Paula Whittamore

I came to VUMC with ACLS and BLS; instructor in both through AHA. In the last year I have acquired TNCC, NRP, PALS and RN to EMT certification. I am currently enrolled to take my CEN in the coming weeks.

• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response in a 31 bed ICU
• Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
• Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
• Applied nursing expertise to meet needs of Trauma patients in a challenging high-speed environment.
• Participated in Quality board and serve as co chair for our unit board committee to discuss policies, propose revisions and implement changes.
• Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.

• Educated patients on treatment plans, medications and aftercare procedures.
• Completed thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in EPIC. for a 1:4 assignment
• Administered scheduled medications and therapies intravenously, rectally, orally, subcutaneously and via intramuscular injections while overseeing pain management plans.
• Managed and provided leadership to help staff with direct and indirect patient care and telemetry monitoring; Select in Nashville is a 70 bed hospital.

• Evaluated and adjusted life support equipment, tubing and peripheral devices providing critical assistance to fragile patients.
• Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
• Addressed unit staff concerns, including staffing ratios, resource management, allocation of responsibilities and optimized workload management.

I started with Supplemental as an agency STNA. Once I finished nursing school I stayed on as an RN. I have had the privilege of traveling to many different facilities on many levels, supplementing ICU and Emergency departments.

• Evaluated and adjusted life support equipment, tubing and peripheral devices providing critical assistance to fragile patients.
• Monitored post-op vitals, set up PCA, fluids, reviewed post-op orders and assimilated patients to unit.
• Counseled caregivers and families on end-of-life planning and educated on patient care options.
• Treated patients with broad range of diagnoses ranging from sepsis, renal failure, diabetic ketoacidosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

• Evaluated and adjusted life support equipment, tubing and peripheral devices providing critical assistance to fragile patients.
• Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
• Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
• Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
• Treated patients using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities to address various disorders, diseases and injuries.
• Responded rapidly to critical codes to coordinate stabilization treatments and restore vital functions.
• Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
• Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.

• Worked with intubated and ventilated patients, mostly newborn, monitoring and reporting on conditions to maintain stats within optimal levels.
• Responded rapidly to critical codes to coordinate stabilization treatments and restore vital functions.
• Operated critical care equipment to keep patients stable and promote recovery.
• Managed needs of chronically ill and acute patients with well-coordinated treatment strategies.

• Ensured aircraft and passenger compliance with policies, procedures, regulations and safety guidance.
• Resolved passenger situations during flight involving disorderly passengers and medical emergencies.
• Answered passengers' questions and provided solutions to issues arising during flights.
• Ensure safety and comfort of customers onboard aircraft.
• Greeted passengers, assisted with carry-on baggage stowage, and delivered onboard announcements.
• Served beverages and food items from refreshment cart and provided information about in-flight offerings to passengers.
• Demonstrated proper use of safety equipment and seatbelts to inform and educate passengers prior to takeoff.
• Attended workshops and trainings in customer service, conflict resolution tactics and safety procedures to keep abreast of all new requirements and procedures.

I worked as an NA in the ED and on a 42 bed surgical step down unit.

• We were contracted with Cincinnati Childrens hospital until the development of their own program.
• Conducted equipment and vehicle checks to maintain continuous and safe operation.
• Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
• Used transport incubator to administer treatments in preterm situations with accuracy, safety and speed.
• Administered emergency medication to preterm to adolescent population and quickly responding to changes in conditions and medication reactions.
• Restocked ambulance with proper equipment such as vents, ET tubes, medication and IV pump tubing to maintain optimum inventory.

• Responded to emergency medical calls to perform lifesaving procedures and other emergency medical services.
• Oversaw equipment and vehicle upkeep to maintain emergency readiness.
• Initiated first aid measures to alleviate further injury and prepared victims for transport to medical facilities.
• Evaluated situation at emergency sites to determine and execute most effective methods for saving life and property.
• Educated public and community members on fire safety and prevention methods to provide life-saving techniques.
• Stabilized and lifted patients with backboard and cot.
• Responded to confined space incidents, EMS and hazardous material incidents.
• Removed individuals from dangerous situations and offered emergency assistance for minor and critical concerns.
• Drove and operated structural pumpers and the ambulance
• Administered first aid and conducted emergent response management.
• Provided station tours, pre-incident surveys and installed smoke detectors to provide fire education to public.
• Inspected alarms, hydrants, sprinkler systems and standpipe systems for operational use to minimize incidents.