Carol Fitzgerald
Picton
Summary
Dedicated , compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) who works well in a team capable of balancing empathy, humour and a professional attitude within a challenging health environment.
Patient-oriented with numerous years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff training and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with chronic disease management specialty.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
Practice Nurse (RN)
Southlink Health
11.2018 - Current
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current on best practices in nursing care delivery methods.
- Educated patients about prescribed medications'' proper use and potential side effects for increased adherence rates and safety measures taken into account.
- Increased patient engagement in their own healthcare by offering resources, information, and guidance on self-care techniques.
- Promoted continuity of care with thorough documentation of medical histories, vital signs, observations, interventions, and results.
- Maintained constant communication with physician and other members of care team.
- Provided compassionate support to patients during medical procedures, alleviating anxiety and discomfort.
- Served as a trusted resource to patients and families, addressing concerns and answering questions related to their healthcare journey.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing comprehensive health education and promoting preventive care.
- Implemented evidence-based nursing interventions that resulted in positive clinical outcomes for diverse populations.
- Documented nursing services provided and uploaded to comprehensive tracking systems for health records and billing.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling processes to maximize clinic capacity while maintaining patient satisfaction levels.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients, families, providers regarding treatment options leading to informed decisionmaking.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.2004 - 07.2018
- Mentored health staffs through professional development opportunities, enhancing their skill sets and competencies.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that led to measurable enhancements in patient safety and satisfaction levels.
- Contributed to policy development within the organization by providing valuable insights from a nursing perspective.
- Provided specialized consultation services for complex cases, effectively addressing unique patient needs.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care practices and clinical guidelines.
- Managed patient caseloads, ensuring each individual received personalized and comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.
- Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate medical questions.
- Conducted research projects to inform best practices in nursing care, contributing to overall improvements in the healthcare field.
- Presented findings from research studies at conferences and seminars, raising awareness of crucial issues in the nursing profession.
- Actively participated in community outreach events as an ambassador for the profession, educating the public about essential health topics.
- Ordered lab tests and interpreted test results and maintained patient records.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to devise and manage individualized plans of care.
- Maintained professional development by attending relevant conferences, workshops, and seminars, staying informed on emerging trends and best practices within the nursing field.
- Served as a clinical expert resource for fellow nurses, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and improve patient satisfaction.
- Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
- Supported patient self-advocacy within family relationships and during treatment plans.
- Sought opportunities to improve patient care, outcomes and nursing staff performance.
- Provided clinical oversight and support to health care teams.
Respiratory Educator
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.1990 - 12.2004
Paediatric Nurse
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.1987 - 12.1988
Enrolled Nurse
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.1982 - 12.1985
Education
Certificate Level 7 - Health Professional Practice Development
Whitieria Polytechnic
Post Grad Diploma - Professional Nursing Practice (Distinction)
Otago Polytecnic
DunedinCertificate - Clinical Teaching
Christchurch College of Education
ChristchurchBachelor of Nursing Degree - Research Level 1,2,3
Otago Polytechnic
DunedinRegistered Comprehensive Nurse - Nursing
Otago Polytechnic
DunedinEnrolled Nursing - Enrolled Nurse
Dunedin Hospital
DunedinPost Grad Certificate - Pharmacology & Advanced Health Assessment
Otago University
Dunedin2014
Skills
- Health Promotion Strategies
- Immunization Administration
- Mental Health Support
- Diabetes management
- Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- Emergency response readiness
- Smoking Cessation Counselling
- Chronic Disease Management
- Advanced clinical assessment
- Medication and IV administration
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Team Coordination
- Wound Care
Timeline
Practice Nurse (RN)
Southlink Health
11.2018 - Current
Respiratory Clinical Nurse Specialist
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.2004 - 07.2018
Respiratory Educator
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.1990 - 12.2004
Paediatric Nurse
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.1987 - 12.1988
Enrolled Nurse
Dunedin Hospital, SDHB
01.1982 - 12.1985
Certificate Level 7 - Health Professional Practice Development
Whitieria Polytechnic
Post Grad Diploma - Professional Nursing Practice (Distinction)
Otago Polytecnic
Certificate - Clinical Teaching
Christchurch College of Education
Bachelor of Nursing Degree - Research Level 1,2,3
Otago Polytechnic
Registered Comprehensive Nurse - Nursing
Otago Polytechnic
Enrolled Nursing - Enrolled Nurse
Dunedin Hospital
Post Grad Certificate - Pharmacology & Advanced Health Assessment
Otago University
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