Sandra VanDerpluym
Elgin,IL
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with a proven track record at ascension Resurrection medical center showcasing expertise in medication and IV administration alongside exceptional patient education and counseling. Excelled in clinical judgment and patient advocacy, significantly enhancing patient care outcomes. Known for leadership in nursing staff mentorship and implementing evidence-based interventions, contributing to improved healthcare delivery.
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Ascension Resurrection Medical Center
12.2019 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Registered Nurse
Community First Medical Center
12.1985 - 12.2019
- Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
- Managed caseload of [Number] patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Assessed patient conditions accurately by conducting comprehensive physical assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests, and utilizing critical thinking skills.
- 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.
- Administered blood products and monitored vital signs to address immediate concerns.
- Educated patients and families on disease diagnosis, prognosis and post-operative care.
- Effectively managed time and prioritized tasks to ensure timely administration of medications, treatments, and procedures.
- Provided emotional support for patients facing serious diagnoses or end-of-life decisions, fostering trusting relationships with both patients and their families.
- Participated in staff meetings, educational opportunities, and quality improvement initiatives to stay current on best practices within the field of medical-surgical nursing.
- Monitored patients before, during and after surgical operations to evaluate patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes through effective communication and care coordination.
- Contributed to a positive work culture by serving as a mentor for new nurses and participating in shared governance initiatives within the organization.
- Administered IV medications, monitoring and documenting patient responses to address complications.
- Facilitated efficient discharge planning with case managers, social workers, therapists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in the treatment plan.
- Demonstrated adaptability during critical situations by remaining calm under pressure while providing high-quality care for patients experiencing acute or life-threatening conditions.
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to facilitate comprehensive patient-centered care.
- Decreased medication errors by diligently following the five rights of medication administration and double-checking orders with pharmacy staff when necessary.
- Provided patient-centered discharge planning and education to reduce complications and readmissions.
- Managed patient pain relief and sedation by providing non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Triton College
River Grove, IL06-1985
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Patient education and counseling
- Clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Intravenous therapy
- Physical assessments
- Patient care planning
- Telemetry monitoring
- Nursing staff leadership
- Precepting
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Intake and discharge
- EMR / EHR
- Acute care expertise
- Shared governance
Certification
ACLS
BLS
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Ascension Resurrection Medical Center
12.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
Community First Medical Center
12.1985 - 12.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Triton College
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