Wendy Schuemann
Registered Nurse
Greystanes,NSW
Summary
Hardworking, compassionate Registered Nurse, committed to delivering a high standard of patient care through efficiency, effective education and counseling. Proven leadership focused on increasing and enhancing patient care and satisfaction. Extensive experience in fast-paced complex surgical units. Works well with diverse patient populations with many cultural and linguistically different backgrounds. Due to the critical nature of many of our patients, I have had to learn to be adaptable and flexible in the delivery of care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Registered Nurse - Upper GI / Colorectal Surgical
Liverpool Hospital
Liverpool, NSW
03.2013 - 03.2022
- Moved to this ward when the hospital expanded and the specialties were spread out.
- Regularly in-charge of after-hours shifts, managing bed-flow, staffing and any other issues that would arise. Confidently communicated with hospital managers, as well as my team.
- Excellent communication and inter-personal skills, with patients and the multidisciplinary team, including medical teams, allied health, and pharmacy.
- Managed care from admission to discharge. Passion for taking the time to ensure patients understand the discharge instructions, medications and wound care at home with a goal of increasing their health awareness and decreasing any unease
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections, as well as blood transfusions, and monitored for any reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings. Examples include iron transfusions, anticoagulation (oral, sub-cut, IV), Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), and antibiotic infusors to facilitate early discharge.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action. For example, many instances of potential sepsis from a procedure that often caused septic showers were avoided by quick responses, escalation and stabilization.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities and evidence-based practice project implementation.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, policies and procedures and safety protocols. Often complimented on my patience and thorough explanations.
- Extensive wound care management to wounds such as necrotising fasciitis, long-term entero-cutaneous fistula’s and able to confidently apply VAC dressings. Also stoma care and patient education.
Registered Nurse - Vascular / Upper GI Ward
Liverpool Hospital
Liverpool, NSW
01.2010 - 03.2013
- Completed the second rotation on the New Grad Program, and moved onto a permanent full-time position.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various vascular and upper GI procedures such as revascularisations, amputations, and abdominal surgeries.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources for each patient. This group of patients presented challenges with health education, with many coming from country NSW, with limited health care access due to isolated living. They would come in with severe wounds and multiple undiagnosed health conditions and would need a lot of education and attention.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Registered Nurse - New Grad Program
Liverpool Hospital
Liverpool, NSW
01.2009 - 12.2009
- First 6 month rotation on a multi-specialty ward, including urology, ENT, colorectal, and eyes.
- Second 6 month rotation on the vascular / Upper GI ward.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
Enrolled Nurse - Casual Pool
Liverpool Hospital
Liverpool, NSW
06.2007 - 01.2009
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Maintained excellent attendance record, consistently arriving to work on time.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Maintained energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
Enrolled Nurse - Vascular / Upper GI Surgical Ward
Liverpool Hospital
Liverpool, NSW
10.2002 - 01.2009
- Worked within a team to care for high acuity patients
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Extensive wound care management
- Monitoring of vitals and treatment responses
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.
- Worked with clients to understand needs and provide excellent service.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Excellent interdisciplinary communication skills
Education
Bachelor of Nursing
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
01.2006 - 12.2008
Certificate IV in Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
Nepean TAFE
Kingswood Campus 10.2001 - 10.2002
Skills
Surgical patient care & best practices
Intravenous therapy & central line management
Chronic disease management
Feeding assistance - insertion of NG tubes, administration of TPN
Procedure preparations
Medication distribution & evaluation
Direct Patient Management
Staff supervision and precepting students
Professional bedside manner
Female indwelling catheter insertion / removal
Insulin medication assistance
Palliative care awareness
Strong clinical judgment
Diabetes and nutrition education
Family advocacy
Work Ethics
- Kind and compassionate
- Empathetic
- Uses critical thinking through all aspects of patient-centred care
- Comfortably seeks assistance and knowledge when unfamiliar with something
- Enjoys a challenge!
References
Professional references
- Christine Nocera, Nurse Unit Manager since 2013. Ph: (02) 8738-7321
- Samantha Salamo, Registered Nurse, colleague since 2013. Ph: 0408 473 165
Personal References
- Rebecca Kiu - solicitor - friend since 2010. Ph: 0403 979 497
- Deborah Traill - office manager - friend since 2004. Ph: 0408 116 624
Timeline
Registered Nurse - Upper GI / Colorectal Surgical
Liverpool Hospital
03.2013 - 03.2022
Registered Nurse - Vascular / Upper GI Ward
Liverpool Hospital
01.2010 - 03.2013
Registered Nurse - New Grad Program
Liverpool Hospital
01.2009 - 12.2009
Enrolled Nurse - Casual Pool
Liverpool Hospital
06.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Nursing
University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
01.2006 - 12.2008
Enrolled Nurse - Vascular / Upper GI Surgical Ward
Liverpool Hospital
10.2002 - 01.2009
Certificate IV in Nursing (Enrolled Nurse)
Nepean TAFE
10.2001 - 10.2002