Melanie Schar

PACU:

• Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
• Reduced complications by promptly identifying and addressing post-operative issues in PACU patients.
• Assisted physicians with bedside procedures in the PACU setting, such as wound care, dressing changes, and insertion of invasive monitoring devices.
• Prevented complications from anaesthesia side effects such as nausea or vomiting using effective medication administration techniques.
• Enhanced patient safety by diligently monitoring vital signs and administering medications post surgery.
• Reduced recovery times through effective pain management and close collaboration with the surgical team.
• Mentored new PACU nurses/students, sharing best practices for efficient patient turnover and discharge processes.

Anaesthetics:

• Collaborated with surgical team members to optimize patient care and maintain a sterile environment in the operating room.
• Contributed to efficient surgical workflows by setting up anaesthetic equipment and maintaining organized workstations.
• Assisted Anaesthetists in the preparation and administration of anaesthesia for surgical procedures, ensuring timely and accurate delivery.
• Assisted Anaesthetists with the intubation process, including difficult airway intubations.
• Assisted Anaesthetists with insertion of invasive monitoring (Artline, CVC's), Epidural/Spinal Blocks and Nerve Blocks.
• Responded effectively to emergency situations, administering life-saving interventions under pressure.
• Maintained and cleaned anaesthetic machines by changing soda-lime, refilling vaporizers with anaesthetic agents and replacing nitrous, oxygen and air cylinders.

Day Procedure Unit/ Endoscopy Suite

• Efficiently managed time and prioritized tasks during high-volume periods, ensuring all patients received timely and attentive care throughout their surgical experience.
• Improved patient recovery times through efficient pre-operative assessments and thorough post-operative observations and assessments.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing personalized and attentive care during pre-and post-operative procedures.
• Educated patients on surgical processes, alleviating anxiety and fostering trust among patients and their families.
• Expedited discharge process for patients through effective education on home care instructions and post-surgery expectations.
• Assisted physicians in performing complex endoscopy/colonoscopy procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout.
• Applied nursing skills to handle emergency situations during endoscopic procedures calmly and effectively.
• Maintained endoscopic equipment in line with manufacturer recommendations, ensuring optimal performance during procedures.

Recovery (Stage 1)

Anaesthetics

Endoscopy Suite

Block Nurse

Admissions

Post-Anaesthetics/Discharge (Stage 2)

Pre-Admissions

Scope Cleaning