Frannie Chance

As a special care nursery nurse, I took care of well-babies by obtaining vital signs, gave appropriate post-delivery medications like erythromycin eye ointment, vitamin K shot, and hepatitis B vaccine, check blood glucose levels, and I also did all 24 hour screenings, such as the hearing test, bilirubin checks, CCHD test, and gave baths as needed. I attended deliveries and assessed the babies immediately after birth and resuscitate if needed. In the event that there was a sick infant who was born, I would collaborate with the neonatologist to admit the infant as special care. I have started infant IVs, inserted OG/NG tubes, maintained/assisted insertion of UVCs, administered antibiotics/fluids, and maintained CPAP/Hi-Flow respiratory support of infant.

As an outpatient surgery nurse, I specifically worked on the post-operative side. As part of my job, I received patients after they recovered in the PACU. I assessed vital signs, treated pain with PO/IV medications, treated blood pressure, nausea/vomiting, and gave discharge education regarding post-anesthesia safety care and wound/incision care. I have taken care of many patients in many different specialties, such as GI, general surgery, orthopedics, ENT, vascular surgery, gynecology, urology, cardiology, as well as neuro-spine and ortho-spine procedures.

In the operating room, I was a circulating nurse. This required me to prepare the patients for surgery by ensuring the patient has consented and understands what procedure is being done on them. I placed patients on the OR table and assisted anesthesia personnel with maintaining airway for intubation, and I maintained the sterile field for surgical procedures. I inserted Foley catheters, prepped the skin sterile technique, and gave report to the PACU nurse when the procedure was over.

• As a patient care technician, I was in charge of obtaining vital signs, giving/assisting with baths as needed, and assisted patients with activities of daily living and self-care. During this time, COVID-19 had significantly increased patient load, so I learned very quickly how to manage my time wisely so I could provide the best care for my patients.