Kara Morgan
Cumming
Summary
Accomplished Department Coordinator with a focus on performance and workflow efficiency. Known for exceptional issue resolution skills and dedication to patient care, ready to leverage extensive clinical experience to enhance operational success and team performance.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Department Coordinator, Surgery
Northside Hospital Forsyth
Cumming
08.2019 - Current
- Conducted performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback and setting objectives.
- Coordinated daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow, and productivity.
- Guided employees in handling difficult or complex problems.
- Issued work schedules, duty assignments.
- Consulted with leadership to resolve issues.
- Followed hospital policies and procedures to ensure optimal patient care.
Clinical Supervisor, Orthopedics and Podiatry-OR
Northside Hospital Forsyth
Cumming
09.2012 - 08.2019
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for team members.
- Maintained equipment and special-order supplies for rapidly growing service lines.
- Assisted in the onboarding process for multiple new surgeons.
- Built and maintained preference cards for orthopedic and podiatry service lines.
- Communicated and worked closely with other departments (radiology, tissue bank, sterile processing) to provide seamless patient care.
- Maintained a working relationship with vendors to ensure physician satisfaction.
- Worked with leadership to appropriately staff the orthopedic rooms.
Staff RN III, Operating Room
Northside Hospital Forsyth
Cumming
12.2008 - 09.2012
- Communicated effectively with physicians and provided support during surgical procedures.
- Coordinated care with charge nurse and other staff through daily communication.
- Served as a preceptor for newly hired staff nurses orienting them to departmental expectations.
- Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems.
- Ensured a safe environment for all patients through adherence to safety protocols including infection control practices.
- Transported patients to and from the OR, and prepared for procedures according to individual specifications.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Staff Nurse, Operating Room
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Meridian Mark
Atlanta
03.2005 - 12.2008
- Assisted surgical teams during pediatric procedures in a fast-paced operating room.
- Assisted in the preparation of operating room for surgery, including setting up equipment and supplies.
- Performed nursing tasks to deliver high level of care and comply with procedures and regulations.
- Acted as a liaison between the surgical team and the patient's family, providing updates and support during procedures.
- Documented all operative procedures and patient interactions in electronic medical records with attention to detail.
- Advocated for patient needs and preferences throughout the surgical process to ensure patient-centered care.
Staff Nurse, Operating Room
St Francis Hospital
Columbus
08.1998 - 02.2005
- Assisted surgical teams during procedures in a fast-paced operating room.
- Managed inventory of surgical supplies and equipment for optimal readiness.
- Assisted with intubation procedures during surgery when needed.
- Conducted patient assessments prior to anesthesia induction or sedation administration.
- Assisted in the preparation of operating room for surgery, including setting up equipment and supplies.
- Handled laboratory specimens and inspected containers for correct packaging and labeling.
- Observed body language, movement, and demeanor to anticipate surgeon's needs and maintain procedure sterility during operation.
- Performed comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs, devise care plans, modify care solutions, and support patient rights.
- Implemented infection control protocols to prevent post-operative infections.
- Assisted surgical team in donning sterile gowns, gloves, and masks to maintain a sterile environment.
- Documented all operative procedures and patient interactions in electronic medical records with attention to detail.
- Advocated for patient needs and preferences throughout the surgical process to ensure patient-centered care.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Staff Nurse, Inpatient Rehab
Sumter Regional Hospital
Americus
08.1995 - 07.1998
- Provided direct patient care including wound dressing, administering medication and IV therapy.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult situations.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills while interacting with patients, families, physicians and other healthcare staff members.
- Coordinated care with charge nurse and other staff through daily communication.
- Conducted patient education on medical treatments and procedures.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions, and enhance continuum of care.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly maintained according to safety protocols.
- Maintained a clean work environment by following proper sanitation guidelines.
- Evaluated patients to develop and update treatment plans while anticipating day-to-day needs.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions and modified plans as needed.
- Counseled patients on lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Troy University
Troy, AL12-2000
Associate of Science - Nursing
Georgia Southwestern State University
Americus, GA06-1995
Skills
- Performance evaluations
- Workflow coordination
- Issue resolution
- Patient care optimization
- Surgical supply management
- Clinical supervision
- Emergency response
- Task delegation
- Scheduling coordination
- Problem solving
Certification
- CNOR
- BLS
Timeline
Department Coordinator, Surgery
Northside Hospital Forsyth
08.2019 - Current
Clinical Supervisor, Orthopedics and Podiatry-OR
Northside Hospital Forsyth
09.2012 - 08.2019
Staff RN III, Operating Room
Northside Hospital Forsyth
12.2008 - 09.2012
Staff Nurse, Operating Room
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Meridian Mark
03.2005 - 12.2008
Staff Nurse, Operating Room
St Francis Hospital
08.1998 - 02.2005
Staff Nurse, Inpatient Rehab
Sumter Regional Hospital
08.1995 - 07.1998
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Troy University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Georgia Southwestern State University
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