Sarah Balsega
Tunnelton,WV
Summary
Hardworking and skilled Critical Care Nurse bringing proven skills in managing needs of patients with concerns such as pre/post surgical cardiothoracic procedures and management of congestive heart failure. Supports patients and their families by continuously using clinical expertise and sound judgment. Effective in emergency situations and critical codes.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
WVU Medicine
Tunnelton, WV
12.2006 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management/lifestyle options.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, IO, IM and subcutaneous injections and monitored responses with appropriate documentation.
- Implementation of IV catheter insertion, Foley catheter insertion and airway management.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA, medications and other fluids with orientation to acute care unit.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acuity patients needing complex care such extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving CVA, gunshot wound and thoracic traumas.
- Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tubes.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- 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.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in step-down critical care units.
- Responded rapidly to critical codes to coordinate stabilization treatments and restore vital functions.
- Operated critical care equipment to keep patients stable and promote recovery.
- Personalized bedside care and interactions based on cultural backgrounds of different patients.
- Protected critically ill patients from unnecessary risks by limiting visitors, using proper PPE and using strong infection control procedures.
- Managed needs of chronically ill and acute patients with well-coordinated treatment strategies.
- Counseled patients and families on treatments, care options and discharge instructions.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
The Pennsylvania Sate University
College Of Health And Human Development 05.2006
Skills
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Cardiothoracic Surgeries and procedures with LVAD experience
- Neurological Assessments and NIH stroke center certification
- Peritoneal Dialysis
- PICC, intraosseous and central line experience
- Temporary Pacemakers as well as other cardiac implants and monitoring pre and post surgery
- Disease Processes and Emotional support to clients
- Respiratory Failure and adult code response
- Electronic Charting
- Maintaining Patient Safety Standards
Timeline
Registered Nurse
WVU Medicine
12.2006 - 05.2022
Associate of Science - Nursing
The Pennsylvania Sate University
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