Debra Hutton
Wollongong,Australia
Summary
Registered Nurse with extensive critical care management experience, adept at leading teams in high-pressure environments. Known for effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Committed to patient advocacy and continuous improvement of care standards.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Registered Nurse
Ramsay Wollongong Private Hospital
Wollongong, Australia
09.2020 - 01.2025
- Functioned as a registered nurse in three PACU units, partnering with the nurse unit manager to uphold high standards of patient care.
- Functioned as sole registered nurse in PACU during after-hours Caesarean sections, ensuring timely and effective patient support.
- Led teams as in-charge nurse in high-pressure environments, effectively managing care for patients experiencing rapid deterioration.
- Demonstrated advanced communication skills for monitoring and stabilizing patients recovering from anesthetics.
- Collaborated with doctors, anesthetists, and patient flow managers to coordinate patient care effectively.
- Surgery entailed some major cardiac/lung conditions in which an ICU/HDU bed was warranted, pediatric, full body plastic surgery, major vascular, major urology to eye and skin surgery.
Senior Registered Nurse
Wollongong Hospital
Wollongong, Australia
10.2015 - 09.2020
- Demonstrated high level leadership as the Acting Nurse Unit Manager in the Ambulatory Care Unit. This entailed 5 different areas under the same umbrella.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive plan of action to ensure patient safety and care standards.
- Total care of a patient including discharge medication, treatment prior to being discharged, observation and documentation within Hospital protocols.
- Registered Nurse working with one Enrolled Nurse to discharge/transfer patient’s home/other facility.
- Communicate with an array of health professionals including Patient Flow Manager, Doctors, Ambulance/Non-Emergency Transport, preceding facility and families.
- Developed ISBAR document for Transit Lounge, streamlining handover processes among healthcare professionals.
- Established criteria for patient eligibility for lounge, ensuring appropriate use and improving patient flow.
- Created Transit Lounge brochure for distribution to wards and patients, enhancing communication about services.
Innovation and Development Manager
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Redesigned Illuminate Innovation Program for 2020-2021 to enhance engagement and outcomes.
- Coordinated logistics and sponsorship for Quality and Innovation Award Event, ensuring successful execution and participant satisfaction.
- Organized and reported on executive meetings for three high-quality programs within ISLHD, facilitating strategic decision-making.
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Wollongong Emergency Department
Wollongong, Australia
06.2004 - 10.2015
- Developed improved pathways for managing Poisons and End of Life cases, optimizing patient outcomes.
- Identified, assessed, and made rapid decisions for patients presenting to Emergency Department in accordance with statewide protocols.
- Mentored new staff in Triage and Resuscitation, enhancing team competency and patient care.
Paediatric Nurse
Albury Wodonga Private Hospital
Albury Wodonga, Australia
08.2001 - 06.2004
- Caring for young children undergoing surgery.
- Collaborated with Surgeons, Anesthetists, and Nurses to ensure optimal patient care during surgical procedures.
- Mentored new staff in Triage and Resuscitation, enhancing team readiness and patient response capabilities.
- Managed portfolio of poisons and end-of-life cases by analyzing treatment pathways to inform clinical decisions.
Senior Registered Nurse
Griffith Base Hospital
Griffith, Australia
03.1998 - 08.2001
- Applied leadership skills to implement and uphold Hospital Emergency protocols during major trauma and medical emergencies.
- Led night shifts as sole nurse, coordinating patient care and emergency response.
- Efficiently treated diverse patient cases in Emergency Department, ensuring timely and appropriate care.
Senior Registered Nurse
The Children's Hospital
Camperdown, Australia
03.1995 - 03.1998
- Collaborated with families and children to deliver compassionate care.
- Contributed to patient care in paediatric intensive care unit at Camperdown/Westmead.
- Provided nursing care for ventilated infants and critically ill adolescents.
- Demonstrated team leadership and in charge shifts of a 24-bed Intensive care unit.
- Mentored and educated staff to enhance clinical skills and team knowledge.
- Pursued designation as Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Registered Nurse
Women's and Children's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
Adelaide, Australia
03.1992 - 02.1995
- Nursed critically ill infants to adolescents on ventilators, ensuring high-quality, individualized care.
- Delivered comprehensive patient care in Adelaide, focusing on critical health needs.
- Collaborated with families to provide compassionate care for patients in 12-bed Intensive Care Unit.
Registered Nurse New Graduate
Princess Margaret Hospital
Perth, Australia
01.1989 - 01.1992
- Provided care for children and families, ensuring adherence to nursing best practices as a new Registered Nurse.
- Cared for infants during Pertussis outbreak in Perth Metropolitan region, contributing to community health and safety.
- Managed nursing care for complex conditions including petrol burns, motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, and drownings in isolated areas of Western Australia.
- Provided nursing care in Perth region
- Received the Hospitals “Nurse of The Month” award nominated by parents.
Education
Certificate of Effective Leadership in Health - Wollongong, NSW
University of Wollongong And Illawarra Local Health District
Wollongong, NSW03-2020
NSW Certificate in Redesign Initiation and Redesign Diagnostic - Wollongong, NSW
New South Wales Health Education And Training Institute
Wollongong, NSW11-2019
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care - Burwood, NSW
New South Wales College of Nursing
Burwood, NSW12-2011
Certificate of Triage in Emergency - Wollongong, NSW
Southeastern Sydney Local Health District
Wollongong, NSW08-2007
Certificate of Advanced Clinical Nurse in Emergency -
Wollongong, NSW
Wollongong, NSW07-2007
Certificate in Trauma Nursing Core Course - Wagga Wagga, NSW
New South Wales College of Nursing
Wagga Wagga, NSW07-2000
Certificate in Paediatrics - Subiaco, WA
Princess Margaret Hospital For Children
Subiaco, WA12-1991
Diploma of Applied Science: Nursing - Bedford Park, SA
South Australian College of Education/Flinders University
Bedford Park, SA11-1988
Skills
- Emergency care
- Critical care
- Trauma nursing expertise
- Emergency care protocols
- Pediatric advanced life support certification
- Advanced cardiac life support certification
- Intravenous therapy certified
- Patient assessment techniques
- Clinical judgment
- Care coordination
- Clinical documentation
- Clinical pathway improvement
- Team leadership
- Treatment planning and execution
Timeline
Senior Registered Nurse
Ramsay Wollongong Private Hospital
09.2020 - 01.2025
Innovation and Development Manager
11.2019 - 03.2020
Senior Registered Nurse
Wollongong Hospital
10.2015 - 09.2020
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Wollongong Emergency Department
06.2004 - 10.2015
Paediatric Nurse
Albury Wodonga Private Hospital
08.2001 - 06.2004
Senior Registered Nurse
Griffith Base Hospital
03.1998 - 08.2001
Senior Registered Nurse
The Children's Hospital
03.1995 - 03.1998
Registered Nurse
Women's and Children's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit
03.1992 - 02.1995
Registered Nurse New Graduate
Princess Margaret Hospital
01.1989 - 01.1992
Certificate of Effective Leadership in Health - Wollongong, NSW
University of Wollongong And Illawarra Local Health District
NSW Certificate in Redesign Initiation and Redesign Diagnostic - Wollongong, NSW
New South Wales Health Education And Training Institute
Graduate Certificate in Critical Care - Burwood, NSW
New South Wales College of Nursing
Certificate of Triage in Emergency - Wollongong, NSW
Southeastern Sydney Local Health District
Certificate of Advanced Clinical Nurse in Emergency -
Wollongong, NSW
Certificate in Trauma Nursing Core Course - Wagga Wagga, NSW
New South Wales College of Nursing
Certificate in Paediatrics - Subiaco, WA
Princess Margaret Hospital For Children
Diploma of Applied Science: Nursing - Bedford Park, SA
South Australian College of Education/Flinders University