Santana Santana George
Hamilton,WKO
Summary
Emotionally intelligent and clinically capable New Graduate Registered Nurse with a strong foundation in acute surgical nursing and a demonstrated ability to provide safe, compassionate, and culturally responsive care across diverse settings. Known for exceptional kindness, empathy, and communication skills, with a calm and reassuring presence during high-stress, high-acuity, and emotionally vulnerable situations. Brings strong clinical curiosity, accountability, and reflective practice, alongside a deep respect for dignity, comfort, and whānau-centred care throughout all stages of the patient journey
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
New Graduate Registered Nurse – NETP
Te Whatu Ora
Waikato, Hamilton
02.2025 - Current
- Provide comprehensive nursing care to complex post-operative surgical patients, including burns, plastics, maxillofacial and urology populations.
- Manage patient loads of 4–5 (AM), 5–7 (PM), and up to 9 (night shift) while maintaining safe prioritisation and high standards of care.
- Perform focused post-operative assessments, pain management, fluid balance monitoring, wound and drain care, and early recognition of clinical deterioration.
- Confident in escalation of care using Early Warning Scores and MET calls, ensuring patient safety and timely intervention.
- Deliver complex wound care including burns management, graft sites, surgical wounds, drains, and catheters using aseptic technique.
- Administer medications safely, including IV therapies and infusion pumps, in line with organisational policy.
- Support patients and whānau through pain, anxiety, altered body image, and distressing health experiences with empathy and clear communication.
- Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, anaesthetists, CNSs, and allied health professionals.
- Maintain accurate written clinical documentation and uphold professional, legal, and ethical nursing standards.
Student Nurse – Diverse Clinical Placements
Te Whatu Ora
Waikato, Hamilton
02.2021 - 11.2024
- M12 General Surgery – Waikato Hospital
Supported patients throughout the peri-operative journey, including pre-operative preparation, post-operative monitoring, mobilisation, and discharge education.
Assisted with medication administration, vital signs monitoring, fluid balance charting, wound care, and patient education under RN supervision.
Built strong communication skills when supporting patients and whānau with anxiety related to surgery and recovery. - Hospice Care – Inpatient & Community (Hillcrest)
Delivered comfort-focused, holistic nursing care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, prioritising dignity, symptom management, and quality of life.
Supported patients and whānau during end-of-life and bereavement, demonstrating emotional intelligence, empathy, and presence.
Assisted with personal cares, pain and symptom assessment, and psychosocial support within both inpatient and community hospice settings. - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) – Waikato Hospital
Observed high-acuity neonatal nursing care, gaining exposure to continuous monitoring, infection control, and family-centred practice.
Developed an appreciation for vigilant assessment, teamwork, and clear communication within a specialised critical care environment. - Community Forensic & Mental Health Nursing – Hamilton Central
Engaged with individuals experiencing complex mental health and forensic needs within a community-based setting.
Applied therapeutic communication, de-escalation strategies, and trauma-informed care under RN supervision.
Developed insight into risk assessment, boundaries, and multidisciplinary collaboration. - Aged Care – Residential Facility (AUT Placement)
Delivered holistic nursing care to older adults, supporting dignity, comfort, mobility, and chronic condition management.
Assisted with medication rounds, wound care, personal cares, and documentation while working closely with RNs and caregivers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Waikato
Waikato, Nz04-2025
Skills
- Patient care
- Clinical assessment
- Pain management
- Wound care
- Medication administration
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
Timeline
New Graduate Registered Nurse – NETP
Te Whatu Ora
02.2025 - Current
Student Nurse – Diverse Clinical Placements
Te Whatu Ora
02.2021 - 11.2024
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Waikato