MARY THERESA PERKINS
Athens
Summary
Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Operating Room and Cardiac care, demonstrating strong leadership as a Team Facilitator, effectively training new staff and implementing process improvements that enhance patient care and the efficiency of the Operating Room.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
TEAM LEAD - Circulating Registered Nurse - General Service Line Facilitator
St. John’s Hospital
Springfield
11.2018 - Current
- Delivering high-quality and compassionate care to Pediatric, ENT, General, Urology, Neuro, Gynecology, Trauma, and Eye Patients.
- Assumed Charge Nurse responsibilities during shifts when required.
- Trained new staff in relevant processes and procedures.
- Motivated staff using positive reinforcement to foster a supportive work environment.
- Identified and implemented process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
- Updated and maintained surgeons’ preference cards, ensuring item availability for scheduled and emergent procedures.
- Kept work areas clean, neat and free of safety hazards to maximize efficiency.
Registered OR Circulating Nurse
St. John’s Hospital
Springfield
10.2013 - 11.2018
- Delivering high-quality and compassionate care to Pediatric, ENT, General, Urology, Neuro, Gynecology, Trauma and Eye patients.
- Ensured sterile environments through strict adherence to infection control protocols, enhancing patient safety.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients by adhering to safety protocols.
- Monitored and verified proper operation of surgical equipment to support successful procedures.
- Ensured appropriate documentation of all aspects of intra-operative processes.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills when communicating with physicians, staff members, and patients.
- Prepared operating room for patient procedures and facilitated efficient clean-up, contributing to readiness for subsequent surgeries.
- Arranged supplies for each procedure to guarantee the availability of necessary equipment.
- Educated new nurses on best practices for circulating duties and responsibilities.
Cardiac Registered Nurse
St. John’s Hospital
Springfield
09.2011 - 10.2013
- Delivered high-quality and compassionate care to patients in Cardiac Step-Down Unit setting.
- Provided comprehensive care for both cardiovascular and medical-surgical populations.
- Administered medications and treatments to cardiac patients as per physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team promptly.
- Educated patients and families on heart health and post-operative care, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Documented patient assessments and interventions accurately in electronic health records.
- Trained new nursing staff on best practices in cardiac patient care, fostering a culture of quality care.
- Administered prescribed medications including thrombolytic, antiarrhythmic, vasopressors, anticoagulants, according to established protocols.
- Interpreted complex EKGs accurately assessing rhythm disturbances or conduction blocks.
- Delivered advanced life support interventions during code blue situations.
- Assessed patient's vital signs, monitored EKG changes, and reported any abnormalities to physician.
- Performed bedside procedures such as chest tube insertion and removal and central line placement.
- Utilized evidence based practice to improve the quality of care provided to patients with cardiovascular disease.
- Facilitated discharge planning process ensuring continuity of care post hospitalization.
- Assessed hospitalized patients for high-risk factors related to cardiac events.
- Implemented strategies to improve patient satisfaction scores related to nursing care delivery.
- Provided pre-operative, post-operative care for cardiac surgery patients including CABG, Valvular Repair, Replacement, Pacemaker Implantation, Defibrillator Implantation.
- Reviewed laboratory results including troponins and electrolytes and reported abnormal values to physicians.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Clinic Nurse
Southern Illinois University
Springfield
06.2011 - 02.2012
- Delivered compassionate care to geriatric patients in clinic, enhancing patient comfort and well-being.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Parkland College
Champaign, Illinois12-1992
Diploma - Secretarial
Robert Morris College
Chicago, Illinois05-1985
Skills
- Surgical procedures
- Patient assessment
- Attention to detail
- Dependability
- Effective communication
- Self-motivation
- Quick learner
Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Illinois Nursing License
Timeline
TEAM LEAD - Circulating Registered Nurse - General Service Line Facilitator
St. John’s Hospital
11.2018 - Current
Registered OR Circulating Nurse
St. John’s Hospital
10.2013 - 11.2018
Cardiac Registered Nurse
St. John’s Hospital
09.2011 - 10.2013
Clinic Nurse
Southern Illinois University
06.2011 - 02.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Parkland College
Diploma - Secretarial
Robert Morris College