Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Certification
Custom
Websites
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

THANDIWE PHIRI

Lusaka

Summary

Compassionate Registered Nurse with distinguished understanding of hospital functions. Skilled at developing comprehensive post-treatment plans with patients and doctors for quality healthcare. Committed to patient education and advocacy. Quick-thinking with several years of experience. Adept at providing immediate care and working closely with staff to ensure successful practices. Committed to best-in-class departmental communication and accurate triaging.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Critical Care Nurse

Ministry of Health
Lusaka
01.2013 - Current
  • Actively participated in daily rounds with physicians providing feedback regarding patients' status and progress towards goals of care plan.
  • Maintained a safe environment by following infection control protocols including proper handwashing techniques.
  • Identified potential problems that could compromise patient safety or interfere with quality outcomes.
  • Managed pain relief interventions utilizing pharmacological agents as well as non-pharmacologic modalities.
  • Provided comprehensive nursing care to critically ill patients.
  • Assessed and monitored vital signs, laboratory results, clinical data, and patient responses to treatments.
  • Performed advanced life support skills such as intubation, chest tube insertion, central line placement and management.
  • Administered medications according to physician orders and hospital policies.
  • Monitored patient progress in order to identify changes in condition or response to treatment.
  • Educated patients and families about critical care procedures, treatments, medications and health maintenance practices.
  • Developed individualized care plans for each patient based on assessment of physical and psychosocial needs.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure appropriate delivery of care services across the continuum of care.
  • Coordinated discharge planning activities in collaboration with other healthcare professionals and social services agencies.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives related to critical care nursing practice standards.
  • Conducted research projects related to improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practice initiatives.
  • Provided emotional support for patients and their family members during times of stress.
  • Facilitated end-of-life decisions for terminally ill patients in accordance with hospital policy.
  • Prepared detailed documentation of all assessments, treatments, medications administered, changes in condition and status and follow up instructions upon discharge from unit.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory standards related to critical care nursing practice.
  • Assisted physicians in performing complex medical procedures such as tracheostomy insertions or thoracentesis.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop care plans for patients with complex medical needs.
  • Implemented treatment plans, monitored vitals and administered medications for patients in ICU.
  • Formulated knowledgeable diagnoses based on direct patient assessments, laboratory results, and evaluations of medical histories.
  • Communicated and collaborated with healthcare team and patient to identify and meet physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
  • Assessed patient conditions, implemented care plans and reassessed conditions continuously.
  • Organized discharges and educated patients about continuing care requirements to boost long-term outcomes.
  • Monitored efficacy of nursing interventions and revised care plans based upon patient response.
  • Alerted physician of diagnostic study results and changes in patient condition.
  • Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
  • Identified significant health and medical risk factors with potential negative impacts on treatment plans.
  • Spoke with patients to better understand experienced side effects, noting details in charts for physician follow-up.
  • Distributed medications in accordance with patients' medical charts.
  • Managed PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drug administration and titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tube management.
  • Prioritized patient care assignments based on patient conditions to achieve optimal outcomes.
  • Treated patients with broad range of acute, life-threatening diagnoses.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to create, implement and adapt individualized care plans.
  • Instructed patients, families and caregivers on diagnoses, chronic disease management and medication self-management.
  • Mentored new nurses on practices and procedures to drive patient outcome goals.
  • Provided direct care in surgical, cardiac and neurological critical care units.
  • Collaborated with doctors to plan post-treatment home care and prevent return hospitalization.
  • Assessed patients, documented observations and reviewed patient charts to determine care needs.
  • Monitored patient vital signs, assessing and responding to changes in patient conditions promptly.
  • Administered care to patients suffering from catastrophic traumatic injuries.
  • Ensured strict compliance with infection control protocols to protect patients, staff, and visitors.
  • Implemented advanced life support techniques and interventions during emergency situations to stabilize patients.
  • Utilized a wide range of medical equipment, including ventilators and intravenous (IV) pumps, to support patient care.
  • Maintained detailed patient records, documenting care provided and patient progress.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring compliance with healthcare protocols.
  • Managed the administration of blood products and monitored patients for adverse reactions.
  • Educated patients and their families on disease processes, medical procedures, and self-care skills.
  • Provided comprehensive care to critically ill patients, including those with complex medical and surgical conditions.
  • Coordinated patient discharge planning, collaborating with healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of care.
  • Managed the care of patients on mechanical ventilation, optimizing respiratory function and monitoring for complications.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and safety.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and modify individualized care plans.
  • Operated and monitored life support systems and medical devices specific to the critical care setting.
  • Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
  • Engaged in professional development activities to stay current with advancements in critical care nursing.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify healthcare needs and potential complications.
  • Applied evidence-based practices to wound care, preventing infections and promoting healing.
  • Performed emergency medical procedures, such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), when necessary.
  • Assisted in the orientation and mentoring of new nursing staff, enhancing team capabilities.
  • Advocated for patients, ensuring their needs and preferences were communicated to the healthcare team.
  • Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
  • Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
  • Checked on patients regularly to track progress with treatments, changes in symptoms and need for emergency interventions.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
  • Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
  • Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
  • Kept track of patients' changing pain levels and proactively worked to minimize excess pain or discomfort.
  • Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
  • Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
  • Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

Nursing Officer

Ministry of Health
Lusaka
05.2002 - Current
  • Assessed patient's health condition and administered medications accordingly.
  • Provided prompt response to medical emergencies in the hospital setting.
  • Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse rate of patients.
  • Cared for patients by providing comfort measures and emotional support.
  • Performed basic laboratory tests, such as urinalysis, hematology and electrocardiography.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient care, treatments and procedures.
  • Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
  • Educated patients on preventive health care practices and disease management strategies.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans based on patient's needs and preferences.
  • Counseled patients on lifestyle modifications needed to improve their health status.
  • Administered intravenous fluids or medications when necessary.
  • Responded promptly to physicians' orders regarding changes in treatment plans or medications.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations and surgeries, if required.
  • Carried out wound dressing and provided post-operative care instructions to the patients.
  • Ensured that all equipment used for patient care is properly sterilized before use.
  • Participated in research activities related to nursing practice under the guidance of senior nurses.
  • Attended regular staff meetings to discuss new developments in nursing practice.
  • Supervised junior nurses in order to ensure quality patient care delivery.
  • Reviewed medication orders for accuracy prior to administering them to the patients.
  • Coordinated with family members of the patients regarding their medical conditions.
  • Adhered strictly to safety protocols while performing nursing duties.
  • Built successful nursing team focused on delivering quality care, treatment and services to patients.
  • Kept nursing team in compliance with Joint Commission standards and good practices for maximum patient satisfaction.
  • Acted promptly on identified issues impacting compliance, patient satisfaction or treatment quality.
  • Developed culture focused on meeting patient needs with team-oriented nursing approach.
  • Oversaw patient services for area and adjacent oversight for related clinical and administrative services.
  • Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
  • Explained policies, procedures and services to patients.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary staff to improve overall patient care and response times.
  • Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
  • Maintained communication and transparency with governing boards, department heads and medical staff.
  • Maintained records management system to process personnel information and produce reports.
  • Coordinated work activities and scheduling of medical, nursing and physical plant staff.
  • Monitored inpatient bed use, facilities and staff to provide optimal use of resources.
  • Managed changes in integrated health care delivery systems and technological innovations while keeping focus on quality of care.
  • Directed, supervised and evaluated medical, clerical or maintenance personnel.
  • Planned and implemented programs for health care or medical facilities supporting personnel administration and training.
  • Kept informed of advances in medicine and computerized diagnostic and treatment equipment.
  • Assessed need for additional staff, equipment and services based on historical data and seasonal trends.
  • Established solid relations with leadership and staff by attending board meetings and coordinating interdepartmental information exchanges.
  • Maintained awareness of government regulations, health insurance changes and financing options.

Education

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

University of Zambia
Lusaka
03-2018

Skills

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Ventilator management
  • Life-sustaining machines
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Policy Adherence
  • Evaluations
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Airway Management
  • Treatment Planning
  • Patient discharging
  • Patient Check-Ins
  • Healthcare Team Collaboration
  • Taking vitals
  • Program Evaluation
  • Sanitation
  • IV setup

Affiliations

Gardening and a member of the Lusaka Garden club

Languages

Chinyanja
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2

Certification

  • Bachelors of Nursing Degree 2018
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing 2012
  • General Nursing Diploma 2001
  • Grade 12 Certificate 1997

Custom

  • lusaka Garden Club

Websites

Accomplishments

  • Acting as a ward manager in the PICU at the UTH paediatrics hospital for 9 years from 2009 to 2018
  • worked as an examiner for the Nurses and midwifery council of Zambia 2020 to 2022
  • currently working as the Nursing officer at the National heart Hospital for the Main Intensive Care Unit, Out-patient and Emergency Departments from 2021

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Registered Critical Care Nurse

Ministry of Health
01.2013 - Current

Nursing Officer

Ministry of Health
05.2002 - Current

Bachelors of Science in Nursing

University of Zambia
THANDIWE PHIRI