Joana Rita Lopes Ribeiro

EMERGENCY STROKE UNIT/HYPERACUTE STROKE UNIT/ACUTE STROKE UNIT

• Assessing, planning and implementing treatments with precision and care, prioritising patient wellbeing, by working in both an A&E (Emergency Stroke Unit - ESU) and ward setting (Hyper Acute Stroke Unit and Acute Stroke Unit).
• Receiving patients from the LAS service or/and as referrals from other hospitals, while working as the Thrombolysis nurse and running a Tcall, which includes cannulation, blood tests, completion of ECG, swallow assessments, escorting patients to CT scanners and providing acute treatment, such as alteplase or preparations for mechanical thrombectomies
• Administering specific stroke medication with meticulous attention to detail and safety, while following the Trust protocols, such as labetalol and GTN infusions.
• Administer all other medications by following the BNF and Trust guidelines.
• Effectively managed high-volume of patients per shift.
• Quick and safe response to medical emergencies, working alongside the various members of the team, by delivering advanced clinical monitoring of acutely unwell patients.
• As the lead nurse in ESU, I am responsible for the safe and effective management of the emergency beds in a high-pressure, fast paced environment. This includes overseeing real time bed availability, prioritising admissions, and liaising closely with the Nurse in charge on the ward to facilitate timely patient flow and create capacity for incoming emergencies.
• As the lead nurse in ESU, I coordinate and manage acute stroke admissions from the community, ensuring rapid assessment, appropriate escalation and adherence to stroke pathways. A key part of my role involves supporting the medical staff with the North Central London video triage service, assisting doctors with he remote assessment of suspected stroke patients and enabling timely clinical decision making.
• Educate patients on their discharge, by explaining or teaching medication administration or giving health advice.
• Oversee admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
• As a Deputy Sister supervise, support and delegate duties to the remaining of the team, showing leadership to help promote safe practices.
• As the lead nurse in ESU, making sure the nursing team is updated and supported during the shift. Create a safe and comprehensive atmosphere, supporting the junior team to ensure confidence built with the care provided, to answer any doubts and to act with discretion and compassion towards their needs.
• As both the lead nurse and the Deputy Sister, maintain calm, decisive leadership under intense pressure while prioritising patient safety and service delivery to a high standard.
• Maintaining high standards of documentation, handover and communication within the multidisciplinary team.
• Be a role model and train junior team members, so the practice is at maximum strength, efficiently and with an acute clinical mindset.
• Implementing strategies and plans to help fellow junior nurses with their development.
• Work with CQC guidelines and assist Charge Nurses with audits and plans to improve the ward and team members.

CARE OF THE ELDERLY

• Monitored and recorded patient condition, carrying out and reporting regular observations.
• Looking after very frail patients with multiple needs, not only medically but also physically/mentally.
• Looking after patients at the end stage of their lives, by working closely with different team members from Palliative Care and Transforming End of Life Care
• Established positive rapport with patients and families through active listening and compassionate care.
• Effectively managed high-volume caseloads of up to 12 patients per shift.
• Accurate understanding of elderly illnesses and their impacts on patients and their day-to-day routine.
• Medicine management and safe administration of all kinds of medications (from intravenous to oral).
• Assessed and evaluated patient needs, supporting accurate diagnosis and care planning.
• Working alongside multidisciplinary teams in order to plan care or treatments for patients (including palliative care).
• Disposed of samples and hazardous waste to prevent infection.
• Delivered consistently high standards of individualised nursing care, best maintaining patients' health and wellbeing.