Sarah Breckner
Iowa City,IA
Summary
Skilled nursing professional with more than 27 years of experience. Long-standing employee at Iowa Healthcare, excelling in patient safety and education. Proven ability in medication administration and critical thinking, mentoring junior staff while enhancing care quality. Committed to optimizing patient outcomes through collaborative care and effective communication in high-acuity environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Nurse
Ambulatory Surgical Center, Iowa Healthcare
10.2016 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions, identifying changes and escalating concerns promptly.
- Educated patients and families about procedural and surgical aftercare
Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse
Peri Anesthesia Care Unit, Iowa Healthcare
01.2009 - 10.2016
- Administered preoperative and postoperative care for patients in high-acuity settings.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to medical team promptly.
- Collaborated with anesthesiologists to optimize patient safety during recovery process.
- Educated patients and families on anesthesia recovery and surgical recovery expectations.
Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse
Emergency Department, Iowa Healthcare
08.2002 - 01.2009
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional development and clinical skills.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse
Emergency Department, Mercy Hospital
05.2000 - 07.2002
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Exhibited strong critical thinking skills when assessing complex medical situations and determining appropriate interventions.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences
Des Moines, IA05-1998
Skills
- Patient and family education
- Patient safety
- Direct patient care
- Medication and IV administration
- Emergency care and Critical thinking
- Intake and discharge
- Epic System Charting
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced life support (PALS)
- Training staff
Accomplishments
Nominated for Daisy Award 10 times
Currently the Volunteer liaison for my unit
Certification
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Timeline
Staff Nurse
Ambulatory Surgical Center, Iowa Healthcare
10.2016 - Current
Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse
Peri Anesthesia Care Unit, Iowa Healthcare
01.2009 - 10.2016
Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse
Emergency Department, Iowa Healthcare
08.2002 - 01.2009
Staff Nurse and Charge Nurse
Emergency Department, Mercy Hospital
05.2000 - 07.2002
Associate of Science - Nursing
Mercy College of Health Sciences