Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certifications and Training
Organization Involvement
Service
Honors and Awards
Timeline
Generic

Samantha Distefano

1512 N 58th St, Omaha,NE

Summary

Caring nurse with over 15 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Open and clear communicator with analytical problem-solving. Trained on multiple complex machinery and a proven leader with excellent multitasking skills. Dedicated to providing best in class patient care and management.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Staff Nurse, Operating Room

Nebraska Medicine
01.2020 - Current
  • Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
  • Prepared equipment and supplies necessary for each surgical procedure, ensuring availability when needed by surgeons.
  • Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
  • Reduced surgery wait times by streamlining the scheduling process and optimizing staff assignments as charge nurse.

Staff Nurse, CVICU

Nebraska Medicine
04.2013 - 01.2020
  • Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
  • Utilized advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams during daily rounds to develop individualized treatment plans based on specific patient needs and goals.
  • Provided post-operative care for critically ill patients recovering from cardiovascular surgery.
  • Mentored and precepted new staff members and students in critical patient care.
  • Experienced in caring for a diverse patient population including those with left and right ventricular assist devices, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), SLED dialysis patients, intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), and various other medical conditions.
  • Served as a relief team lead, promptly responding to code blue and rapid response pages.

Staff Nurse, 8 Telemetry

Nebraska Medicine
02.2009 - 04.2013
  • Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
  • Managed caseload of 3-5 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
  • Assisted with wound care, dressing changes and NG tube placement to maintain stable patient conditions.
  • Educated patients on self-care techniques such as wound management, medication administration, and lifestyle modifications to promote long-term wellness.
  • Delivered comprehensive healthcare to patients with various conditions such as strokes, cardiac issues, addiction, and chronic diagnoses including COPD and asthma.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Nebraska Medical Center
Scottsbluff
12.2008

High School Diploma -

Hershey Public Schools
Hershey
05.2004

Skills

  • Documentation and Charting
  • Fast learner
  • Highly dependable
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Organized
  • Strong Clinical Judgment

Certifications and Training

Registered Nurse (RN)

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - expired

CVICU ECMO specialist

Hemochron ACT

Intra-Aortic Ballon Counterpulsation Therapy

Impella

Organization Involvement

Epic Super User

UBC member (8 Telemetry and CVICU)

CPC member/co-chair/chair (Fritch OR)

Patient Experience Council member

Quality Council member

Pulse Check survey team

Preceptor

Relief lead/charge CVICU and Operating Room

Service

Medical Volunteer at Pinnacle Bank Golf Tournament - Nebraska Medicine

Skin Survey Volunteer - Nebraska Medicine

Heart Walk - Nebraska Medicine

Run to Overcome Volunteer - Project 4:7

Honors and Awards

Extraordinary Nurse - Fritch Surgery Center - Nebraska Medicine

Timeline

Staff Nurse, Operating Room

Nebraska Medicine
01.2020 - Current

Staff Nurse, CVICU

Nebraska Medicine
04.2013 - 01.2020

Staff Nurse, 8 Telemetry

Nebraska Medicine
02.2009 - 04.2013

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

University of Nebraska Medical Center

High School Diploma -

Hershey Public Schools

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Samantha Distefano