Heather switzer
old fort
Summary
Twenty years as a nurse, with experience in the OR, leadership, ED, PCU, and a telemetry unit. Known for adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, work ethic, knowledge, and compassion. I have a desire to succeed, learn continuously, and be challenged. I have received awards at two separate hospitals for extraordinary performance and model behavior, both requiring impeccable attendance. Skilled at US IV insertion. I have obtained the CEN, which has since expired since leaving the ED. Have worked PRN as a house supervisor. I have attended multiple leadership meetings and have been involved in various teaching moments for staff.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Circulating Nurse, Operating Room
Mission Hospital McDowell
Marion
11.2022 - Current
- Provide care to patients in the operating room. Ensure the room is set up, and supplies are obtained per the surgeon's preference card. Collaborates with staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Preps and positions patients appropriately to minimize risk. Ensures timeouts and counts are done per policy. Obtains the supplies needed during surgery. Assists anesthesia personnel with intubating and nerve blocks.
Interim Nurse Manager, Emergency Department
Mission Hospital McDowell
Marion
06.2022 - 11.2022
- Managed a staff of over 17 beds in the emergency department. Completed audits. Prepared for and attended in-person and Webex meetings. Completed the schedule and checked off payroll. Completed interviews and evaluations. Reported off during ED council meetings with division leaders. Scheduled and headed staff meetings. Ensured that staff completed the required education on time. Rounded on patients and staff.
Team Leader, Emergency Department
Mission Hospital McDowell
Marion
06.2016 - 06.2022
- Supervised daily operations of a 17+ bed ED. Ensured the timely movement of patients throughout the ED. Assigned duties based on skill and competency. Rounded on patients daily and worked to resolve issues. Assisted with tasks, and when needed, took a patient load. Ensured critical safety metrics were met. Responded to codes and completed audits. Ensured that lunch breaks are given. Adjusted staffing based on patient census. Entered CARES data and completed all sedation audits for the unit. Prepared unit for surveys. Facilitated communication between departments to resolve issues and streamline processes. Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback for continuous improvement. Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
Team Leader, Telemetry Unit
Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge Morganton
Morganton
04.2012 - 06.2016
- Supervised daily operations of a 20-bed telemetry unit. Ensured timely movement of patients throughout the unit. Created patient assignments and completed daily huddles. Rounded on all patients. Completed daily audits and prepared the unit for surveys. Ensured that lunch breaks were given. Adjusted staffing based on patient census. Took a patient assignment and assisted with tasks when needed. Facilitated communication between departments to foster collaboration. Maintained a positive work environment that promoted collaboration between team members.
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
Florida Hospital Orlando
Orlando
06.2008 - 03.2012
- I worked in all areas of a large emergency department. In critical pods, cared for 3 to 5 patients at a time. Precepted experienced and new-grad nurses. I learned US-guided IV insertion and became a resource for the unit for difficult IVs. Collaborated and worked as a team with other staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Worked as the third charge nurse for a lesser acuity area of the ED during peak hours. Administered emergency care to patients in high-pressure situations. Monitored vital signs and documented changes in patient conditions. Educated patients and families on treatment plans and follow-up care. Triaged incoming patients and communicated with doctors to encourage timely attention to urgent situations.
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
Florida Hospital Waterman
Tavares
06.2006 - 06.2008
- Provided care to 4 or more patients in a 20 or more bed ED. Completed tasks per policy. Worked as a team and collaborated with staff throughout the hospital.I learned basic ER nursing skills, which motivated me to want to work at a more acute hospital..
Staff Nurse, Cardiopulmonary Unit
Florida Hospital Waterman
Tavares
08.2005 - 06.2006
- Provided care to six patients on a PCU-like unit. Often cared for patients with chest pain, pneumonia, COPD, and patients on BiPAP. I learned basic nursing skills and developed a love of caring for people at their worst times.
Nurse Tech II, MedSurg Unit
Leesburg Regional Medical Center
Leesburg
06.2004 - 08.2005
- Gained experience while providing basic tech care in a 20-bed medsurg unit. Collaborated with nurses to ensure the care and safety of patients. Worked as a team with other techs on the unit.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN01-2021
Associate of Science - Nursing
Lake-Sumter State College
Leesburg, FL01-2005
GED -
Seminole State College of Florida
Sanford, FL01-2001
Home Study
Abeka Homeschool Curriculum01-2001
Skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Patient and family advocacy
- US-guided IV insertion
- Team supervision
- Emergency response
- Self-motivation
Certification
- RN License Expires: 3/31/2026
- BLS Expires: 3/31/2026
- ACLS Expires: 3/31/2026
- PALS Expires: 12/31/2026
- CPI Expires: 6/30/2026
Timeline
Circulating Nurse, Operating Room
Mission Hospital McDowell
11.2022 - Current
Interim Nurse Manager, Emergency Department
Mission Hospital McDowell
06.2022 - 11.2022
Team Leader, Emergency Department
Mission Hospital McDowell
06.2016 - 06.2022
Team Leader, Telemetry Unit
Carolinas HealthCare System Blue Ridge Morganton
04.2012 - 06.2016
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
Florida Hospital Orlando
06.2008 - 03.2012
Staff Nurse, Emergency Department
Florida Hospital Waterman
06.2006 - 06.2008
Staff Nurse, Cardiopulmonary Unit
Florida Hospital Waterman
08.2005 - 06.2006
Nurse Tech II, MedSurg Unit
Leesburg Regional Medical Center
06.2004 - 08.2005
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Lake-Sumter State College
GED -
Seminole State College of Florida
Home Study
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