Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Sara  Nelson

Sara Nelson

Summary

Seasoned nursing professional offering proven clinical knowledge, natural interpersonal strengths and technical abilities. Knowledgeable about EMR charting, medication administration and interdisciplinary collaboration focused on optimizing patient care and support. Quality-focused and efficiency-driven leader.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operating Room Registered Nurse

Kaiser Permanente
07.2022 - Current
  • Skilled in assisting surgeons with procedures, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
  • Committed to advocating for patients' rights and safety
  • Strong communication skills, able to effectively collaborate with surgical team members, anesthesiologist, surgeons and other healthcare professionals.

Quality Improvement Coordinator and Educator

Kaiser Permanente
09.2013 - 07.2022
  • Take lead on preparing the department for accreditation surveys by reviewing and understanding regulatory requirements of the ASC and ensuring compliance.
  • Develop, implement, and update department policies to capture regulatory requirements and ensure staff compliance.
  • Provide or coordinate education and training for 100+ staff in two different venues.
  • Evaluated competency of clinical staff, documenting performance, and recommending improvements.
  • Maintained current clinical knowledge by participating in hands-on patient care.
  • Facilitated open communication channels between management teams and front-line employees to bridge gaps in understanding related to quality expectations.

Operating Room Nurse Educator

St Joseph Hospital
07.2010 - 09.2013
  • Evaluated clinical staff performance, identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous growth.
  • Utilized adult learning principles to adapt teaching methods according to individual learner needs, maximizing comprehension and retention of material presented.
  • Coordinated continuing education events, connecting nurses with relevant resources to advance their expertise within their respective fields.
  • Developed comprehensive competency assessments, effectively measuring nursing staff knowledge and skill levels.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistent patient care and education across various departments.
  • Contributed to hospital accreditation efforts by ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices in nursing education.
  • Boosted nurse competency with hands-on training sessions in latest healthcare technologies and practices.

Operating Room Registered Nurse

St. Joseph Hospital
01.2010 - 07.2010
  • Maintained a sterile environment within the operating room, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
  • Mentored new nurses entering the profession, guiding them through their initial experiences within the operating room setting.

Traveling Operating Room Registered Nurse

Cross Country Staffing
09.2005 - 12.2009


  • Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
  • Adapted quickly to changing situations in the operating room, utilizing problem-solving skills under pressure.
  • Assisted in complex surgeries with precise execution of tasks, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.
  • Provided high-quality care for diverse patient populations, addressing individual needs and concerns.

New Graduate Operating Room Registered Nurse

University of Colorado Hospital
06.2003 - 08.2005
  • Promoted a culture of teamwork within the surgical suite by fostering open communication and collaboration among colleagues.
  • Prepped operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards.
  • Served as a liaison between the surgical team and family members, providing timely updates on patient progress.
  • Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
  • Assisted in complex surgeries with precise execution of tasks, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
05-2003

Skills

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Patient Safety
  • Critical Thinking
  • Relationship Building
  • Patient Advocacy
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Infection Control
  • Medication Administration
  • Adapting to Change
  • Attention to Detail
  • Delegation and Motivation
  • Training staff

Certification

  • Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)

Timeline

Operating Room Registered Nurse

Kaiser Permanente
07.2022 - Current

Quality Improvement Coordinator and Educator

Kaiser Permanente
09.2013 - 07.2022

Operating Room Nurse Educator

St Joseph Hospital
07.2010 - 09.2013

Operating Room Registered Nurse

St. Joseph Hospital
01.2010 - 07.2010

Traveling Operating Room Registered Nurse

Cross Country Staffing
09.2005 - 12.2009

New Graduate Operating Room Registered Nurse

University of Colorado Hospital
06.2003 - 08.2005

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame
Sara Nelson