Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kathryn Lewis

Waikerie,SA

Summary

Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive critical care experience at South West Healthcare, adept at medication administration and patient education. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through individualized care plans and strong clinical judgment. Recognized for fostering teamwork and mentoring staff, ensuring high-quality care in high-pressure environments.

Overview

32
32
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Nurse

South Australia Prison Health
01.2018 - Current
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
  • Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
  • Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
  • Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
  • Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
  • Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
  • Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
  • Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
  • Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.

Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit

South West Healthcare
02.2005 - 12.2017
  • Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
  • Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
  • Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
  • Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
  • Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
  • Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
  • Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
  • Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
  • Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
  • Streamlined workflow by efficiently prioritizing tasks during high-stress situations, leading to better overall performance of the ICU team.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to establish optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on best practices and advancements within the field of critical care nursing.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, facilitating smooth integration into the ICU unit and promoting a supportive workplace culture.
  • Worked with physicians and nursing staff to develop treatment protocols addressing patients' current symptom presentation as well as underlying conditions.
  • Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
  • Effectively managed stressors associated with working in an intensive care setting while maintaining composure under pressure.
  • Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented nursing interventions, adjusting care plans as needed to ensure continuous improvement in patient outcomes.
  • Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
  • Promoted a safe environment by enforcing infection control policies and maintaining a clean, organized workspace.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations while fostering trust between medical staff and patients'' families.
  • Supported needs of medically complex patients with skilled nursing care.
  • Implemented identified treatment plans for patients to maintain stable conditions and achieve reasonable improvements.
  • Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
  • Documented and carried out directives of primary intensivists.
  • Contributed to the development of quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety measures within the ICU setting.
  • Managed patient flow effectively through timely placements upon admission as well as coordinating smooth transfers and discharges.
  • Delegated work to nursing support staff and monitored performance to protect patients and maintain optimal care standards.
  • Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
  • Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
  • Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
  • Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
  • Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
  • Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Delivered outstanding patient care in [Type] critical care units.
  • Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
  • Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
  • Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.

Registered Nurse Specialist, Coronary Care Unit

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
08.1993 - 01.2005
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized patient care plans.
  • Administered medications safely and accurately in accordance with established guidelines and policies.
  • Educated patients on disease prevention strategies and self-care management techniques.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, and psychosocial status to guide clinical decision making.
  • Mentored new nursing staff, fostering a supportive work environment that promotes professional growth and development.
  • Prevented hospital-acquired infections by strictly adhering to infection control standards and procedures.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions regularly, adjusting care plans based on observed trends or changes in condition.
  • Facilitated effective communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
  • Reviewed medical records and summarized care.
  • Researched related literature regarding issues at hand.
  • Served as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families.
  • Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
  • Documented patient progress and care interventions in medical records.
  • Identified clinical risks and took appropriate preventative actions.
  • Monitored clinical staff performance and provided feedback.
  • Provided clinical oversight and support to health care teams.
  • Monitored and maintained clinical supplies, materials and inventory.
  • Implemented and monitored infection control protocols.
  • Facilitated patient and family education and counseling.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills in emergency situations, delivering prompt interventions that saved lives or prevented further complications.
  • Assessed effectiveness of clinical nursing interventions and programs.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.

Education

Coronary Care - Coronary Care Course

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Adelaide, SA
09-1995

Certificate - Registered Nurse

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Adelaide, SA
07-1993

Enrolled Nurse

Gleneden School of Nursing
Adelaide, SA
12-1980

Skills

  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Patient education and counseling
  • Patient monitoring
  • Patient management
  • Critical care
  • Nursing staff leadership
  • Lab result interpretation
  • Performing ekgs
  • Emergency response
  • Maintaining privacy
  • High level of autonomy
  • Chronic disease management
  • Patient counseling
  • Chest pain management
  • Emergency care
  • Cardiac care
  • Acute care expertise
  • Preventive health
  • Patient assessments
  • Patient assessment
  • Care plan development
  • Physical assessments

Timeline

Registered Nurse

South Australia Prison Health
01.2018 - Current

Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit

South West Healthcare
02.2005 - 12.2017

Registered Nurse Specialist, Coronary Care Unit

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital
08.1993 - 01.2005

Coronary Care - Coronary Care Course

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Certificate - Registered Nurse

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Enrolled Nurse

Gleneden School of Nursing

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Kathryn Lewis