Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Timeline
RegisteredNurse

Sarah Archer

Albuquerque,NM

Summary

Dedicated Critical Care Registered Nurse with 8 years of direct patient care experience. Skilled in effective communication with doctors and patient education while delivering exceptional care in critical care settings. Proven success in advocating for patient needs and swift diagnosis of conditions. Additionally, brings over 4.5 years of expertise as a dependable Utilization Review Nurse in the healthcare industry, specializing in admissions and stay reviews.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Care Coordinator/Utilization Management Nurse

BCBS of NM
10.2019 - 08.2024
  • Monitored and evaluated patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed.
  • Coordinated with other health professionals to develop individualized plans of care for patients.
  • Maintained accurate client records in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated with physicians, social workers, and other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for patients once a week during Inpatient Care Rounds
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations related to healthcare service provision.
  • Actively participated in staff meetings discussing best practices in patient care coordination.
  • Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
  • Assessed patient eligibility for services and benefits according to insurance policies and guidelines.

Registered Flight Nurse

Med Flight Air Ambulance
06.2019 - 10.2019
  • Provided pre-flight medical assessments and consultations to patients.
  • Conducted on-board patient care, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and managing emergency situations.
  • Performed aircraft safety inspections prior to flight.
  • Coordinated with other healthcare providers to ensure quality patient care during flight.
  • Maintained accurate records of all in-flight medical treatments and interventions.
  • Assessed patients for potential risks associated with air travel, such as hypoxia or barotrauma.
  • Monitored vital signs and provided necessary medical interventions throughout flights.

Interventional Radiology Nurse

Modern Vascular
05.2019 - 10.2019
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Performed effective and efficient patient assessments, anticipating and preparing for potential issues.
  • Exhibited strong problem-solving abilities when faced with unexpected challenges during treatment procedures or patient interactions.
  • Maintained compliance with radiation safety protocols by properly shielding patients, staff members, and self from unnecessary exposure risks.
  • Minimized complications by promptly identifying and addressing any issues that arose during diagnostic or therapeutic treatments.

Critical Care Registered Nurse

Presbyterian Hospital Adult Intensive Care Unit
06.2015 - 04.2019
  • Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
  • Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
  • Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
  • Performed invasive procedures such as central line insertions or arterial catheter placements with precision and confidence when necessary for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices in rapidly evolving field of critical care nursing.
  • Served as preceptor for new nurses entering critical care field, sharing knowledge and expertise to facilitate successful integration into our team.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.

Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit

Presbyterian Hospital Adult Progressive Care Unit
09.2014 - 05.2015
  • Reduced complications in Intermediate Care Unit by providing timely and accurate assessments of patient conditions.
  • Prevented medication errors through meticulous attention to detail when administering medications and verifying patient information.
  • Contributed to decrease in hospital readmissions through diligent discharge planning and thorough patient education.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients with complex medical needs.
  • Supported family members during difficult times by providing emotional support, resource referrals, and clear communication about patient's condition and plan of care.
  • Mentored new nursing staff members by sharing expertise on effective techniques for managing complex cases within Intermediate Care Unit setting.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate care, addressing concerns, and actively listening to feedback.
  • Increased efficiency in medication administration by utilizing electronic health record systems and barcode scanning technology.

Medical Surgical Registered Nurse

Presbyterian Hospital General Medical Care Unit 2
08.2012 - 09.2014
  • Managed caseload of 6-7 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
  • Prevented complications for post-operative patients through careful monitoring, early detection of issues, and prompt intervention when needed.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to facilitate comprehensive patient-centered care.
  • Provided emotional support for patients facing serious diagnoses or end-of-life decisions, fostering trusting relationships with both patients and their families.
  • Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
  • Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
  • Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.

Education

Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) - Nursing

Carrington College Albuquerque
Albuquerque, NM
05-2012

Skills

  • Healthcare Team Collaboration
  • Life-sustaining machines
  • Participation during intubations, Central Line placement
  • Administering inotropic medications, norepinephrine, phenylephrine, dopamine and vasopressin along with sedation of patients

Affiliations

I enjoy participating and watching my kids play soccer, volleyball, football and Jiu Jitsu. I have 4 kids, 2 in college, a middle schooler and a 4th grader. I love being outdoors especially on our boat at the lake. My husband, kids and I love to fish, hunt and be in the outdoor setting. Hot Yoga is my go-to for exercise and meditation. I attend Calvary Church and am involved in Bible Study groups. I am the team Mom for my son's soccer team and a regular mom helper at my younges son's school for various activites.

Accomplishments

    DAISY Nursing Award Winner

    PRIDE Nominee

    ACLS Certification

    PALS Certified

    NRP Certified

Timeline

Care Coordinator/Utilization Management Nurse

BCBS of NM
10.2019 - 08.2024

Registered Flight Nurse

Med Flight Air Ambulance
06.2019 - 10.2019

Interventional Radiology Nurse

Modern Vascular
05.2019 - 10.2019

Critical Care Registered Nurse

Presbyterian Hospital Adult Intensive Care Unit
06.2015 - 04.2019

Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit

Presbyterian Hospital Adult Progressive Care Unit
09.2014 - 05.2015

Medical Surgical Registered Nurse

Presbyterian Hospital General Medical Care Unit 2
08.2012 - 09.2014

Associates Degree of Nursing (ADN) - Nursing

Carrington College Albuquerque
Sarah Archer