Paula Starner
Millersburg,OH
Summary
Accomplished perioperative nurse with a proven track record at Wooster Ambulatory Surgery Center, enhancing surgical outcomes through sterile technique proficiency and exceptional teamwork. Demonstrated adaptability and interpersonal relations skills, contributing to high accreditation survey ratings and improved patient safety. Continuously pursued professional development, ensuring the highest level of care.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Operating Room Circulator/PACU Nurse/Endoscopy Nurse
Wooster Ambulatory Surgery Center
12.2011 - 03.2023
- Streamlined preoperative processes through thorough preparation of necessary supplies and instruments for each procedure.
- Optimized surgical outcomes through diligent attention to detail during each phase of the perioperative process – preoperative assessment, intraoperative management, and postoperative care coordination.
- Supported anesthesia providers with patient induction, monitoring anesthesia levels, and ensuring appropriate recovery postsurgery.
- Enhanced patient safety by effectively managing the surgical environment and adhering to strict protocols.
- Empowered patients through education on surgical procedures ensuring informed consent was obtained before surgery.
- Coordinated with vendors for specialized equipment needed for specific surgeries reducing delays in surgery start times.
- Upheld strict compliance with regulatory standards and hospital policies, contributing to consistently high ratings on accreditation surveys.
- Contributed to efficient operating room turnover by quickly cleaning and preparing rooms for subsequent surgeries.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of perioperative nursing.
- Demonstrated adaptability by proficiently handling various types of surgeries across diverse specialties such as orthopedic, general, ENT, pain management or neurosurgery cases.
- Facilitated clear communication among surgical team members, promoting a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Acted as a patient advocate during the surgical process, ensuring that every step of the care plan was followed for the best possible outcome.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for seamless surgical procedures, fostering positive working relationships.
- Maintained accurate counts of sponges, needles, and instruments throughout surgery to prevent any retained items postoperatively.
- Assisted surgeons with equipment setup, positioning patients properly on the operating table, and draping them in a sterile manner.
- Reduced risk of infection by maintaining a sterile operating room and assisting in proper surgical instrument handling.
- Increased efficiency in the operating room by anticipating surgeon needs during procedures and providing timely assistance.
- Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
- Assisted physicians in operating room by providing necessary supplies and equipment.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Sanitized, selected and organizing instruments, equipment and supplies according to surgeon preferences.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Collaborated with members of patients' healthcare team to deliver appropriate level of care.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to deliver comfort.
- Monitored patients during recovery and provided post-operative care.
- Monitored patients' vital signs and administered medications per physician orders or good practices.
- Provided instruction to patients and family members before and after surgical procedures.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Surgical LPN/First Assistant
Joel Pomerene Memorial Hospital
06.1997 - 12.2011
- Implemented infection control measures, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge base and skillset as an LPN.
- Demonstrated adaptability in working with diverse patient populations across various healthcare settings.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times, fostering positive relationships built on trust and compassion.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or procedures as needed, playing a vital role in the overall patient experience.
- Increased nursing team cohesiveness through active participation in staff meetings and open communication with colleagues.
- Supported the delivery of evidence-based interventions by staying current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
- Protected patients and healthcare team members from infection by sterilizing equipment and reusable supplies.
- Assisted in various surgeries, contributing to successful patient outcomes and reduced complications.
- Increased accuracy of surgical procedures by utilizing advanced knowledge of human anatomy.
- Helped to maintain a positive work environment by fostering strong professional relationships with colleagues and displaying a commitment to patient care.
- Promoted a collaborative team environment within the surgical staff, resulting in improved communication and increased job satisfaction.
- Streamlined operating room efficiency by preparing instruments, equipment, and supplies prior to each surgery.
- Provided critical support to surgeons during emergency situations, enabling timely interventions and life-saving measures.
- Demonstrated expertise in a variety of surgical specialties, allowing for adaptability and versatility within the operating room.
- Enhanced patient care by providing expert surgical assistance during complex procedures.
- Reduced recovery time for patients with efficient wound closure techniques and post-operative care.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay updated on the latest advancements in surgical techniques.
- Improved surgical outcomes by maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring proper instrument handling.
- Served as a liaison between the operating room team and patients'' families, providing updates on surgical progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
Restorative Nurse Manager
Castle Nursing Home
02.1984 - 06.1997
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing customized care plans for each individual.
- Streamlined nursing processes, resulting in increased efficiency and better patient care.
- Monitored clinical documentation for accuracy, providing guidance on proper documentation.
- Coordinated discharge planning with case managers to ensure smooth transitions back into the community setting after rehabilitation periods.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
Education
No Degree - Surgical Assisting
Front Range Community College
Westminster, CO1999
No Degree - LPN
Knox County Career Center
Mount Vernon, OH09.1993
Skills
- Adaptable Decision-Making
- Sterile Technique Proficiency
- Surgical equipment knowledge
- Medical terminology understanding
- Patient positioning expertise
- Documentation accuracy
- Interpersonal Relations
- Motivational support
- Continuing education
- Instrument Sterilization
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Basic Life Support
- Critical Thinking
- HIPAA Compliance
- Patient Communication
- Relationship Building
- Infection Control
- Instrument passing
- Process Improvement
- Post-Surgical Suturing
- Certified in CPR/AED
Timeline
Operating Room Circulator/PACU Nurse/Endoscopy Nurse
Wooster Ambulatory Surgery Center
12.2011 - 03.2023
Surgical LPN/First Assistant
Joel Pomerene Memorial Hospital
06.1997 - 12.2011
Restorative Nurse Manager
Castle Nursing Home
02.1984 - 06.1997
No Degree - Surgical Assisting
Front Range Community College
No Degree - LPN
Knox County Career Center
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