Sherry Piazza
Eureka,CA
Summary
I am a Compassionate Operating Room Registered Nurse recognized for ability to complete tasks efficiently and produce high-quality outcomes under pressure.
Skilled in surgical assistance, patient monitoring, and infection control practices. Excel in fast-paced environments through strong communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. Ready to leverage specialized knowledge and soft skills to provide exceptional care in surgical settings.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Operating Room
St. Joseph/Providence
Eureka, CA
06.2007 - Current
- Supported surgeons throughout complex surgical procedures by providing instrumentation or retracting tissue when needed.
- Assisted in maintaining a safe environment in the operating room at all times.
- Prepared OR suites for upcoming surgeries by gathering necessary supplies and instruments according to protocol guidelines.
- Reviewed pathology reports with surgeons upon completion of a procedure.
- Responded quickly and effectively to any emergency situations that arose during surgery.
- Performed sponge and instrument counts per procedure per facility policy regulations.
- Managed intravenous lines, catheters, drains and other medical devices used during surgery.
- Maintained accurate records of patient treatments, tests results and medication administration in the electronic health record system.
- Conducted pre-operative assessments including physical assessment, laboratory testing review and medication reconciliation as needed for each case.
- Developed patient care plans based on individual needs and preferences of each patient.
- Provided pre-operative education and emotional support for patients and their families.
- Administered anesthesia medications according to established protocols
- Evaluated patient responses to treatment interventions while ensuring comfort levels are maintained throughout recovery process.
- Coordinated with anesthesiologists regarding pain management strategies prior to, during and after procedures.
- Ensured proper functioning of all surgical equipment prior to use during operations.
- Performed sterile techniques, surgical counts, wound care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes for patients undergoing surgery.
- Discussed surgical patients with healthcare team to address and resolve concerns.
- Prepared operating rooms by setting out and verifying equipment and assessing for compliance with asepsis standards.
- Handled laboratory specimens and inspected containers for correct packaging and labeling.
- Performed nursing tasks to deliver high level of care and comply with procedures and regulations.
- Educated patients and families on medical and surgical procedures, medication regimens, and pain management.
- Performed comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs.
- Transferred patients from operating room to recovery room on stretchers and in wheelchairs.
- Administered treatments, therapies, and medication according to prescribed methods and protocols.
- Supervised processes and verified patient information to support patient care.
- Organized training and spearheaded clinical instruction to strengthen and develop staff competencies and patient care techniques.
- Built relationships with pre- and post-surgical patients with compassion and positive attitude.
- Observed body language, movement, and demeanor to anticipate surgeon's needs and maintain procedure sterility during operation.
- Consulted medical sources to gain knowledge of emerging and updated procedures and select equipment for procedures or treatments.
- Minimized infections using ChloraPrep, Mueller, and Snowden-Pencer laparoscopic instruments and infection prevention products.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Conducted inventory checks and ordered supplies to maintain adequate stock for surgical procedures.
- Managed pre-operative assessments and documented patient medical history to ensure safe surgical procedures.
- Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular, and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
- Advocated for patient needs and preferences throughout the surgical process to ensure patient-centered care.
- Implemented infection control protocols to prevent post-operative infections.
- Assisted surgical team in donning sterile gowns, gloves, and masks to maintain a sterile environment.
- Acted as a liaison between the surgical team and the patient's family, providing updates and support during procedures.
- Provided mentorship to new nursing staff and students to foster a collaborative and educational working environment.
- Provided intraoperative care, including tissue retraction, suturing, and application of dressings.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists to facilitate efficient surgical procedures.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and surgical outcomes.
- Ensured all surgical instruments and equipment were properly sterilized and organized for accessibility.
- Prepared operating rooms by setting up surgical instruments and equipment prior to procedures.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay current with advancements in surgical nursing practices.
- Administered medications and intravenous fluids as prescribed by the attending surgeon or anesthesiologist.
- Documented all operative procedures and patient interactions in electronic medical records with attention to detail.
- Participated in emergency procedures, demonstrating quick decision-making and adherence to protocols.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
College of The Redwoods
Eureka, CA05-2007
Skills
- Medical Equipment Operation
- Critical thinking abilities
- Compassionate Care
- Patient Positioning
- HIPAA Compliance
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Patient Advocacy
- IV Administration
- Patient and Family Education
- Infection Control
- Patient Needs Assessment
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Charting
- IV Insertion
- Patient Communication
- Advanced Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- Emergency Response
- Family support and assistance
- Surgical Assistance
- Clinical Assessments
- Process Improvement
- Medication Administration
- Patient Safety
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Operating Room
St. Joseph/Providence
06.2007 - Current
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
College of The Redwoods