Olivia Schoening

Coordination of Patient Care:

• Oversee daily management of patient care of up to twenty-two patients in medical-surgical unit.
• Ensure high-quality care and adherence to healthcare regulations and standards.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Mentor and support nursing staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations and contribute to the professional development of staff.
• Orientate nurses new to the medical-surgical unit.

Administrative Duties:

• Manage nursing assignments and staff scheduling to optimize patient coverage.
• Handle patient admissions, transfers, and discharges efficiently.

Clinical Practice:

• Maintain clinical expertise and provide direct patient care.
• Monitor patient conditions and coordinate with the healthcare team to adjust care plans.

Quality Improvement:

• Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
• Participate in the analysis of unit metrics to identify areas for improvement.

Interprofessional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient care.
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.

Resource Management:

• Oversee the allocation and proper use of unit resources and supplies.
• Ensure the unit is equipped with the necessary medical equipment and materials.

Patient and Family Advocacy:

• Advocate for patient needs and preferences within the healthcare team.
• Provide education and support to patients and their families regarding medical conditions and treatment plans.

Education:

• Align nursing students with patients appropriate for their level of education.
• Lead staff education on new equipment, policy, and procedure.

Emergency Response:

• Lead the unit’s response to medical emergencies and critical situations.
• Maintain readiness for rapid response and crisis management.

• Assess patient needs and develop individualized care plans in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Monitor ventilator settings and adjust as prescribed by the physician to ensure optimal respiratory support.
• Perform tracheostomy care and suctioning to maintain airway patency and prevent infections.
• Administer medications, including IV fluids, antibiotics, and analgesics, while monitoring for adverse reactions.
• Educate patients and families on ventilator management, respiratory health, and home care procedures.
• Respond to ventilator alarms and troubleshoot equipment issues to ensure continuous patient support.
• Document patient care thoroughly, including vital signs, ventilator settings, and any changes in patient condition.
• Collaborate with interprofessional teams to coordinate care and facilitate patient-centered outcomes.
• Maintain equipment by performing regular checks and ensuring the availability of emergency backup systems.
• Provide emotional support and advocacy for patients and their families during the home care experience.

• Demonstrate competency in meeting the required skills and knowledge of the registered nurse in the medical-surgical, emergency, and critical care departments.
• Quickly acclimate to different unit protocols and workflows.
• Adjust nursing care techniques to meet the specific needs of each unit.
• Stay current with a broad range of clinical skills to provide competent care across specialties.
• Efficiently manage time to ensure seamless transitions between departments.
• Communicate effectively with unit staff to understand ongoing patient care and departmental needs.
• Utilize strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks in varying clinical environments.

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans in consultation with healthcare professionals.
• Evaluate medical information, as well as provide direct and individualized bedside nursing care to pre- and post-surgery patients.
• Prepare, administer, and record prescribed medications.
• Change dressings, insert catheters, and start IVs.
• Adjust specialized medical equipment as needed, as well as interpreting and recording measurements.
• Monitor patients' vitals and labs and report changes and adverse reactions promptly.
• Collaborate on discharge planning with the healthcare team.
• Answer questions and educate patients and their families on surgical procedures and post-surgery care.
• Maintain and update patient files, medical charts, and health records.
• Adhere to best nursing practices, standards, and protocols.