Laynie Penitusi
Benton,LA
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented nurse with extensive experience at Willis Knighton Medical Center, excelling in Cath Lab Recovery and Endo Lab settings. Proven ability to lead teams, educate patients, and manage complex procedures. Skilled in moderate sedation and electronic charting, consistently enhancing patient care and safety standards while fostering a collaborative environment.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cath Lab Recovery Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
Shreveport, Louisiana
10.2023 - Current
- Monitored patient recovery and vital signs post-anesthesia in surgical units.
- Administered medications and managed intravenous therapies for recovery patients.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure optimal patient care during recovery.
- Educated patients and families about post-operative care and recovery protocols.
- Trained new nursing staff on recovery procedures and best practices in patient care.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and infection control standards during recovery processes.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of care for each patient throughout their stay at the facility.
- Administered medications, intravenous fluids, and oxygen therapy according to physician orders.
- Responded promptly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced cardiac life support techniques when needed.
- Assisted in implementation of discharge planning activities by providing education about recovery services available post-discharge.
- Monitored vital signs including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate, blood pressure, height and weight measurements.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Supervised unlicensed personnel while they provide direct care within scope of practice guidelines.
- Performed arterial and venous line management, removal, and arterial closure devices. Monitored patients post-TAVR, EVAR, neuro and cardiac interventions, receiving monitored and general anesthesia care.
Staff Nurse
Willis Knighton Pierremont
Shreveport, Louisiana
10.2020 - 10.2025
- Administered medications and treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the medical team.
- Educated patients on diet management and lifestyle modifications.
- Assisted in diagnostic procedures such as endoscopies and colonoscopies.
- Provided emotional support and counseling to patients and families.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health systems.
- Trained junior staff on best practices in gastrointestinal nursing care.
- Educated patients about their diagnosis, treatment plan, and lifestyle modifications related to the illness.
- Performed physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and procedures on patients with gastrointestinal issues.
- Identified potential complications associated with various GI disorders and took appropriate action when needed.
- Actively participated in continuing education activities related to gastroenterology nursing practice.
- Assessed patient's response to treatments and reported any changes or concerns to the medical team promptly.
- Attended meetings regarding updates in standards of care for GI-related conditions.
- Maintained accurate records of patient's health information including assessments, treatments, and progress notes.
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergent situations involving GI-related issues.
- Administered medications as prescribed by the physician for gastrointestinal diseases.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Administered moderate sedation under a physician's directions, and monitored sedated patients during outpatient GI procedures.
Staff Nurse
Rapid Recovery Infusion Center
Shreveport, Louisiana
04.2020 - 10.2020
- Administered intravenous medications and fluids to patients in various settings.
- Regularly started IVs for transfusions and mixed additives to IV solutions per company protocols and per physician orders.
- Educated patients and families on infusion therapies and home care procedures.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient treatments and medication administration.
- Managed infusion equipment setup and troubleshooting during treatments.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards and infection control protocols in procedures.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Administered intravenous medications and fluids to patients according to physician orders.
- Provided patient education on the use of IV therapy and potential side effects.
- Utilized different items and methods, including gentle music and soft lighting in infusion room to promote kinder, less stressful atmosphere for patients.
- Performed venipuncture procedures when necessary for accessing central lines or port catheters.
- Documented data such as types of solution used, amount administered, rate of administration, duration of treatment, and other relevant information into electronic medical record systems.
- Assisted in the preparation of sterile supplies and equipment used during infusions.
Private Nurse
Henry Bromberg
Dallas, TX
10.2018 - 10.2019
- Private care for an elderly gentleman
- Administered medications, prepared meals, scheduled appointments and home therapy for my patient.
- Educating patient and family on upcoming procedures, appointments and new medications.
- Provided personal hygiene assistance and comfort care to patients.
- Collaborated with family members to discuss patient care plans.
- Assisted in mobility exercises and physical therapy routines for patients.
- Instructed family members on how to properly administer medications or perform certain medical tasks if needed.
- Organized daily schedules according to patient needs while ensuring quality standards were met at all times.
- Monitored patient progress by observing symptoms or reactions to treatments or medication.
- Gathered entire medical histories and information to update medical records.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
Workmans Comp Field Nurse Case Manager
GENEX Services, LLC
Fort Worth, TX
10.2018 - 04.2019
- I gained experience with workers compensation claimants in the field, including hospital, home and office appointment visits
- I attended appointments, scheduled therapy, and communicated with the adjuster, employer, lawyer, and providers to help progress the injured worker back to work safely.
- Tasks include collecting medical information, reports, and activities into the claimants' electronic record using our workers' comp software.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to coordinate patient treatments.
- Assessed and analyzed injured workers' medical and vocational status and needs.
- Collaborated with physicians, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized care plans.
- Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines related to case management services.
- Educated patients and families on health management strategies.
- Coordinated referrals for specialty care or additional services when necessary.
Endo/ GI Lab Registered Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
Shreveport, LA
12.2011 - 04.2018
- Assessed and preped patients for gastroenterology procedures on a 20 bed pre/post procedure unit with 5 procedure rooms.
- Recovered patients after sedation for gastroenterology procedures.
- Prepared and educated patients and family on discharge instructions post procedures.
- Assisted physician and sedated patients with the following procedures: EGD, colonoscopys, ERCP, peg tube, assisting OR and IR with combination procedures.
- Placements, dilation of the esophagus, and colonic stenting.
- Assisted physicians with GI procedures on children from infancy to teen as well as adults.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses effectively.
- Provided education to patients and families on health management.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs and conditions accurately.
- Maintained accurate medical records and documentation consistently.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols and infection control measures diligently.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
Endo/GI Lab Registered Nurse Manager
Willis Knighton Medical Center
Bossier City, LA
12.2015 - 12.2017
- Charge nurse manager for gastroenterology lab with 5 pre/post op bays and 3 procedure rooms.
- Managed 7 employees.
- Making assignments, managing clerical aspect of the lab, conducting inservices for employee education,.
- Ordering supplies, assisting with performance improvement data, delegating responsibilities to my team, managing issues with employees and physicians, providing an environment to keep employee safety and moral up, management of staffing and scheduling for 7 employees.
- Assisting physicians and technicians with gastroenterology procedures, such as egd, colonoscopies, peg tube placements,.
- Esophageal dilation and moderate sedation for these procedures.
- Maintaining a safe environment for my patients and employees.
- Assisting with high risk patients using anesthesia sedation during procedures and recovering patients post op in our lab.
- Assisting with high risk cases in an operating room setting.
- Consulting with surgery and anesthesia for coordinating patient care and procedures to be done on high risk patients in a safe environment.
- Working with administrators to remain within Joint Commission standards and to provide the highest quality care for our patient community.
- Cardiac Cath Lab/Recovery Registered Nurse.
Willis Knighton Medical Center
Shreveport, LA
10.2006 - 12.2011
- Assessed and pre oped patients on a 13 bed cardiac cath recovery unit.
- Ordered and interpreted lab and ekg results for pre procedure patients and consulted with physicians regarding results.
- Assisted physician and sedated patients for transesophageal echocardiograms and cardioversion.
- Recovered patients post op for the following: cardiac catheter, coronary angioplasty and stenting, carotid stenting, peripheral stenting, aneurysm coiling, pacemaker/defibrillator placement, rhythm ablations, fistula de clotting.
- Discontinued arterial and venous catheters on patients post op.
Cardiac Stepdown Staff/Charge Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
Shreveport, LA
01.2000 - 10.2006
- Continued to care for 3-6 patients in a med-surg and step down setting in a flexible RN position.
- Making assignments for nurses and non nursing personal on 24 bed step down unit.
- Worked in a flexible position with chronic stroke, renal disease patients on dialysis, post op orthopedic and neurological surgical patients.
- Monitored telemetry and hemodynamics on post cardiac catheter patients.
- Discontinued arterial lines post cardiac catheter and peripheral catheter patients.
- Assessed, monitored and consulted with physicians regarding critical patients with complex medical conditions.
Oncology/Chemo Unit Staff/ Charge Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
Bossier City, LA
06.1997 - 01.2000
- Cared for patients on 26 bed med-surg oncology floor.
- Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
- Oversaw and managed 6 clinical and support staff in patient care activities while maintaining a high level of staff morale and professionalism.
- Instructed patients and family members on proper discharge care.
- Developed and implemented nursing care plans.
- Delegated staff nurse duties.
- Assisted doctors with invasive and non-invasive procedures.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared them for lab testing.
- Certified to administer chemotherapy and blood products to oncology patients.
Nurse Technician
Homer Memorial Hospital
Homer, LA
06.1996 - 05.1997
- Supported nursing staff in patient care and daily activity management.
- Monitored vital signs, reporting changes to registered nurses.
- Educated patients on health care practices and safety measures.
- Responded promptly to patient calls and requests for assistance.
- Performed vital sign measurements, including pulse rate, temperature, blood pressure, and respiration.
- Maintained a safe environment through adherence to infection control protocols.
- Assisted patients with ambulation and mobility using wheelchairs.
- Provided personal care support, including shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene.
- I was cross trained in the following areas, Medicine Floor, Labor and Delivery and Emergency Room
Clerical Assistant
Southern Arkansas University Copying and Duplcating Center
Magnolia, AR
08.1994 - 12.1996
- Produced high quality finished printed material in a timely and efficient manner.
- Copied test material and university projects and pamphlets for teaching staff.
- Maintained copying machines and other office equipment.
- Prepared bound books for university staff.
Education
Associate - Nursing
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
Magnolia, AR4 1997
Skills
- Cath Lab Recovery experience: patient/family education, procedure preparation, arterial and venous sheath removal, moderate sedation, assisting with TEE and Cardioversion procedures
- Endo Lab experience: patient education, moderate sedation administration, assisting with routine upper/lower GI procedures, ERCP and stenting, emergent and OR cases
- Attention to detail
- Leading and multitasking in high pressure/ code situations
- EMR and electronic charting experience
- Staffing, education, monitoring scope cleaning technique and policy compliance, maintaining and ordering supplies for GI unit, participated in daily manager meetings with department administration, problem resolution between staff/departments/physicians/patients
- Staff Development and Precepting
Interests
I have practiced in La. and Tx.
TX NURSING LICENSE current
Personal Information
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
BLS, ACLS
Certification
- ACLS
- Ballon Pump
- LVAD
- Chemo Certified through WKMC
Timeline
Cath Lab Recovery Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
10.2023 - Current
Staff Nurse
Willis Knighton Pierremont
10.2020 - 10.2025
Staff Nurse
Rapid Recovery Infusion Center
04.2020 - 10.2020
Private Nurse
Henry Bromberg
10.2018 - 10.2019
Workmans Comp Field Nurse Case Manager
GENEX Services, LLC
10.2018 - 04.2019
Endo/GI Lab Registered Nurse Manager
Willis Knighton Medical Center
12.2015 - 12.2017
Endo/ GI Lab Registered Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
12.2011 - 04.2018
Willis Knighton Medical Center
10.2006 - 12.2011
Cardiac Stepdown Staff/Charge Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
01.2000 - 10.2006
Oncology/Chemo Unit Staff/ Charge Nurse
Willis Knighton Medical Center
06.1997 - 01.2000
Nurse Technician
Homer Memorial Hospital
06.1996 - 05.1997
Clerical Assistant
Southern Arkansas University Copying and Duplcating Center
08.1994 - 12.1996
Associate - Nursing
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus
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