BARBARA ANDERSON

Undertook and demonstrated nursing tasks at the Theatre for three years and the other years on the ward, all in the best interest of patient care and professional standards.

• Preparation of operating rooms for upcoming procedures (minor and major) by setting out and verifying count of all necessary equipment and assessing environment for compliance with asepsis standards.
• Administration of oral, intramuscular and medications to patients and monitored effects.
• Provided basic patient care by bathing and grooming patients, changing bedding and assisting in feeding activities.
• Took charge of the ward/unit, as delegated by the ward/unit manager or by initiative in the absence of the ward/unit manager or shift in-charge.
• Assisted in the effective running of the ward/unit by ensuring that adequate supplies and logistics are available to meet the needs of the patients/clients in the ward/unit.
• Participated in roster planning and monitoring
• Assisted in maintaining up-to-date records in the unit.
• Taking all measures to ensure the safety of the patient, relatives and staff - reporting all accidents, risk assessments and incidents, completing relevant.
• Assisted the Ward Manager/Unit in-Charge to maintain a safe, clean, pleasant and therapeutic environment taking remedial action when necessary.
• Monitored post-op vitals, reviewed post-op orders and assimilated patients to unit.
• Directly supported the surgical team by providing instruments and maintaining sterility during procedures.
• Cared for patients in recovery from surgical procedures by caring for wounds, monitoring vitals and managing pain.
• Elimination including catheterisation, bowel and stoma care
• Feeding e.g. oral, nasogastric or parenteral feeding and ensuring adequate nutritional intake for patients in liaison with the dietician.
• Obtaining specimens e.g. bodily fluids, wound swabs, blood.
• Simple and complex dressings.
• Monitoring of vital signs (Pulse, temperature, BP, respiration)
• Imparted medical, operational and patient care knowledge to junior nurses to maximize performance and quality of team operating system
• Reviewed physician orders and dispensed medication and treatment, participating in medication management to promote patient safety and effectiveness.
• Instructed patients, families and caregivers on diagnoses, chronic disease management, special diet and prevention and medication self-management to maintain continuum of care.
• Mentored new nurses on practices and procedures to drive patient outcome goals.
• Reviewed physician orders and implemented therapies, treatments, and medications.
• Maintained a 24-hour report book and provided oncoming shifts with full patient status reports.
• Set up trays, supplies and sterile fields for office procedures.
• Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
• Prioritized patient care assignments based on patient condition, responding to unanticipated interruptions while delegating care to achieve optimal, safe and effective outcomes.
• Performed blood and blood product transfusions and intravenous infusions to address patient symptoms or underlying causes.
• Cared for patients in recovery from medical procedures by caring for wounds, monitoring vitals and managing pain.
• Ensured that each surgical patient received high level of individualized care.
• Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
• Maintained infection control logs, streamlined charting process, and improved patient outcomes through training and leadership.
• Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.

• Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care to deliver comprehensive services.
• Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
• Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
• Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
• Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
• Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.

• Monitored and recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
• Performed blood and blood product transfusions and intravenous infusions to address patient symptoms or underlying causes.
• Assessed patients in active drug and alcohol withdrawal and provided interventions to manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
• Delivered direct patient care, including stabilizing patients and identifying treatment options.
• Educated mothers on newborn care and post-delivery health to optimize outcomes
• Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
• Maintained a 24-hour report book and provided oncoming shifts with full patient status reports.
• Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
• Responded to patient alarms and needs-assessment requests to identify course of treatment.
• Assisted with delivery of newborns, providing care and support for successful transition to motherhood.