PAULA L. BAKE
Ashwaubenon,WI
Summary
Medical Surgical and Emergency Department Nursing Manager directing clinical and fiscal operations across Medical/Surgical/IMCU and the Emergency Department in a 25-bed critical access hospital. Leads 40 FTEs, supports quality care delivery, and aligns staffing, patient care, and department priorities across acute and critical care settings. Brings a nursing career path that progressed from CNA to critical care and emergency leadership roles.
Overview
6
6
Certifications
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Surgical and Emergency Department Nursing Manager
St. Clare Memorial Hospital
Oconto Falls, Wisconsin
06.2024 - Current
- Lead clinical and fiscal operations for a 25-bed critical access hospital serving acute and critical care nursing services.
- Manage 40 FTEs across Medical/Surgical, IMCU, and Emergency Department teams with clear staffing oversight.
- Direct department operations to align patient care delivery with staffing, workflow, and resource priorities.
- Coordinate interdisciplinary care across medical-surgical, IMCU, and emergency settings to support smooth transitions.
- Advance performance improvement and quality assurance practices to strengthen clinical reliability and patient safety.
Team Lead Emergency Department
St. Clare Memorial Hospital
Oconto Falls, Wisconsin
- 06.2024
- Managed [number] weekly emergency department scheduling assignments to support safe coverage and shift balance.
- Supervised clinical care delivery in the emergency department, providing guidance to staff and supporting patient care priorities.
- Coordinated patient care activities across the emergency department, reinforcing a patient-family focused approach during daily operations.
- Supported department operations by aligning schedules, care priorities, and staff communication for consistent emergency coverage.
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Clinic and Cath Lab
Cardiology Associates of Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin
08.2005 - 02.2006
- Monitored cardiac patients before, during, and after procedures, noting changes and escalating concerns promptly.
- Prepared exam and procedure areas with appropriate equipment, medications, and sterile supplies.
- Educated patients and families on cardiac care instructions, follow-up steps, and post-procedure expectations.
- Coordinated with physicians and staff to support smooth patient flow across clinic and cath lab settings.
Critical Care Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Aurora BayCare Medical Center
Green Bay, Wisconsin
04.2005 - 09.2005
- Managed complex care plans for intensive care patients while monitoring vital signs and treatment responses.
- Collaborated with physicians and care teams to coordinate timely interventions and adjust priorities as conditions changed.
- Provided bedside support to patients and families, explaining procedures and answering questions with compassion.
- Assessed patient status regularly and escalated concerns promptly to support safe intensive care delivery.
Critical Care Nurse, Cardiac Care Unit
St. Vincent Hospital
Green Bay, Wisconsin
06.2000 - 03.2005
- Provided critical care nursing support for cardiac patients in a high-acuity unit, using strong clinical judgment and leadership.
- Coordinated care with physicians and care teams to align treatment plans with changing patient needs.
- Delivered patient and family education on cardiac conditions, medications, and recovery expectations.
- Supported unit routines by prioritizing patient needs, monitoring status changes, and communicating updates to the team.
Certified Nursing Assistant
PRN Healthcare
Oconto Falls, WI
06.1997 - 05.2000
- Observed changes in patient condition and reported concerns promptly to nursing staff.
- Assisted with transfers, repositioning, and ambulation to support comfort and prevent strain.
- Documented patient care activities accurately in daily records and shift notes.
- Provided meal assistance and monitored intake to support patient nutrition and comfort.
Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Department
St. Clare Memorial Hospital
Oconto Falls, Wisconsin
02.2006
- Provided bedside care for emergency patients with changing needs, adapting priorities during high-acuity situations.
- Collaborated with physicians and support staff to coordinate care plans and urgent interventions.
- Documented patient assessments, treatments, and response changes in a clear and timely manner.
- Supported patient and family communication during stressful encounters with calm, respectful explanations.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership and Management
HSHS St. John's College of Nursing
Springfield05-2028
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin05-2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI06-2000
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Green Bay, WI06-1997
Skills
- Clinical judgment and leadership
- Expertise in critical care settings
- Healthcare advocacy
- Department operations
- Interdisciplinary coordination
- Swingbed facilitation
- Performance improvement
- Quality assurance
- Clinical documentation
Affiliations
- Emergency Nurses Association-Regional Director for Wisconsin Emergency Nurses Association
- Wisconsin Organization of Nurse Leaders (WONL)-member
- American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL)-member
- Girl Scouts of the USA-lifetime member
- Regional Trauma Advisory Council (RTAC)-member
Certification
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification
Accomplishments
HSHS Wisconsin Nurse of the Year 2017
Rural Health Ambassador Award 2025
Timeline
Medical Surgical and Emergency Department Nursing Manager
St. Clare Memorial Hospital
06.2024 - Current
Critical Care Nurse, Emergency Department
St. Clare Memorial Hospital
02.2006
Registered Nurse, Cardiac Clinic and Cath Lab
Cardiology Associates of Green Bay
08.2005 - 02.2006
Critical Care Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Aurora BayCare Medical Center
04.2005 - 09.2005
Critical Care Nurse, Cardiac Care Unit
St. Vincent Hospital
06.2000 - 03.2005
Certified Nursing Assistant
PRN Healthcare
06.1997 - 05.2000
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Green Bay
Master of Science - Nursing Leadership and Management
HSHS St. John's College of Nursing
Team Lead Emergency Department
St. Clare Memorial Hospital
- 06.2024