Kathleen Sturmer
Pottsville
Summary
With over five years of acute medical experience, including two years with Queensland Health in Australia and three years with the NHS, experienced and compassionate nurse skilled in delivering patient-centered care and excelling in advanced critical and clinical decision-making. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with patients and healthcare teams to achieve optimal care outcomes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Paediatric Registered Nurse
Evalina Children's Hospital - Renal Ward
12.2023 - 02.2025
- Deliver specialised nursing care to children (0-18 years) with acute kidney injuries, chronic renal failure, and those requiring peritoneal dialysis, transplants, or urology surgery.
- Lead Nurse-in-Charge shifts in the short-stay surgery unit, managing elective admissions for ENT, cleft surgery, ophthalmology, MRI, and urology.
- Facilitate seamless coordination with theatre, anaesthetic, and recovery teams, enhancing patient and family experiences during surgical procedures.
- Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
- Administered vaccinations and medications accurately, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Registered Nurse
St Thomas's Hospital - Acute Admissions Ward
04.2022 - 11.2023
- Cared for patients requiring emergency care on a short term admission basis. Provided critical emergency care including seizure management, CPR, and initiation of emergency protocols in a high-pressure short-stay ward
- Administered and managed complex treatments and medications, including blood products, PCA, TPN, heparin infusions and various medications (oral, IV, IM, SC), following strict hospital policies
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team, including specialist in toxicology, psychology, discharge coordinator, safeguarding, and addiction services, to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Performed routine and complex wound care, including surgical packing and application of vacuum-assisted closure dressings, leading to improved wound healing outcomes.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Registered Nurse
Logan Hospital - Medical Assessment Planning Unit
07.2020 - 03.2022
- Care of patients with presenting concern - TIA/Stroke, seizure, acute confusion, chest pain (non-cardiac), gastrointestinal bleed, syncope, DKA, PE, drug toxicity and overdose, eating disorder- refeeding syndrome.
- Admission, assessments, care of deteriorating patients, MET escalation and participation, complex and rapid discharge within 48hours presentation.
- DKA - BGL and Ketone monitoring whilst on insulin infusion
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
Registered nurse
Logan Hospital - Cardiology Ward
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating care for patients suffering from genetic problems, myocardial infarction's and vascular conditions.
- Telemetry - Cardiac monitoring
- High Flow - NIV Oxygen therapy
- Assist in managing angina, hypertension, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and other cardiac conditions.
- Evaluating and monitoring heart devices.
- Working with patients to undertake electrocardiograms (ECGs), stress tests, echocardiograms, and CT coronary angiograms
- Elevated quality of care provided by staying current on new technologies and advancements in cardiology, ultimately benefiting patients.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing -
Central Queensland University
Bachelor of Nursing -
Queensland University of Technology
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division2) -
Careers Australia
Skills
- Medication Management: Skilled in administering and managing a wide range of medications and treatments
- IV Infusion: Experienced with infusions including blood products, Iron, Magnesium, Insulin, Heparin, Potassium and Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- High Flow Oxygenation & Humidification: Competent in managing high-flow oxygen therapy and humidification
- Injection Techniques: Proficient in subcutaneous and intramuscular injections
- Telemetry & Cardiac Monitoring: Expertise in telemetry and cardiac monitoring and continuous patient assessment
- Venepuncture and cannulation: Skilled in venepuncture and cannulation for blood draws and intravenous access
- Central venous access devices (CVADs): Experienced in the management of central venous access devices
- Basic 12-Lead ECG Interpretation: Capable of interpreting 12-lead ECGs for cardiac assessment
- Blood Test Interpretation: Proficient in interpreting blood count, chemistry, and gases
- Indwelling Catheter & Nasogastric Insertion: Skilled in the insertion and management of indwelling catheters and nasogastric tubes
- Palliative & End-of-Life Care: Experience with Nikki syringe pumps, palliative care and end-of-life support
- Precepting & Mentoring: Experienced in precepting and mentoring students and new staff members
- Leadership: Demonstrated emerging leadership capabilities
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Paediatric Registered Nurse
Evalina Children's Hospital - Renal Ward
12.2023 - 02.2025
Registered Nurse
St Thomas's Hospital - Acute Admissions Ward
04.2022 - 11.2023
Registered Nurse
Logan Hospital - Medical Assessment Planning Unit
07.2020 - 03.2022
Registered nurse
Logan Hospital - Cardiology Ward
02.2020 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Nursing -
Queensland University of Technology
Diploma of Nursing (Enrolled/Division2) -
Careers Australia
Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nursing -
Central Queensland University
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