Koa Combs
International Falls
Summary
Operate effectively in fast-paced emergency settings to address concerns with acute and chronic conditions. Good communication, decision-making and prioritization skills useful for assessing and triaging patients to optimize department resource utilization. .
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Rainy Lake Medical Center
International Falls
10.2014 - Current
- Assessed patient conditions in fast-paced emergency department environment.
- Administered medications and treatments as directed by physicians.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in electronic health record systems.
- Educated patients and families about care plans and health management strategies.
- Assisted in triage process to prioritize patient needs effectively.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of medical supplies and equipment.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations while following established protocols.
- Cared for patients experiencing acute traumas, including cardiac arrests, strokes and gunshot wounds.
- Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
- Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care.
- Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to patient's care.
- Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions, and enhance continuum of care.
- Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
- Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Facilitated discharge planning process to ensure continuity of care after leaving the facility.
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Educated patients and families about health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
- Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
- Answered patient questions and provided take-home materials for further information.
- Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
- Upheld patient safety standards by preventing unauthorized access or incorrect dosage administration.
- Treated patients by administering various types of medications and therapies.
- Supported criminal inquiries by reporting injuries and completing evidence collection kits.
- Ensured proper handling of specimens for laboratory testing.
- Conducted regular rounds throughout the department ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Led debriefing sessions following major incidents, contributing to an environment of continuous learning and improvement.
- Facilitated seamless transfer of patients to other units or facilities, ensuring continuity of care.
- Utilized advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and basic life support (BLS) techniques during critical situations.
- Advocated for patient rights and ethical treatment, ensuring respect and dignity in patient care.
- Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the emergency department.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Cloquet Memorial Hospital
Cloquet
06.2019 - 07.2022
- Assessed patient conditions in fast-paced emergency department environment.
- Administered medications and treatments as directed by physicians.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to provide comprehensive patient care.
- Monitored vital signs and documented changes in electronic health record systems.
- Assisted in triage process to prioritize patient needs effectively.
- Educated patients and families about care plans and health management strategies.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of medical supplies and equipment.
- Responded promptly to emergency situations while following established protocols.
- Cared for patients experiencing acute traumas, including cardiac arrests, strokes and gunshot wounds.
- Administered medications, intravenous fluids, treatments, and other therapies as prescribed by physicians.
- Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care.
- Maintained accurate records of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, and other pertinent information related to patient's care.
- Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions, and enhance continuum of care.
- Provided emotional support for patients and their families during times of stress.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations utilizing advanced emergency skills.
- Performed initial assessment of patients in the Emergency Department, including vital signs and medical history.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Educated patients and families about health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Assessed changes in patient condition and notified physician as needed.
- Responded quickly to codes and coordinated efficient and skilled care.
- Ensured proper handling of specimens for laboratory testing.
- Conducted regular rounds throughout the department ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients.
- Monitored patient vital signs and symptoms, responding rapidly to changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Operated and maintained emergency department equipment, performing regular checks for functionality and safety.
- Performed comprehensive assessments of patients presenting with a wide range of acute conditions in a high-volume emergency department.
- Utilized advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and basic life support (BLS) techniques during critical situations.
- Advocated for patient rights and ethical treatment, ensuring respect and dignity in patient care.
- Managed patient triage, prioritizing care based on severity of condition and available resources.
- Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the emergency department.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Firstlight Health Systems
Mora
08.2012 - 10.2014
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and discharge instructions.
- Assisted with wound care and other nursing procedures in a fast-paced environment.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records systems.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to patients during recovery processes.
- Provided direct nursing care to medical-surgical patients including assessments, treatments, medications and documentation of care.
- Prioritized workloads according to urgency levels ensuring timely completion of assignments.
- Assessed, monitored and documented patient progress on a daily basis.
- Adhered to hospital policies and procedures while providing quality patient centered care.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Promoted safe and calm environment for complex patients by keeping services, supplies and necessary equipment on hand.
- Incorporated cultural diversity into all aspects of patient assessment and management strategies.
- Assisted physicians during exams or other medical procedures as needed.
- Implemented pre, intra- and post-care, evaluating response to clinical interventions with progression toward discharge.
- Instructed patients and families in health promotion activities such as proper nutrition, wound care and disease prevention.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills when interacting with patients, family members, physicians or other healthcare professionals.
- Observed patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for signs of distress.
- Evaluated effectiveness of nursing interventions and revised plan of care accordingly.
- Developed positive relationships with patients to ensure quality holistic care was provided throughout the hospital stay.
- Exhibited professionalism and leadership to peers by participating in professional activities and continuing education.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient interactions, treatments, medications administered and any changes in condition.
- Supported new staff members by providing orientation to the Medical-Surgical Unit procedures and protocols.
- Participated in continuing education programs to maintain professional licensure requirements.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN 08.2013 - 05.2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
Central Lakes College
Brainerd, MN 08.2010 - 05.2012
Associate of Arts -
Central Lakes College
Brainerd, MN 08.2010 - 05.2012
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Pine Technical College
Pine City, MN 08.2008 - 05.2009
Skills
- Electronic health records
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Emergency triage procedures
- Patient care coordination
- Physical assessments
- HIPAA education
- Critical care
- Professional bedside manner
- Geriatric nursing
- Patient reaction monitoring
- Direct patient care
- Licensed RN
- Lab result interpretation
- Strong medical ethic
- Epic EHR management
- Medication administration
- IV management
- Oxygen saturation standards
- Direct nursing care
- Family and patient support
- Patient monitoring
- Culturally-sensitive care
- Emergency response
- Stress mitigation
- Mobility assistance
- Data collection
- Insulin medication assistance
- Relationship building
- Documenting vitals
- Family advocacy
- Patient education and counseling
- Cardiac care
- Performing ekgs
- Ethical advocacy
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Health education and promotion
- Infection control measures
- Intravenous therapy
- Clinical assessment
- Critical situation response
- Communication proficiency
Certification
- ACLS
- BLS
- PALS
- TNCC
- NRP
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Cloquet Memorial Hospital
06.2019 - 07.2022
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Rainy Lake Medical Center
10.2014 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Bemidji State University
08.2013 - 05.2015
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Firstlight Health Systems
08.2012 - 10.2014
Associate of Science - Nursing
Central Lakes College
08.2010 - 05.2012
Associate of Arts -
Central Lakes College
08.2010 - 05.2012
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Pine Technical College
08.2008 - 05.2009