MICHELLE KIRKPATRICK
Eltham
Summary
My area of expertise has been in RN Div1 emergency departments, cardiac nursing and surgical dermatology. I have also worked in private practice dealings with small surgical procedures caring for them post procedure. I bought a café in 2021 and had run a successful business with food being the medicine and sold this in 2024 due to personal circumstances. I enjoy and thrive under pressure and enjoy the thrill of not knowing what comes next. I look forward to exploring a position with you.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Box Hill Emergency department
EASTERN HEALTH
06.2019 - 05.2025
- Administered patient care and medication in accordance with established protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering skill development and adherence to best practices.
- Led initiatives to improve patient safety standards and enhance quality of care.
- Evaluated patient progress, adjusting treatment plans based on clinical assessments.
- Advocated for patients' needs, facilitating communication between families and healthcare providers.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes on schedule.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimized patient treatment plans and outcomes.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests and procedures to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Business Owner
Chocolate Lemon Café
06.2021 - 05.2024
- Developed and implemented operational processes to enhance customer service efficiency.
- Managed daily café operations, ensuring optimal staff performance and workflow consistency.
- Trained and mentored new employees on café procedures and customer engagement techniques.
- Coordinated marketing initiatives to increase community engagement and drive sales growth.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring accurate budgeting and expense tracking for profitability.
Emergency department
NORTHERN HOSPITAL
10.2016 - 05.2019
- Provided critical patient assessment and triage in high-pressure emergency situations.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols and physician orders.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, enhancing clinical skills and fostering professional development.
- Educated families about medication management at home following hospitalization or discharge instructions postprocedure.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Responded effectively to rapidly changing situations by adapting treatment plans as necessary for optimal patient outcomes.
- Improved patient outcomes by efficiently assessing, triaging, and treating emergency room patients.
- Served as a preceptor for new nursing staff, providing guidance and support during their orientation period.
- Enhanced teamwork among staff through clear communication and collaboration in high-stress situations.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, interventions, responses, and dispositions using electronic health records systems.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Delivered important IV and venous medications to control symptoms and provide effective treatments.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Surgical
BARKERS ROAD DERMATOLOGY
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Conducted comprehensive skin assessments and developed individualized care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Educated patients on skin health, treatment options, and post-procedure care to enhance recovery outcomes.
- Streamlined patient intake processes, reducing wait times and enhancing overall clinic efficiency.
- Provided emotional support to patients, addressing concerns related to diagnoses and treatment plans effectively.
- Managed inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies were available for all procedures and treatments.
- Conducted extensive patient education sessions on skincare routines, medication use, sun protection strategies, and other relevant topics for improved self managment
- Performed wound care management, optimizing healing rates while minimizing scarring potential.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Cardiology department
WARRINGAL PRIVATE HOSPITAL
01.2007 - 02.2012
- Administered cardiac medications and monitored patient responses in high-acuity settings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on cardiac health and post-discharge care strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing team efficiency during critical care situations.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and best practice guidelines in cardiology nursing care.
- Assisted in diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as unstable angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and cardiac dysrhythmia.
- Implemented advanced cardiac life support measures during medical emergencies, effectively managing critical situations to save lives.
- Educated patients on lifestyle modifications and medication management to promote long-term heart health.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues and attending physicians, fostering a collaborative environment for optimal patient care delivery.
Trauma Unit
THE CANBERRA HOSPITAL
06.2007 - 07.2007
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Delivered compassionate care to patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, and medical needs in the fast-paced emergency department setting.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult experiences while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Participated in emergency department quality improvement initiatives, identifying areas for potential growth and implementing strategies for enhanced patient care.
- Closely monitored critical patients requiring continuous observation or frequent intervention due to unstable conditions.
- Performed thorough physical assessments on each patient upon arrival to the emergency department, identifying urgent medical concerns and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
WARD 5 – Cardiothoracic department
AUSTIN HEALTH
02.2003 - 06.2007
- Administered pre-operative and post-operative care to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to maintain sterile environments during procedures.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patients' conditions throughout surgical processes.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care and recovery protocols.
- Ensured proper documentation of all aspects of patient care, facilitating seamless handoffs between shifts and departments.
- Maintained a sterile operating environment, adhering to strict infection control protocols.
- Collaborated with surgeons to ensure optimal patient outcomes during complex surgical procedures.
- Enhanced patient recovery by implementing effective post-operative care plans.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings for comprehensive patient care planning and improved clinical outcomes.
Emergency department
AUSTIN HEALTH
02.2007 - 06.2007
- Administered emergency care to patients in high-pressure situations, ensuring swift and effective treatment.
- Administered life-saving interventions including CPR, defibrillation shocks, or advanced airway management techniques during cardiac emergencies.
- Conducted thorough physical assessments on incoming patients to accurately identify potential injuries or illnesses requiring immediate attention.
- Assisted physicians in performing diagnostic tests such as ECGs, ultrasounds, CT scans, or X-rays to determine appropriate treatment plans for patients.
- Enhanced overall patient experience through effective communication and compassionate care during emergency situations.
- Provided emotional support to grieving families after traumatic events or unexpected loss of loved ones while maintaining a professional demeanor at all times.
- Educated patients and their families on various health topics to promote understanding and empower individuals to take control of their health outcomes.
Education
No Degree - NUTRITION MEDICINE
The Nutritional Academy
05-2024
BACHELOR OF NURSING - undefined
R.M.I.T
01.2002
YEAR 12 – VCE - undefined
Swinburne University
01.1997
Skills
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Flexible and adaptable
- Dependable and responsible
- Multitasking
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Calm under pressure
- Active listening
Additional Education
- Management of Clinical Aggression Day Update 2023
- PLS accreditation Update 2023
- BLS accreditation Update 2023
- Domestic and Family Violence Training 2024
- Environmental Champion Emergency 2018
- Nutritional short course 2017
- ED step program 2017
- Life Support 2015
- Nutrition medicine 2024 ongoing
Timeline
Business Owner
Chocolate Lemon Café
06.2021 - 05.2024
Box Hill Emergency department
EASTERN HEALTH
06.2019 - 05.2025
Emergency department
NORTHERN HOSPITAL
10.2016 - 05.2019
Surgical
BARKERS ROAD DERMATOLOGY
01.2013 - 12.2016
Trauma Unit
THE CANBERRA HOSPITAL
06.2007 - 07.2007
Emergency department
AUSTIN HEALTH
02.2007 - 06.2007
Cardiology department
WARRINGAL PRIVATE HOSPITAL
01.2007 - 02.2012
WARD 5 – Cardiothoracic department
AUSTIN HEALTH
02.2003 - 06.2007
BACHELOR OF NURSING - undefined
R.M.I.T
YEAR 12 – VCE - undefined
Swinburne University
No Degree - NUTRITION MEDICINE
The Nutritional Academy