Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Additional Information
Timeline
RegisteredNurse

Suzanne Gunnar

Registered Nurse
Huntsville,AL

Summary

Talented professional brings strong background in critical care. Confident in overseeing care for individuals facing life-threatening conditions and difficult recoveries. Caring in partnering with loved ones and support staff to deliver exceptional care to each patient. Strong work ethic, reliable and dependable.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

RN, ICU

Huntsville Hospital Main
Huntsville, AL
01.2024 - Current
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining accurate documentation standards according to hospital policy.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality patient outcomes.
  • Actively participated in continuing education programs related to critical care nursing practices.
  • Provided direct nursing care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions in order to provide appropriate interventions quickly and efficiently.
  • Maintained current knowledge of evidence-based practice guidelines for critical care.
  • Assessed, monitored, and documented patient status and care throughout shift.
  • Consistently provided compassionate care while advocating for the needs of the patient population served.
  • Fostered positive relationships with physicians, staff members, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
  • Evaluated laboratory results for accuracy prior to administering prescribed medications or treatments.
  • Facilitated communication between medical staff and family members regarding diagnosis and treatment plan options.
  • Administered medications accurately and per protocol.
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations related to critical care nursing practices.
  • Managed PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drug administration and titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tube management.
  • Managed the care of patients on mechanical ventilation, optimizing respiratory function and monitoring for complications.
  • Assessed patients, documented observations and reviewed patient charts to determine care needs.
  • Managed the administration of blood products and monitored patients for adverse reactions.
  • Treated patients with broad range of acute, life-threatening diagnoses.
  • Monitored patient vital signs, assessing and responding to changes in patient conditions promptly.
  • Provided comprehensive care to critically ill patients, including those with complex medical and surgical conditions.
  • Utilized a wide range of medical equipment, including ventilators and intravenous (IV) pumps, to support patient care.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring compliance with healthcare protocols.
  • Ensured strict compliance with infection control protocols to protect patients, staff, and visitors.
  • Operated and monitored life support systems and medical devices specific to the critical care setting.
  • Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
  • Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
  • Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
  • Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
  • Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
  • Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
  • Implemented advanced life support techniques and interventions during emergency situations to stabilize patients.
  • Performed emergency medical procedures, such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), when necessary.
  • Applied evidence-based practices to wound care, preventing infections and promoting healing.
  • Provided direct patient care in the ICU setting, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Monitored vital signs including pulse oximetry, blood pressure, temperature and respiration rate.
  • Received specialized training in critical care management techniques such as hemodynamic monitoring or ventilator management.
  • Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines when making clinical decisions related to patient care.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of all assessments, interventions and patient progress in electronic medical records system.
  • Assisted physicians with procedures such as intubation, chest tube insertion and central line placement.
  • Evaluated laboratory results to determine patient response to therapy or medication changes.
  • Provided emotional support for families dealing with difficult diagnoses or life-threatening illnesses.
  • Conducted regular quality assurance audits of nursing practices in order to ensure compliance with hospital policies and procedures.
  • Administered medications according to physician orders, including intravenous fluids or antibiotics.
  • Facilitated communication between patients and families and healthcare providers throughout the course of their stay.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care by facilitating family meetings and providing support during difficult times.
  • Advocated for patients, ensuring their needs and preferences were communicated to the healthcare team.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify healthcare needs and potential complications.

Lead LPN

Thrive Of Jones Farm Assisted Living Facility
Huntsville, AL
06.2021 - Current
  • Offered companionship and kindness to elderly patients.
  • Monitored client vital signs, administered medications and tracked behaviors to keep healthcare supervisor well-informed.
  • Conferred with supervisor to discuss patient condition and medical care.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
  • Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
  • Cared for over twenty-two assisted living and memory care patients each day.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Entertained, conversed and read aloud to keep patients mentally alert.
  • Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate a trusting caregiver relationship.
  • Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
  • Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Minimized staff and patient infection risk by cleaning and disinfecting equipment instruments.
  • Monitored clients' overall health and well-being and noted significant changes.

ER Tech II

Huntsville Hospital
02.2019 - Current
  • Work with wide variety of patients and acuity levels in Observation unit as well as Admissions unit of ER.
  • Work closely with physicians and nurses to bring quality care to patients.
  • Ability to work in fast paced and often times stressful environment.
  • Collected basic samples, labeled specimens properly and transferred to laboratory for testing.
  • Measured vital statistics and recorded data in appropriate medical records.
  • Liaised between nurses, physicians, patients, and visitors.
  • Safely transported patients by wheelchair, stretcher, or bed to other units.
  • Assisted doctors with examinations of patients by taking vital signs and drawing blood.
  • Used Cerner to maintain records of patient care, condition, and progress; reported and discussed observations with RN's on unit.
  • Decontaminated and sanitized all equipment, instruments, and supplies.
  • Assisted patients with limited mobility in dressing and undressing, bathing, and other day-to-day needs.
  • Assisted in obtaining and documenting vital signs and placement of oxygen saturation, cardiac monitoring, and non-invasive blood pressure monitoring systems.
  • Received direction and assignments from physicians and nurses, providing efficient technical support to optimize patient care.
  • Followed all hospital policies and procedures and complied with local, state, federal agencies, and accrediting body guidelines.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Devoted special emphasis to punctuality, consistently arriving to work early, and ready to start immediately.
  • Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Worked flexible hours; night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

EKG Technician

Huntsville Hospital
Huntsville, Alabama
09.2016 - 02.2019
  • Administered testing with electrocardiogram for patients experiencing events and as screening tool.
  • Educated patients on testing and preparation steps prior to procedure.
  • Monitored patients' heart rhythms and functions through cardiac monitoring strips.
  • Assisted in CPR for patients in cardiac failure, responding to hospital crisis codes.
  • Adhered to cleaning protocol for EKG machine, Holter cables and accessories to provide safe environment.
  • Communicated with healthcare workers and physicians concerning test results.
  • Provided instruction on Holter monitor and connected patient to analyzer.
  • Transcribed patient results and entered into office electronic recording system.
  • Prepared Holter Monitor equipment, provided instruction and demonstration of use for patients and families.
  • Connected patient to analyzer.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Calhoun Community College
Tanner, AL
12.2021

Skills

  • Catheter Care
  • Diabetes management
  • Compassionate Care
  • Behavioral Health
  • Medical Documentation
  • Palliative Care
  • Nursing Ethics
  • Health Promotion
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Cardiac Care
  • Tracheostomy Care
  • Samples collection
  • Clinical Documentation
  • Physical Assessment
  • Emergency Response
  • Ventilator management
  • Disease Prevention
  • Life-sustaining machines
  • Healthcare Team Collaboration
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Evaluations
  • Airway Management
  • IV setup
  • Policy Adherence
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Patient discharging
  • Patient Check-Ins

Interests

Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Member of National Student Nurse Association. Elected to Treasurer/Media officer for Student Nurse Association in 2020. Member of Student Nurse association since 2019.

Additional Information

  • Alabama Multi-State license #1-189683
  • Two time Daisy Award nominee
  • ACLS and BLS certifications expire 12/24
  • Received Calhoun Community College Academic Scholarship.
  • 05/2016 Phlebotomy Calhoun Community College - Tanner, AL Certificate of completion in phlebotomy. Completed professional development in Phlebotomy.
  • 12/2015 EKG Technician Calhoun Community College - Tanner, AL Professional development completed in Electrocardiograms. Became a nationally certified EKG Technician.

Timeline

RN, ICU

Huntsville Hospital Main
01.2024 - Current

Lead LPN

Thrive Of Jones Farm Assisted Living Facility
06.2021 - Current

ER Tech II

Huntsville Hospital
02.2019 - Current

EKG Technician

Huntsville Hospital
09.2016 - 02.2019

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Calhoun Community College

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Suzanne GunnarRegistered Nurse