Margaret Una Connolly
Hollywell,QLD
Summary
Dedicated professional skilled in providing exceptional care to patients within high-volume settings.
Demonstrates professional development and clinical skills utilizing years of Clinical experience to assess, implement, and evaluate patient care in a collaborative, shared leadership environment.
Compassionate Registered Nurse specialized in Medical-Surgical Units, known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion.
Skilled in patient assessment, wound care, and post-operative care management.
Excellent communicator, thrives in teamwork, and ensures optimal patient outcomes through seamless collaboration with healthcare teams.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Unit Manager
Gold Coast Hospital then Gold Coast University Hospital
Southport, QLD
12.1986 - 07.2023
- Provided leadership by setting standards for professional practice and role modeling behaviors.
- Developed strategies for enhancing customer service satisfaction levels within the unit.
- Educated nursing staff on changes in protocols or practices based on current evidence-based research.
- Participated in interdisciplinary teams to assess patient outcomes and develop treatment plans.
- Managed employee relations activities such as performance appraisals and corrective action plans when needed.
- Attended conferences or workshops related to nursing management topics for continuing education purposes.
- Investigated any incidents reported within the unit promptly according to established guidelines.
- Provided support to nurses during stressful situations or emergencies on the floor.
- Resolved conflicts among team members or between departments in a diplomatic manner.
- Coordinated the unit's daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and resource management.
- Collaborated with physicians, other healthcare professionals, patients, families, and community resources to meet individualized patient needs.
- Received and investigated complaints from families, patients, and clinical staff, devising solutions to multifaceted challenges.
- Performed personnel interviewing, hiring, disciplinary actions, and dismissals.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for inpatient care.
Registered Nurse
Townsville Blue Nursing Service
Townsville, QLD
06.1985 - 06.1986
- Assessed patients' needs and developed care plans to address identified issues.
- Monitored patients' progress by collecting vital signs, such as height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse rate.
- Educated patients about their diseases, medications, treatments, and preventive measures.
- Developed and implemented health education programs for individuals and families to promote healthy lifestyles.
- Collaborated with other healthcare providers to ensure quality patient care was delivered on time.
- Advised clients on the appropriate use of over-the-counter medications and supplements.
- Revised patient care plans through regular assessment and evaluation of patient conditions and changes over time to improve prognosis in collaboration with clinic physicians.
- Maintained comprehensive records of patient visits, diagnoses, and prescriptions to provide physicians with a complete understanding of patient medical history and conditions.
Registered Nurse
Cairns Base Hospital
Cairns, QLD
04.1984 - 05.1985
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Assessed, planned, implemented, and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and assisted with medical procedures.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate a safe, clean patient environment.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
Community Health Nurse
Sydney Blue Nursing Service
Mona Vale, NSW
01.1981 - 09.1982
- Assessed patients' needs and developed care plans to address identified issues.
- Educated patients about their diseases, medications, treatments, and preventive measures.
- Developed and implemented health education programs for individuals and families to promote healthy lifestyles.
- Collaborated with other healthcare providers to ensure quality patient care was delivered on time.
- Conducted home visits to evaluate the physical condition of clients in their homes.
- Instructed in-home caregivers on treatment techniques, medication schedules, dietary restrictions, safety protocols, and other information relevant to the daily treatment of patients.
- Revised patient care plans through regular assessment and evaluation of patient conditions and changes over time to improve prognosis in collaboration with clinic physicians.
- Developed treatment plans for individual patients, accounting for special needs of patient, physician diagnoses and recommendations and patient's desired outcomes.
- Attended staff meetings and required courses to maintain knowledge of current clinic procedures and latest medical advances relevant to everyday practice.
Registered Nurse
Royal North Shore Hospital
St.Leonards, NSW
06.1977 - 12.1980
- Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
- Assessed changes in patient condition and notified the physician as needed.
- Supported physicians during trauma resuscitations in the Emergency Department.
- Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to the patient's care.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows, and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the Emergency Department setting.
- Participated in educational activities such as seminars or classes related to emergency nursing practices.
- Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
- Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines for appropriate nursing interventions.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care.
- Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
Student Midwife
St. Margaret's Hospital
Darlinghurst, NSW
06.1975 - 06.1976
- Assessed labor progress by monitoring dilation, effacement, station, and contractions.
- Performed neonatal assessments at birth to evaluate signs of distress or health issues in newborns.
- Administered routine prenatal tests and exams, including blood pressure checks, urine analysis, and weight tracking.
- Assisted with the delivery of newborns, ensuring safe and healthy outcomes for mothers and babies.
- Evaluated maternal vital signs during labor, including pulse rate, temperature, and blood pressure.
- Maintained accurate patient records documenting medical histories, test results, and treatment plans according to hospital policy.
- Guided post-delivery recovery processes, such as perineal suturing or episiotomy repair.
- Ensured that all necessary supplies were available before delivery to provide a safe birthing environment.
- Recorded examination findings, health histories, and significant observations in the patient's chart.
Student Nurse
The Prince Henry Hospital, The Eastern Suburbs Hospital and The Prince of Wales Hospital
Sydney, NSW
- Completed clinical work in different units to achieve degree standards and build nursing knowledge.
- Operated under the direction of licensed nursing professionals and pursued opportunities to learn new skills.
- Observed and communicated changes in the patient's condition to the registered nurse on duty.
- Read and understood the patient assignment list and reviewed charts to check for special conditions.
- Maintained a safe and comfortable environment for each patient.
- Supported the personal hygiene needs of patients and monitored fluid input and output for permanent records.
- Documented patient care activities and observations in medical records accurately.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families, offering comfort and information as needed.
- Cared directly for patients by assisting with daily living activities and mobility needs.
- Monitored vital signs and reported abnormalities to the supervising nurse.
- Supported the administration of IV medications and fluids under close supervision.
- Administered oral and topical medications as directed by a healthcare provider.
- Engaged in reflective practice and sought feedback to improve nursing competencies.
Education
Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management - Health Care Management
Griffith University
QLD07-2017
Bachelor of Nursing - Nursing Education
University of New England
Armidale04-1993
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- Workload management
- Performance improvement
- Budget planning
- Strong clinical judgment
- Motivational skills
- Staff leadership
- Policy development
- Multitasking and organization
- Clinical assessment
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Patient assessment
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Nurse Unit Manager
Gold Coast Hospital then Gold Coast University Hospital
12.1986 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse
Townsville Blue Nursing Service
06.1985 - 06.1986
Registered Nurse
Cairns Base Hospital
04.1984 - 05.1985
Community Health Nurse
Sydney Blue Nursing Service
01.1981 - 09.1982
Registered Nurse
Royal North Shore Hospital
06.1977 - 12.1980
Student Midwife
St. Margaret's Hospital
06.1975 - 06.1976
Student Nurse
The Prince Henry Hospital, The Eastern Suburbs Hospital and The Prince of Wales Hospital
Graduate Certificate in Health Service Management - Health Care Management
Griffith University
Bachelor of Nursing - Nursing Education
University of New England
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