Linda Elmquist
Tucson,Arizona
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, excelling in acute care and patient advocacy. Proven ability in tracheostomy care and assistance with complex ENT procedures. Emergency response, enhancing patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based practices. Skilled in mentoring and precepting, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes professional growth and high-quality care.
Overview
53
53
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse Otolaryngology Clinic Lead Nurse
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
02.2015 - 05.2025
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- 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.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
Registered Nurse, PACU
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
08.2010 - 02.2015
- Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
- Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
- Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-anesthesia care and monitoring vital signs.
- Decreased medication errors by meticulously administering medications following proper protocols and verifying dosages.
- Prevented complications from anesthesia side effects such as nausea or vomiting using effective medication administration techniques.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the recovery process, easing anxiety related to surgery outcomes.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures in the PACU setting, such as wound care, dressing changes, and insertion of invasive monitoring devices.
- Enhanced patient safety during transfers to other units by providing handoff communication that accurately conveyed critical information about the patient''s condition, potential risks, and ongoing treatment plans.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between surgical units through timely communication with preoperative and surgical suite staff regarding patient needs and status updates.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues through active participation in huddles, meetings, initiatives, and collaborative projects within the department.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
RN
Banner University Medical Center
10.2002 - 08.2010
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families, providing emotional support while addressing concerns or questions about care plans.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Provided emotional support to patients during challenging times, fostering a sense of trust and rapport that contributed to better overall wellbeing.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
RN, PACU
Kaiser Hospital
10.2001 - 10.2002
- Enhanced patient recovery by consistently monitoring and assessing post-operative vital signs.
- Supported ongoing professional development of fellow nurses through mentorship opportunities within the PACU setting.
- Demonstrated strong clinical assessment skills for early identification of potential complications or adverse reactions following surgery.
- Implemented infection control measures by maintaining strict adherence to aseptic techniques throughout the PACU unit.
- Assisted physicians in conducting bedside procedures, such as wound dressing changes or IV insertions, to foster optimal healing processes.
- Served as an advocate for patients and their families throughout the perioperative process, fostering trust and open communication between all parties involved in care delivery.
- Collaborated with anesthesia providers to ensure safe and effective management of patient pain during the post-operative period.
- Optimized resource utilization by effectively managing supplies and equipment necessary for patient care delivery within the PACU setting.
- Contributed to quality improvement efforts by identifying areas for process enhancements and implementing evidence-based solutions in the PACU unit.
- Reduced complications through timely administration of medications and pain management strategies.
- Improved patient outcomes by collaborating with interdisciplinary healthcare teams on individualized care plans.
- Facilitated smooth transfer of patients from ORs to PACUs, coordinating closely with surgical teams and ensuring seamless continuity of care.
- Promoted a comfortable environment for patients, addressing concerns, and providing emotional support during post-operative recovery.
- Evaluated patients' pain levels, implementing correct dosage of medication to alleviate discomfort.
- Took vitals and assessed patients in recovery room following surgical procedures.
- Evaluated cardio-respiratory systems for deviations, providing appropriate treatment as necessary.
- Assessed and identified individual patient educational needs, removing barriers to learning and supporting comprehensive progress.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Clinical Nurse Educator
Tucson Medical Center
02.1976 - 10.2002
- Evaluated clinical staff performance, identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous growth.
- Utilized adult learning principles to adapt teaching methods according to individual learner needs, maximizing comprehension and retention of material presented.
- Led the development of annual training plans based on identified gaps in knowledge or skills among clinical staff members.
- Assisted in the design of simulation exercises, enhancing hands-on learning experiences for clinical staff members.
- Improved nursing competency through the creation and delivery of targeted training sessions and workshops.
- Supported departmental goals by aligning educational programs with organizational objectives.
- Coordinated continuing education events, connecting nurses with relevant resources to advance their expertise within their respective fields.
- Streamlined onboarding processes for new hires, resulting in decreased time to full productivity.
- Enabled better patient outcomes by mentoring nurses in effective communication and empathy skills.
- Prepared and delivered lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as pharmacology, mental health nursing and community health care practices.
Teaching Assistant
University of Arizona
04.1972 - 09.1975
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Prepared cadaver specimans for teaching demonstrations
- Proctored anatomy labs using human material for demonstration.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ02-1976
Skills
- Tracheostomy care
- Precepting
- Performing ekgs
- Complex Problem-solving
- Emergency response
- Emergency procedures
- FLUENT IN SPANISH
- Acute care expertise
- Patient assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Compassion and empathy
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor 1998 -2010
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor 1995 - 2010
- Basic Life Support - current
- Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse - American Society of Post Anesthesia Nurses 1995 - 2016
Timeline
Registered Nurse Otolaryngology Clinic Lead Nurse
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
02.2015 - 05.2025
Registered Nurse, PACU
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
08.2010 - 02.2015
RN
Banner University Medical Center
10.2002 - 08.2010
RN, PACU
Kaiser Hospital
10.2001 - 10.2002
Clinical Nurse Educator
Tucson Medical Center
02.1976 - 10.2002
Teaching Assistant
University of Arizona
04.1972 - 09.1975
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Arizona
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