Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

SARA FALCO-PETKO

Westbrook,ME

Summary

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

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Quality Assurance Manager

VICE
Westbrook, ME
04.2019 - 07.2023
  • Enhanced product quality by implementing comprehensive QA processes and procedures.
  • Reduced defects in products by conducting thorough inspections and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Streamlined testing processes by introducing automated tools, increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
  • Improved customer satisfaction ratings through meticulous attention to detail and consistent quality control measures.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of product issues, leading to timely resolutions and continuous improvements.
  • Trained team members on quality assurance principles, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
  • Conducted regular audits to ensure adherence to established protocols, maintaining consistency across the organization.
  • Managed supplier relationships, enforcing strict standards for incoming materials and components to preserve product integrity and minimize rejections.
  • Played a crucial role in refining company manufacturing practices by providing expert guidance on regulatory compliance matters.
  • Established robust quality documentation systems that ensured traceability throughout the entire production lifecycle.

SLT Computer Science Representative

SLT at P.S. 84 Lillian Weber DL School
New York, NY
06.2017 - 03.2019
  • Development of student policy and procedure.
  • Grant writing for student funding.
  • Maintenance of email for school wide communication.
  • Increased parent satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints in a timely manner.
  • Managed inventory to provide staff with access to products in high demand.

Registered Nurse

Private Duty
New York, NY
01.2014 - 04.2017
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Established trust and rapport with clients and their families, promoting open communication and understanding of care goals.
  • Administered medications, treatments, and therapies for optimal health management of patients.
  • Provided skilled nursing care for patients with chronic illnesses, injuries, or disabilities in their homes.
  • Educated patients and families on disease processes, treatment options, and self-care techniques for better quality of life.
  • Monitored vital signs, assessed pain levels, and adjusted care plans as needed to optimize patient comfort and safety.
  • Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility support while maintaining dignity and independence.
  • Scheduled appointments and transported patients to medical facilities using personal transportation.

Registered Nurse

Grand Strand Medical Center
Myrtle Beach, SC
03.2011 - 07.2012
  • Oversaw delivery of care for adult and pediatric patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, CNAs, technicians, and unit clerks.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective discharge planning, patient education, and follow-up care coordination.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Effectively managed time and prioritized tasks to ensure timely administration of medications, treatments, and procedures.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with wound vacs, complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • 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.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Administered blood products and monitored vital signs to address immediate concerns.
  • Electronic documentation of treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.

Registered Nurse

Albany Medical Center Hospital
Albany, NY
11.2008 - 12.2009
  • Enhanced patient care by developing and implementing individualized nursing plans for medical-surgical patients.
  • Reduced risk of complications by closely monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatments as necessary.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, empathetic, and professional nursing care tailored to each patient''s needs.
  • Educated patients and their families on disease processes, treatment options, and self-care techniques for optimal recovery outcomes.
  • Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols during their transition into the medical-surgical unit.
  • Demonstrated strong critical thinking skills in assessing patients'' conditions quickly and accurately, initiating appropriate interventions when needed.
  • Utilized electronic health record systems efficiently for admissions, discharges, and maintaining accurate documentation of nursing assessments, interventions, evaluations, and patient education efforts.
  • Performed various nursing interventions such as IV placement, catheterization, airway maintenance, NG tube placement, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
  • Provided wound care management for a diverse range of surgical incisions, pressure ulcers, burns, or other wounds requiring skilled interventions.
  • Administered blood products safely following established transfusion protocols while closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions or complications.
  • Managed complex pain issues effectively using a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions tailored to each patient''s needs.
  • Managed caseload of 4-6 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
  • Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.

Medical Assistant

Prime Care Physicians (Internal Medicine)
Guilderland, NY
05.2004 - 06.2005
  • Enhanced patient care by efficiently performing routine tests and measurements.
  • Streamlined office procedures for faster processing of insurance claims and patient paperwork.
  • Assisted physicians with various medical procedures, ensuring accurate results and timely treatment.
  • Managed inventory of medical supplies and equipment to maintain optimal clinic operations.
  • Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
  • Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
  • Measured patient spirometry.
  • Improved patient experience by promptly greeting, preparing, and escorting individuals through their visits.
  • Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Completed thorough chart reviews to ensure proper documentation of all pertinent medical information.
  • Aided in the prevention of illnesses by administering vaccinations according to established protocols.
  • Supported diagnostic processes with proficient collection of specimen samples for laboratory testing purposes.
  • Prepared examination rooms with necessary tools and instruments prior to each appointment, enabling smooth transitions between patients.
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic environments.
  • Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
  • Completed EKGs and other tests based on patient presentation in office.

Medical Assistant

St. Peters Family Health Center
Albany, NY
03.2004 - 04.2004
  • Assisted healthcare professionals with conducting physical exams, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.
  • Contributed to a well-organized clinical environment through effective inventory management and equipment sterilization.
  • Prepared examination rooms for patient visits, ensuring cleanliness and availability of necessary supplies.
  • Boosted overall clinic productivity through assisting medical staff in organizing schedules, managing patient flow, and prioritizing tasks.
  • Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
  • Collected histories, vitals, and current complaints via patient interviews.
  • Completed EKGs and other tests based on patient presentation in office.
  • Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
  • Measured patient spirometry.
  • Created and prepared patient charts accurately for clinics and medical professionals.
  • Welcomed patients and inquired about wellbeing since last treatment.

Sales Associate

Bombay Co.
New York, NY
11.2002 - 02.2003
  • Inventory- ordering/maintaining, Sales- cashier, refunds, exchanges, Customer Service- focusing on accommodating customer needs.

Waitress

Mountain View Diner
Cobleskill, NY
02.2001 - 07.2001
  • Server

Environmental Aid

Guilderland Nursing Home
Guilderland Center, NY
07.2000 - 12.2000
  • Assisting elderly patients to and from dining hall, activity center etc., Assisting patients at feedings, Visiting with patients.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Excelsior College
Albany, NY
05.2025

Registered Nurse -

Maria College
Albany, NY

RMA -

Ultrasound Diagnostic School
Elmsford, NY

High School -

Middleburgh Central High School
Middleburgh, NY

Skills

  • BLS
  • EMR
  • EKG
  • Phlebotomy
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Work Planning and Prioritization
  • Attention to Detail

References

Available upon request

Timeline

Quality Assurance Manager

VICE
04.2019 - 07.2023

SLT Computer Science Representative

SLT at P.S. 84 Lillian Weber DL School
06.2017 - 03.2019

Registered Nurse

Private Duty
01.2014 - 04.2017

Registered Nurse

Grand Strand Medical Center
03.2011 - 07.2012

Registered Nurse

Albany Medical Center Hospital
11.2008 - 12.2009

Medical Assistant

Prime Care Physicians (Internal Medicine)
05.2004 - 06.2005

Medical Assistant

St. Peters Family Health Center
03.2004 - 04.2004

Sales Associate

Bombay Co.
11.2002 - 02.2003

Waitress

Mountain View Diner
02.2001 - 07.2001

Environmental Aid

Guilderland Nursing Home
07.2000 - 12.2000

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Excelsior College

Registered Nurse -

Maria College

RMA -

Ultrasound Diagnostic School

High School -

Middleburgh Central High School

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SARA FALCO-PETKO