Susan L. Brunow
Saint Peter,MN
Summary
Healthcare professional skilled in managing nursing teams and ensuring high standards of patient care. Proven success in implementing care plans and improving operational efficiency. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to dynamic healthcare environments. Strong skills in patient assessment and emergency response.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Charge Nurse
Mayo Health Systems
02.2021 - Current
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure high-quality patient care and compliance with best practices.
- Coordinated patient admissions, discharges, and transfers to optimize operational efficiency.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols that improved patient outcomes and streamlined workflows.
- Trained and mentored new nurses on clinical skills, safety standards, and hospital policies.
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Conduct resuscitation efforts and provide support during emergency procedures including cesarean deliveries.
- Manage and analyze fetal monitoring systems while simultaneously reviewing multiple tracing strips.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery Unit
Mayo Hospital, Mankato, Minnesota
02.2017 - Current
- Triage on-unit, medical / surgical unit and emergency unit labor patients.
- Postpartum care: Assessment of and interventions for pain, fundus, lochia flow, perineum, incision, vital signs, blood loss, teaching needs, bonding and psychosocial situations.
- Breastfeeding Support: Assessment of and interventions for latch, adequate feedings, sore nipples and feeding cues.
- Newborn Care: Assessment and interventions for pain, gestational age, near-term infants, jaundice, temp instability, respiratory status, hypoglycemia, newborn screen, hearing screens, Hugs, signs and symptoms of sepsis and abnormalities.
- Labor and Delivery: Assessment and interventions for admission to labor, labor pain management, epidural management, SVE's, determining if a patient is in labor, fetal monitor assessment, signs and symptoms of risk factors, PIH, preterm labor, pushing, delivery and immediate postpartum care.
- Education of postpartum patients on newborn care, breastfeeding, nutrition and physiological / emotional transition to manage home life expectations.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery Unit / Women and Children’s Float Pool
Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
11.2014 - Current
- Triage on-unit, medical / surgical unit and emergency unit labor patients.
- Postpartum care: Assessment of and interventions for pain, fundus, lochia flow, perineum, incision, vital signs, blood loss, teaching needs, bonding and psychosocial situations.
- Breastfeeding Support: Assessment of and interventions for latch, adequate feedings, sore nipples and feeding cues.
- Newborn Care: Assessment and interventions for pain, gestational age, near-term infants, jaundice, temp instability, respiratory status, hypoglycemia, newborn screen, hearing screens, Hugs, signs and symptoms of sepsis and abnormalities.
- Labor and Delivery: Assessment and interventions for admission to labor, labor pain management, epidural management, SVE's, determining if a patient is in labor, fetal monitor assessment, signs and symptoms of risk factors, PIH, preterm labor, pushing, delivery and immediate postpartum care.
- Pediatrics: Performs treatments and procedures and prepares and administers medications appropriately considering the physiology and psychological development of the pediatric patient.
- NICU: Demonstrates appropriate care and knowledge of the ill newborn including assessment and interventions for newborn resuscitation, oxygen therapy, fluid replacement, TPN, skincare, developmental care, medications, NG feedings, parent support and teaching.
- OR Team Leader: Perioperative care including assisting anesthesia and post-anesthesia.
- OR Circulator: Circulates in the OB OR including preparing the patient for surgery.
- Certifications: BCLS, ACLS, NRP, S.T.A.B.L.E., Fetal Monitoring.
- Awards: DAISY Foundation Award Winner 2016, Patient’s Choice Award (10)
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Aya Healthcare
07.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Provided comprehensive support during labor, facilitating safe deliveries and maternal comfort.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- Assessed infant health directly after birth using APGAR and monitored health for specified amount of time for any changes in status.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Coordinated care of low and high-risk laboring women of childbearing age and immediate stabilization of newborn following delivery.
Forensic Nurse Examiner
Hennepin County Healthcare
05.2019 - 10.2021
- Conducted comprehensive forensic examinations to document and analyze evidence from victims of violence and abuse.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and legal teams to provide expert testimony in court proceedings.
- Developed and implemented protocols for collecting, preserving, and analyzing forensic evidence.
- Trained and mentored new staff on forensic examination procedures and best practices.
- Advocated for victims' rights by providing education on available resources and support services.
- Conducted comprehensive medical evaluations to determine the extent of injuries sustained during traumatic events.
- Streamlined processes within the forensic nursing department by introducing efficient procedures for evidence handling and storage.
- Promoted a safe environment for patients by adhering to strict confidentiality protocols during all interactions.
- Culturally aware forensic services that acknowledge and accommodate the multifaceted backgrounds of all involved parties, recognizing cultural frameworks, racial and ethnic identities, gender perspectives, spiritual traditions, and language considerations.
- Delivers trauma-informed medical care and forensic examinations for survivors sexual assault and of intimate partner violence across all age groups, adults, adolescents, and children, while also offering support resources for human trafficking victims.
- Executing court-directed forensic evaluations of alleged perpetrators of sexual assault or intimate partner abuse.
Registered Nurse, Behavioral Heath Medical and Older Adult
Unity Point Health, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
12.2013 - 03.2016
- Perform admission assessment to include patient history, physical, and psycho-social assessment.
- Utilizes physical assessment data, diagnostic data, pharmacological information and patient/family perceptions in formulating nursing diagnosis related to focus problem areas and identifying goals of care.
- Stabilization of patients experiencing drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Manage care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
- Delegate tasks to other health care team members and assume responsibility for follow-up and collaboration.
- Behavioral Medical Emergency Team member: Response to other units of the facility for specialized behavioral health care.
- Awards: Guardian Angel Award (2)
Birth Care Assistant
Saint Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
02.2006 - 06.2010
- Assures that emergency equipment (oxygen, PPE, suction, IV supplies, and resuscitation equipment) is present and in working order for all patient rooms.
- Assembles the equipment needed for a birth in the LDRP.
- Serves as backup personnel for all deliveries.
- Participates in the LDRP room turn around to transform birthing into postpartum.
- Assists nursing staff in observation and care of the infants in the newborn nursery.
- Assists with circumcisions under the supervision of the nursery RN.
- Using sterile technique, prepare the operating room for a case.
Education
Associates - Nursing
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, Iowa05-2013
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Western Governor’s University
Salt Lake City, Utah05-2020
Bachelor of Science -
Skills
- Care coordination
- Clinical leadership
- Mentoring and coaching
- Team leadership
- Level II special care nursery
- Patient advocacy
- Decision-making
- OR circulator
- Neonatal resuscitation
- NRP
- STABLE
- Infant Driven Feeding
Certification
SANE, NRP, S.T.A.B.L.E., ACLS, BLS
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Aya Healthcare
07.2022 - 08.2023
Charge Nurse
Mayo Health Systems
02.2021 - Current
Forensic Nurse Examiner
Hennepin County Healthcare
05.2019 - 10.2021
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery Unit
Mayo Hospital, Mankato, Minnesota
02.2017 - Current
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery Unit / Women and Children’s Float Pool
Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
11.2014 - Current
Registered Nurse, Behavioral Heath Medical and Older Adult
Unity Point Health, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
12.2013 - 03.2016
Birth Care Assistant
Saint Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
02.2006 - 06.2010
Associates - Nursing
Kirkwood Community College
Bachelors of Science - Nursing
Western Governor’s University
Bachelor of Science -
Awards
2017 - Present -Three time recipient of the Above and Beyond Recognition award MCHS
2017 - Patient Care Experience Recognition - MCHS
2013-2016- Patient Choice Award- Mercy Medical Center
2016 - Daisy Foundation Award - Mercy Medical Center
2014 - Guardian Angel Award - Unity Point Hospital
2013 - Guardian Angel Award - Unity Point Hospital