Paula Hunsaker
Trabuco Canyon,CA
Summary
Registered Nurse with 28 years of experience in high-intensity Emergency Departments, specializing in triage and sedation techniques. Demonstrated ability to manage emergent situations and provide care for behavioral health patients, enhancing patient satisfaction through effective communication and collaboration. Proficient in post-anesthesia care, monitoring vital signs, and pain management in fast-paced environments. Recognized for high productivity and efficiency, with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to exceptional patient care.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre-op/PACU Nurse/Recovery Room Nurse
Pacific Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center
Mission Viejo, CA
01.2022 - Current
- Assessed patients post-anesthesia following endoscopic procedures to ensure safety and comfort.
- Provided compassionate, individualized nursing care during immediate post-anesthetic recovery.
- Promoted and maintained physiological stability through application of psychosocial knowledge and skills.
- Educated patients and families on clear, effective post-operative care instructions.
- Supported preparation and maintenance of recovery area equipment for optimal functionality.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health record systems.
- Administered medications and managed pain relief protocols effectively for enhanced recovery.
Certified Emergency Department Nurse
Hoag Presbyterian Hospital
Irvine, CA
01.2010 - 01.2022
- Performed diverse tasks; insertion, extraction, and management of intravenous lines, minimal and moderate sedation, obtaining blood specimens, urinary catheters, port catheters, and NG tubes.
- Preceptor - Training new grads and new hires to the Emergency Dept. on prioritizing tasks, organization and communicating skills.
- Member of compliance council, managing intra-department briefings and awareness campaigns with set objectives to support hospital’s HIPAA policies and procedures.
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Mission Hospital
Mission Viejo, CA
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Performed duties of the emergency department rapid response team, providing prompt and precise stabilizing care to patients with myriad of medical conditions.
Emergency Department Nurse
South Coast Medical Center
Laguna Beach, CA
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Member of the Emergency Department team striving for excellence in patient care.
- Core knowledge of multi-system diseases, providing emergent, critical and acute care and behavioral health care for adults and pediatric patients.
Certified Nurse Assistant / Registered Nurse
Saddleback Hospital
Laguna Hills, CA
01.1996 - 01.2004
- CNA – Teamed with a Registered Nurse to address patients’ needs: ambulating, feeding, cleaning and helping out with daily activities.
- Upon completion of Associates Degree in Nursing in 1997 was immediately hired as a new graduate nurse, gaining experience in medical surgical, telemetry, ICU and Emergency Dept.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
01.2015
Associates Degree - Nursing
Saddleback College
01.1997
Skills
- Patient assessment and education
- Post-operative care and recovery
- Medication administration and IV infusions
- Electronic health records management
- Pain management strategies
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Team collaboration and training
- Regulatory compliance and documentation
- Infection control practices
- Problem solving and critical thinking
- Attention to detail in patient care
- Effective communication skills
- Time management in clinical settings
- Employee training and development
- Anesthesia recovery monitoring
- Cardiac and vital signs monitoring
- Preoperative preparation and planning
- Airway management techniques
- Compassionate patient care approach
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Basic life support (BLS)
- Post-anesthesia care procedures
- Discharge planning processes
- IV insertion and fluid administration
- Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
Active listening in patient interactions
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), California
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS)
Affiliations
- mountain biking
- gardening
Timeline
Pre-op/PACU Nurse/Recovery Room Nurse
Pacific Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center
01.2022 - Current
Certified Emergency Department Nurse
Hoag Presbyterian Hospital
01.2010 - 01.2022
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Mission Hospital
01.2007 - 01.2010
Emergency Department Nurse
South Coast Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2007
Certified Nurse Assistant / Registered Nurse
Saddleback Hospital
01.1996 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Associates Degree - Nursing
Saddleback College
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