Sarah Papaj
Highlands Ranch,CO
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse with extensive experience in post-anesthesia and intensive care units. Demonstrates high productivity and efficient task completion, successfully leading nursing staff and enhancing healthcare delivery. Expertise in IV management and medical assessment has driven improvements in patient care quality and satisfaction. Known for exceptional communication, empathy, and teamwork, adept at adapting quickly to dynamic environments while ensuring top-quality care under pressure. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring medications and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Kaiser Permanente
01.2016 - Current
- Perform initial patient assessments, prepare patients for surgery, manage medication administration, track essential vitals and implement IV therapy.
- Verify patient preparedness before surgical operations, and ensure all documentation was completed.
- Facilitate post-operative teaching for patients and their families to ensure competency in self-care once discharged.
- Evaluates safety and rehabilitative requirements through comprehensive data analysis.
- Assess and anticipate postoperative patient needs based on preoperative chart reviews.
- Analyze medical records to ensure content aligns with required care level.
- Ensure compliance with standards of professional practice, regulatory agencies such as AAAHC and The Joint Commission, as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
Registered Nurse, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Jefferson Hills
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Coordinated the management of care for patients with various psychiatric conditions.
- Utilized the nursing process to provide continuous care and ensure adherence to policies.
- Acted as a therapeutic leader in coordinating and engaging patient groups.
- Skillfully triaged incoming patients to determine medical clearance and the need for admission.
- Collaborated with physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for patients.
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Porter Adventist Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Managed immediate post-surgical care to address physical, psychological, safety, rehabilitative, and educational requirements.
- Conducted patient and family education for post-operative care.
- Obtained, interpreted, and monitored physiological data, and intervened when necessary.
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to develop individualized plans of care for post-anesthesia patients.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to perioperative nursing practices.
- Conducted quality assurance activities such as chart reviews and audits to ensure compliance with established standards of practice.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Porter Adventist Hospital
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Facilitated admission and discharge processes for ICU patients.
- Carried out bedside procedures such as intubation, wound care, central line placement, and chest tubes.
- Responsible for meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients through effective team communication and care coordination.
- Utilized strong critical thinking skills to make quick and accurate clinical decisions in emergency situations.
- Promote the optimal health, well-being, and safety of the patient through the use of the nursing process and in accordance with patient care standards, guidelines, and the State Nurse Practice Act.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Provided emotional support for family members during end-of-life situations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO05.2013
Skills
- Nursing staff leadership
- Precepting
- IV management
- Medical assessment
- Discharge coordination
- Chronic disease management
- Medical records management
- Patient satisfaction and process improvement
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Colorado License (Compact)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) for Healthcare Providers
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) for Healthcare Providers
- Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse
Affiliations
- AHNA Membership, 2018-present
- ASPAN Member, 2018-present
- AORN Membership, 2019-present
- Unit-Based Teams Committee, Co-Lead, 2020-present
- UFCW Local 7 Union Steward, 2023-present
Accomplishments
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society - Membership offered to select students who have achieved academic excellence and rank in the top 35% of their class
- University of Colorado Denver chapter of Golden Key International Honor Society - Membership offered to those students ranking in the top 15% of their class
- Agnes Love Academic Scholarship
- Created a children's book for my department that walks pediatric patients through all stages of surgery and recovery.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Kaiser Permanente
01.2016 - Current
Registered Nurse, Inpatient Psychiatric Unit
Jefferson Hills
01.2014 - 01.2017
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Porter Adventist Hospital
01.2014 - 01.2016
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Porter Adventist Hospital
01.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Colorado Denver
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