Accomplished PACU Charge Nurse with over 14 years of experience at San Juan Regional Medical Center, showcasing expertise in post-operative care and emergency response. Renowned for a team-oriented approach and problem-solving skills, significantly enhancing patient recovery and safety. Holds key certifications including BLS, ACLS, and PALS, underpinning a commitment to excellence in nursing care.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, PACU
Northern Navajo Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
Helped patients regain independence with clear recovery goals and guidance.
Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-anesthesia care and monitoring vital signs.
Employed nursing best practices and clinical judgement to continuously evaluate patients' progress and employed interventions to achieve desired outcomes.,
Decreased medication errors by meticulously administering medications following proper protocols and verifying dosages.
Maintained a safe environment for patients by adhering to infection control policies and regulatory guidelines.
Streamlined the discharge process for PACU patients, ensuring thorough education on home care instructions and follow-up appointments.
Conducted pre-op assessments pf patients prior to surgery or procedure.
Performed wound care, including dressing changes and infection control measures.
Delivered culturally competent care tailored to diverse patient populations.
Maintains knowledge base required to provide professional standard of care.
PACU Charge Nurse
San Juan Regional Medical Center
02.2010 - 07.2023
Primary responsibility was to ensure safe emergence from anesthesia and to assess for and treat post-operative/post-anesthesia complications and prevention of post-operative hypothermia.
Provided care for patients recovering from a variety of anesthesia types including general, Local/MAC, epidural and spinal anesthesia.
Streamlined workflow processes by delegating tasks effectively among team members according to their skills and expertise.
Provided acute care for pediatric and adult post-operative patients from anesthesia encompassing ambulatory surgical procedures, invasive and extensive surgeries, and trauma.
Treating pain, nausea and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia and administering medications as prescribed.
Work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary treatment team.
Closely monitored and recorded vital signs, managed airway, sedation and pain levels.
Administered medications as ordered and performed hemodynamic monitoring of invasive lines including arterial lines, central lines, and surgical drains.
Performed efficiently in emergency patient situations, following established protocols and remaining calm, informing appropriate persons and documenting events.
Supported continuity of care through clear communication with interdisciplinary team members both verbally and written documentation.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
San Juan Regional Medical Center
04.2009 - 06.2009
Alongside my preceptor,
Managed care of patients in various stages of illnesses with advanced airways and multiple critical intravenous drips.
Worked as a part of a team to ensure proper care of body mechanics and safety of patients.
Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs, identifying early warning signs of complications, and taking prompt action in emergent situations.
Conducted full patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
Partnered with physicians, other RNs and medical specialist to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes.
Actively participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices related to ICU nursing care management strategies.
Promoted a culture of safety within the ICU by adhering to established protocols, reporting potential hazards, and participating in regular safety drills.
Charge Nurse, Registered Nurse Medical Floor
San Juan Regional Medical Center
06.2006 - 04.2009
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Provided inpatient hospital care to patients with multiple complex diagnoses.
Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
Managed care from admission to discharge.
Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
San Juan College
Farmington, NM
05.2006
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
San Juan College
Farmington, NM
05.2006
High School Diploma -
Red Mesa High School
Teec Nos Pos, AZ
06.1989
Skills
Problem-solving, team approach to care Self-motivated
PACU RN with over 14 of experience in Phase I and Phase II Recovery
Active Registered Nurse License as required by state of employment
Charge RN experience Medical Unit/PACU
Basic Life Support (BLS) June 2006 - current
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
Accomplishments
NNMC - PACU DEPARTMENT - 1 YEAR
GRADE: GS 10 -10
PMAP SCORE: 4.5
Years of RN Experience: 17 years, 10 mos
PI Project 2023 - Fall Risk Assessment Tool - Implemented in March 2024 - (Group project) Assisted in implementation of new tracking system that resulted in improved patient care
Helped in adding new index sheet and updating Safety Data Sheets to include all chemicals located in Peri-op services.
Assist in development in monthly call schedule for our dept.
Rearranged and cleaned PACU supply room. Cleaned and stocked new cabinetry placed in PACU.
Cross-trained to assist patients in Pre-op and post-op Phase II Recovery and Discharge of patients. Surgical Preparation - Assisted in patient surgery preparation by administering proper medication, monitoring patients' conditions and charting abnormalities.
Cross-trained to do ACLS Transport of patients from facility to facility.
On-call PACU response time of 15 mins or less.
14 years of PACU Phase I Recovery experience.
TNCC Certification course completion April 2024
PHI THETA KAPPA - Inducted 11/2005
Timeline
Registered Nurse, PACU
Northern Navajo Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
PACU Charge Nurse
San Juan Regional Medical Center
02.2010 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
San Juan Regional Medical Center
04.2009 - 06.2009
Charge Nurse, Registered Nurse Medical Floor
San Juan Regional Medical Center
06.2006 - 04.2009
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
San Juan College
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
San Juan College
High School Diploma -
Red Mesa High School
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