Catherine Schwer
St. Albert,AB
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, care coordination, and management in fast-paced environments. Proven ability to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patient and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Respected by colleagues while working the front line and while in a leadership position. Extensive experience working with inter-disciplinary teams in multiple settings including acute care units, home care, and emergency medicine. Looking to continue these skills and grow as a direct leader within Alberta Health Services.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Alberta Health Services
St. Albert, AB
04.1996 - Current
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability.
- Assessed extent and nature of injury or illness to prioritize and establish medical procedures.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented all patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Unit Manager, Medicine
Alberta Health Services
St. Albert, AB
03.2018 - 09.2019
- Worked towards financial objectives by reviewing monthly expenditures and balancing work with staffing levels to ensure worked hours were within AHS guidelines
- Cooperated with multiple healthcare teams to create treatments and discharge plans to achieve objectives.
- Protected patients and employees by developing and interpreting infection-control policies and protocols and maintained patient confidence by monitoring confidential information.
- Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
- Oversaw RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, medical clerks and support staff and performed staffing scheduling duties.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols to optimize performance and safety.
- Managed 50 nurses and nursing activities in 22-bed unit by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
Unit Manager, Surgery (temp Position)
Alberta Health Services
St. Albert, AB
02.2016 - 12.2016
- Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.
- Oversaw RNs, LPNs, nursing aides, medical clerks and support staff and performed staffing scheduling duties.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Directed nursing activities for surgical department with 44 hospital beds plus day surgery and pre-admission clinic, providing guidance to nurses to deliver outstanding care and optimal patient satisfaction.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and worked to implement Co- Act model of care.
Registered Nurse, Home Health Care
Alberta Health Services
Edmonton, AB
03.2000 - 10.2003
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Performed ongoing assessments to evaluate mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to develop, initiate, manage and modify individualized plans of care.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
University Of Alberta
Edmonton, AB12.1995
Skills
- Staff Supervision
- Infection Control Measures
- Acute Care Expertise
- Triaging
- Problem resolution
- Recruitment / Human Resources
- Performance Appraisals
- Patient/Family Complaint Resolution
- Quality Management
- Daily Workflow Improvement
- Knowledgeable in Connect Care
- Internal Process Improvement
- Relationship development
- Team collaboration
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
Accomplishments
While working as Unit Manager I was able to complete many courses in change management and conflict resolution. I was able to lead the units to successful changes in Co- Act care model and presented to other groups on the teams success. Most recently I received the acknowledgement of 'Stellar at the Sturgeon' for my work in bringing staff together for a community event in recognition of Essential workers outside of the health care system. I have also taken on the role of Super User with the newly implemented Connect Care at the Sturgeon Hospital and in this role am able to mentor and encourage staff to be successful in this transition. I have been at the Sturgeon Hospital for almost 25 years and have grown to love this hospital and what it is the those that access all the services provided. I have had the privilege of working in many areas at this site including Emergency care, Home care, Surgical services, and Medical units. I strongly feel this will give me further insight to this position and allow me to be better aware of the intricate workings of all services within the facility.
Timeline
Unit Manager, Medicine
Alberta Health Services
03.2018 - 09.2019
Unit Manager, Surgery (temp Position)
Alberta Health Services
02.2016 - 12.2016
Registered Nurse, Home Health Care
Alberta Health Services
03.2000 - 10.2003
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Alberta Health Services
04.1996 - Current
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
University Of Alberta
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