Michelle Cahoo
Glenshaw,PA
Summary
Proactive Staff Registered Nurse specializing in NICU with extensive experience in neonatal and pediatric patient care. Demonstrated expertise in critical care, medication administration, and family-centered support. Skilled in collaboration, patient education, and emergency response, bringing dedication and thoroughness to improve patient outcomes and support team growth.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
AHN West Penn Hospital
03.2018 - Current
- Assessed, evaluated, and cared for neonate and pediatric patients.
- Conducted detailed assessments of neonatal patients to identify care needs and monitor progress.
- Maintained meticulous records of patient care, treatment plans, and progress notes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
- Reduced complications by closely monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assessing newborns' overall condition.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as baths, repositioning, feeding, weights, and diaper changes of all level of neonates.
- Insertion of NG tubes for feedings and medication administration.
- Administered feedings to patients via NG and PO feedings, working with premature infants learning how to coordinate suck, swallow, breathing techniques.
- Implemented medication and IV insertion and administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Optimized medication administration safety through careful double-checking of dosages and adherence to proper storage guidelines.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, central lines, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Monitored patients' conditions and promptly reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients acuity levels and individual needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by swiftly recognizing and responding to emergent situations and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex, medically fragile patients.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Promoted family-centered care by providing education, support, and resources to parents of NICU patients.
- Increased family satisfaction scores by delivering compassionate care and effective communication during critical periods.
- Enhanced emotional support to parents and families, providing guidance and information throughout their NICU journey.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill neonates while offering emotional support to grieving families.
- Skillfully managed challenging parent situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment by adhering to infection control policies, proper equipment handling, and waste disposal procedures.
- Ensured continuity of care during shift handovers by effectively communicating pertinent information regarding patients'' status and needs with incoming staff members.
- Enhanced staff competency by mentoring new nurses and conducting educational workshops on NICU best practices.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
Staff Nurse, Telemetry
UPMC Mercy
04.2013 - 03.2018
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Monitored patients on telemetry.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, and catheter insertion.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Demonstrated excellent time management skills while juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Mentored new nursing staff, supporting their professional growth and development.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and double-checking dosages.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Participated in regular staff meetings to share best practices, address challenges, and foster collaboration among team members.
- Provided exceptional pre-and post-operative care, reducing recovery times and complications for surgical patients.
- Managed complex wound care, utilizing advanced techniques to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
CCAC
Pittsburgh12-2012
Skills
- BLS and NRP
- Nursing Documentation/Electronic Charting
- Family-centered care
- Emotional Support
- Intravenous therapy
- Feeding support/Developmental Care
- Parental Education/Excellent Communication
- Oxygen therapy
- Teamwork, Collaboration, and Relationship Building
- Honest and Dependable
Timeline
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
AHN West Penn Hospital
03.2018 - Current
Staff Nurse, Telemetry
UPMC Mercy
04.2013 - 03.2018
Associate of Science - Nursing
CCAC
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