Sarah Lutgen
Dike,IA
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with 19 years of experience in patient care, critical thinking, charge nurse role and mentoring new staff. Skilled in providing emotional support and advocating for patient rights, consistently delivering optimal care in high-pressure situations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint Health
Grundy, IA
07.2020 - Current
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during challenging situations.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by healthcare providers.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the medical team.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care.
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
10.2015 - 07.2020
- Supervised nursing staff as Charge nurse to ensure high-quality patient care delivery.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers efficiently.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Delegated tasks appropriately among staff members according to their qualifications.
- Coordinated communication between physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Organized and delegated tasks during rapid response and high-pressure code situations.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital
Waterloo, IA
08.2006 - 10.2015
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the medical team.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Hawkeye Community College
Waterloo, Iowa, IA08-2006
Skills
- Emergency response
- Critical thinking
- Emotional support
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Mentoring new staff
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
- Patient assessments
- TNCC certification
- Basic life support certification
- Pediatric advanced life support certification
Timeline
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint Health
07.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
10.2015 - 07.2020
Registered Nurse
UnityPoint Health - Allen Hospital
08.2006 - 10.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Hawkeye Community College