AMY HOWAT

Rosella Critical Care Development Program (CCDP) - a structured program for experienced new starters to consolidate clinical skills and critical care knowledge with a focus on:

• Management of complex cardiac patients with congenital and acquired heart disease.
• Post-operative care of cardiac surgical patients, including management of intracardiac lines and epicardial pacing.
• Advanced ventilation, including conventional modes, nitric oxide, and HFOV
• Protocol-driven post-care, including immunosuppressive therapy management, strict infection surveillance, and early recognition of graft dysfunction or rejection.

• Six months experience in the shift coordinator role.
• Streamlined patient flow by coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and nursing management.
• Supervised, directed, and supported nursing staff with varied clinical experience.
• Contributed to professional development through participation in unit-based education, precepting new nurses, and completing post-graduate studies.
• Proficient in managing patients receiving ventilatory supports, including invasive ventilation, BiPAP, bubble CPAP and humidified high-flow oxygen.
• Cared for patients with central venous access devices arterial lines and indwelling drains including: urinary catheters, intercostal catheters, intracranial pressure monitors and external ventricular drains.
• Competent in managing advanced invasive ventilation support including high frequency oscillated ventilation (HFOV) and inhaled nitric oxide administration.
• Proficient in initiation, administration, troubleshooting and removal of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

• Promoted family-centred care by providing education, support, and resources to parents of NICU patients.
• Assisted with complex medical procedures such as intubation, lumbar punctures, and umbilical line placements.
• Developed proficiency in blood-gas sampling via capillary heel-pricks and umbilical arterial lines.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities relevant to neonatal intensive care nursing expertise.
• Provided education and support to breast feeding mothers in partnership with Lactation Consultants.

• Optimised patient flow as team leader in Paediatric ED by liaising with Nurse Navigator and Triage to coordinate patient allocations, escalation of care and discharges according to capacity constraints and departmental KPIs.
• Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.

• Specialised in Adult and Paediatric Emergency nursing through the Emergency and Paediatric Emergency Transition Programs.
• Successful completion of Adult Advanced Life Support through the ARC.
• Proficient in Cardioversion and External Cardiac Pacing.
• Delivered emergency resuscitative care according to advanced life support protocols with proficiency in all roles in the Resus team.
• Credentialed in delivering nitrous oxide sedation for paediatric procedures.
• Competent in the insertion of intravenous cannulas.

• Peri-operatively managed patients recovering from orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures, including; bone fractures, Total Hip Replacements, Total Knee Replacements, Laminectomy, and Craniotomy/cranioplasty
• Continuous analgesia infusions for chronic pain and post-operative Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) management
• Proficient in wound assessment, evaluation, dressing changes including VAC/Prevena dressings and documentation.

• Delivered informed, appropriate and effective care to patients presenting with various neurological disorders including: acute and complex strokes, epilepsy, neurodegenerative and movement disorders.
• Developed adaptable and efficient time management skills to provide safe and appropriate patient care, whilst keeping up with ward routine and pace.

• Degree Awarded with Honours (First Class)

Health and Human Development Award (2014).