Katherine Charles
Mechanicsville
Summary
Healthcare professional with strong background in post-anesthesia care. Successfully managed numerous patient recoveries, ensuring safety and comfort throughout process. Reliable team collaborator known for achieving positive outcomes and adapting to dynamic clinical environments. Skilled in patient assessment and pain management.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, PACU
Medstar Surgery Center Brandywine
11.2023 - Current
- Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
- Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
- Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-anesthesia care and monitoring vital signs.
- Decreased medication errors by meticulously administering medications following proper protocols and verifying dosages.
- Prevented complications from anesthesia side effects such as nausea or vomiting using effective medication administration techniques.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the recovery process, easing anxiety related to surgery outcomes.
- Contributed to efficient unit operations by assisting in the orientation of new staff members to PACU procedures and best practices.
- Ensured continuity of care by effectively documenting patient assessments, interventions, responses, and progress in electronic medical records systems.
- Streamlined the discharge process for PACU patients, ensuring thorough education on home care instructions and follow-up appointments.
Registered Nurse (Pre-op/PACU)
USPI Harbor Heights Surgery Center
11.2021 - 12.2023
- Providing direct quality care to preoperative and post-operative patients for scheduled surgeries while establishing a safe and encouraging environment
- Assessed patient’s conditions and monitored preoperative & post-surgical recovery while identifying any emergent situations and procedures needed
- Communicate changes in patient status to Physician, CRNA, RN and Anesthesia
- Implement post-surgical treatment plan and provide detailed discharge instructions for patient discharge
Registered Nurse (PACU)
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
12.2019 - 11.2021
- Providing direct quality care to post-operative patients for both scheduled and emergent surgeries while establishing a safe and encouraging environment
- Assessed patient’s conditions and monitored post-surgical recovery while identifying any emergent situations and procedures needed
- Communicate changes in patient status to Physician, CRNA and RN
- Implement post-surgical treatment plan and provide detailed report to med/surg or ICU nurse for patient transfer/admission/discharge
- Review and implement physician orders
Registered Nurse (Emergency Room)
Fort Washington Medical Center
03.2017 - 12.2019
- Triaging, assess and stabilize patients with expedience and accuracy, while working/communicating with other members in the emergency room such as techs, Physician Assistants, and Doctors
- Ensure the provision of quality emergency care to patients requiring emergency treatment in accordance with physician orders, hospital policy, and standard nursing protocols
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
Certified Nursing Assistant (Emergency Room)
University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center
02.2012 - 02.2017
- As a member in the emergency department, I assist doctors, physician’s assistants, nurses, and other techs with emergency procedures such as CPR, IV insertion, 12 lead EKG’s, splint and catheter insertions
- Ensure all emergency rooms are stocked and rooms are prepared, proper equipment is provided for procedures and well working
- Responsible for maintaining privacy of patients as mentioned with HIPAA regulations at all times
- Performing front duties such as answering phones, patient chart upkeep, setting up transfers to transport patients to other facilities
- Obtaining vital signs, intake and output amounts, collecting test specimens as required
- Discharging patients through the Meditech system and breaking down patient charts
Education
Associates Degree - Nursing
College of Southern Maryland
01.2017
ASSOCIATES DEGREE - social sciences
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
01.2015
ASSOCIATES DEGREE - general studies
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
01.2015
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Ethical practice
- IV insertion
- Discharge planning
- Vital signs monitoring
- Airway management
- Post-anesthesia care
- Anesthesia recovery
- Basic life support
- Pain management
- Patient education
- Compassionate care
- Pediatric advanced life support
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Critical thinking
Certification
Nursing License R226651,
PALS: Current-05/01/25
ACLS: Current-05/01/25
BLS: Current- 5/1/25
Timeline
Registered Nurse, PACU
Medstar Surgery Center Brandywine
11.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse (Pre-op/PACU)
USPI Harbor Heights Surgery Center
11.2021 - 12.2023
Registered Nurse (PACU)
MedStar St. Mary's Hospital
12.2019 - 11.2021
Registered Nurse (Emergency Room)
Fort Washington Medical Center
03.2017 - 12.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant (Emergency Room)
University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center
02.2012 - 02.2017
Associates Degree - Nursing
College of Southern Maryland
ASSOCIATES DEGREE - social sciences
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
ASSOCIATES DEGREE - general studies
COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN MARYLAND
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