Rowena Castagnozzi
Poughkeepsie,NY
Summary
Dynamic Charge Nurse with extensive experience at Vassar Brothers Medical Center and other institutions, excelling in patient care coordination and quality improvement initiatives. Proven ability to lead teams effectively while administering medications and utilizing critical thinking to enhance patient outcomes. Committed to mentoring staff and fostering a collaborative environment for optimal care delivery.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CHARGE NURSE, OR
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Poughkeepsie, New York
03.2025 - Current
- Provided direct patient care, including administering medications and performing basic procedures.
- Carried out physician orders regarding tests or medication administration accurately and safely.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss patient care strategies and improve service delivery.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes.
- Conducted performance appraisals for team members, providing feedback and identifying areas of improvement.
- Developed strategies to increase team productivity and improve customer service levels.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Delegated tasks appropriately among staff members according to their qualifications.
- Conducted daily rounds to assess patient conditions, evaluate progress towards goals, and document changes in status or plan of care as needed.
- Coordinated communication between physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Built and maintained strong working relationships between nursing department and other disciplines.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
- Implemented safety protocols when administering medications or performing treatments.
- Met with administrator to discuss patient care status, issues, and information.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
Staff Nurse, Operating Room
Weschester Medical Center
Valhalla, New York
06.2003 - 11.2022
- Prepared surgical instruments and supplies for various procedures.
- Assisted surgeons during complex operations with precision and care.
- Monitored patients' vital signs throughout surgical procedures.
- Collaborated with the surgical team to ensure efficient workflow.
- Educated patients and families on postoperative care instructions.
- Maintained a sterile environment in the operating room at all times.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records.
- Trained new staff on operating room protocols and safety procedures.
- Administered pain management medications as ordered by physician or nurse practitioner.
- Monitored vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiration rate.
- Reported any unusual occurrences or changes in patient conditions immediately to supervising nurse or surgeon.
- Carried out orders given by anesthesiologists regarding medication dosages or other instructions.
- Provided family members with information about the patient's condition following surgery.
- Assisted with intubation procedures during surgery when needed.
- Provided direct care to post-operative patients in recovery room.
- Communicated effectively with all healthcare team members involved in providing patient care services.
- Assessed patient condition pre-operatively and post-operatively to ensure safety and well being.
- Assisted surgeons during various types of operations using sterile techniques.
Staff, OR RN
St. Francis Hospital
Poughkeepsie, New York
06.1997 - 08.1998
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Assisted in the preparation and sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Monitored patient vital signs during surgical procedures for any changes.
- Participated in emergency response drills to enhance team readiness and coordination.
- Trained new staff on operating room protocols and best practices for efficiency.
- Prepared operating rooms by setting out and verifying equipment and assessing for compliance with asepsis standards.
- Handled laboratory specimens and inspected containers for correct packaging and labeling.
- Observed body language, movement, and demeanor to anticipate surgeon's needs and maintain procedure sterility during operation.
- Performed nursing tasks to deliver high level of care and comply with procedures and regulations.
- Assisted with nursing duties in short-staffed areas.
- Implemented policies and procedures specific to the Operating Room environment.
- Performed scrub duties for various types of surgical cases, such as orthopedic, general, gynecological, urological and pediatric procedures.
- Communicated effectively with surgeons throughout entire duration of surgeries.
- Assisted surgeons with positioning patients on the operating table and provided sterile draping of operative sites.
- Advocated for patient needs and preferences throughout the surgical process to ensure patient-centered care.
Staff RN
Blyhtedale Children's Hospital
Valhalla, New York
02.1991 - 06.1997
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the medical team.
- Assisted in patient assessments and developed care plans with the healthcare team.
- Facilitated strategic goals aimed at increasing satisfaction and improving outcomes through compassionate, precise and high-quality nursing care.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques, diet, exercise regimens and preventative measures to promote health maintenance.
- Reviewed physician orders and participated in medication management to optimize patient safety.
- Explained treatment procedures, medication side effects, special diets, and physician instructions to patients.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth, and professional development.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to create, implement, and adapt individualized care plans.
- Served as a preceptor for newly hired staff nurses orienting them to departmental expectations.
- Provided emotional support and counseling to patients and their families.
- Coordinated care with charge nurse and other staff through daily communication.
STAFF, OR RN
CLRMMH
Bacolod City, Philippines
04.1987 - 01.1991
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses effectively.
- Provided direct patient care in various clinical settings.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop patient care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and responded promptly to patient needs in the operating room.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to ensure optimal patient care during procedures.
- Assisted in surgical preparation by sterilizing instruments and setting up equipment.
- Administered medications and managed anesthesia under the supervision of anesthesiologists.
- Managed surgical supplies inventory to maintain operational efficiency in the OR.
- Educated patients and families on preoperative and postoperative care instructions.
- Trained new nursing staff on protocols and best practices for operating room procedures.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety measures in surgery.
- Ensured all necessary equipment was available prior to beginning a procedure or operation.
- Managed inventory levels of operating room supplies ensuring adequate stock is maintained at all times.
- Performed sterile techniques including scrubbing, gowning, gloving, draping and positioning of patients for surgical procedures.
- Utilized strong critical thinking skills when making decisions related to patient care within the operating room setting.
- Identified potential problems, complications that may arise during a procedure, operation and took corrective action when needed.
- Collaborated effectively with multidisciplinary teams such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, promoting positive outcomes for each patient encounter.
- Instructed surgical technicians on proper set up of operating rooms prior to each procedure and operation.
- Observed body language, movement, and demeanor to anticipate surgeon's needs and maintain procedure sterility during operation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Riverside College
Philippines03-1987
High School Diploma -
NOGCHS
Philippines03-1983
Skills
- Medication administration
- Patient assessment
- Sterile technique
- Electronic health records
- Quality improvement
- Patient care coordination
- Team leadership
- Staff training
- Emergency response
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
- Mentoring and coaching
- Problem solving
- Documenting observations
- Performance evaluations
- Decision-making
- Calm and composed
- Nursing intervention adjustment
- Direct patient care
- Charting and documenting
- Clinical leadership
- Nursing expertise
Affiliations
Passionate in baking and cooking.
Certification
BLS, PALS, ACLS certified.
BSN
NY STATE license
Timeline
CHARGE NURSE, OR
Vassar Brothers Medical Center
03.2025 - Current
Staff Nurse, Operating Room
Weschester Medical Center
06.2003 - 11.2022
Staff, OR RN
St. Francis Hospital
06.1997 - 08.1998
Staff RN
Blyhtedale Children's Hospital
02.1991 - 06.1997
STAFF, OR RN
CLRMMH
04.1987 - 01.1991
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Riverside College
High School Diploma -
NOGCHS
Similar Profiles
Heather SutcliffeHeather Sutcliffe
Registered Nurse at Vassar Brothers Medical CenterRegistered Nurse at Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Dipesh MandalDipesh Mandal
Resident Physician in Internal Medicine, at Vassar Brothers Medical CenterResident Physician in Internal Medicine, at Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Aalok BishwasAalok Bishwas
Internal Medicine Resident at Nuvance health - Vassar Brothers Medical CenterInternal Medicine Resident at Nuvance health - Vassar Brothers Medical Center
Hunter GentHunter Gent
Construction Manager Internship at The Palombo GroupConstruction Manager Internship at The Palombo Group
Kristen MurynKristen Muryn
Online Personal Shopper at ShopRiteOnline Personal Shopper at ShopRite