Sarah Sheehan
Glenview,IL
Summary
Registered healthcare professional with strong background in critical care environments, equipped to handle high-stress situations and complex patient needs. Excel in team collaboration, adapting quickly to evolving circumstances and ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Skilled in advanced patient monitoring, emergency response, and therapeutic interventions. Known for reliability, empathy, and strong communication abilities that enhance patient care and team efficiency.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Endeavor Health
Highland Park, IL
08.2000 - Current
- Administered critical care treatments and medications in accordance with established protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs, identifying changes and initiating timely interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, treatment options, and recovery strategies.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, enhancing their clinical skills and knowledge in ICU practices.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
- Streamlined workflow by efficiently prioritizing tasks during high-stress situations, leading to better overall performance of the ICU team.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
- Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on best practices and advancements within the field of critical care nursing.
- Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the ICU unit and promoting a supportive workplace culture.
- Worked with physicians and nursing staff to develop treatment protocols addressing patients' current symptom presentation as well as underlying conditions.
- Effectively managed stressors associated with working in an intensive care setting while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented nursing interventions, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
- Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
- Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
- Managed patient flow effectively through timely placements upon admission as well as coordinating smooth transfers and discharges.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Provided targeted care and treatment to Cardiac patients.
- Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
- Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Delegated work to nursing support staff and monitored performance to protect patients and maintain optimal care standards.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
St Francis Hospital
Evanston, IL
07.1998 - 08.2000
- Provided direct patient care, ensuring comfort and safety in a fast-paced medical-surgical unit.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and physician orders.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Monitored patient vital signs, identifying changes and responding promptly to emerging needs.
- Educated patients and families on health management, post-discharge instructions, and treatment options.
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Managed caseload of seven patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of medical-surgical nursing.
- Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
- Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
- Monitored hemodynamic variances to identify signs of life-threatening complications.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Patient Care Technician
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare
Evanston, IL
06.1994 - 07.1998
- Assisted nursing staff with patient care tasks, ensuring comfort and safety in fast-paced environment.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team for timely intervention.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation to support continuity of care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient experiences and outcomes.
- Performed EKGs and other diagnostic tests accurately and efficiently for prompt analysis by healthcare professionals.
- Assisted nursing staff with medical procedures to support patient care plans.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Triton College
River Grove, IL05-1998
Skills
- Hemodynamics monitoring
- ECG
- Intravenous therapy
- Neurological monitoring
- Advanced life support
- Metabolic function monitoring
- Organ donor procedures
- Renal function management
- Ventilator management
- End-of-life care
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Diagnostic procedures
- Electronic charting
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Endeavor Health
08.2000 - Current
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
St Francis Hospital
07.1998 - 08.2000
Patient Care Technician
Evanston Northwestern Healthcare
06.1994 - 07.1998
Associate of Science - Nursing
Triton College
RN excellence 2003
Nominated and given an award to a RN who demonstrated nursing excellence.