Sara Ramirez
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
Mascoutah,IL
1
Certification
12
years of professional experience
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.
Work History
PACU Nurse
11 Months- Monitored post-anesthesia patients for airway stability, vital sign changes, and recovery readiness.
- Administered pain medications and collaborated with anesthesia providers on symptom control plans.
- Assessed sedation level, neurologic status, and surgical site condition during immediate recovery.
- Educated patients and families on discharge instructions, follow-up care, and warning signs.
- Coordinated handoff communication with surgical, anesthesia, and inpatient teams for continuity of care.
- Responded quickly to airway compromise, hemodynamic instability, and post-operative complications.
- Managed multiple high-acuity cases simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
- Developed personalized care plans based on patient needs and surgical outcomes, enhancing tailored recovery processes.
Med/Surgical Nurse
9 Months- Coordinated perioperative care, collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR staff to support safe procedures.
- Documented assessments, interventions, and procedure details accurately in patient records.
- Communicated medical information and discharge instructions to patients and families to reduce return visits.
- Connected with patients and families from variety of cultural and economic backgrounds to establish and maintain open communication for improved patient outcomes.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Case Manager RN
11 Months- Coordinated discharge planning with physicians, nurses, and social workers to support safe patient transitions.
- Reviewed admissions and continued stays for medical necessity and appropriate level of care.
- Collaborated with payers to secure authorizations and resolve coverage barriers.
- Documented case management interventions in electronic medical records with accuracy and consistency.
- Monitored complex cases to identify barriers and escalate clinical or placement concerns.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Agency RN
4 Years 10 Months- Manages to meet identified needs of the agency and assigned facility
- Assigned to various local ambulatory surgical centers as perioperative RN
- Cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring, pulse oximetry
- Ensures that duties are carried out in accordance to standard policies
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Admits and discharges patients to and from each facility
- Observes, assesses, and documents subjective and objective data to assist in the coordination of appropriate nursing and medical interventions
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Monitors procedural or surgical sites
- Maintains safety protocols and checks in place per facility's protocols and nursing protocols
- Able to adapt to new environments seamlessly
- Works well with team as well as independently
- Various specialties include but not limited to: general surgeries, plastic surgeries, ENT surgeries, GYN surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, eye surgeries, urological surgeries, dental surgeries, and pain injection procedures
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Patient population includes the adult population and pediatric population.
Perioperative RN
11 Months- Performed both pre-operative and PACU nursing in ambulatory urology surgery facility
- Pre-operatively: Admitted patients
- Obtained weight and VS
- Ensured health history, home medication list, consents, NPO status, and surgical site confirmed
- Post-operatively: Hemodynamic monitoring and pulse oximetry
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Surgical site monitoring
- Post operative pain and nausea monitoring and interventions as needed
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
- Documented treatments delivered, medications, and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
- Surgeries included TURPs, TURBs, lithotripsies, ureteral stent placements, hydrocelectomies, uretoroscopies, circumcisions, penile plications, and cystoscopies.
Ambulatory Surgery RN
2 Years 2 Months- Admits and discharges patients to and from the ASC
- Assesses, evaluates, and accurately records all patient's status including VS, medications, teaching, treatment plans, and discharge instructions
- Assists with all procedures including prostate biopsies, catheterizations, cystoscopies, and vasectomies
- Collects, prepares, and labels specimens during procedures
- Sterile field, bladder scanner, scope reprocessing, waive testing, male and female catheters
- Cleans, disinfects, and maintains all equipment according to established policies, procedures, and guidelines
- Maintains a safe environment for all staff and patients.
ICU RN Staff Nurse
1 Year 3 Months- Responsible for care of Surgical, Medical, and Neurological ICU patients
- Utilized critical thinking skills to implement patient care plans and to anticipate patient needs
- Cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring, pulse oximetry
- Assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated patient care and performed patient education in accordance to unit standards for all patient types and age groups
- Collaborated with professionals across the organization to formulate an integrated care plan
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical, presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians
- Set up, operated, or monitored invasive equipment, non-invasive equipment, mechanical ventilators, central lines, nasogastric or orogastric tubes, and urinary catheters
- Devised health care goals using a holistic approach aligned with patient and family needs
- Proficiently used computer documentation to maintain accurate medical records and maintain patient privacy
- Promoted team environment by effectively identifying needs of other staff and assisting them
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses
- Assisted physicians during examinations, treatments, and procedures including life saving interventions
- Performed emergency medical procedures, such as Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and other condition stabilizing interventions
- Administered blood and blood product transfusions and monitored for adverse reaction
- Able to respond calmly to emergent situations with quick assessment and action
- Advocated for patient's and family's needs and provided emotional support as necessary.
PACU RN Staff Nurse
1 Year 1 Month- Performed post patient assessment, review of history, discharge planning, and review of diagnostic studies with appropriate follow through and physician consultation
- Performed airway assessment and management, cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring, and pulse oximetry
- Managed post operative pain and surgical sites
- Administered medications per PACU protocol for pain management and assessed efficacy of such medications
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures such as: cardioversions, blood patches, and epidural placements
- Assisted OR RN on weekends when necessary
- Effectively collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, physical therapists, and home health providers
- Identified and managed life threatening post operative and anesthetic complications
- For patients being admitted, communicated with RN receiving pt with detailed report and changes
- Patient teaching regarding discharge instructions for ambulatory patients
- Ages ranged from pediatric to geriatric
- Surgical cases included but not limited to: craniotomies, brain stimulators, pacemakers, L&D patients, OB/GYN cases, pediatric cases, trauma related injuries, and orthopedic cases.
RN Critical Care Float
1 Year 1 Month- Primary coverage for ED, ICU/PCU, PACU, and admission nurse
- ED RN responsibilities: Collaborated with all members of interdisciplinary team, therapists, social workers, doctors, and pharmacists
- Ensured the provision of quality emergency medical care to patients in accordance with physician orders, hospital policy, and standard nursing practice
- Assessed patient status and notified physician of clinical changes
- Knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifying arrhythmia, and intervening as appropriate
- Managed care of pediatric, adult, and geriatric population including facilitating and evaluating appropriate ordered laboratory tests, diagnostic imaging, medications, and interventions within the nursing protocol in an emergency room setting
- Evaluated and managed life threatening emergencies
- Assisted with procedures such as arterial and central line placement, intubation, conscious sedation, and chest tube placement
- Evaluated and modified the plan of care based on observable responses of patients and their needs
- Responsible for patient teaching regarding medications, health, and safety
- Coordinated patient referrals and discharge planning
- Utilized ethical, legal, and professional standards of practice
- Communicated with and educated patients and families who come from a diverse background
- Treated cases for but not limited to: myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, trauma related injuries, surgical candidates, respiratory illness, pregnancy and labor related cases, abuse victims, orthopedic cases, seizures, and illnesses that induce fever
- Admission RN responsibilities: Obtained geographical data
- Obtained detailed surgical and medical history
- Obtained comprehensive medication list
- Determined possible undiagnosed sleep apnea or history of OSA
- Determined fall history
- Determined family history.
Education
Associate Degree in Nursing
baccalaureate in Nursing
Skills
Patient Advocacy
Adaptable and Flexible
Documentation and Reporting
Emergency Interventions
Healthcare Team Collaboration
Task and Work Prioritization
Certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), 08/01/27
- BLS for Healthcare Providers, 08/01/27
- PALS Certification, 08/01/27
Licenses
Illinois RN, 05/31/28
Missouri RN, 04/31/27
Colorado RN, 09/30/27
Timeline
PACU Nurse
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
11.2025 - CurrentRead More
Med/Surgical Nurse
BJC Hospital
02.2025 - 11.2025Read More
Case Manager RN
BJC Hospital
03.2024 - 02.2025Read More
Perioperative RN
Parkview Medical Center
08.2021 - 07.2022Read More
Agency RN
WSi Healthcare Personnel
03.2019 - 01.2024Read More
Ambulatory Surgery RN
North Care ASC
01.2019 - 03.2021Read More
ICU RN Staff Nurse
Samaritan Medical Center
03.2017 - 06.2018Read More
PACU RN Staff Nurse
Samaritan Medical Center
02.2016 - 03.2017Read More
RN Critical Care Float
Samaritan Medical Center
01.2015 - 02.2016Read More
Southwestern Illinois College
Associate Degree in Nursing
Read More
Western Governors University
baccalaureate in Nursing
Read More