Catherine Thomas
Llantwit Fadre,Pontypridd
Summary
Band 6 healthcare professional with extensive experience in complex patient assessments and health condition evaluations. Proficient in utilizing clinical assessment tools and evidence-based practices to deliver high-quality healthcare assessments while ensuring confidentiality and ethical standards. Skilled in interpreting medical evidence and compiling comprehensive reports. Strong time management and communication abilities, effectively managing caseloads independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work history
Pre assessment nurse
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf
2017.05 - 2025.09
- Conducted comprehensive anaesthetic pre-assessments to support patient safety and surgical readiness.
- Facilitated patient evaluations of physical and psychological readiness for surgery through consultations and telephone calls, promoting medical optimisation before procedures.
- Collected comprehensive medical histories to inform clinical evaluations and enhance patient care.
- Conducted detailed medical histories, clinical observations, arranged investigations, and delivered patient education to ensure thorough pre-assessment.
- Coordinated patient care, scheduling and identifying discharge needs to ensure a smooth and safe pathway.
- Worked both autonomously and as part of a team to triage, assess and when necessary escalate high risk cases to anaesthetists or surgeons.
- Conducted detailed and comprehensive nursing assessments, reviewing medical history and conducting physical examinations to identify risks.
- Carried out infection control measures resulting in reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections.
- Took blood samples to aid in accurate diagnosis.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills, fostering strong relationships with colleagues and patients alike.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team for improved patient outcomes.
- Safeguarded patients' wellbeing with diligent observation and immediate action on any changes in condition.
- Liaised effectively with patients' families, facilitating communication between medical staff and family members.
- Ensured adherence to nursing standards by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of nursing practices and ethics.
- Worked closely with fellow nurses, doctors and clinicians for consistent communication and continued best care practices.
- Quickly responded to medical emergencies, working calmly and professionally under pressure.
- Maintained accurate, up-to-date patient records, maximising data accuracy.
- Established positive rapport with patients and families through active listening and compassionate care.
- Trained and mentored junior team members, strengthening high-functioning, efficient clinical teamwork.
- Dealt with emergencies with calm and composure.
- Stayed up-to-date on the latest nursing developments to provide best patient care.
- Advised on dietary, nutrition and illness prevention.
Endoscopy staff nurse
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf
2007.05 - 2017.05
- Conducted evaluations of patients' physical status prior to procedures.
- Supported endoscopist during a variety of surgical interventions in theatre.
- Ensured decontamination of endoscopes to uphold hygiene standards.
- Monitored and assisted patients during recovery period.
- Coordinated schedules, resources, and personnel to streamline operations in endoscopy unit.
- Performed thorough assessments of patients' physical status before each procedure.
- Followed NMC guidelines in all aspects of clinical practice as an Endoscopy Nurse.
- Advocated for patients' rights whilst respecting their privacy, dignity and cultural beliefs.
- Assisted in routine and emergency endoscopy procedures for optimal patient outcomes.
- Provided emotional support to anxious or distressed patients undergoing invasive procedures.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, observations, interventions and outcomes.
- Provided pre-and post-procedure education to patients and family members, enhancing understanding and cooperation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to improve patient care.
- Managed patient care before, during and after endoscopic procedures.
- Monitored vital signs during procedures to ensure immediate response to patient safety needs.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and operational efficiency within the department.
- Assisted with research projects related to Gastroenterology and Endoscopy nursing practice.
- Developed individualised care plans based on assessment data and input from patients, families and healthcare team.
- Ensured clean, safe environment by sterilising equipment and adhering to infection control protocols.
- Recognised early signs of complications during endoscopic procedures; took appropriate action accordingly.
- Maintained open communication with physicians regarding any changes or concerns about a patient's condition.
- Participated in continuous professional development activities relevant to endoscopy nursing practice.
- Administered medication and treatment for patients according to care plans.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to confidentiality and data security protocols.
- Enforced infection-control sanitisation procedures to reduce risks.
- Performed health assessments and designed specialised treatment plans.
- Practised working knowledge of current policies and procedures, addressing issues of non-compliance.
- Promoted dignity, safety and independence for service users .
- Closely monitored and recorded patient vitals, implementing bespoke care improvements to minimise recovery time.
- Kept up-to-date with latest developments in nursing practice to contribute to medical research.
- Consulted with patient care managers to review current procedures and optimise patient care.
- Dealt with emergencies with calm and composure.
- Worked with clinical team to carry out prescribed treatments addressing individual patient needs.
- Used oral, topical and IV medications to manage patient symptoms.
- Dressed surgical wounds, monitored healing and replaced bandages to prevent infections.
- Stayed up-to-date on the latest nursing developments to provide best patient care.
- Monitored patient behaviour and responses to treatments and reported concerns to senior staff.
- Followed modern nursing standards for optimum treatments and patient protection.
- Complied with quality healthcare standards to uphold hospital reputation.
- Participated in health education programmes and nurse education activities in clinical and community settings.
- Helped deliver stabilising and life-saving treatments during medical emergencies.
- Advised on dietary, nutrition and illness prevention.
- Oversaw, trained and mentored student and junior nursing staff.
- Eased family anticipation by updating regularly on patient progress, developments and treatment changes.
Clerical assistant
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taf
1989.09 - 2004.02
- Fostered effective communication to resolve customer queries through professional email correspondence.
- Ensured confidentiality of sensitive information adhering strictly to data protection policies.
- Provided reception cover, responding to telephone inquiries with professionalism and courtesy to enhance customer experience.
- Assisted colleagues during busy periods and absences to maintain workflow.
- Improved office efficiency by maintaining and organising physical and digital files.
- Prioritised urgent tasks to meet deadlines efficiently.
- Entered handwritten data into computers for easy retrieval.
- Maintained detailed administration and office procedures, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in daily operations.
- Processed new clerical requests and followed up to ensure timely completion and satisfaction with results.
- Responded to telephone enquiries from clients, vendors and members of public.
- Maintained office files for reliable reference, including electronic and hard copies.
- Recorded and communicated messages among staff, customers, and external parties.
- Processed invoices and payments using accounting software.
- Managed reception area by greeting visitors and addressing their inquiries in person and over the phone.
- Responded promptly to telephone enquiries from clients, vendors and customers.
- Addressed phone and email inquiries swiftly to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Organised incoming and outgoing mail while ensuring timely responses and systematic filing for office efficiency.
- Arranged filing systems for easy use and retrieval by personnel.
- Applied maths abilities to calculate and check financial figures.
Education
Clinical assessment and diagnostics module - Nursing
University of South Wales
Pontypridd 01/2018 - 02/2018
Bachelor of nursing degree - Nursing
University of Glamorgan
Pontypridd 03/2004 - 03/2007
8 o-levels - Ordinary level
Tonypandy comprehensive school
Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon TafSkills
- Patient assessment skills
- Clinical assessment
- Clinical assessment tools
- Advanced patient care
- Complex medical care
- Pharmacology & health conditions knowledge
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Accurate record-keeping
- Experience of working both autonomously and as part of a multi disciplinary team
- Caseload management
- Patient confidentiality
- First-class patient care
- Pressure decision making
- Healthcare ethics
- Excellent time management
- Flexible
- Excellent communication skills
Affiliations
- Reading
- Walking
- Sunday school teacher
Accomplishments
- In March 2019, I attended a pre-operative competency assessment course at Liverpool Women's.hospital. This three day course aimed to develop the clinical knowledge and skills that were needed to be effective within the preoperative service, including history taking, cardiovascular, respiratory and airway assessment.
- In April 2020, at the start of the Covid 19 pandemic, I attended a critical care study day at the hospital I worked in. This was due to the fact that numerous colleagues and myself were relocated to work within the Covid ITU unit at this time. There I gained basic competencies and knowledge of the intensive care unit in order to assist and support the experienced staff during these exceptional circumstances
- In November 2020, I volunteered to take. on the role of peer vaccinator. I initially assisted with the first staff vaccine rollout, and was later seconded to the role of. clinical vaccinator supervisor within the hospital. This involved myself and another nurse being responsible for organising and promoting and delivering the staff flu vaccination and the Covid 19 booster vaccination to both staff and inpatients. As this was. a. new role that had been introduced, there was a lot of planning, co-ordinating and efficient communication needed but my colleague and I worked well together and independently devised an efficient system in order to promote and encourage the uptake of vaccinations to both the hospital staff and public. Following on from that, I then assisted in various vaccination centres throughout the area and as such, I completed many immunisation competencies and attended many updates, both mandatory and independently, in order to keep myself updated on all available vaccines, PGD'S and National/local guidelines.
Timeline
Pre assessment nurse
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
2017.05 - 2025.09
Endoscopy staff nurse
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
2007.05 - 2017.05
Clerical assistant
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
1989.09 - 2004.02
Clinical assessment and diagnostics module - Nursing
University of South Wales
01/2018 - 02/2018
Bachelor of nursing degree - Nursing
University of Glamorgan
03/2004 - 03/2007
8 o-levels - Ordinary level
Tonypandy comprehensive school