Susan Brown
Hartsville
Summary
Professional healthcare provider well-prepared for demands of cardiology nursing. Offers valuable experience in patient care and cardiac health management. Known for strong collaboration skills and adaptability in dynamic healthcare settings. Proficient in cardiac monitoring and patient education, with reliable and results-driven approach.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cardiology Nurse
Prisma Health
08.2021 - Current
- Administered medications and monitored patient vitals in high-pressure cardiology environment.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for cardiac patients.
- Educated patients and families on heart health management and disease prevention strategies.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance patient outcomes in cardiology unit.
- Led quality improvement initiatives that streamlined patient intake processes, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Advocated for patient needs, ensuring timely access to specialized cardiology services and resources.
- Fostered strong relationships with referring physicians by maintaining open lines of communication regarding patient progress and outcomes.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing specialized cardiovascular care and closely monitoring vital signs.
- Increased efficiency in administering cardiac medications by implementing evidence-based protocols.
- Elevated quality of care provided by staying current on new technologies and advancements in cardiology, ultimately benefiting patients.
Out-Patient Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Check in nurse for out-patient surgical procedures. Full assessment and clinical data entry for pre-op information. IV starts and full medical history background information for surgical clearance. Consulting with patients pertaining to their surgeries, recovery, and post-operative care, such as diet and wound care. I am responsible for calling physician offices for follow-up appointments and prescriptions.
- Administered medications and treatments to patients in accordance with established protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Monitored patient vital signs, assessing changes to ensure timely interventions.
- Educated patients and families on disease management and preventive health measures.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and facilitate appropriate referrals.
- Streamlined patient intake processes, enhancing operational efficiency within outpatient services.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through active participation in staff meetings, trainings, and continuing education opportunities.
- Delivered high-quality nursing care by adapting to diverse patient populations and addressing unique needs within the outpatient environment.
Recovery Room Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
08.2020 - 08.2021
- Taking care of patients post-surgery. Administering pain medications and assessing surgical sites, changing dressings as needed. Making sure the patient is not experiencing post-surgical complications due to incisions or anesthesia. Full documentation through Meditech.
- Administered medications and intravenous therapies according to established protocols and physician orders.
- Monitored patient vitals and recovery progress post-anesthesia, ensuring immediate response to any complications.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to facilitate smooth transitions from operating room to recovery unit.
- Educated patients and families on postoperative care procedures, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced patient flow and reduced recovery times in high-traffic periods.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patient conditions to identify potential issues and escalate as needed.
- Educated patients about post-operative instructions for medication administration, infection complications and preventive health measures.
- Used Meditech to enter patient data and recovery notes.
Cath Lab Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
01.2020 - 08.2021
- PRN Cath lab circulator and MacLab monitor and recorder. Administered IV meds for moderate sedation for coronary angiograms and pacemakers. Assist physician with TEE’s and Cardioversion procedures. In-serviced on balloon pump procedures and equipment. Assisted radiologist with ESI’s, paracentesis drains, multiple biopsies, and thoracentesis procedures. Returned to OR due to Covid-19 Pandemic.
- Administered pre-procedural assessments and monitored patient vital signs during catheterization procedures.
- Collaborated with cardiologists to develop and enhance patient care protocols in the cath lab.
- Implemented safety protocols and infection control measures to ensure high standards of care.
- Assisted in the management of emergency situations, providing critical support during cardiac interventions.
- Evaluated patient responses post-procedure, adjusting care plans to optimize recovery outcomes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of catheterization lab techniques and best practices through continuous professional development and education initiatives.
- Increased patient satisfaction by delivering compassionate nursing care, addressing concerns, and educating patients about post-procedure expectations.
Operating Room Circulating Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
10.2015 - 08.2021
- Circulating nurse for spines, all orthopedic cases, general surgery, ENT, Urology, OB-Gyn and pediatrics with concentration on spines, orthopedics, and ENT. Experienced in dressing changes, wound-vac applications, and immobilizers. UTD on Health Stream competencies including DHEC and JCAHO. Excellent evaluations for over 6 years and known to work well under pressure. Considered a lead nurse by my peers and staff.
- Coordinated patient care and surgical team communications to ensure efficient operations.
- Monitored vital signs and assisted in anesthesia administration during surgical procedures.
- Implemented infection control protocols, enhancing patient safety and reducing complications.
- Trained and mentored new nursing staff on best practices in circulating duties.
- Resolved intraoperative issues promptly, maintaining a focus on patient-centered care.
- Collaborated with surgeons to anticipate needs, improving workflow efficiency during surgeries.
- Conducted thorough pre-operative assessments to ensure optimal readiness for surgery.
- Facilitated post-operative recovery by monitoring patients and providing necessary interventions.
- Promoted a positive work environment through strong teamwork and open communication among colleagues.
- Recorded observations, patient assessments and progress and physician's orders.
- Provided emotional support to patients before surgery while addressing their concerns or fears about the procedure.
Operating Room Circulating Nurse
Carolinas Hospital Systems
08.2015 - 10.2015
- Open heart surgery specialty as well as graft harvesting. Also circulated other areas when needed.
In-Home Assistant
09.2014 - 01.2015
- Worked as a personal care taker for 81-year-old female with severe Alzheimer's disease.
Office Manager
Proform Therapy
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Greeted and signed in patients in outpatient physical therapy facility. Performed data entry, insurance verification, and billing responsibilities. Assisted physical therapist with patient set up and minor procedures.
Interventional Vascular Radiologic Technologist
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Worked in collaboration with Radiologists, Nurses, and other vascular technologists scrubbing and circulating various interventional procedures. Assisted in placing PICC lines and removals.
- Operated advanced imaging equipment to perform diagnostic radiographic procedures.
- Ensured patient safety by adhering to radiation protection protocols and guidelines.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to optimize patient care and workflow efficiency.
- Educated patients on procedures, alleviating anxiety and improving overall experience.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced departmental workflow and reduced turnaround time.
- Mentored junior technologists in best practices for imaging techniques and patient care.
- Maintained accurate patient records and imaging documentation in electronic systems.
- Enhanced patient experience with compassionate communication and meticulous attention to detail during examinations.
- Assisted in training new Radiologic Technologists on department policies, procedures, equipment usage, and best practices for patient care.
- Captured images using mobile equipment in operating rooms, emergency rooms, and patients' bedsides.
- Cultivated a positive team atmosphere by sharing knowledge, offering assistance, and fostering collaboration among colleagues.
- Operated radiologic equipment to produce diagnostic images and films.
- Contributed to a safe working environment by adhering to all radiation safety guidelines and protocols.
Diagnostic Portable Radiologic Technologist
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
01.1992 - 01.2001
- Portable technologist for various units including ICU, ER, OR, NICU, and morgue.
- Operated advanced radiologic equipment to perform diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure patient safety and comfort during examinations.
- Maintained accurate records of patient imaging history and procedures performed.
- Trained and mentored junior staff in radiologic techniques and safety protocols.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance imaging accuracy and efficiency.
- Conducted patient assessments to determine appropriate imaging procedures based on medical history.
- Assisted in the development of departmental protocols to improve workflow and patient care standards.
- Stayed current with advancements in radiologic technology through continuous education and training programs.
- Optimized image quality by adjusting technical factors according to specific patient needs or clinical indications within prescribed dose limits.
- Facilitated positive care experience for patients by establishing rapport and applying interpersonal skills to reduce anxiety and promote cooperation.
- Promoted patient comfort during invasive procedures, using careful positioning techniques and clear explanations of each step in the process.
Sales Associate
Shoe Show
01.1990 - 01.1991
- Sales associate in local shoe department. Assisted customers in shoe purchases and managed the register for sales.
Sales Associate
Sunglass Hut
01.1990 - 12.1990
- Sales associate in mall sunglass kiosk. Interacted with customers and helped them find new glasses. I met a lot of people on this job and interacted with lots of different personalities.
Department Manager
Walmart
01.1989 - 01.1990
- Helped set up new Walmart in Washington, NC. Moved up to Department manager of soft lines. This experience was a great learning process for me. I learned a lot about retail and customer service. Was very fortunate to have a great manager who taught me a lot about learning how to resolve problems and keep a positive environment.
Sales Associate
Name Plates
01.1986 - 01.1988
- Worked as a sales associate in local t-shirt shop. Great high school job. Made screen-printed shirts and engraved name plates for trophies and plaques.
Education
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Nursing
Central Carolina Technical College
Sumter, SC05.2015
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Radiology
Pitt Community College
Greenville, NC08.1992
Skills
- Cardiac monitoring
- Electrocardiogram interpretation
- Cardiac assessment
- Holter monitor application
- Patient safety
- Vital signs monitoring
- Compassionate care
- Physical assessments
- Oxygen therapy
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Medication and IV administration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Compassionate and caring
- Basic life support
- Direct patient care
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
ACLS and BLS expires November 2022
Timeline
Cardiology Nurse
Prisma Health
08.2021 - Current
Out-Patient Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
08.2020 - 08.2021
Recovery Room Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
08.2020 - 08.2021
Cath Lab Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
01.2020 - 08.2021
Operating Room Circulating Nurse
Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
10.2015 - 08.2021
Operating Room Circulating Nurse
Carolinas Hospital Systems
08.2015 - 10.2015
In-Home Assistant
09.2014 - 01.2015
Office Manager
Proform Therapy
01.2009 - 01.2011
Interventional Vascular Radiologic Technologist
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
01.2001 - 01.2005
Diagnostic Portable Radiologic Technologist
Pitt County Memorial Hospital
01.1992 - 01.2001
Sales Associate
Shoe Show
01.1990 - 01.1991
Sales Associate
Sunglass Hut
01.1990 - 12.1990
Department Manager
Walmart
01.1989 - 01.1990
Sales Associate
Name Plates
01.1986 - 01.1988
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Radiology
Pitt Community College
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Nursing
Central Carolina Technical College