Sara Becknell
Monticello
Summary
Dynamic Charge Nurse with extensive experience at Piedmont Newton Hospital, excelling in clinical leadership and care coordination. Proven ability to optimize patient satisfaction and ensure accreditation compliance through staff education and process improvements. Proficient in administering vasoactive medications while demonstrating exceptional decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Charge Nurse
Piedmont Newton Hospital
05.2021 - Current
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Proficient in administering intravenous vasopressor and sedation medications for critically ill patients.
- Performed bedside care for patients and participated in procedures performed by physicians such as bronchoscopies, arterial line insertions and central line insertions.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Contributed significantly towards accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Led shift handover meetings effectively communicating critical information about each patient''s status ensuring continuity of care.
Registered Nurse
Piedmont Heart Institute
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Performed vascular wound care in an outpatient setting for patients with chronic venous stasis ulcerations, as well as care for patients with new amputations.
- Examined and dressed surgical site incisions for interventional cardiology and vascular surgery patients.
- Completed prior authorizations and medication refills.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
06.2017 - 01.2019
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Wesleyan College
Macon05-2017
Skills
- Decision-making
- Clinical leadership
- Care coordination
- Team leadership
- Medication administration
- Patient assessments
- Staff education and training
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Vasoactive medications
- Central line care
- End-of-life care
- Basic life support
- Telemetry monitoring
- Chest tube management
- Sedation management
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Ventilator management
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
Professional Development
- Skin Wound Assessment (SWAT) Committee- Chair Person and Member 2024-present
Conduct monthly meetings and quarterly skin audits hospital wide to promote skin assessments and decrease hospital acquired pressure injuries.
- Critical Care Committee- Member - 2025
Collaborate with Intensivists and hospital administration to provide nursing knowledge concerning process improvement initiatives for the intensive care unit.
- Nursing Shared Governance Committee- Member 2023-present
Participate in discussions with nursing staff from various departments concerning policies, staff satisfaction and recognition, as well as identifying process improvement opportunities.
- Nurse Wellbeing Documentation Reduction Taskforce- Member 2024- Present
System level collaboration with nurses throughout the Piedmont system. This taskforce focuses on nursing documentation reduction and EPIC integrations for a more streamline documentation process.
Timeline
Charge Nurse
Piedmont Newton Hospital
05.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
Piedmont Heart Institute
01.2019 - 05.2021
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center
06.2017 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Wesleyan College
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