Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

TRACI KOLKA

BAY CITY,US

Summary

Experienced nursing professional bringing demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership skills and technical knowledge. Proficient in updating charts, monitoring medications and working with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care. Quality-driven and efficient with strong interpersonal abilities.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Office Nurse

Bay heart and vascular
BAY CITY, US
06.2023 - Current
  • Reviewed patient chart information before visit, ordered necessary laboratory tests, escorted patient to examination room, obtained vital signs and conducted interview to update records.
  • Completed electronic documentation, prior insurance authorizations and scheduling of appointments for patients prescribed for diagnostic and therapeutic services from specialists.
  • Responded to routine patient inquiries, assessed patient needs, conferred with physician regarding care plan and assisted physician with sensitive components of examinations.
  • Educated patients in regards to office policies, medical procedure steps, recovery measures and medication instructions.
  • Communicated effectively with patients and their families about medical conditions and treatment plans.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information related to patients' medical histories.

Registered Nurse (temporarily) Cardiac Tele/Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse

McLaren Bay Region
, US
12.2022 - 06.2023
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
  • Administered and titrated cardiac medications while monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.

Registered Nurse (travel) Cardiac Tele/med Surg

Core Staffing
Frankenmuth, MI
08.2021 - 12.2022
  • Administered medications according to physician orders in a timely manner.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans for complex cases.
  • Promoted positive patient outcomes through proactive interventions.
  • Responded promptly to emergent situations involving cardiac arrest or trauma resuscitation.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of current evidence-based practices when providing comprehensive care for diverse populations.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills when responding quickly to changes in patient status.
  • Provided direct patient care while following established standards and protocols.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable state regulations related to nursing practice.
  • Assessed and monitored patient vitals, such as blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate.
  • Served as a preceptor for new graduate nurses transitioning into professional practice roles.
  • Educated patients on health maintenance and disease prevention strategies.
  • Maintained accurate patient records using Electronic Health Records.
  • Adhered to infection control policies and procedures designed to protect both staff members and patients.
  • Provided emotional support to families dealing with difficult diagnoses or end-of-life scenarios.
  • Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
  • Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
  • Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.

Registered Nurse Cardiac Tele/COVID-19 Unit RN

Mclaren Bay Region
BAY CITY, US
04.2014 - 08.2021
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
  • Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
  • Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
  • Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
  • Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
  • Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
  • Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions and provided home care strategies.
  • Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
  • Utilized telemetry to monitor patients cardiac status.
  • Responded quickly to any changes in patient's condition or vital signs.
  • Handled telemetry monitoring of patients cardiac rhythms.
  • Interpreted cardiogram strips accurately and reported abnormal findings immediately.
  • Managed intravenous therapy including IV starts, changes, discontinuation per physician orders.
  • Performed ECG monitoring and interpretation of cardiac rhythms.
  • Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
  • Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
  • Assisted with ordering supplies and equipment used in treating COVID-19 patients.
  • Initiated emergency resuscitative measures according to advanced life support protocols and directives.
  • Responded quickly and efficiently to emergent situations arising within the unit such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
  • Utilized personal protective equipment when providing direct care to protect both staff and patients from transmission of the virus.
  • Worked on Covid 19 unit during pandemic. Working overtime to help out our unit.
  • Monitored and managed oxygenation needs such as venti mask, high flow oxygen and bipap.

LPN Long Term Care

Carriage house
BAY CITY, US
04.2011 - 04.2014
  • Performed wound care including changing dressings, cleaning wounds, applying ointments and medications and providing other necessary treatments.
  • Observed patients for any changes in their condition or behaviour, reported findings to the supervisor or physician in charge.
  • Administered medications orally, intravenously or intramuscularly depending on the prescription given by the doctor.
  • Ensured that all medications were administered accurately and on time as prescribed by the physician.
  • Performed routine laboratory tests including urinalysis, blood glucose monitoring and others.
  • Maintained accurate medical records of each patient's health condition.
  • Conducted daily rounds visiting assigned patients ensuring they are comfortable and have all necessary supplies available.

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing

Delta College
Bay City, MI
05-2014

Skills

  • Immunization Administration
  • Appointment Scheduling
  • Vital Signs Monitoring
  • Medication Administration
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Care Plan Development
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Compassion and Empathy
  • Documentation
  • Patient Condition Monitoring
  • Student Precepting
  • Vitals Monitoring
  • Wound Care
  • Patient Examination
  • Care Coordination
  • Self Motivation
  • Decision-Making
  • Tracheostomy Care
  • Blood Draw and Sample Collection

Certification

  • Registered nurse license
  • BLS certification

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Office Nurse

Bay heart and vascular
06.2023 - Current

Registered Nurse (temporarily) Cardiac Tele/Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse

McLaren Bay Region
12.2022 - 06.2023

Registered Nurse (travel) Cardiac Tele/med Surg

Core Staffing
08.2021 - 12.2022

Registered Nurse Cardiac Tele/COVID-19 Unit RN

Mclaren Bay Region
04.2014 - 08.2021

LPN Long Term Care

Carriage house
04.2011 - 04.2014

Associate Degree in Nursing - Nursing

Delta College
TRACI KOLKA