Tracy O’Brien
Summary
Dynamic Charge Nurse with extensive experience at Anaheim Community Hospital, excelling in perioperative nursing and team leadership. Proven track record in optimizing surgical workflows and ensuring patient safety through regulatory compliance. Skilled in electronic medical records and fostering interdisciplinary communication, while mentoring staff to enhance clinical competencies.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Charge Nurse – RN, Operative Services
Anaheim Community Hospital
06.2022 - Current
- Assisted in opening a new surgical unit, playing a key role in the setup, staffing, and compliance of a state-of-the-art operating room
- Lead a surgical team of 12 staff, ensuring smooth workflow, patient safety, and adherence to AORN guidelines
- Provide high-quality specialized perioperative care, including Pre-Admission Testing (PAT), Pre-Op, PACU, and Circulator duties
- Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and office staff to optimize surgical scheduling and efficiency
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (TJC, CMS, AORN) and maintain high infection control standards
- Serve as a mentor and preceptor, assisting in the education and training of new nurses and surgical staff
- Conduct mock code drills, staff skills training, and annual competency assessments
- Perform employee health screenings, including FIT testing, vaccination administration, and PPD testing for new hires
RN – PACU (Travel Nurse)
Doctors Hospital (Onward Healthcare)
Modesto
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Provided efficient and compassionate care to a diverse patient population, including pediatric and adult post-op patients
- Monitored hemodynamic stability, pain management, and anesthesia recovery in a busy 15-bay PACU
- Administered medications, performed post-surgical assessments, and ensured safe patient transitions to inpatient or discharge
- Worked collaboratively with anesthesia teams, surgeons, and fellow nursing staff to optimize patient outcomes
ICU RN
Tenet Healthcare
Placentia
01.2018 - 02.2022
- Provided direct, high-acuity patient care in a critical care setting, managing ventilators, cardiac monitors, and life support equipment
- Specialized in hemodynamic monitoring and infusion therapy, including vasopressors, antiarrhythmics, sedatives, paralytics, and IV antibiotic therapy
- Responded efficiently to emergency situations, performing rapid assessments, intubations, and resuscitation efforts
- Assisted staff with difficult IV access patients, providing education and competency training for central lines, PICC lines, arterial lines, and Porta-Caths
Circulating Nurse – Surgical Services
St. Jude Medical Center
Fullerton
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Functioned as a Circulator in high-volume ORs, providing surgical assistance in General, Laparoscopic, Ortho, Neurosurgery, and ENT procedures
- Ensured strict adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control protocols, maintaining a sterile surgical environment
- Coordinated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and scrub techs to ensure efficient case flow and optimal patient outcomes
- Assisted with patient positioning, intraoperative monitoring, and instrument management, ensuring a seamless surgical process
- Served as a resource nurse, assisting in the orientation of new OR staff and facilitating professional development programs
Education
Associate’s Degree - Nursing
Golden West College
11.1994
Skills
- Perioperative Nursing
- Surgical Specialties
- Critical Care Nursing
- ICU Nursing
- Patient Safety
- Quality Assurance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Team Leadership
- Staff Mentoring
- Electronic Medical Records
- Emergency Response
- Surgical Equipment Management
- Wound Care
- Post-Surgical Recovery Protocols
- Interdisciplinary Communication
- Team Collaboration
Affiliations
- Association Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
- American Nurses Association (ANA)
- California Nurses Association (CNA)
- Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Nurses and Associates (SGNA)
Certification
- BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) – AHA
- PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – AHA
- AORN Perioperative 101 Certification
- ECCHO ICU Certification
- Moderate Sedation & Airway Management Training
- MAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior) Certification
Recent Achievements And Leadership
- Spearheaded staff training and compliance with the AORN Go Clear Program, ensuring a smoke-free OR environment.
- Facilitated receipt of the AORN Excellence Award for 100% compliance with surgical smoke evacuation protocols.
- Led hospital-wide mock code drills and annual OR competency assessments, enhancing staff preparedness.
- Developed improved perioperative workflows, reducing turnover time and optimizing surgical case scheduling efficiency.
Timeline
Charge Nurse – RN, Operative Services
Anaheim Community Hospital
06.2022 - Current
RN – PACU (Travel Nurse)
Doctors Hospital (Onward Healthcare)
02.2022 - 05.2022
ICU RN
Tenet Healthcare
01.2018 - 02.2022
Circulating Nurse – Surgical Services
St. Jude Medical Center
01.2015 - 01.2018
Associate’s Degree - Nursing
Golden West College