Registered Nurse for Same-day Surgery and PACU/Recovery Unit
What is your role with Powers Health?
I am a registered nurse for both Same-day Surgery and for the PACU (Post-anesthesia Care Unit)/Recovery unit at St. Catherine Hospital. I graduated with a BSN, and I am certified in BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC and EKG.
How long have you been employed here?
I have been a part of the Powers Health family for seven years. I started my journey as a nurse on the Medical Surgical unit, continued as a nurse in the Emergency Department, and now I work in the Same-day Surgery and PACU/Recovery units.
What was your inspiration for getting into healthcare?
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a nurse. I can recall playing the nurse role as a child when I played with other children. As I got older, I realized I have compassion and empathy for those who are sick or hurt, which inspired me to become the nurse I am today.
What is a typical day like for you?
When working Same-day Surgery, I will open the unit as early as 5 a.m. and start admitting patients for surgery at 5:30 a.m. My duties include checking the crash cart, opening certain stock supplies and preparing the charts for the day. When admitting the patients, I make sure all orders from the doctors are completed and resulted prior to the patient taken to surgery. This includes EKGs, bloodwork, X-rays, medications and starting IVs. When all orders are completed and the results are in, it is up to me to make sure that the patient is safe enough to proceed with the surgery.
When working and opening the PACU/Recovery unit, it is my job to make sure all critical care supplies are stocked. It is so crucial to make sure all the bays are appropriately stocked with supplies. Upon receiving the patient from surgery, it is my job to monitor and stabilize the patient. It is also my job to assess the patient's surgical site(s) and to assess the patient for pain. My goal is to make the patient as comfortable as possible. I continue to monitor the patient’s vital signs, surgical sites and pain and to complete the patient's discharge paperwork. Discharging a patient includes going over all pertinent information with the patient, including prescribed medications and follow-ups.
What are some of your interests outside of work?
I love to travel! I've been to many states and countries and will continue to expand my traveling experiences. I also love working out, whether it's at the gym or some sort of activity outside, such as walking, hiking, biking, trailing, etc.
What do you enjoy most about working at Powers Health?
I absolutely love the staff at St. Catherine Hospital. They are the nicest people and so welcoming. St. Catherine Hospital isn't just a job for me; it's my second home and my second family. I truly love my job and the people I get the pleasure to work beside.