Lynette Gardner
Longmont,CO
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with a BSN-RN and extensive experience in Nursing seeking opportunities in Perioperative and similar roles, as well as leadership positions. Skilled healthcare provider able to remain composed in emergencies, conduct patient assessments, and offer comfort to all individuals. Proficient in patient care and clinical documentation, emphasizing teamwork and goal achievement. Known for reliability, adaptability, critical thinking abilities, and effective time management skills.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN-Charge Nurse
Boulder Centre for Orthopedics and Spine
Broomfield, CO
09.2024 - Current
- Built a high-performance team culture through effective leadership techniques such as coaching, mentoring, and empowerment.
- Boosted team productivity by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions that addressed complex business challenges.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration among team members by organizing regular meetings and brainstorming sessions.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Circulating OR Nurse
Dr. Peter Schmid
Longmont, CO
03.2024 - Current
- Anticipated potential needs in the operating room environment by maintaining an organized workspace and replenishing supplies as needed for efficient workflow.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices in perioperative nursing care.
- Preserved patient dignity and privacy throughout the surgical experience by advocating for their rights as part of a holistic approach to nursing care.
- Contributed to the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for circulating nurses within the organization.
- Continuity of care by admitting, circulating in the OR, recovering and then discharge of the patient. Only nurse at this practice at this time.
Staff RN
SCL Health- Good Samaritan Medical Center
Lafayette, CO
05.2021 - 09.2024
- Employed full time in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit as a staff RN
- Frequently assume the relief Charge Nurse position during the evening shift
- Duties include recovering patients from General anesthesia, IV sedation, Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia as required
- Other duties include giving narcotic pain medication, both IV and orally, in a safe and effective manner
- Assessing patients for postoperative complications as needed
- Utilized as a Preceptor to new hires to PACU
- Assisting in teaching patients for the Total Joint Class to educate pre-operative patients on expectations for upcoming Total Joint replacement surgeries
- Volunteered to be a representative for PACU for the Magnet recertification committee for Good Samaritan
- Attending continuing education classes as required
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication and coordination of care plans.
- Proficient in EPIC charting, Google DOCs and spreadsheet use
Associate Occupational Health Nurse
SCL Health-Platte Valley Medical Center
Brighton, CO
07.2018 - 05.2021
- Transferred to Good Samaritan Medical Center for a clinical position
- Employed full time as the only Associate Occupational Health Nurse for approximately 750 Associates
- Manage all of the Occupational health programs on site
- Duties include conducting pre-employment assessment, providing vaccinations, and doing drug screens as directed by SCL Health policy
- Directing Associates after a work-related injury and providing information for Workman's Compensation
- As the only Occupational Health nurse at the facility, changes and improvements to policies and the program are managed on a daily basis
- Work with the entire Occupational Health team throughout other affiliated sites across the front range and Montana
- Sit as a committee member for the safety team, fall risk team, sharps team, Environment of care team and work closely with Human Resources
- Manage the flu clinics from October through November, and then until March as directed by the CDC and as needed
- Manage the Respiratory Fit program in May, and work with National Jewish Hospital to provide education and training to Associates who are required to be Respiratory fit tested annually
- Enter Associate health charts in the computer and work continuously in Google Documents, spreadsheets and email and have experience with EPIC
- Have volunteered for multiple fundraisers and community development for Platte Valley Medical Center
Pre-op/PACU Lead/Manager
Children's North Surgery Center
Broomfield, CO
07.2011 - 07.2018
- Employment with Children's North Surgery Center began as a per diem RN in PACU/Pre-op caring for pediatric patients undergoing minor surgeries and procedures
- Duties include admitting, recovering and discharging pediatric patients for a variety of surgeries and procedures requiring anesthesia
- Position advanced to Full time employment 5/2012 with the same duties
- Position then advanced to Pre-op/PACU lead/manager with increased duties in June, 2013
- Duties include providing a monthly schedule for pre-op and PACU staff, taking on projects such as peer review, physician compliance of documentation, JACHO readiness, conflict resolution and patient satisfaction
- Further advancement in this position included education as an Infection Prevention RN and Employee Health RN for the facility
- Other duties include patient care, daily flow of PACU and pre-op, annual employee evaluations and other various duties as needed in the manager role
Staff Nurse
Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital
Lafayette, CO
09.2009 - 05.2012
- Full time staff nurse in PACU of a level 2 Trauma Hospital
- Duties included caring for critical post-operative patients of all ages, having both minor and major surgeries and procedures
- Duties include providing pain relief and comfort measures, monitoring airways, assessing for post-operative complications, moving patients to phase 2 setting, and discharging patients home and to other hospital units
- This position also included doing pre-op on weekends for emergent cases
- This required preparing patients of all ages for surgery, which included starting IV's, giving pre-op medications as ordered and applying equipment as ordered for pre-op patients
- Other duties included charge nurse during evening shifts as needed
Perioperative Services Manager
McKee Medical Center
Loveland, CO
07.2006 - 09.2009
- Full time position working primarily as a staff nurse in PACU and then promoted to Charge nurse in November 2006
- Duties included staffing for next day surgeries, monthly and weekly schedule, and overall flow of Phase I & II PACU
- Other duties included resolving conflicts, reporting to the Director, and assisting in patient care and problem solving
- Promoted to full time Perioperative Services Manager
- Duties included managing the Operating Room, Pre/PACU and Endoscopy departments
- Duties included overseeing schedules for staff, annual evaluations of employees, disciplinary actions, hiring of new employees and conflict resolutions
- Assisted in patient care as needed for all departments
Traveler RN
American Traveler
Redlands, CA
01.2006 - 07.2006
- Worked full time as a traveler in PACU for Redlands Community Hospital
- Duties included recovering post-surgical patients after surgery
- Providing comfort measures such as pain medications, repositioning and fluid replacement
- This was a 5 month contracted position
Operating Room Circulator
Yellowstone Surgery Center
Cheyenne, WY
01.2004 - 01.2006
- Full time Operating Room Circulator
- Duties included setting up rooms for surgical procedures
- Obtaining medications and equipment for procedure
- This position required knowledge in assisting Anesthesia during intubation for both adult and pediatric patients
- Other duties included positioning patients for procedures for safety
- Ordering all specialty equipment and medications for the operating room
- Duties also included cleaning rooms appropriately for cases, stocking and inventory for the surgery center
Travel Nurse
Various Travel Companies
10.2002 - 01.2004
- Worked full time as a travel nurse in PACU taking assignments that were available in different areas of the country
- This entailed traveling to a new hospital and learning the policy and procedures with a short orientation
- Duties included recovering post-surgical patients in a PACU setting
- Working with a variety of Anesthesia techniques and surgical procedures
Staff Nurse
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
Cheyenne, WY
04.1995 - 10.2002
- Hired full time for a staff nurse position in the Surgical and Ortho/Neuro units caring for patients after various surgical procedures
- Advanced to Charge nurse for the unit
- Moved to full time staff nurse in PACU after recommended by Surgeons
- Duties included recovering patients from various Anesthesia techniques and procedures
- Patients ranged from infants to elderly
- Working closely with surgeons and anesthesia to provide care for post-surgical patients
- I was also charge nurse in both PACU and in the Surgical and Ortho/Neuro units as needed throughout my employment
Staff Nurse
Life Care Center of Cheyenne
Cheyenne, WY
04.1992 - 04.1995
- Full time staff nurse of a 50-bed long-term unit
- Cared for elderly and handicapped patients
- Duties included monitoring staff and assisting patients with ADL's, providing prescribed medications and treatments
- Moved into full time Charge nurse with same duties, but included staff scheduling, staff assignments and other duties as needed
Education
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Colorado Technical University
Westminster, CO09.2018
Associates Degree - Nursing
Laramie County Community College
Cheyenne, WY05.1993
Skills
- Quality Care Management
- Advanced Patient Monitoring
- Knowledge of JCAHO Standards
- Compliant of CMS Standards
- Knowledge of AAAHC
- Medication Delivery Expertise
- Patient Education
- Patient Support
- Comprehensive Patient Evaluation
- Collaborative Leadership
- Operating Room Circulation
- Clinical judgment
- Discharge planning
- Quality improvement
- Team leadership
Certification
- Registered Nurse, WY, 06/1993
- Registered Nurse, CO, 09/2002
Additional Information
Known as a patient advocate and team player; believe in empowering patients by delivering health education and nursing care that enhances wellness and quality of life. Educated as an Infection Prevention nurse and Employee Health RN. Preceptor as needed in PACU.
Affiliations
- ASPAN
- Associate Occupational Health Professionals
Timeline
RN-Charge Nurse
Boulder Centre for Orthopedics and Spine
09.2024 - Current
Circulating OR Nurse
Dr. Peter Schmid
03.2024 - Current
Staff RN
SCL Health- Good Samaritan Medical Center
05.2021 - 09.2024
Associate Occupational Health Nurse
SCL Health-Platte Valley Medical Center
07.2018 - 05.2021
Pre-op/PACU Lead/Manager
Children's North Surgery Center
07.2011 - 07.2018
Staff Nurse
Exempla Good Samaritan Hospital
09.2009 - 05.2012
Perioperative Services Manager
McKee Medical Center
07.2006 - 09.2009
Traveler RN
American Traveler
01.2006 - 07.2006
Operating Room Circulator
Yellowstone Surgery Center
01.2004 - 01.2006
Travel Nurse
Various Travel Companies
10.2002 - 01.2004
Staff Nurse
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
04.1995 - 10.2002
Staff Nurse
Life Care Center of Cheyenne
04.1992 - 04.1995
Associates Degree - Nursing
Laramie County Community College
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Colorado Technical University