SALIJA VAVAKUNJU
KERALA
Summary
Highly accomplished and knowledgeable Nurse Professional with 23 years of progressive healthcare experience. Proven track record of clinical excellence, patient-centered care, effective leadership. Skilled in providing comprehensive assessments, implimenting complex procedures, and leading teams to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, budget management, and quality improvement initiatives with a commitment to continuous professional development and fostering a positive work environment.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Nursing Superintendent
Ansar Hospital
PERUMPILAVU, THRISSUR, KERALA, INDIA
11.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with executive leadership on organizational change management initiatives designed to improve overall institutional effectiveness.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Reviewed patient transfer records routinely to verify patients received appropriate levels of care.
- Oversaw accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
- Achieved higher patient satisfaction scores through exceptional leadership in nursing care delivery.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth through active participation in industry conferences, workshops, and networking events that promoted best practices in nursing management.
- Implemented innovative strategies to recruit, retain, and develop a diverse workforce of highly skilled nurses.
- Reviewed department performance and adjusted coverage to compensate for changing conditions.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Provided expert guidance on clinical policy development for the continued advancement of nursing practice within the institution.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Established positive working relationships with community partners to enhance access to specialized care for patients in need of additional support services.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Directed patient discharge procedures to provide departing patients with needed aftercare and avoid readmissions.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Championed patient-centered care, resulting in improved communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Evaluated skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity.
- Consistently surpassed performance metrics in key areas, including patient satisfaction, staff retention, and clinical outcomes.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Developed and implemented quality improvement initiatives to provide best possible patient care and identify and address areas of concern.
- Reported findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and worked with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
- Managed budgetary resources effectively, ensuring optimal utilization of staffing and supplies.
- Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing strict adherence to infection control policies and procedures.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Registered Nurse
GMC CLINICS
JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UAE
10.2021 - 10.2022
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Performs routine assessments like vitals, height, weight and BMI.
- Performs nursing procedures with attention to accuracy, patient safety and comfort.
- Competent in performing IV infusions, prepare, administer and document medications provided to the patient.
- Competent in performing holter monitoring, continuous ambulatory BP monitoring, ECG, spirometry and audiometry.
- Competent in phlebotomy and carry out routine investigation.
- Competent in performing pediatric and adult immunization.
- Recording and maintaining accurate records and reports.
- Competent in performing throat swabbing, PCR test.
- Provide need based health education to the patients.
- Maintain therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
- Effectively communicate and act as a patient advocate during the caring process.
- Perform blood sugar test and possess adequate knowledge in calibrating the glucometer.
- Perform urine analysis by dip-stick method.
- Efficiently carry out the infection control policies and protocols according the clinical standards by ensuring aseptic techniques while performing various procedures, hand hygiene and proper disposal of wastes.
- Perform vision test using snellens chart.
- Follow the hierarchical order in communication.
- Demonstrates an economical approach in utilizing health resources and equipment to provide appropriate patient care and maintain adequate availability of resources.
- Take responsibility of the clinic in the absence of Charge Nurse.
- Responsible for checking crash card as per the check list and appropriate storage and maintenance of medications inventory including high alert medications.
- Competent in using appropriate PPE.
- Competent in performing CPR.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient records, reports and updates all relevant patient documentations as per institutional policy and procedure.
Head Nurse
AJMAN MEDICAL CENTER LLC
AJMAN, UAE
02.2019 - 08.2021
- Performed patient assessments and adjusted care plans accordingly.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Served as a liaison between the nursing department and hospital administration to address staffing concerns, policy changes, and budgetary issues effectively.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Oversaw infection control procedures to protect patients from infections and keep nursing departments compliant with state regulations.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Coordinating daily administrative duties, including schedules and nursing assignments and patient care. Monitoring and training new staff and proving support and guidance to all staff members.
- Monitoring medical charts and providing compassionate care and assistance to patients and families. Liaising with doctors and administrators and communicating any protocol / policy changes to staff.
- Ensuring compliance with all health and safety regulations. Recording and maintaining accurate reports.
- Knows the responsibilities of all nursing staff members and utilizes this knowledge when preparing assignments for staff members. Utilizes the talent of all members of the nursing staff.
- Solves problems or avoids potential ones by making appropriate assignments of staff members’ education, training and availability. Recognizes leadership styles and selects the appropriate leadership style for given situation.
- Applies decision-making theory and the scientific method to solve patient care problems.
- Educate nursing staff and utilizing formal and informal venues including peer consultation, mentorship, preceptor programs, unit conferences, case studies and in-service programs.
- Applies communication theories and techniques in negotiating with patients, families and other staff members to accomplish the nursing care.
- Observes performance of nursing personnel and shares this information with the nursing manager. Monitors the quality of patient care being delivered by nursing staff members.
- Checks the completeness and accuracy of patient care plans routinely and continually updates and revises these plans and changes occur in the patients’ condition.
- Contrasts and evaluates the patients’ behavior or condition with the physical, psychosocial and spiritual goal.
- Documents the performance of charge nurses and nursing staffs, perform evaluation of unsatisfactory performance and meet with senior management to discuss and resolve personal and administrative issues.
- Performs administrative duties including creating schedules, maintaining adequate supplies and informing staff of changes to protocol and assists plan budget for the nursing staff and provide clerical assistance to the clinical staff.
- Awareness of institution policies and procedures related to nursing services. Demonstrates leadership through clinical practice and teaching.
- Provide periodical Diabetic Education and Training to Nursing Staff and patients as per the request from the Management
- Complies with policies for personal and patient safety and for the prevention of healthcare associated infections
- Maintains an awareness of resource utilization, equipment and materials while exercising patient care and contributes to the achievement of clinical quality
- Participates in self and other’s education, training and development
Charge Nurse
AL QEMA MEDICAL CENTRE LLC
SHARJAH, UAE
06.2013 - 01.2019
- Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage while minimizing overtime expenses.
- Worked with healthcare team to develop new dialysis treatment flow sheet and other log forms, improving clinical documentation and accountability.
- Monitored nursing care, patient assessment processes, and treatment implementations.
- Supervised and managed daily scheduling, tasking, and administration.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Assisted in budget development and resource allocation processes for the nursing department, ensuring optimal use of funds available for patient care services.
- Developed and implemented specific nursing care plans to cater to individual patient needs.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Preparing duty roster.
- Providing in- service education. Participates as assigned on committees, working groups and other organization activities. Acts as a preceptor to less experienced staff as required
- Participates in unit budget preparation to ensure adequate resource availability and to monitor resource usage.
- Monitors and coordinates effective and efficient utilization of human resources, consumables and equipment
- Problem solving with multi-disciplinary approach.
- Adhering with policies and objectives of the institution and of the government policies. Act as a liaison officer between subordinates and senior managers.
- Monitors staff performance, providing regular constructive feedback, coaching, guidance and support to team members on the shift. Ensures the nursing staff works within their capacity, experience, training and scope of practice.
- Provides guidance to nursing staff in the planning, implementation and evaluation of individualized patient care. Coordinates referrals and utilizes available resources for the provision of comprehensive care to patients and families
REGISTERED NURSE, QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN
Ministry Of Health
SHARJAH, UAE
12.2010 - 04.2013
- Tended to machines, troubleshot malfunctions and completed basic repairs to keep equipment fully functional and well-maintained.
- Managed maintenance activities, supervised staff, and inspected equipment.
- Scheduled maintenance and repair tasks in alignment with production deadlines to reduce bottlenecks.
- Organized work to meet demanding production goals.
- Performs of a needs assessment of assigned clinical areas and provide comprehensive care
- Perform monthly documentation and reporting of vaccinations, premarital medical checkup and vaccination for chronic disease patients.
- Hands on experience in carrying out Pediatric Assessment.
- Providing Health Education pertaining vaccination, breast feeding, weaning, child care post vaccination, growth & development
- Shows creativity and initiative when solving problems and changing practice
- Anticipates, recognizes and manages emergencies and unsafe situations/practice and initiates appropriate and timely interventions.
- Applies principals of effective delegation and demonstrates the ability to manage time/personnel/resources to meet unit goals and patientcare standards.
- Communicates all necessary information to Charge Nurse and Clinic staff.
- Demonstrates a systematic, flexible and innovative approach to problem solving and decision-making.
- Competent in procedures - Vaccination, dressing, I V therapy, ECG Monitoring, Nebulization and Patient assessment etc.
- Maintain proper communication with the unit members according to the hierarchy
Registered Nurse
FAMILY CLINIC
AJMAN, UAE
06.2009 - 08.2010
- Perform documentation and reporting of patient care
- Perform 12 lead ECG
- Initiate and maintain I V therapy
- Competent in administering medications I V, IM, S/C i/d and oral route
- Competent in performing medical and surgical dressing
- Administer nebulization and O2 inhalation as per order
- Monitor and record vitals
- Competent in performing spirometry
- Communicates all necessary information to Charge Nurse and Clinic staff.
- Collaborates within a multidisciplinary and multicultural team to facilitate the process of evidence based clinical management.
STAFF NURSE
DISTRICT COOPERATIVE HOSPITAL
THODUPUZHA, KERALA, INDIA
09.2006 - 03.2009
- A Referral Unit with 200 beds having Multi Specialty Hospital facilities with all major department-medical/surgical, pediatric, obstetrics and gynecology ,cardiology, orthopedics etc.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Competent in carrying out all nursing procedures according to the patient's need like IV therapy, injection, catheterization, RT insertion & feeding, withdrawal of blood samples, ECG monitoring vital signs monitoring etc.
- Maintenance of records & reports. Act as a member of policy revision team. In-service education coordinator.
- Hospital standard evaluation team member. Clinical instructor & coordinator.
STAFF NURSE
ICH, GOVT. MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, KOTTAYAM
KOTTAYAM, KERALA, INDIA
10.2005 - 09.2006
- The Medical College Hospital is a 1,500-bedded Multi-Specialty Tertiary Referral Hospital under the Government of Kerala with all departments Pediatric Department is fully facilitated with Neonatal ICU New born Nursery, Pediatric ICU, Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Vaccination Clinic, Pediatric Surgery, Burns Care Unit etc
- Total patient care (assessment, objective, planning, implementation & evaluation of patient care).
- Monitoring vital signs.
- Competent in carrying out all nursing procedures according to the patient's need like IV therapy, injection, catheterization, RT insertion & feeding, withdrawal of blood samples, ECG monitoring vital signs, blood transfusion etc.
- Assist with exchange transfusion, Venipuncture, Central catheterization, Bone marrow aspiration, Pleural aspiration, ET tube insertion, Paracentesis etc.
- Maintenance of records & reports according to the hierarchy. Administration of chemo therapeutic drugs.
- Member of client education & in-service education team.
STAFF NURSE
Regional Cancer Centre
TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, INDIA
01.2001 - 09.2005
- The regional Cancer Center is a 550-bedded referral hospital and it’s an Autonomous Institution sponsored jointly by Govt. of India and Govt. of Kerala, for a cancer research and treatment. Regional Cancer Center has also been designated as a center of excellence by the Ministry Of Health and family welfare, Govt. of India. Hospital is equipped with full-fledged medical & surgical oncology wings Pediatric & palliative care unit.
- Competent in providing total patient care for cancer patients - medical, surgical and pediatric Competent in administration of chemotherapeutic agents
- Administer chemotherapy and medications.
- Maintaining the record of patients.
- Expertise in nursing procedures such as vital signs monitoring, catheterization, RT insertion, IV therapy, blood transfusion, Tracheostomy care, ET tube care, surgical & medical dressing, CVP monitoring, nebulization, oxygen administration, steam inhalation, medicine administration - all routes, maintenance of I/O charts etc.
- Educating and counselling patients and families.
- Assist in procedures like ET tube insertion, BM aspiration, biopsy, cardiac catheterization, paracentesis, pleural aspiration, stem cell transfusion. Provide health education related to Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, RT feeding, Palliative care, Tracheostomy care etc.
- Managing patients before, during and after procedures.
Education
CERTIFICATION IN DIABETES EDUCATOR - DIABETES
INTERNATIONAL DIABETES FOUNDATION
SCHOOL OF DIABETES2020
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DIABETES - DIABETES
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES
UNITED KINGDOM10.2019
Master of Arts - Public Administration
KERALA UNIVERSITY
KERALA2004
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BSC NURSING
MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, TRIVANDRUM, KERALA, INDI12.1999
Skills
- Quality Assurance
- Utilization Management
- Expert Clinical Knowledge
- Skilled in Procedures
- Exceptional Patient Care
- Equipment Sterilization
- Procedure Assistance
- Medication Administration
- Budget Planning
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Patient education and advocacy
- Unit Administration
- Conflict Management
- Initial Trauma Life Support
- Decision-Making
- Ward Management
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- Advanced Assessment skills
- Skilled in Procedures
- Exceptional Communication Skills
- Strategic Planning and Organizations
- Strong Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Budget Management
Languages
Malayalam
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Arabic
Upper intermediate
B2
Hindi
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Nursing Superintendent
Ansar Hospital
11.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse
GMC CLINICS
10.2021 - 10.2022
Head Nurse
AJMAN MEDICAL CENTER LLC
02.2019 - 08.2021
Charge Nurse
AL QEMA MEDICAL CENTRE LLC
06.2013 - 01.2019
REGISTERED NURSE, QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN
Ministry Of Health
12.2010 - 04.2013
Registered Nurse
FAMILY CLINIC
06.2009 - 08.2010
STAFF NURSE
DISTRICT COOPERATIVE HOSPITAL
09.2006 - 03.2009
STAFF NURSE
ICH, GOVT. MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL, KOTTAYAM
10.2005 - 09.2006
STAFF NURSE
Regional Cancer Centre
01.2001 - 09.2005
CERTIFICATION IN DIABETES EDUCATOR - DIABETES
INTERNATIONAL DIABETES FOUNDATION
POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN DIABETES - DIABETES
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES
Master of Arts - Public Administration
KERALA UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, BSC NURSING