Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

SARAH LAFFERTY

Branford,CT

Summary

Dedicated Critical Care Registered Nurse with 20 years of direct patient care experience. Adept at doctor communication and patient education with extensive knowledge of critical care treatments and planning long-term for patients. Successful at advocating patient needs and quick diagnoses. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse, Medical Intensive Care Unit

Yale Health System
08.2022 - Current
  • Enhanced patient care by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating nursing interventions in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.
  • Reduced hospital-acquired infections through diligent monitoring of infection control measures and strict adherence to protocols.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members to develop and implement comprehensive care plans for critically ill patients.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing compassionate, evidence-based nursing care in a fast-paced medical intensive care environment.
  • Mentored new nursing staff members within the Medical Intensive Care Unit, promoting teamwork and fostering professional growth.
  • Followed HCA ethical values and principles and adhered to HIPAA medical record regulations to promote patients' privacy.
  • Assisted with advanced procedures such as central line insertions, arterial lines placements, bronchoscopies, and endotracheal intubations under physician supervision.
  • Increased patient satisfaction through regular communication with patients and families, addressing concerns proactively and empathetically.

Travel Registered Nurse, ICU

MED US, MSO/Health Carousel Travel Nurse
12.2020 - 08.2022
  • Demonstrated adaptability when assigned to different units or shifts as needed, seamlessly integrating into diverse healthcare teams while maintaining exceptional performance levels.
  • Enhanced patient care in ICU by closely monitoring vital signs and administering appropriate treatments.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
  • Implemented evidence-based nursing practices, leading to increased efficiency and effectiveness in the ICU.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult situations, fostering a compassionate environment.

Registered Nurse Case Manager

Kindred/Seasons Hospice And Palliative Care
11.2019 - 12.2022
  • Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing comprehensive assessments and developing tailored care plans.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary team communication through regular case conferences, promoting effective collaboration for optimal patient care.
  • Provided education and support to patients and families, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
  • Reduced unnecessary medical interventions by monitoring high-risk patients closely, intervening as needed based on clinical expertise.

Registered Nurse, EICU

Mercy Virtual Care ICU Mercy Hospital
11.2018 - 11.2019
  • Reduced patient complications through diligent monitoring and swift interventions during critical situations.
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based practices and updating ICU protocols.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in improved recovery outcomes.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives for the ICU, contributing insights to enhance overall performance and efficiency.

Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health

SSM Health Care
01.2018 - 10.2018
  • Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality, evidence-based nursing care to behavioral health patients.
  • Established strong rapport with patients and families by listening empathetically, providing emotional support, and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Provided therapeutic crisis intervention techniques when necessary to de-escalate potentially harmful situations involving patients or staff members.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on topics such as stress management, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and problem-solving skills.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities related to behavioral health nursing best practices for continuous improvement in clinical knowledge and skillset.

Registered Nurse

Barnes-Jewish Hospital
12.2004 - 12.2017

Registered Nurse, Emergency Department (12/2004-08/2006)

  • Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
  • Reduced patient wait times by efficiently triaging patients based on acuity levels and prioritizing urgent cases.
  • Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
  • Optimized patient flow within the Emergency Department by collaborating with charge nurses in coordinating bed assignments and discharges according to capacity constraints.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care tailored to individual needs and preferences.


Resource Nurse-Emergency Department (08/2006-02/2009)

  • Streamlined triage processes for more efficient patient assessment and prioritization.
  • Improved patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices in emergency department procedures.
  • Managed emergency department operations, ensuring adequate staffing levels and appropriate allocation of resources.
  • Collaborated with hospital leadership to develop strategies for addressing challenges specific to the emergency department setting.
  • Served as a clinical resource for staff members, answering questions related to policy, procedure, or practice.


Clinical Nurse Educator (02/2009-08/2010)

  • Improved nursing competency through the creation and delivery of targeted training sessions and workshops.
  • Increased staff retention by providing ongoing professional development opportunities and support.
  • Evaluated clinical staff performance, identifying areas of improvement and providing constructive feedback to drive continuous growth.
  • Served as a mentor for junior nursing staff, fostering a positive learning environment and promoting professional growth.
  • Developed comprehensive competency assessments, effectively measuring nursing staff knowledge and skill levels.
  • Assisted in the design of simulation exercises, enhancing hands-on learning experiences for clinical staff members.
  • Kept current with emerging trends in healthcare education, incorporating new strategies into existing curricula for continuous program improvement.


Clinical Nurse Manager (08/2010-11/2012)

  • Reduced hospital readmissions through effective case management and coordinated discharge planning.
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices and clinical protocols.
  • Managed nursing schedules and staffing levels, ensuring optimal coverage for all shifts without compromising patient care standards.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Contributed to the development of organizational policies and procedures related to nursing care delivery, promoting a consistent approach to patient care across all clinical service lines.
  • Oversaw budgetary management within the department, tracking expenditures against projections while identifying cost-saving measures and ensuring adequate resource allocation.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and implementing appropriate policies and procedures within the department.


Surgical ICU nurse (11/2012-06/2016)

  • Enhanced patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, medication administration, and adherence to infection control protocols.
  • Reduced recovery time for surgical ICU patients by providing comprehensive post-operative care, including pain management and wound care.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions from the ICU to lower acuity units by ensuring effective communication among healthcare providers during handoffs.
  • Served as an advocate for patients'' needs by collaborating with physicians to modify treatment plans based on evolving clinical conditions or preferences expressed by family members.
  • Assisted surgeons during bedside procedures such as central line insertions or tracheostomies, ensuring proper set-up and maintenance of aseptic technique.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and respect towards colleagues and patients alike.


Interventional Radiology Nurse (06/2016-12/2017)

  • Improved patient outcomes by accurately assessing and monitoring their health status during interventional radiology procedures.
  • Ensured patient safety and comfort while positioning them appropriately for imaging studies and procedures.
  • Provided quality patient education about the purpose, benefits, and risks of specific interventional radiology treatments before performing them.
  • Maintained a sterile environment during procedures by adhering to strict infection control guidelines and protocols.
  • Streamlined workflow within the department by effectively managing multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritizing urgent cases as needed.

Certified Nurse Assistant/Unit Secretary

Barnes-Jewish Extended Care
12.2003 - 12.2004
  • Enhanced patient care by providing daily assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Improved patient comfort by repositioning and transferring them on a regular basis.
  • Assisted nursing staff in wound care procedures, effectively preventing infections and promoting healing.
  • Ensured accuracy of medical documentation by meticulously transcribing physician orders and verifying information with nursing staff as needed.
  • Supported hospital compliance efforts by adhering to privacy policies and HIPAA regulations when handling sensitive patient information.
  • Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
  • Scheduled appointments and maintained department master calendar to facilitate efficient patient flow.

Life Science Teacher

Red Lake Nation, Rockwood MS, Thurgood Marshall
05.1998 - 12.2003
  • Improved student comprehension by implementing interactive teaching methods and providing real-world examples.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans that effectively communicated complex scientific concepts to students of various ages and abilities.
  • Established positive relationships with students, parents, and fellow staff members to create a supportive learning environment.
  • Differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in the classroom, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities for all learners.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in life science education.
  • Served as a club advisor or coach for extracurricular activities related to life sciences, promoting student engagement beyond the classroom setting.
  • Managed laboratory resources efficiently by maintaining inventory levels, organizing materials for easy access during lessons, and maintaining safety protocols at all times.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in middle and high school national science competitions.
  • Planned and supervised class projects, field trips and visits by guest speakers.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Goldfarb School of Nursing, St. Louis, MO
01.2010

Associate of Nursing -

Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health, St. Louis, MO
01.2004

Bachelor of Education -

Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN
01.1998

Associates of Sciences and Associates of Art -

Mesabi Range Community College, Virginia, MN
01.1992

Skills

  • Case Management
  • Nursing staff leadership
  • Critical Care
  • Hospice and palliative care
  • Compassionate Care
  • Clinical judgment
  • Healthcare ethics

Certification

BLS

ACLS

Timeline

Registered Nurse, Medical Intensive Care Unit - Yale Health System
08.2022 - Current
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU - MED US, MSO/Health Carousel Travel Nurse
12.2020 - 08.2022
Registered Nurse Case Manager - Kindred/Seasons Hospice And Palliative Care
11.2019 - 12.2022
Registered Nurse, EICU - Mercy Virtual Care ICU Mercy Hospital
11.2018 - 11.2019
Registered Nurse, Behavioral Health - SSM Health Care
01.2018 - 10.2018
Registered Nurse - Barnes-Jewish Hospital
12.2004 - 12.2017
Certified Nurse Assistant/Unit Secretary - Barnes-Jewish Extended Care
12.2003 - 12.2004
Life Science Teacher - Red Lake Nation, Rockwood MS, Thurgood Marshall
05.1998 - 12.2003
Goldfarb School of Nursing - Bachelor of Science, Nursing
Barnes-Jewish College of Nursing and Allied Health - Associate of Nursing,
Bemidji State University - Bachelor of Education,
Mesabi Range Community College - Associates of Sciences and Associates of Art,
SARAH LAFFERTY