Susan Buchanan
Savage
Summary
Dynamic RN with extensive experience at Minnesota Valley Surgery Center, excelling in patient education and advocacy. Proven ability to respond to emergencies with advanced life support skills while leading teams to enhance care outcomes. Committed to developing educational materials that empower patients in their health journey.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
RN/Patient Educator
Minnesota Valley Surgery Center
Burnsville
06.2013 - 05.2025
- Developed education materials to help explain various conditions and treatments to patients.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to nursing practice.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Educated patients on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care outcomes.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
RN
University Of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview
Minneapolis
08.2003 - 06.2013
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Administered local, inhalation or intravenous anesthetics to patients undergoing procedures.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- 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.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
RN/LPN Charge Nurse
Morton Plant Hospital, Baycare Health System
Clearwater
06.1997 - 06.2003
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Provided emotional support to families facing difficult decisions about a loved one's care.
- Attended continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on current trends in nursing practice.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocols.
- Assisted doctors during medical procedures.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
- Carried out physician orders regarding tests or medication administration accurately and safely.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Education
Associate of Science - RN
Saint Petersburg University
Saint Petersburg, FL12-2000
LPN - LPN
Galen College of Nursing
Tampa, FL11-1996
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD05-1993
Some College (No Degree) - Bridge to MSN (not completed)
University of South Florida
Tampa, FLSkills
- Basic life support
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
- Patient education
- Team leadership
- Orthopedic surgery support
Military Service
- Joined the Army Reserve in 1996 and served for 8 years.
- Completed weekend drills and yearly training.
- Advocated for homeless veterans.
Timeline
RN/Patient Educator
Minnesota Valley Surgery Center
06.2013 - 05.2025
RN
University Of Minnesota Medical Center-Fairview
08.2003 - 06.2013
RN/LPN Charge Nurse
Morton Plant Hospital, Baycare Health System
06.1997 - 06.2003
Associate of Science - RN
Saint Petersburg University
LPN - LPN
Galen College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of South Dakota
Some College (No Degree) - Bridge to MSN (not completed)
University of South Florida
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