CATHERINE S. NOVAK
Parkville
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse with over 30 years of experience in a hospital setting. Educated in epidemiology of hospital acquired infections and disease outbreaks. Proficient in isolation protocols, control procedures and hygiene standards. Experienced Critical Care Registered Nurse with superior knowledge of treatments, techniques and diagnostic procedures. Adept at providing immediate and individualized care.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
INFECTION PREVENTIONIST
Medstar Franklin Square Hospital
09.2011 - Current
- Present Infection Preventionist: Review daily admission list, update isolation standards
- Review daily microbiology cultures, assist in education to various departments, report to NHSN, report various labs to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, present at monthly new employee orientation, collect data, and submit data for different hospital surveillance initiatives, and review and update departmental/ hospital policies., include Review the daily patient charts to track compliance with CCU bundle protocols
- Educate staff and orient new staff to protocols and Remediate staffs that have not complied with protocols
- Review all charts that maybe identified as CLASBI, VAP or foley associated UTI with Infection Prevention
- Part of the Infection Prevention monthly meeting, hand washing committee and CCU PI committee
- Surveilled ongoing infections to verify adequate data collection, control procedures and current staff interventions
- Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis
- Presented findings to committees and public interest groups to spearhead necessary changes to policies and procedures
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents
- Identified and mitigated unnecessary infection risks through regular reviews and procedural assessments
- Gathered and submitted data to regulatory agencies for mandatory report infections such as CAUTI, CLABSI, MDRO's and C.diff
- Evaluated hospital-onset and healthcare-acquired infections by conducting root cause analysis
- Surveilled ongoing infections to verify adequate data collection, control procedures and current staff interventions.
- Performed preventive measures and maintained firm safety levels to avoid spread of infection and disease
- Identified risks proactively, preparing teams for likely infections based on seasonal changes or current epidemiological trends
- Developed and improved infection control procedures
- Set clear policies to improve success of infection control measures in departments
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents
- Coordinated successfully and with full compliance to prevent infections according to facility and Joint Commission standards
- Maintained data, reporting and quality assurance standards throughout investigations
- Educate healthcare workers, patients and public about infectious and communicable disease transmission and prevention
Critical Care Staff Registered Nurse
University Of Maryland St. Joseph's Medical Cent
01.1991 - 11.2019
- Responsibilities include caring for critically ill patients, both medical and surgical patients
- Following unit devised protocols
- Developed and implemented patient care plans based on physicians' instructions and generally accepted nursing practices
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring and specimen collection
- Explained health care issues and ramifications to patients and families to promote informed medical care choices
- Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care skills
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage, and other areas to meet typical patient loads
- Followed HCA ethical values and principles and adhered to HIPAA medical record regulations to promote patients' privacy
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management
- Supervised new employees and student nurses to promote adherence to established patient care standards and practices
- Established staff schedules and assignments based on facility needs and equipment availability
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families
- Maintained respectful treatment environment that honored patients' and families' cultural and religious traditions and preferences
- Identified learning needs of patients and families and responded with advocacy and health education
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians
- Managed elements of patient care from admission to discharge or transfer to other units
- Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments
- Reported patients' status and delegated nurse assignments to achieve optimal outcomes
- Formulated plans for nursing measures to restore, maintain and promote patients' physical and mental health
- Assessed medical status of patients pre- and post-operation by checking vital parameters and supervising food intake
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and adjusted promote stabilization
- Coordinated with physicians to perform bedside procedures such as intravenous injections, vascular line insertions and bronchoscopies
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures and nursing best practices
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW NURSE
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
05.2008 - 08.2011
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care, and rehabilitation
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency
- Strengthened training and nursing knowledge by taking part in continuing education programs
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications.
- Led projects and analyzed data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement
- Prepared a variety of different written communications, reports, and documents to ensure smooth operations
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Mid-Atlantic Cardiovascular Associates, P.A
12.2004 - 05.2008
- Adherence to study protocol, assessment and follow-up of study patients, data collection and liaison between study site and study sponsor
- Also, responsible for outcomes at Union Memorial Hospital
- Collected data and followed research protocols, operations manuals, and case report form requirements
- Screened patient records, databases, and physician referrals to identify prospective candidates for research studies
- Collected, evaluated, and modeled collected data
- Participated in initiation visits and investigator meetings, implementing trials in accordance with study timelines and budgets
- Followed informed consent processes and maintained records
- Gathered, processed, and shipped lab specimens.
PHLEBOTOMIST/PULMONARY FUNCTION TECHNOLOGIST, University Of Maryland St. Joseph's Medical Center
07.1985 - 02.1991
- Maintained and adjusted cardiology and pulmonary equipment
- Registered patients by confirming identification, reviewing consultation requests, and entering anticipated services to patient log
- Contributed to diagnosis of pulmonary disorders by evaluating patient pulmonary systems using spirometers and other respiratory testing equipment
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies, and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment
- Worked flexible hours, night, weekend, and holiday shifts
- Obtained arterial and venous blood specimens for blood gas analysis and diagnostic blood orders
- Performed pulmonary function test on inpatients as well as outpatient.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing- Infection Control
American Sentinel University
Aurora, CO09.2015
Bachelor of Science - undefined
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN07.2011
Diploma of Nursing, Registered Nurse - undefined
Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
Baltimore, MD01.1991
Skills
- Prevention techniques
- CDC Policies
- OSHA
- Infection Control
- Surveillance
- Isolation precautions
- JCAHO
- Data analysis
- Nursing Protocols - Critical Care
- Best Practices and Standards
- First Aid and BLS Instructor
- ACLS and PALS Instructor
Certification
APIC AACN CERTIFICATIONS Certification Infection Control - January 13, 2020 .
Timeline
INFECTION PREVENTIONIST
Medstar Franklin Square Hospital
09.2011 - Current
QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW NURSE
Medstar Union Memorial Hospital
05.2008 - 08.2011
CLINICAL RESEARCH COORDINATOR
Mid-Atlantic Cardiovascular Associates, P.A
12.2004 - 05.2008
Critical Care Staff Registered Nurse
University Of Maryland St. Joseph's Medical Cent
01.1991 - 11.2019
PHLEBOTOMIST/PULMONARY FUNCTION TECHNOLOGIST, University Of Maryland St. Joseph's Medical Center
07.1985 - 02.1991
Master of Science - Nursing- Infection Control
American Sentinel University
Bachelor of Science - undefined
Walden University
Diploma of Nursing, Registered Nurse - undefined
Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing
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