Samantha Merkow
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Healthcare professional equipped with solid background in vascular access and pediatric emergency nursing, bringing proven expertise in patient care and catheter management. Valued for strong collaboration and adaptability in dynamic healthcare environments. Known for clinical proficiency and reliable patient support.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vascular Access Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
11.2024 - Current
- Assisted physicians in identifying optimal venous access sites based on individual patient factors, promoting successful cannulation rates with minimal complications.
- Used ultrasound guided technology to place PIV and PICC lines in ages ranging from neonates to adults.
- Reduced complications through meticulous assessment of patients'' needs and appropriate catheter selection.
- Acted as a resource for colleagues seeking guidance on complex cases or procedural questions, fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by performing timely and accurate vascular access procedures.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care, contributing to a decrease in hospital readmissions.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
09.2023 - 11.2024
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
- Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
- Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
- Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
Vascular Access Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Promoted a culture of safety within the department by regularly reviewing policies and updating protocols as necessary.
- Used ultrasound guided technology to insert PIVs and PICC lines on a range of ages from neonates to adults.
- Assisted physicians in identifying optimal venous access sites based on individual patient factors, promoting successful cannulation rates with minimal complications.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by performing timely and accurate vascular access procedures.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient care, contributing to a decrease in hospital readmissions.
- Maintained high standards of infection control, adhering to strict aseptic technique during all procedures.
Acute Care Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Delivered proficient pain management to patients by assessing pain levels, administering appropriate medications, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions.
- Facilitated seamless transitions of care by effectively coordinating with case managers, social workers, and physicians.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams in the development and implementation of evidence-based protocols, contributing to improved patient outcomes across the unit.
- Optimized patient safety through diligent assessment, accurate medication administration, and thorough documentation.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by developing individualized care plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
- Achieved faster patient recovery times through active engagement in physical assessments, wound care management, and post-operative care planning.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple medical conditions such as diabetes, heart failure, respiratory issues, and renal failure.
- Boosted team efficiency by mentoring new nurses, sharing best practices, and participating in unit-based committees.
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
03.2017 - 12.2020
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
- Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
Acute Care Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
12.2014 - 03.2017
- Maintained regulatory compliance with nursing policies and procedures while delivering exceptional patient care in a fast-paced environment.
- Optimized patient safety through diligent assessment, accurate medication administration, and thorough documentation.
- Ensured timely interventions for critical patients, utilizing strong clinical judgment and knowledge of evidence-based practices.
- Demonstrated adaptability by floating to various units throughout the hospital as needed, providing high-quality acute nursing care in diverse clinical settings.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality acute care nursing services and closely monitoring vital signs.
- Streamlined discharge planning processes to ensure a smooth transition for patients returning home or transferring to long-term care facilities.
- Deescalated challenging situations involving agitated or confused patients using effective communication techniques and non-pharmacological interventions when appropriate.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12-2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
Maricopa Community Colleges, Gateway Community College
Phoenix, AZ07-2014
Skills
- Maintaining sterility
- Patient assessments
- Central line management
- Vein selection
- IV insertion
- Central line placement
- Emergency management
- PICC line management
- Infusion therapy
- Ultrasound-guided Access
- Pediatric care
Certification
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) - Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Timeline
Vascular Access Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
11.2024 - Current
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
09.2023 - 11.2024
Vascular Access Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
01.2023 - 06.2023
Acute Care Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
01.2021 - 12.2022
Emergency Room Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
03.2017 - 12.2020
Acute Care Registered Nurse
Phoenix Children's Hospital
12.2014 - 03.2017
- Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) - Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Maricopa Community Colleges, Gateway Community College
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