- I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
- Mindfulness Practices
- Advocacy Campaigns
- Getting involved in local advocacy groups to promote positive change in the community
- Music
- Disability Advocacy
- non verbal communication
Deborah Schwerdt
Kingscote
Summary
Dynamic Clinical Nurse with extensive experience at SA Health, recognized for enhancing patient outcomes through quality improvement initiatives and effective care coordination. Proficient in medication administration and patient education, fostering strong relationships with patients and families. Committed to delivering compassionate care while mentoring nursing staff to elevate team performance.
Professional with strong background in clinical care, skilled in patient assessment, treatment planning, and medical documentation. Known for effective collaboration with healthcare teams, ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Adept at adapting to changing healthcare needs, providing consistent, high-quality care. Reliable and results-driven, with focus on delivering patient-centric solutions.
As healthcare professional with comprehensive clinical nursing experience, excels in delivering high-quality patient care and ensuring optimal clinical outcomes. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability, fostering strong teamwork and seamless integration into dynamic healthcare settings. Proficient in patient assessment, care planning, and medical documentation.
Considerate expert with passion for providing excellent patient care. Skilled in collaborating with healthcare teams to identify and implement patient-centered strategies to improve care quality and outcomes. Dedicated to promoting patient education and advocating for evidence-based practice.
Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Tech-savvy innovator with hands-on experience in emerging technologies and passion for continuous improvement. Skilled in identifying opportunities for technological enhancements and implementing effective solutions. Adept at leveraging new tools and methods to solve problems and enhance productivity. Excels in adapting to fast-paced environments and driving technological advancements.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Thorough team contributor with strong organizational capabilities. Experienced in handling numerous projects at once while ensuring accuracy. Effective at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Nurse
SA Health
08.2022 - Current
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare providers for timely intervention.
- Educated patients and families on health management, promoting understanding of treatment plans and preventive care.
- Trained new nursing staff on best practices, enhancing team efficiency and quality of care delivery.
- Evaluated patient progress regularly, adjusting care strategies to meet evolving health needs effectively.
- Streamlined documentation processes, improving accuracy and reducing administrative workload for clinical staff.
- Led quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing patient outcomes and operational effectiveness within the unit.
- Maintained strong working relationships with physicians and ancillary staff, fostering a collaborative approach to patient care delivery.
- Educated patients and families to increase understanding of condition and best ways to manage.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes and efficient care coordination.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering professional growth and team building within the unit.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient care outcomes.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify early indications of deterioration in a patient''s condition, enabling prompt intervention when needed.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, promoting open communication channels for effective collaboration in treatment plans.
- Ensured accurate documentation of all patient records, contributing to improved quality assurance measures.
- Maintained patient confidentiality by protecting unauthorized access to personal information.
- Acted as a clinical resource for colleagues seeking guidance on best practices or challenging cases, contributing to a supportive learning environment within the unit.
- Promoted a culture of safety by maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and reporting potential hazards.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores through consistent delivery of compassionate and culturally competent care.
- Served as a patient advocate, ensuring individual needs were met and concerns addressed promptly.
- Provided wound care to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Implemented individualized nursing care plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient population served.
- Participated in hospital-wide initiatives aimed at reducing medication errors and improving patient safety practices.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly, leading to improved health outcomes.
- Improved patient satisfaction with empathetic communication and timely response to concerns.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences, ensuring their voices were heard in treatment decisions.
- Utilized technology to improve patient care, integrating electronic health records and telehealth services.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult medical situations.
- Served as a clinical resource to staff, patients and families.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Developed and maintained collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
Clinical Nurse
SA Health
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Responded to patient emergencies to provide prompt and correct intervention .
- Administered medications and treatments to manage patient's condition.
- Utilized evidence-based practice to assess and provide care for patients.
- Demonstrated knowledge of technical procedures and proper equipment use.
- Stayed current with health system initiatives and incorporated evidence-based practice and research into care routine.
- Handled patient discharge planning, arranging for follow-up care after leaving healthcare facility.
- Maintained accurate and comprehensive patient records in line with regulatory standards.
- Streamlined workflow processes, improving overall efficiency within the unit.
- Handled patient transfers, following safety protocols to prevent injuries.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of complex medical conditions, facilitating timely interventions to prevent complications.
- Provided specialized care for critically ill patients requiring advanced monitoring and interventions.
- Facilitated patient education on disease management and prevention, empowering individuals with knowledge to take charge of their health.
Maternity Team Leader
SA Health
07.2004 - 08.2020
- Mentored junior staff, enhancing their skills in problem-solving and effective teamwork.
- Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency and reduced bottlenecks.
- Developed training programs for new team members, ensuring consistent understanding of best practices.
- Coordinated resource allocation to optimize productivity across various projects and initiatives.
- Analyzed workflows to identify areas for enhancement, driving continuous improvement efforts within the team.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to align goals, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes collaboratively.
- Spearheaded strategic planning sessions that resulted in clear objectives and measurable outcomes for the department.
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
- Developed team members'' skills through targeted coaching sessions, resulting in improved individual performance.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient work processes and regularly reviewing performance metrics.
- Evaluated team member performance against established objectives during regular reviews, offering praise for achievements or identifying areas requiring further development.
- Mentored junior staff members, helping them develop their leadership potential and advance in their careers.
- Increased customer satisfaction ratings by closely monitoring service quality standards and addressing any issues promptly.
- Provided ongoing support to direct reports, addressing concerns or questions promptly so they could remain focused on their tasks.
- Assisted in recruitment to build team of top performers.
- Streamlined workflows for increased efficiency, reducing turnaround times for critical tasks.
- Coordinated resources effectively to meet project deadlines and achieve desired results.
- Facilitated decision-making processes within group through open dialogue and consensus-building techniques.
- Promoted culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback from all organizational levels and implementing actionable changes.
- Established clear communication channels to facilitate timely exchange of information between team members and stakeholders.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute projects on time, within budget, and with high-quality outcomes.
- Facilitated culture of continuous improvement, encouraging feedback and innovative solutions from all team members.
- Enhanced communication strategies, ensuring clear and timely information exchange within team and with clients.
- Developed risk management plans, minimizing potential project disruptions and ensuring timely delivery.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships, leading to repeat business and referrals.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient task delegation and regular performance evaluations.
- Coordinated cross-departmental meetings to streamline project execution, fostering collaborative work environment.
- Negotiated with suppliers to secure cost-effective resources, positively impacting project budgets.
- Organized professional development workshops, contributing to ongoing growth and expertise of team.
- Improved operational workflows, enabling team to handle increased workloads without compromising quality.
- Led by example, demonstrating commitment and professionalism that inspired team members to excel.
- Oversaw quality control measures, maintaining high standards for all project outputs.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
- Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
- Helped meet changing demands by recommending improvements to business systems or procedures.
- Frequently inspected production area to verify proper equipment operation.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.{
Midwifery Project Officer
SA Health
07.2003 - 07.2004
- Led project planning and execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to enhance collaboration and streamline processes.
- Developed comprehensive project timelines, tracking progress against milestones.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential project delays.
- Facilitated stakeholder meetings, gathering feedback to inform project adjustments.
- Analyzed project performance data to identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains.
- Established communication protocols that improved information flow across departments.
- Kept senior management well-informed by preparing and presenting project status reports.
- Developed and deepened relationships with key stakeholders.
- Facilitated successful project outcomes by maintaining open lines of communication among team members, stakeholders, and senior management.
- Developed and monitored project schedules, budgets and objectives for successful completion.
- Gathered and organized supporting materials for meetings and project updates.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction by conducting thorough project needs assessments and delivering customized solutions.
- Implemented quality control measures to minimize errors and maintain high standards throughout the project lifecycle.
- Identified and resolved project issues and mitigated risks, reducing challenges and improving project results.
- Monitored deadlines and milestones to keep team on track with project schedule.
- Collaborated closely with clients to clarify project requirements, goals, budgets, timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Spearheaded cost-saving initiatives by identifying inefficiencies in processes and recommending optimal solutions for improvement.
- Overcame unforeseen challenges by proactively identifying potential issues promptly developing contingency plans accordingly.
- Analyzed project data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Developed comprehensive project plans outlining scope, timeline, budget constraints, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Enhanced project efficiency by streamlining communication channels and implementing effective collaboration tools.
- Coordinated numerous small- and large-scale projects to meet client requirements.
- Drove process improvements by analyzing current workflows identifying areas for optimization implementing best practices consistently.
- Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
- Reported regularly to managers on project budget, progress, and technical problems.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
Midwife
SA Health
01.2003 - 07.2003
- Assisted in prenatal assessments and monitoring of maternal health during pregnancy.
- Provided personalized labor and delivery support to ensure positive birth experiences.
- Educated expectant parents on childbirth options, breastfeeding, and newborn care practices.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop comprehensive birthing plans tailored to individual needs.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance maternal-infant outcomes and reduce complications.
- Led community outreach initiatives to promote awareness of midwifery services and maternal health education.
- Conducted regular evaluations of care procedures, identifying areas for improvement in service delivery efficiency.
- Educated mothers and families on pregnancy-related topics to inform and prepare for pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care.
- Promoted benefits of breastfeeding and offered education on proper positioning, latching and breast care.
- Kept accurate medical records by documenting patient prenatal care, labor and delivery and postpartum care.
- Empowered mothers to make informed decisions about their care through comprehensive education on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
- Supported families during the grieving process following pregnancy loss or infant death with empathetic emotional support and resource referrals for ongoing counseling services.
- Managed fetal distress and delivery complications calmly to provide safety to mothers and babies.
- Performed neonatal assessments by checking baby's vital signs and performing physical exams to determine overall health at birth.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable birthing environment by implementing evidence-based practices in pain management techniques.
- Built strong rapport with patients through open communication channels that encouraged feedback and collaboration on care plans.
- Reduced complications during childbirth with vigilant monitoring of maternal and fetal wellbeing throughout labor.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and knowledgeable care during prenatal, labor, and postpartum periods.
- Fostered an inclusive atmosphere by providing culturally sensitive care to diverse patient populations, understanding their unique needs and preferences.
- Enhanced continuity of care by collaborating closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, including physicians and nurses.
- Contributed to improved maternal health outcomes using thorough risk assessment strategies during initial consultations as well as follow-up appointments.
- Developed individualized birth plans in collaboration with expectant mothers to ensure personalized care aligned with their preferences.
- Assisted in over [100] successful births and provided post-partum counseling for struggling families to increase happiness and health of newborns and mothers.
- Checked general and mental health and overall comfort of mothers in prenatal appointments.
- Achieved positive patient experiences by actively listening to concerns and addressing them promptly in a sensitive manner.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on midwifery best practices through regular continuing education opportunities and membership in professional organizations.
- Directed parents and newborns to physicians without causing parent alarm based on problematic test results and health conditions of babies and mothers.
- Increased breastfeeding success rates by offering lactation support and guidance to new mothers.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards through meticulous record-keeping practices and adherence to state licensure requirements.
- Followed professional standards and guidelines by adhering to ethical and legal guidelines and maintaining continued education certifications.
- Advocated for mothers' rights and choices to make informed decisions about care by respecting human autonomy.
- Used massage to increase patient comfort and streamline birthing processes.
Midwife
SA Health
10.1993 - 01.2003
- Mentored junior midwives and nursing staff in best practices for patient care and safety protocols.
- Provided prenatal care by monitoring mother and baby health, identifying potential health concerns and providing advice to support mothers.
- Implemented changes in practice based on research findings to enhance the overall quality of midwifery care provided to patients.
- Assisted in over 100 successful births and provided post-partum counseling for struggling families to increase happiness and health of newborns and mothers.
- Watched vital signs, checked for comfort levels and monitored emotional states of mothers before, during, and after labor.
- Evaluated clinical performance regularly, identifying areas of improvement and implementing strategies to enhance overall patient care experience.
- Optimized clinic efficiency by training staff on proper equipment use, sterilization techniques, and inventory management procedures.
- Streamlined clinical processes through efficient scheduling, documentation, and coordination of care among team members.
- Provided high-quality preconception counseling for optimal health prior to pregnancy, enhancing future pregnancies outcomes.
- Informed families on potential risks and overall benefits of all types of births.
- Monitored the health of mothers and babies post-delivery, providing guidance and support.
- Performed routine postpartum care, such as suturing and wound care.
- Conducted prenatal examinations and provided guidance and support to mothers-to-be.
- Taught childbirth preparation classes to expectant parents.
- Assisted with postpartum care and provided guidance on postpartum recovery.
- Counseled patients and families on reproductive health and contraception.
- Assessed fetal distress during labor and delivery and provided appropriate interventions.
- Facilitated patient referrals to specialists for advanced pre- or post-natal care.
- Conducted well-baby checkups and immunizations for optimum infant health.
- Advised patients on lifestyle modifications and preventative measures for the health of mother and baby.
- Developed and maintained patient records and documentation.
- Educated patients on breastfeeding and provided lactation support.
- Used special labor and delivery procedures, including episiotomy and forceps deliveries.
- Assisted in prenatal assessments and monitoring of maternal health during pregnancy.
- Provided personalized labor and delivery support to ensure positive birth experiences.
- Educated expectant parents on childbirth options, breastfeeding, and newborn care practices.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop comprehensive birthing plans tailored to individual needs.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to enhance maternal-infant outcomes and reduce complications.
- Educated mothers and families on pregnancy-related topics to inform and prepare for pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care.
- Promoted benefits of breastfeeding and offered education on proper positioning, latching and breast care.
- Kept accurate medical records by documenting patient prenatal care, labor and delivery and postpartum care.
- Empowered mothers to make informed decisions about their care through comprehensive education on pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
- Supported families during the grieving process following pregnancy loss or infant death with empathetic emotional support and resource referrals for ongoing counseling services.
- Managed fetal distress and delivery complications calmly to provide safety to mothers and babies.
- Performed neonatal assessments by checking baby's vital signs and performing physical exams to determine overall health at birth.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable birthing environment by implementing evidence-based practices in pain management techniques.
- Built strong rapport with patients through open communication channels that encouraged feedback and collaboration on care plans.
- Reduced complications during childbirth with vigilant monitoring of maternal and fetal wellbeing throughout labor.
Registered Nurse
SA Health
01.1989 - 09.1992
- Developed and implemented protocols to streamline patient admissions and discharges.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and develop tailored care strategies.
- Analyzed clinical data to drive improvements in patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Advocated for patient rights and education, fostering a supportive healthcare environment.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Education
No Degree - Midwifery
Queen Victoria Hospital
Adelaide, SA10-1993
No Degree - Nursing
Queen Elizabeth HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING
Woodville, SA09-1989
Skills
- Vital signs documentation
- Infection control
- Medication administration
- Phlebotomy
- Care planning
- Quality assurance
- Care coordination
- Quality improvement
- Clinical judgment
- problem solving
- lead by example
- education
- problem solving
- End-of-life care
- Patient examination
- Medical recordkeeping
- Ethical practice
- Team supervision
- Family education
- Geriatric care
- Treatment coordination
- Patient relations
- Non verbal communication fluency
- Call triage
- Nurse training
- Critical thinking
- Patient education
- Patient assessments
- Decision-making
- Attention to detail
- Patient care
- Staff education and training
- Staff management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Interpersonal communication
- Medical documentation
- Nursing staff supervision
- Nursing practice evaluations
- Patient care delivery
- Procedures development
- Quality improvements
- Nursing procedure development
- Point of care testing
- Care quality assessments
- Patient management
- In-service training
- Staff development
- Staff assessment
- Care plan development
- Practice standards implementation
- Policy development
- Accreditation process implementation
- Clinical procedures consultation
- Care standards development
Accomplishments
I am a super user in leecare. And assist and train other staff.
I am the falls lead for aged care and have implemented several strategies to decrease the rate of falls
I am the manual handling trainer for all KIHS staff. And have achieved high levels of complience
I have acted up into the ANUM role several times in both Anchusa and Carnarvon and have a good idea of how the role works
I assist the ANUM's in assessment, care planning and providing reports for both falls and the MAC meetings
i coordinate and provide assistance to the Kangaroo Island GP's for their GP rounds in aged care whilst advocating for families and residents.
I encourage and lead by example in the values that I believe in whole heartedly, - respect, autonomy, resilience, advocacy and hold the core values of SA Health care, excellence, innovation,creativity, leadership and equity always
Interests
Timeline
Clinical Nurse
SA Health
08.2022 - Current
Clinical Nurse
SA Health
01.2020 - 08.2022
Maternity Team Leader
SA Health
07.2004 - 08.2020
Midwifery Project Officer
SA Health
07.2003 - 07.2004
Midwife
SA Health
01.2003 - 07.2003
Midwife
SA Health
10.1993 - 01.2003
Registered Nurse
SA Health
01.1989 - 09.1992
No Degree - Midwifery
Queen Victoria Hospital
No Degree - Nursing
Queen Elizabeth HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING