Accomplished RN with a proven track record at Kaiser Permanente, enhancing patient outcomes through effective communication and empathy. Skilled in clinical judgment and patient assessment, I've significantly improved operating room efficiency and patient satisfaction. My leadership in implementing evidence-based practices and mentoring new RNs showcases a commitment to excellence and compassionate patient care. I'm quality driven, efficient individual capable of meeting and exceeding assigned goals in a multitude of work environments.
Hi, I’m
SUSAN DeGROOT
Marina,CA
Summary
Overview
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Kaiser Permanente
RN III Perioperative Department
06.2011 - 12.2022
Job overview
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Provided critical support during emergency surgical procedures, quickly adapting to rapidly changing situations and assisting in life-saving interventions.
- Streamlined preoperative preparation process, leading to increased operating room efficiency and decreased wait times for patients.
- Developed strong relationships with patients'' families by providing timely updates on their loved one''s status throughout the entire surgical process.
- Supported surgeons throughout all phases of surgery by anticipating their needs and providing appropriate instruments promptly.
- Provided compassionate postoperative care, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and managing pain levels.
- Identified potential areas for improvement within the operating room department and contributed ideas for solutions during staff meetings or discussions with management.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Promoted a positive work environment by actively participating in staff meetings, trainings, and mentoring new RNs in the operating room setting.
- Ensured proper handling of surgical specimens according to hospital policies, contributing to accurate diagnoses for patients.
- Collaborated closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes during the perioperative period.
- Implemented evidence-based practices into daily nursing care routines to promote optimal patient outcomes following surgery.
- Assisted in complex surgical procedures, utilizing advanced skills and knowledge of various techniques and equipment.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through attending workshops, seminars, conferences focused on advances in operative nursing care techniques.
- Contributed to improved patient satisfaction scores through exceptional nursing care during pre-and post-operative periods.
- Coordinated efforts between anesthesia providers, surgical technicians, and other support personnel in order to optimize patient care.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, contributing to a consistently low rate of post-operative infections in the department.
- Reduced surgical complications through effective communication with surgical team members and adherence to established protocols.
- Maintained accurate documentation of surgical interventions, patient progress, and any deviations from expected outcomes.
- Utilized strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced operating room environment.
- Utilized sterile techniques and infection-control guidelines to maintain clean and safe environment.
- Coordinated with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Performed pre-operative assessments to prepare patients for surgery.
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Collaborated with members of patients' healthcare team to deliver appropriate level of care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
RN II
08.2004 - 06.2010
Job overview
- Implemented, delegated and coordinated plans of care.
- Understood safety policies and procedures in order to provide a safe environment for patients, employees and visitors.
- Assessed both the patients and situations in an organized systematic manner applying professional knowledge relevant to the surgical interventions.
- Provided supplies based on surgeon preference and the patients needs, communicates information to the health care team.
- Performs circulating and scrubbing procedures, maintains sterility, supports and assists in anesthesia induction / emergencies
- Utilized critical thinking and safe judgement when making decisions.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
RN II Medical-Surgical / Oncolgy / Float Pool
10.1999 - 08.2004
Job overview
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Managed complex cases of critically ill patients, ensuring optimal treatment plans were executed effectively.
- Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
Education
United Doctors College of NursingQuezon City, Philippines
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
04.1978
University Overview
Associates in Nursing ( 1975 ) Trinity College of Nursing
B.S. Psychology ( Not completed 1989 - 1990 ) University of Maryland
- Daisy Award Recipient
- California RN License
- Washington RN License
- Relevant Coursework:
Chemotherapy Nursing Certified
IV Certified
Reiki Certified
Chairman for Professional Practice Council ( Kaiser Permanente ASU )
Skills
- Basic Life Support
- Clinical judgment
- Compassion and Empathy
- Discharge Planning
- Quality Improvement
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessment
- Team Coordination
- Patient education and counseling
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Precepting
- Staff Supervision
- Nursing staff leadership
- Licensed RN
- Patient Management
- High level of autonomy
- Patient and family advocacy
- EMR Systems
- Cardiac Care
- Emergency Response
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Intake and discharge
- Research utilization
- Patient Assessments
- Patient Monitoring
Timeline
RN III Perioperative Department
Kaiser Permanente
06.2011 - 12.2022
RN II
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
08.2004 - 06.2010
RN II Medical-Surgical / Oncolgy / Float Pool
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare
10.1999 - 08.2004
United Doctors College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science from Nursing