Kari Pagacz
Halifax
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience in emergency care at Sentara, adept at EKG interpretation and emergency triage. Recognized for improving patient outcomes through strong clinical judgment and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Proven ability to manage critical situations and mentor new staff, ensuring high standards of care in fast-paced environments.
Registered Nursing professional in Emergency Medicine with extensive knowledge in acute patient care, rapid assessment, and critical interventions. Skilled in team collaboration, maintaining high standards, and adapting to changing needs seamlessly. Known for strong clinical judgment, effective communication, and focus on achieving optimal patient outcomes in fast-paced environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Sentara
02.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients presenting with diverse medical conditions in the Emergency Department.
- Optimized patient flow within the Emergency Department by collaborating with charge nurses in coordinating bed assignments and discharges according to capacity constraints.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Administered emergency medications to stabilize patients, improving chances for recovery.
- Conducted patient assessments to determine care priorities, improving treatment outcomes.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Centra Health - Lynchburg, VA
11.2022 - Current
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Improved patient outcomes by consistently providing high-quality emergency care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds, and thoracic trauma.
- Delivered important IV and venous medications to control symptoms and provide effective treatments.
- Reduced patient wait times by efficiently triaging patients based on acuity levels and prioritizing urgent cases.
- Assisted in training and mentoring of new nursing staff, ensuring high standards of care.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Sentara
06.2017 - 02.2023
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Southside Virginia Community College
Alberta, VA05-2017
High School Diploma -
Lawton Chiles High School
Tallahassee, FL05-2006
Skills
- EKG interpretation
- Patient assessments
- Pediatric advanced life support
- Medication administration
- Trauma nursing
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Emergency triage
- Advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS)
- Trauma nursing core course (TNCC)
- Medication and IV administration
- Strong clinical judgment
- Emergency nursing pediatric course (ENPC)
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Sentara
02.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Centra Health - Lynchburg, VA
11.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
Sentara
06.2017 - 02.2023
Associate of Science - Nursing
Southside Virginia Community College
High School Diploma -
Lawton Chiles High School
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