Teresa Cousins
Carrollton,VIRGINIA
Summary
Dynamic Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists, recognized for enhancing patient safety through evidence-based practices and fostering teamwork. Proven leadership in quality improvement initiatives and emergency response preparedness, while mentoring junior staff and optimizing anesthesia protocols to achieve superior patient outcomes. Committed to continuous education and clinical excellence with solid background in administering anesthesia for various surgical procedures. Proven track record of ensuring patient safety and optimizing anesthesia techniques to enhance recovery outcomes.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists
2020 - Current
- Led successful initiatives to reduce operating room turnover times without compromising patient safety or care quality.
- Strengthened relationships between anesthesia providers and surgical colleagues through active participation in hospital committees and collaborative quality improvement projects.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning among anesthesia staff by organizing regular educational sessions on current topics in anesthesiology practice.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes during high-risk surgeries and complex cases.
- Mentored junior nurse anesthetists through clinical supervision and constructive feedback, fostering professional growth and skill development.
- Managed challenging airway cases with advanced techniques such as video laryngoscopy, fiberoptic intubation, or supraglottic airway devices when necessary.
- Streamlined workflow in the anesthesia department by coordinating schedules, equipment maintenance, and staff training initiatives.
- Contributed to the successful expansion of the anesthesia department by recruiting highly skilled providers and promoting a positive work environment.
- Enhanced patient safety by implementing evidence-based anesthesia techniques and monitoring protocols.
- Evaluated emerging research in the field of anesthesia to identify opportunities for practice improvement or innovation within the organization.
- Served as a trusted resource for fellow healthcare professionals seeking guidance on appropriate pain management strategies for diverse patient populations.
- Developed and implemented anesthesia policies and procedures to maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Maintained professional competence through regular participation in continuing education activities and conferences related to anesthesia practice and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Delivered targeted pharmacological assistance, mechanical ventilation support and other interventions during routine and complex surgeries.
- Developed anesthesia care plan based on past medical history, current status and surgical requirements.
- Administered and maintained anesthesia and confirmed proper sedation and pain management.
- Managed emergency situations by initiating or participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Student Coordinator Old Dominion University
Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists
2020 - 2025
- Coordination of clinical experiences for Old Dominion University Nurse Anesthesia students to include assignments, mentor selection, and evaluation processes
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists
09.2006 - 02.2020
- Improved patient safety by meticulously monitoring anesthesia levels and vital signs during surgical procedures.
- Conducted thorough pre-anesthetic assessments, ensuring patients were suitable candidates for anesthesia administration.
- Increased patient satisfaction with pre-operative consultations that clearly explained the anesthesia process and addressed any concerns or questions they had.
- Contributed to departmental quality improvement initiatives by identifying areas for improvement and proposing solutions based on best practices in nurse anesthetist care.
- Delivered targeted pharmacological assistance, mechanical ventilation support and other interventions during routine and complex surgeries.
- Participated in hospital committees focused on improving patient care protocols and advocating for the role of nurse anesthetists within the healthcare system.
- Developed anesthesia care plan based on past medical history, current status and surgical requirements.
- Administered and maintained anesthesia and confirmed proper sedation and pain management.
- Supported successful surgical outcomes through timely communication with the surgical team about any changes in patient status or potential issues during procedures.
- Coordinated skilled emergency response and medical interventions to stabilize patients and treat specific symptoms.
- Effectively managed the induction, maintenance, and emergence phases of anesthesia while closely monitoring patient responsiveness to ensure optimal results.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork within the perioperative setting by collaborating closely with colleagues across disciplines, leading to improved overall patient outcomes.
- Managed emergency situations effectively, utilizing advanced airway management skills when required.
- Provided ongoing education on anesthesia techniques to nursing staff, contributing to a culture of continuous learning.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment when assessing patients'' medical histories, allergies, and other factors that could impact anesthesia administration.
- Performed pre-anesthetic physical evaluations and patient interviews and documented results.
- Ensured proper documentation of anesthesia-related information in patient records for accurate tracking and follow-up care.
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Atlantic Anesthesia Incorporated
04.2005 - 01.2007
- Delivered targeted pharmacological assistance, mechanical ventilation support and other interventions during routine and complex surgeries.
- Participated in hospital committees focused on improving patient care protocols and advocating for the role of nurse anesthetists within the healthcare system.
- Developed anesthesia care plan based on past medical history, current status and surgical requirements.
- Administered and maintained anesthesia and confirmed proper sedation and pain management.
- Supported successful surgical outcomes through timely communication with the surgical team about any changes in patient status or potential issues during procedures.
- Minimized risk of complications by adhering to evidence-based practices in the administration of general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care techniques.
- Coordinated skilled emergency response and medical interventions to stabilize patients and treat specific symptoms.
- Effectively managed the induction, maintenance, and emergence phases of anesthesia while closely monitoring patient responsiveness to ensure optimal results.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork within the perioperative setting by collaborating closely with colleagues across disciplines, leading to improved overall patient outcomes.
- Managed emergency situations by initiating or participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Managed emergency situations effectively, utilizing advanced airway management skills when required.
- Provided ongoing education on anesthesia techniques to nursing staff, contributing to a culture of continuous learning.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment when assessing patients'' medical histories, allergies, and other factors that could impact anesthesia administration.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals to develop comprehensive anesthesia plans for each patient.
- Performed pre-anesthetic physical evaluations and patient interviews and documented results.
- Administered post-anesthesia medications or fluids to support patients' cardiovascular systems.
- Selected, prepared or used equipment, monitors or drugs for administration of anesthetics.
- Ensured proper documentation of anesthesia-related information in patient records for accurate tracking and follow-up care.
Education
Master of Science - Nurse Anesthesia
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA12-2004
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Widener University
Chester, PA05-1994
Skills
- Emergency response preparedness
- Pharmacology
- Continuing education commitment
- Interpersonal relationship building
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Patient assessment expertise
- Clinical decision making
- Leadership and management
- Electronic health record navigation
- Quality improvement
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Basic Life Support
- NBCRNA certification
- Certified Registered Nurse Commonwealth of Virginia
- Certified Advanced Practice Nurse Commonwealth of Virginia
Timeline
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists
09.2006 - 02.2020
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Atlantic Anesthesia Incorporated
04.2005 - 01.2007
Chief Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists
2020 - Current
Student Coordinator Old Dominion University
Sentara Anesthesiology Specialists
2020 - 2025
Master of Science - Nurse Anesthesia
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Widener University
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