Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Tamara Kirk

Young Harris,GA

Summary

Accomplished Registered Nurse with a proven track record at Wellstar Paulding Hospital, showcasing expertise in patient assessments and telemetry monitoring. Skilled in medication administration and fostering patient and family advocacy, I significantly enhanced patient care and safety. My strong clinical judgment and compassionate approach to patient education have been pivotal in improving patient satisfaction scores.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

Piedmont Heart
01.2024 - Current


  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary..

PACU Registered Nurse

Wellstar Paulding Hospital
06.2016 - Current
  • Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs and administering medications postsurgery.
  • Reduced recovery times through effective pain management and close collaboration with the surgical team.
  • Maintained accurate records of medication administration, vital signs monitoring, and other critical data points for proper evaluation of patients'' progress during recovery.
  • Mentored new PACU nurses, sharing best practices for efficient patient turnover and discharge processes.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and maintaining open communication with patients and families.
  • Promoted teamwork among nursing staff, fostering a supportive environment conducive to high-quality patient care.
  • Supported successful implementation of newly adopted protocols within the PACU department through active involvement in training sessions and policy updates.
  • Provided individualized care and dedicated oversight to 2 patients on average in post-operative recovery room.

ER Registered Nurse

WellStar Paulding Hospital
01.1998 - 01.2012
  • Planned, prioritized and provided nursing care by applying advanced specialty clinical nursing knowledge and skills to support comfort and safety of patients and families.
  • Increased efficiency within the triage system by prioritizing cases based on severity levels.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues across departments, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall patient care delivery processes.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a high level of attention to detail under pressure during busy shifts in the ER department.
  • Observed and recorded signs, symptoms, behaviors and physiological status of patient.
  • Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough assessments and developing individualized nursing plans.
  • Assembled equipment and supplies for diagnostic or treatment procedures in specialty service areas.
  • Coordinated discharge planning processes effectively resulting in a smoother transition for patients back into their communities.
  • Adhered to required infection control, isolation procedures and aseptic techniques in delivery of patient care.
  • Collected laboratory samples and performed testing in accordance with established policies and procedures and COLA and CLIA regulations.
  • Mentored new nursing staff members, promoting professional development and enhancing the overall quality of care provided within the ER setting.
  • Improved patient safety by identifying and addressing potential risks and implementing preventative measures.

Registered Nurse, ICU

Wellstar Cobb Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1998
  • Implemented infection control measures consistently, minimizing risk of cross-contamination among vulnerable ICU patients.
  • Advocated for patient needs, working closely with healthcare providers to ensure individualized care plans were developed and executed accordingly.
  • Utilized strong clinical judgment skills in prioritizing tasks based on acuity levels of ICU patients under my care daily routine.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult moments.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of patients upon admission to the ICU, identifying urgent needs and initiating appropriate interventions.
  • Operated advanced life support equipment proficiently during emergencies, stabilizing critically ill patients swiftly when necessary.
  • Proactively addressed potential issues through regular rounds with physicians which led to early identification of deteriorating conditions.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and their families, providing emotional support while addressing medical concerns.
  • Reduced patient complications through diligent monitoring and swift interventions during critical situations.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, sharing best practices and promoting high standards of patient care within the ICU team.

Telemetry Registered Nurse

Kennestone Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1998
  • Decreased patient complications through diligent monitoring of vital signs, lab results, and other telemetry data.
  • Enhanced patient care by accurately interpreting cardiac monitor readings and promptly reporting critical findings to healthcare team.
  • Prevented life-threatening complications by quickly recognizing early warning signs of deterioration in critically ill patients under close observation.
  • Administered prescribed medications safely and effectively while closely monitoring potential side effects or adverse reactions.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the telemetry unit through active participation in daily huddles, shift handoffs, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
  • Maintained accurate and comprehensive electronic health records for all patients under care, facilitating seamless communication among healthcare team members and continuity of care across shifts.
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores through attentive listening, empathetic support, and timely addressing of concerns.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
Atlanta, GA
12.1995

Skills

  • Medication and IV administration
  • Medication Administration
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Patient Assessments
  • Documentation and Charting
  • Patient Assessment
  • Strong Clinical Judgment
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Patient Management
  • Family Education
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Patient Evaluation
  • Critical Care

Certification

BLS,ACLS, and CCRN

Timeline

Registered Nurse

Piedmont Heart
01.2024 - Current

PACU Registered Nurse

Wellstar Paulding Hospital
06.2016 - Current

ER Registered Nurse

WellStar Paulding Hospital
01.1998 - 01.2012

Registered Nurse, ICU

Wellstar Cobb Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1998

Telemetry Registered Nurse

Kennestone Hospital
01.1992 - 01.1998

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Georgia Baptist College of Nursing
Tamara Kirk