Courtney Kustes
Westminster
Summary
Experienced Labor and Delivery Nurse with a strong track record in managing high-risk pregnancies and facilitating multidisciplinary care. Adept at implementing quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient satisfaction and safety while advocating for patient autonomy.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Kaiser Permanente
Anaheim, CA
01.2014 - Current
- Managed labor and delivery processes, ensuring adherence to protocols and patient safety standards.
- Facilitated effective communication between multidisciplinary teams during labor and postpartum care.
- Monitored fetal heart rates and maternal vitals, promptly identifying potential complications.
- Developed individualized care plans based on patient assessments and preferences.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that enhanced patient satisfaction scores in maternity services.
- Streamlined workflow by integrating electronic health records into daily documentation processes.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve labor and delivery processes and patient outcomes.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based nursing practices in labor and delivery procedures.
- Reduced complications during childbirth by closely monitoring patients and providing timely interventions.
- Improved overall patient outcomes by continuously updating clinical knowledge through professional development opportunities.
- Streamlined communication between healthcare providers, fostering a supportive atmosphere for patients and families.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases, leading to more effective treatment plans.
- Advocated for patient autonomy by involving them in decision-making processes regarding their birth plan.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Conducted thorough telephone assessments of pregnant patients to ensure timely and appropriate medical attention.
Staff Charge Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Kaiser Permanente
Anaheim, CA
12.2016 - 08.2019
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure optimal patient care during labor and delivery procedures.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized birth plans for patients.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering skills in patient assessment and emergency response protocols.
- Streamlined workflow processes to reduce patient wait times and improve satisfaction scores.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to manage high-risk pregnancies effectively.
- Consistently met or exceeded departmental goals for quality measures such as patient satisfaction scores, infection rates, and medication error percentages.
- Managed patient flow effectively during peak times by coordinating admissions, discharges, and transfers across the unit to minimize wait times and optimize bed utilization.
- Streamlined communication within the team by establishing clear channels for reporting and collaboration.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care teams to ensure comprehensive support for patients during labor, delivery, and postpartum periods.
- Championed patient advocacy initiatives within the unit, ensuring that expectant mothers were empowered to make informed decisions about their care options throughout pregnancy and childbirth experiences.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop individualized care plans tailored to the unique needs of each mother and baby pair.
- Established trust with patients by providing compassionate care, listening attentively to concerns, and addressing any issues promptly.
- Provided expert guidance to new hires as part of the orientation process, sharing knowledge on departmental policies, procedures, and best practices for labor and delivery nursing.
- Promoted safe practice standards by maintaining a clean, organized, and well-stocked unit environment at all times.
- Served as a subject matter expert on fetal monitoring techniques, providing guidance to fellow nurses on interpreting data accurately.
- Participated in ongoing emergency preparedness drills to maintain readiness for high-risk situations such as cord prolapses or shoulder dystocias.
- Optimized resource allocation by regularly reviewing staffing needs and adjusting schedules accordingly.
- Contributed to the development of policies and procedures that aligned with regulatory requirements and best practices in maternal healthcare.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Downey Regional Medical Center
Downey, CA
02.2012 - 10.2016
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Supported physicians in both planned and emergency Cesarean section procedures.
- Managed epidural analgesia infusions and monitored vital signs during labor and delivery.
- Coached new mothers with breastfeeding techniques, postpartum self-care and infant care to promote easier transition into motherhood.
- Aided with induction of labor for women suffering from complications such as preeclampsia.
- Coordinated care of low and high-risk laboring women of childbearing age and immediate stabilization of newborn following delivery.
- Worked closely with doctors and midwives in coaching pregnant women through childbirth and post-natal recovery.
- Assisted obstetricians and midwives with deliveries and cared for newborns directly after birth.
- Performed vital signs checks and administered vaccinations to infants following birth.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments and assisted with pain management.
- Prevented infections by diligently adhering to proper hand hygiene standards as well as utilizing personal protective equipment when required.
- Promoted maternal-infant bonding by educating new parents on infant care techniques such as breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact.
- Administered medications accurately and safely under physician guidance during labor induction or augmentation processes.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex medical procedures, including cesarean sections and forceps deliveries.
- Provided emotional support to patients experiencing difficult births or pregnancy complications.
- Educated expectant mothers on available pain management options during the birthing process while respecting individual preferences.
- Maintained a safe and sterile environment, ensuring optimal conditions for successful deliveries.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
05-2020
Associate of Science - Nursing
Cypress College
Cypress, CASkills
- Medication and IV administration
- Documentation and charting
- Patient assessment
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
- Team coordination
- EMR systems
- High level of autonomy
- Treatment Planning
- Call triaging
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
Certification
- Advanced Fetal Monitoring AWHONN
- ACLS
- BLS
- NRP
Timeline
Staff Charge Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Kaiser Permanente
12.2016 - 08.2019
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Kaiser Permanente
01.2014 - Current
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Downey Regional Medical Center
02.2012 - 10.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Associate of Science - Nursing
Cypress College