Lori Sagona

Led group sessions for parents of pediatric oncology patients providing psycho-social support during their child's illness journey.

• Instructed parents how to administer oral medications or perform home health care tasks such as tube feedings or tracheostomy care.
• Provided emotional support and guidance throughout the course of treatment.
• Educated staff regarding evidence-based practice protocols related to pediatric oncology nursing care.
• Provided education and support to families of pediatric oncology patients.
• Assessed and monitored patients' conditions, including vital signs, growth charts, lab values, and other pertinent information.
• Initiated palliative care conversations when indicated by patient condition.
• Maintained a safe environment for patients by utilizing appropriate safety measures and equipment operation techniques.
• Performed nursing interventions such as administering medications, wound care treatments, IV therapy, blood draws, injections, and infusions.
• Coordinated with multidisciplinary team members to ensure effective patient care delivery.
• Assisted with chemotherapy administration as needed per protocol guidelines.
• Adhered to infection control policies while performing invasive procedures such as central line dressing changes or bone marrow aspirations.
• Counseled families about coping strategies during stressful times associated with cancer diagnosis or treatment.
• Developed individualized care plans for each patient based on assessment findings and physician orders.
• Managed complex pain control regimens using pharmacological therapies and non-pharmacological modalities.
• Documented patient progress notes in the electronic medical record system according to established standards.
• Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
• Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
• Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
• Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
• Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
• Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
• Administered intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
• Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
• Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
• Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
• Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
• Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
• Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
• Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
• Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
• Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
• Provided compassionate care to patients and families by listening to their concerns and addressing their needs.
• Performed diagnostic procedures such as venipunctures, immunizations and wound irrigations according to established protocols.
• Developed individualized plans of care based on patient assessment data, diagnosis and physician orders.
• Implemented infection control measures within the pediatric unit environment in order to reduce risk of transmission.
• Instructed parents and guardians regarding home care needs such as medication administration and disease management.
• Provided education on preventive health practices such as nutrition, hygiene and safety.
• Assisted with coordination of discharge planning activities ensuring continuity of care post hospitalization.
• Assessed patient's physical, mental and emotional health by taking vital signs, observing skin condition, reviewing medical history and administering tests.
• Maintained accurate records of patient assessments, treatments provided and changes in condition using electronic medical record systems.
• Utilized age-specific teaching techniques when educating patients and families on self-care strategies.
• Floats to OB and NICU as needed.

• Floated to all areas of hospital as needed. Med/surg, Tele floor, Infusion unit, rehab, ER, Pathways, ICU as helping hands and OBS unit and was often charge there.

• Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
• Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
• Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
• This was a critical access hospital. Med/surg tele patients. I usually took care of the pediatric patients.
• Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
• Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
• Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
• Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Instructed other employees on moving to computerized charting.

• Participated in COG research projects aimed at improving outcomes for pediatric oncology patients.
• I worked in the bone marrow transplant unit.
• Floated to the PICU step-down, NICU, and Pediatric ER.
• Floated to any other unit as needed, including fast track, cardiology floor, infusion unit, and respiratory unit, neuro unit.

• I started out as a float nurse to learn pediatrics. I worked a the entire children's hospital and also worked doing staffing for special needs children at their homes. I did this for 1 year then worked on a children's surgical/neuro/transplant floor. This was for 2 years. I then took a job doing home health for Children's Hospital, which included home staffing for children on ventilators and with medically complex issues. I also visited adults in my zip code areas. This included taking calls for the entire company and triaging calls. I often had to go out late at night to do emergancy visits.
• After this, the home health company was acquired by Fletcher's Medical Company.. I had my office on the pediatric floor, and I functioned as a case manager. This job included going to patients' homes, drawing labs, removing staples, and providing home IV antibiotic and parenteral feeding care. Wound care, caring for post-surgical patients at home, teaching feeding pumps, and feeding tube care for hospice patients, both adults and pediatrics. I triaged phone calls for patient care needs, contacted insurance, ordered meds, and supplies. I collaborated with physicians regarding labs, home meds, and the assessment of patients at home who are unable to go to appointments. I also still worked on pediatric units in the hospital on my day off. I traveled five counties to care for and assess central lines, access ports, and draw labs for pre-chemo and infusion unit patients. I triaged their needs and advised when to go to the clinic or ER for further care. I set up lights for bili babies and followed young moms at their homes to assess needs and assure physicians that the babies were thriving. I also went to homes and followed children with asthma, diabetes, post-bone marrow transplant children, CF patients, and transplant patients. I collaborated on their care with physicians at Nemours Children's Clinic as well as The Rainbow Clinic that cares for HIV-positive mothers and children. I assessed needs for supplies as well and ordered what was needed. Also, many more things.

• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
• Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
• This was a med/surg/gyn floor.

• Served as a graduate nurse while awaiting RN credentials. In March, I was given my RN credentials and continued to work as a med/surg nurse. On this unit, I cared for HIV patients, gynecology patients, took care of fetal demise patients, and delivered their deceased babies. Also, I cared for a wide variety of med/surg patients. I lost my home in Hurricane Andrew, and in January, I moved to Jacksonville, Florida.

• I worked in the very large newborn nursery and provided care for healthy newborns, as well as newborns of mothers with HIV and STDs. This included vital signs, feeding, changing diapers, and reporting to the RN.

• Restrained animals during examination or treatment procedures using appropriate techniques according to species size and temperament.
• Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
• Answered phone inquiries from clients regarding appointment scheduling, services offered.
• Assisted in surgery preparation by setting up instruments, supplies and equipment prior to procedure start time.
• Assisted veterinarians in examining, diagnosing and treating animals for various illnesses and injuries.
• Dispensed medications orally or topically as directed by veterinarian.
• Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, microbiology cultures and hematology.
• Provided detailed patient care instructions to pet owners.
• Administered vaccinations, medications and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Ordered medication refills when needed.
• Monitored vital signs of hospitalized animals including temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate and other parameters as necessary.
• Ensured that cages were kept clean at all times.
• Recorded patient food and water intake and output levels on a daily basis.
• Cleaned and sterilized exam rooms between appointments.
• Maintained accurate medical records of all patients.
• Provided emotional support to pet owners during difficult times.
• Observed patients' conditions post-treatment or surgery to ensure healing process was progressing well.
• Prepared laboratory slides for microscopic examinations.
• Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts.
• Assisted doctors and technicians by soothing upset or frightened animals.
• Restrained and stabilized animals during examination and treatment to prevent injuries.
• Administered immunizations, blood plasma and other medications to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
• Helped veterinarian with neutering, tooth removal and casting broken bones.
• Scrubbed, counted and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
• Operated radiographic and ultrasound equipment.
• Cared for animals in post-operative recovery by closely monitoring vital signs and progress.
• Delivered attentive, courteous service to promote overall patron satisfaction.
• Assisted veterinarians in examining animals.
• Communicated with veterinarians and staff members to maintain patient flow.
• Trained new veterinary staff on office procedures and requirements.
• Released patients to owners with care directions from veterinary staff.
• Organized operating room ahead of procedures and assisted veterinarians during surgeries.
• Clipped animals' claws and polished teeth to maintain hygiene.