Ruby Runco
Fort Myers,FL
Summary
Dedicated Nursing Professional Development Specialist with 12 years of experience in critical care nursing, specializing in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Clinical leader providing education to staff to ensure safe patient care. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (Pharmacy, IT, Project Management, Nursing Staff, Providers, Leadership, Materials Management) to establish new processes and enhance patient care through technology. Strong ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences. Successfully driven improvements in patient care. Highly organized and self-motivated with meticulous attention to detail. Ready to utilize experience to continue to improve patient care.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
NICU Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lee Health, Golisano Childrens Hospital
01.2023 - Current
- Design, implement, and evaluate educational programs and training to enhance nursing staff skills, knowledge, and performance across various clinical specialties.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to identify learning needs and ensure alignment with organizational goals and best practice standards.
- Develop and deliver evidence-based educational resources, and continuing education opportunities for nursing staff.
- Conduct education needs assessment to support ongoing education and professional growth for nursing staff.
- Serve as a mentor and resource for nurses seeking career advancement, certification, or specialized skill acquisition.
- Facilitate orientation and onboarding programs for new nursing hires, ensuring smooth integration into clinical roles.
- Develop and deliver curriculum for new nurses in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- Track and analyze learning outcomes to determine program effectiveness, adjusting curriculum based on feedback and evolving healthcare trends.
- Support compliance with regulatory standards through the development of training that meets accrediting bodies’ criteria.
- Administered and facilitated the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) for healthcare professionals within the hospital system, ensuring adherence to national guidelines and protocols.
- Coordinated and scheduled NRP training sessions, ensuring efficient delivery of courses and tracking of participant progress and certification status.
- Reinstated and managed NICU simulation program, ensuring the development, planning, and execution of simulation materials to maintain staff competency and enhance clinical skills.
Registered Nurse, NICU
Lee Health, Golisano Childrens Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2023
- Nominated for the DAISY Award for exceptional patient care, demonstrating outstanding compassion, professionalism, and dedication in the NICU.
- Provide direct, compassionate care to neonates, including those as early as 22 weeks gestation, managing complex needs such as ventilation, medications, and specialized treatments.
- Continuously assessed and monitored vital signs, lab results, and blood gases, making swift, informed decisions based on changes in neonates’ conditions.
- Provide thorough physical, developmental, and emotional assessments of neonates, documenting changes and progress accurately.
- Offer education and emotional support to families, helping them understand neonatal care, including feeding techniques, safe sleep practices, and recognizing signs of distress.
- Respond to neonatal emergencies and assist in resuscitation efforts, applying advanced protocols to stabilize infants in critical conditions.
- Support invasive procedures such as intubations, chest tube placements, and central line insertions, ensuring comfort and providing necessary care during these interventions.
- Attended high-risk deliveries, utilizing Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) principles to ensure immediate and effective neonatal care, including resuscitation and stabilization of newborns in critical conditions.
- Served as Charge Nurse Leader in the NICU, overseeing daily operations, coordinating patient care, and providing leadership to nursing staff during high-risk deliveries and critical care situations.
- Precept new NICU nurses and students, supporting their growth and competency in neonatal care.
Registered Nurse, ICU
Lee Health, Gulf Coast Medical Center
03.2013 - 01.2016
- Provided critical care to patients with complex neurological and surgical conditions, including post-operative patients and those with traumatic brain injuries, and strokes.
- Monitored and assess neurological status using specialized tools and adjust care based on patient condition.
- Administered medications, IV fluids, and blood products as prescribed, ensuring accurate delivery and monitoring for adverse reactions or complications.
- Assisted in pre-operative and post-operative care, ensuring thorough assessments and careful monitoring for changes in neurological or surgical status.
- Collaborated with neurosurgeons, neurologists, intensivists, and other specialists to develop and implement individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Provided comfort and emotional support to patients and families, educating them about the patient's condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes.
- Led and participated in emergency interventions, including rapid response to neurological or surgical complications such as seizures, intracranial hypertension, or hemorrhage.
- Documented patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic medical record (EMR), ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Promoted infection control practices and maintain a sterile environment, especially for patients with invasive monitoring devices or post-surgical incisions.
- Engaged in continuous education and training to stay current on the latest advances in neurological and surgical critical care practices.
- Provided orientation and mentorship to new ICU nurses, ensuring a smooth transition into the unit by teaching critical care procedures, protocols, and patient management strategies.
Education
Masters - Nursing Education
Aspen University
10.2022
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Nova Southeastern University
12.2012
Pre Nursing -
Edison State College
05.2010
Skills
- Adult and Pediatric ICU Expertise
- Advocacy
- Clinical Expertise in ICU Care
- Communication
- Competency Assessment
- Continuing education
- Critical thinking
- Curriculum Development
- Developmental care
- Emergency and Crisis Management
- Evidence-Based Practice Implementation
- Family-centered care
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Mentorship and Leadership
- Neonate delivery
- NRP Instructor
- Performance Improvement
- Program management
- Simulation training
- Staff development
- Teamwork
- Technology Integration
Accomplishments
DAISY Award Nominee: Recognized for exceptional nursing care, demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and dedication to patients and their families in the NICU setting.
Certificateslicenses
- Registered Nurse Florida Nursing Licence, RN9355390
- NRP Instructor
- CPR/BLS Healthcare Provider
- C-Section Certified
- Clinical Nurse Leader
Timeline
NICU Nursing Professional Development Specialist
Lee Health, Golisano Childrens Hospital
01.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse, NICU
Lee Health, Golisano Childrens Hospital
01.2016 - 01.2023
Registered Nurse, ICU
Lee Health, Gulf Coast Medical Center
03.2013 - 01.2016
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Nova Southeastern University
Pre Nursing -
Edison State College
Masters - Nursing Education
Aspen University
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