Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Paula Smith

Bella Vista,AR

Summary

Versatile Registered Nurse with over 29 years of experience delivering high-quality care to patients in ER, PACU and Ambulatory Care units. Proven leader skillful in uniting and guiding nursing teams toward achieving patient care goals and improving satisfaction. Focused on continuously driving innovation and improving patient outcomes.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse, PACU

Fusion Medical Staffing, Travel Position
Graham, WA
11.2023 - Current
  • Assessed patients' post-operative physical condition, including vital signs and oxygen saturation levels.
  • Provided patient education regarding recovery process and pain management techniques.
  • Performed wound care, dressing changes and administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
  • Monitored intravenous infusion pumps, ensuring proper dosage of medication.
  • Ensured that all documentation was accurate and up-to-date in the electronic health record system.
  • Maintained a safe environment for patients by adhering to established policies and procedures.
  • Instructed family members on post-operative care techniques at home.
  • Communicated effectively with other healthcare staff to coordinate patient care plans.
  • Assisted in the transfer of critically ill patients from operating room to PACU and ICU units.
  • Administered medications as ordered by physicians via various routes.
  • Conducted pre-op assessment of patients prior to surgery or procedure.
  • Initiated IV access when needed for blood draws or administration of fluids and medications.
  • Provided emotional support to families during stressful times.
  • Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness.

Registered Nurse Pacu/Ambulatory Care Nurse

Washington Regional Medical Center
Fayetteville, AR
10.2013 - 10.2023
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
  • Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
  • Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
  • Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.

  • Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
  • Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

Physician's Specialty Hospital
Fayetteville, AR, AR
04.2009 - 10.2013
  • Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
  • Provided patient care according to established standards and protocols.
  • Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
  • Educated patients and families about health maintenance and disease prevention.
  • Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
  • Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
  • Supported physicians during trauma resuscitations in the Emergency Department.
  • Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to patient's care.
  • Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
  • Facilitated discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care after leaving the facility.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

Washington Regional Medical Center
Fayetteville, AR
07.2008 - 04.2009
  • Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
  • Provided patient care according to established standards and protocols.
  • Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
  • Educated patients and families about health maintenance and disease prevention.
  • Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
  • Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
  • Supported physicians during trauma resuscitations in the Emergency Department.
  • Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to patient's care.
  • Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
  • Facilitated discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care after leaving the facility.

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

St Mary's Hospital/ Mercy Health Hospital
Bentonville, AR
12.1994 - 07.2008
  • Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
  • Provided patient care according to established standards and protocols.
  • Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
  • Educated patients and families about health maintenance and disease prevention.
  • Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
  • Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
  • Supported physicians during trauma resuscitations in the Emergency Department.
  • Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to patient's care.
  • Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
  • Facilitated discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care after leaving the facility.

Education

Associate of Science - Nursing

NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, AR
05-1997

Skills

  • Vital Signs Monitoring
  • Airway Management
  • IV Insertion
  • Discharge Planning
  • Pain Management
  • Patient Education
  • Medication Administration
  • Records Maintenance
  • Compassionate Care
  • Cardiac Monitoring
  • IV Fluid Administration
  • Vital Signs Recording
  • Vitals Assessments
  • Basic Li
  • Vitals Monitoring
  • Needs Assessment
  • Documentation
  • Attention to Detail

Timeline

Registered Nurse, PACU

Fusion Medical Staffing, Travel Position
11.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse Pacu/Ambulatory Care Nurse

Washington Regional Medical Center
10.2013 - 10.2023

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

Physician's Specialty Hospital
04.2009 - 10.2013

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

Washington Regional Medical Center
07.2008 - 04.2009

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department

St Mary's Hospital/ Mercy Health Hospital
12.1994 - 07.2008

Associate of Science - Nursing

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Paula Smith