACU Nurse
Disc Surgery Center
04.2025 - Current
Pre-op/PACU Registered Nurse
Advanced Pain Medical Group
10.2017 - 04.2025
Director of Nursing/ Pre-op/ PACU Registered Nurse
Santa Clarita Surgery Center for Advanced Pain Management
02.2012 - 10.2017
Associate Degree of Science - Nursing
Moorpark Community College
High School Diploma - undefined
Chatsworth High School
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
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