Piper Claunch

Currently providing support to the OR staff for daily management of cases in all aspects of reprocessing and sterilizing instruments.

• Update and maintain current and future schedules for the OR as well as communicating any and all changes that arise.
• Supporting all OR and SPD staff including surgical representatives, surgeons, and management personnel.
• Facilitate needs from surgical representatives or vendors for scheduled instruments needed for specific cases and inform them of any discrepancies.
• Track and document every step of the sterilization process to keep accurate records of all instruments, including those on consignment and those being loaned to the hospital.
• Verify quality assurance of all machines involved in the sterilization process once daily to ensure proper sterilization is occurring.
• Notify shift lead technician of all discrepancies or issues that arise during shift, and if needed, involve upper management to get issues resolved.

Created and supported a group of dialysis professionals for the hospital's new dialysis program.

• Train nurses on all aspects of machine set up, troubleshooting, initiating and ending treatment including cannulation and PICC line accessing, as well as interventions during treatment if needed.
• Maintaining an accurate patient schedule which involves contacting nephrologists and other members of patient care teams with concerns or updates on patients.
• Accurately documenting patient vital signs, any adverse events or reactions to treatment, as well as any interventions taken to maintain the safety and well being of the patient on treatment.
• Perform routine scheduled maintenance on dialysis machines and equipment to raise the integrity of the machine as well as prevent any possible infections or cross contamination.
• Work with management to coordinate my training schedule with new staff on all aspects of the machine as well as patient care and documentation.

During my time here, I was able to gain experience and knowledge in outpatient and acute dialysis, as well as the ability to take two different roles on different float teams, where I traveled throughout the state.

• Maintaining an accurate time schedule for putting my patients on and off treatment
• Performing and assisting with machine troubleshooting and needle troubleshooting for myself and co workers.
• Followed all company policy and procedures in every aspect of my role including infection control, cannulation, de-accessing, catheter access and infection prevention, as well as patient education within my scope of practice.
• Keeping accurate and detailed records of all patient treatments I was in charge of for the day.
• Collaborate as a team when issues arise, get resources to patients when needed, such as dietitians, social workers, and clinic management.
• Keep up to date on all required certifications and licenses needed to perform my job.

First job in healthcare working directly with patients, learned many different practical skills that are needed when taking care of different patient populations.

• Maintain appropriate patient interaction and relationships with patients, visitors, and family members.
• Accurately record assigned patient's condition. Such as vital signs, feedings, restroom frequencies, and skin assessments.
• Collaborate and involve other members of my patient's care team as needed, such as social workers, nurses, and primary care physicians.
• Ability to work independently, using critical thinking skills while utilizing my practical skills and common sense to reach the best solution for my patients.
• Follow all hospital policies and procedures to protect patients, staff and visitors.
• Maintain all needed licenses and certifications necessary to perform job duties.
• Responsible for patient advocacy and informing my patient's of their rights, keeping the patient's best interest in mind while also acknowledging the responsibility of being a mandated reporter.