Colette M. Wert BSN RN CCRN
Hummelstown
Summary
Dedicated Critical Care and Operating Room nurse with extensive experience in direct patient care at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Strong foundation in clinical knowledge complemented by exceptional interpersonal skills, consistently delivering individualized care to diverse patient populations. Recognized for outstanding bedside manner and effective communication with colleagues, fostering collaborative environments that enhance patient outcomes. Results-oriented professional adept at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs, with a proven track record of exceeding targets and driving success across various healthcare settings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
02.2023 - Current
- Perform preoperative assessments on patients' overall health and to prepare patients for surgery
- Provide instruction to patients and family members before and after surgical procedure
- Assist families by answering questions, supplying general information, and providing frequent updates on patient progress
- Create a warm, supportive atmosphere to keep patients feeling safe and comfortable immediately before and after surgery
- Evaluate patients to detect contraindications before anesthesia or scheduled surgery
- Administer medications and check for contradictions or potential complications.
- Monitor patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies
- Coordinate with surgeons and staff to deliver safe patient care during operations
- Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and patient throughout operational procedures
- Implement plans to prevent pressure ulcers and other wound developments
- Document procedure plans, surgery notes, and progress updates to facilitate communication among healthcare providers
- Maintain comprehensive understanding of genitourinary, gastrointestinal and integumentary systems
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge on emerging and updated surgical procedures
- Perform frequent checks on life support equipment and make necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions
- Prep operating rooms to comply with environmental asepsis standards
- Train new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols
Registered Nurse - Pediatric Critical Care
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
09.2018 - 01.2023
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery
- Assessed, managed, and treated patients requiring stabilization and resuscitation for a variety of illnesses and injuries
- Monitored patient's physiological responses to therapy such as vital signs, arterial blood gases, and blood chemistry changes
- Responded to emergency codes and calls with coordinated immediate initiation of treatment
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients
- Managed emergency situations by initiating and participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Administered medications and fluids to support the patient's cardiovascular system
- Delivered targeted pharmacological assistance, mechanical ventilation support, and other interventions in the critical care setting
- Administered and maintained proper sedation and pain management
- Provided comprehensive care to improve and strengthen the patient's respiratory function
- Assessed, assisted with diagnosing, and treating breathing issues
- Aided with various procedures such as bronchoscopies, ventilator management, and intubations
- Managed and operated mechanical ventilators to deliver airway management
- Performed bronchial hygiene techniques to improve lung function
- Assessed pulmonary function and performed arterial blood gas analysis to identify abnormalities and issues with patient's lung function
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes
- Performed techniques needed to treat and supplement cardiopulmonary and circulatory functions in cardiac patients
- Operated extracorporeal circulation equipment
- Monitored and observed extracorporeal circulation and patient's physiologic variables such as blood temperature, blood composition and flow rate and adjusted equipment to maintain normal body functions
- Administered medications required for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; maintaining blood pressure and blood flow at proper levels
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Upheld correct protocols for infection prevention and control
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes
Registered Nurse - Pediatric Acute Care
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
10.2017 - 08.2018
- Provided exceptional care and support to patients recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care
- Performed venipunctures, finger sticks and heel sticks
- Drew blood from veins by vacuum tube, syringe, or butterfly venipuncture methods
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Interacted with child welfare personnel and social workers
Registered Nurse
Penn State Hershey Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2016 - 09.2017
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans
- Performed routine wound care and dressing changes
Registered Nurse - Charge/Supervisor/Unit Manager
Colonial Park Care Center
08.2015 - 08.2016
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff
- Led a successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs, and ancillary staff
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern
- Trained, evaluated, and coached clinical staff in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols to improve performance
- Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training
- Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols
- Investigated and resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet the individual needs of the patient
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient
- Oversaw infection control procedures and maintained compliance with state regulations
Registered Nurse - Supervisor/Charge/Unit Manager
Golding Living
11.2012 - 08.2013
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff
- Led a successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs, and ancillary staff
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern
- Trained, evaluated, and coached clinical staff in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols to improve performance
- Promoted professional development opportunities to encourage nurses to pursue continuous training
- Coordinated and implemented in-service educational programs focusing on safety and adherence to protocols
- Investigated and resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes
- Conducted routine facility inspections, identifying areas needing improvement and eliminating hazards posed to staff and residents
- Created customized care plans, working with hospital staff and families to assess and meet the individual needs of the patient
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient
- Oversaw infection control procedures and maintained compliance with state regulations
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA01.2022
Associate Degree of the Science in Nursing - undefined
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PA01.2011
High School Diploma - undefined
Central Dauphin East Senior High School
Harrisburg, PA01.2006
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Patient Safety
- Quality Improvement
- Emergency Management
- Pain Management
- Airway management
- Ventilator management
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Blood Gas Analysis
- ECMO
- CRRT
- Intravenous Therapy
Accomplishments
Team Daisy Award Recipient - 2020
Lion Care/Cubby Care Award - 2021
Magnet Survey Hospital Representative - 2021
Certification
- ACLS
- PALS
- CCRN
Timeline
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
02.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse - Pediatric Critical Care
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
09.2018 - 01.2023
Registered Nurse - Pediatric Acute Care
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
10.2017 - 08.2018
Registered Nurse
Penn State Hershey Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital
08.2016 - 09.2017
Registered Nurse - Charge/Supervisor/Unit Manager
Colonial Park Care Center
08.2015 - 08.2016
Registered Nurse - Supervisor/Charge/Unit Manager
Golding Living
11.2012 - 08.2013
Associate Degree of the Science in Nursing - undefined
Community College of Philadelphia
High School Diploma - undefined
Central Dauphin East Senior High School
Bachelor of Science -
Millersville University of Pennsylvania