Ruth Dewitt

In June 2021, I entered the role of Assistant Nurse Manager with the agreement to obtain my BSN, in which I completed in December of 2024. As an Assistant Nurse Manager of a 24-bed Medical ICU, I am actively involved in managing staffing and scheduling to ensure appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and a balanced skill mix for each shift. I work closely with day and night staff to adjust staffing based on patient acuity and unit needs. I also help develop staff that apply to our units thru the Intern and fellowship programs, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and experience to succeed in the ICU environment.

A key part of my role includes evaluating staff performance, providing feedback and support their professional growth. I round on staff and patients to address any concerns, and provide clinical support. I assist in development of staff meetings, establish Huddle Points to keep communication consistent and focused on patient care and safety. I am committed to promoting a positive work environment by fostering open communication, encouraging teamwork. Currently, I serve as the chair of the Organ Donation Committee, where we help to in crease organ referrals and donations through improved processes and staff education.

• My primary responsibilities revolve around serving as a charge nurse, overseeing patient care placement and coordination within the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• I take pride in mentoring and educating new staff members and students, ensuring they are proficient in the nuances of ICU procedures and patient care
• With a focus on trauma and neurosurgery patients and a diverse range of medical and surgical cases, I thrive as a flexible team player, filling in as a Rapid Response RN
• Whether swiftly responding to critical situations or assisting fellow nurses across the medical center, I am dedicated to delivering top-notch care
• Recently, I've also taken on the role of a Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) nurse, further expanding my expertise in critical care treatment modalities

• As an Intensive Care Nurse, I specialize in providing exceptional care to critically ill patients within a visually dynamic ICU setting
• My role encompasses direct patient care, utilizing advanced monitoring and treatment modalities to ensure optimal outcomes
• Additionally, I have contributed significantly to enhancing nursing practice through my involvement in developing a Nursing Career Ladder program
• This initiative aimed to recognize and foster professional growth among nursing staff, establishing clear pathways for career advancement and skill development

• Managed a 24-bed ICU with an additional six overflow beds
• Spearheaded the management of a bustling Medical/Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• Orchestrated the unit's daily operations, focusing on quality improvement, leadership, communication, and staffing optimization
• My leadership prowess ensured the seamless execution of everyday activities, fostering an environment of excellence and efficiency
• Spearheaded initiatives to enhance the quality of care provided to our diverse patient population, including kidney transplant recipients, organ donation candidates, and patients requiring specialized care in the Neuroscience ICU
• Additionally, I oversaw the management of patients undergoing complex cardiac procedures, such as open-heart surgeries and various cardiac modalities, including Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) therapy

• RN in a 24-bed CVICU/ICU, open heart nurse/trauma nurse, and has experience with balloon pump, open heart, and neurosurgery specializing in EVD management
• Medical ICU patients also specialize in medical patients requiring CRRT

• During my tenure at Research Medical Center from 1995 to 1996, I began my journey in the Critical Care Pod Float Pool
• I provided specialized care across a network of 13 hospitals within the system
• This dynamic role honed my adaptability and expertise in critical care settings as I navigated diverse patient populations and clinical environments
• Following this versatile experience, I transitioned to a permanent role as a bedside nurse in the Intensive Care Unit
• Here, I focused on delivering high-quality, compassionate care to critically ill patients while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize outcomes and patient experiences

• Team player working under the direction of an RN