Katherine Chaviaras

Manage and lead a team on trauma, plastics, ENT, and trauma of older people, assisting the NUM in the course of their duties.

• Supervised nursing staff to ensure quality patient care and compliance with protocols.
• Coordinated patient admissions, discharges, and transfers within the unit.
• Conducted regular assessments of patient conditions and reported changes promptly.
• Facilitated communication between multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes.
• Monitored adherence to safety standards in daily nursing operations and practices.
• Assessed patient care needs and developed individualized plans of care accordingly.
• Conducted regular rounds on units to assess operational efficiency and provide feedback to staff members as needed.
• Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth, and professional development.
• Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular, and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.

Covering the NUM role for 8 months on a 30-bed trauma ward, which includes trauma for older people and plastics, with over 60 staff to manage.

• Monitored staff performance to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Collaborated with physicians, other healthcare professionals, patients, families and community resources to meet individualized patient needs.
• Maintained compliance with regulatory standards related to patient safety and clinical practice guidelines.
• Facilitated communication between staff members through meetings or one-on-one interactions.
• Oversaw ordering of supplies and equipment necessary for successful unit operation.
• Investigated any incidents reported within the unit promptly according to established guidelines.
• Resolved conflicts among team members or between departments in a diplomatic manner.
• Conducted interviews with prospective employees; supervised hiring process for new staff members.

As the Clinical Nurse Specialist, my role was to ensure that patient care is optimal, to be a role model, and to ensure the ward is supported, safe, and organized.

• Mentored junior nurses on advanced clinical skills and best practices.
• Consulted with medical staff about changes to current practices based on latest research findings.
• Mentored junior nurses on delivering quality care while adhering to ethical standards.
• Analyzed data from patient records and surveys to identify areas for improvement in nursing processes or protocols.
• Assisted in the development of educational materials for staff members regarding new treatments and procedures.
• Developed and arranged continuing education opportunities for staff to increase knowledge and skills.

• Managed care for four complex trauma patients, including ICU step-down and pre/post-operative cases.
• Trained to monitor and care for skin and muscle free flap with skin graft, tracheostomy care, spinal care, central venous access devices, and intercostal catheter (ICC) care.
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance nursing practices and safety standards.
• Assisted in managing Code Greys on the ward, focusing on de-escalation of aggression through various methods.
• Provided specialized care for full spinal patients, emphasizing collar maintenance and spinal precaution education.
• Implemented pharmacological and non-pharmacological behavioral management strategies for dementia and delirium patients.

Supported wards during peak periods by facilitating patient rounding and escorting after-hours imaging.
Relieved nursing staff for crucial break periods, ensuring continuous patient care.
Participated in MET calls and Code Blues, aiding effective emergency management.
Enhanced operational efficiency as part of a dynamic nightlife team.

Working throughout Melbourne Health in a variety of settings, including Emergency, short-stay, acute medical unit, sub-acute, general medicine, trauma wards, and surgical wards.

• Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
• Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
• Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care instructions.
• Assisted with wound care, intravenous therapy, and other clinical procedures as needed.

Gained experience in fast-paced pre- and post-operative care on Orthopedics/Trauma ward (7SW).
Enhanced assessment skills for recognizing and responding to clinical deterioration on Acute Medical Unit (AMU).
Collaborated effectively within a team environment to manage patient care efficiently.

As an enrolled nurse, my duties included, but were not limited to, using Melbourne pathology guidelines to take samples for testing, venipuncture, wound care, triaging patients on arrival, liaising with doctors, children’s immunizations, answering phone calls, booking appointments, following up on patients' results, and recalling patients for urgent results.