Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Caroline Watson

Registered Nurse NICU Trained
Pretoria

Summary

In all capacities as Critical Care and Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse, maintaining the highest standard on all expected performance levels required:

* Commitment to working compassionately with patients, family members and healthcare teams in delivering a high-level service and support with empathy and respect.

* Professionally carrying out the 7 C's of communication to maintain the expected standard and promote a continuous positive image of the hospital.

- clarity

- correctness

- conciseness

- courtesy

- concreteness

- consideration

- completeness

* Executing primary responsibilities calm and confidently in assuring the safety of patients and staff members, and reassuring the comfort of patients to associated family members.

* Resourceful educator to professionally increasing knowledge and wellbeing where required.

* Adept at doctors' communication and family members' education with extensive knowledge of ventilatory treatments and planning long-term for patients.

* Successful at advocating patients' needs to achieve quick diagnoses.

* Enhancing the wellbeing of patients' through accessible healthcare solutions and technology.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Unit Manager

Rondebosch Medical Centre
Cape Town
03.2025 - Current
  • Unit Manager of 9 bed NICU bed Unit
  • Optimized recourse utilization by managing staff levels,

scheduling, and budget allocation for the unit.

  • Evaluated staff performance to identify room for

improvement and arranging training to improve skills.

  • Managing stock and levels.
  • Build a relationship with multi-disciplinary team.
  • Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for unit operations.
  • Optimized staffing levels by monitoring unit needs and making data-driven adjustments to scheduling as necessary.
  • Handled complaints from patients and families and immediately took steps for quick resolution and to prevent reoccurrence.

Registered Nurse, NICU

Netcare Femina Hospital
PRETORIA
03.2014 - 06.2024
  • Assessed, evaluated, and cared for neonate and pediatric.
  • Shift leader, increasing staff awareness on importance of developmental care practices in NICU, leading to better patient development outcomes.
  • Fostered supportive team environment, leading to increased staff retention and job satisfaction.
  • Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities including BLS and NLS.
  • Reduced complications by closely monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assessing newborns'' overall condition.
  • Enhanced staff competency by mentoring new nurses and conducting educational workshops on NICU best practices.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized plans of care for premature and critically ill neonates.
  • Improved patient outcomes with development and implementation of individualized care plans.

NICU Nurse Manager

Life Cosmos Hospital
Emalahleni
01.2005 - 10.2013
  • Optimized resource utilization by managing staffing levels, scheduling, and budget allocation for the NICU unit.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly to identify areas for growth as well as opportunities for recognition of excellence.
  • Facilitated timely decision-making processes during critical situations by effectively delegating tasks to appropriate team members.
  • Implemented new technology solutions to improve efficiency, patient monitoring capabilities, and overall quality of care in the NICU unit.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, guidelines, and best practices.
  • Streamlined patient care processes by collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement care plans.
  • Developed professional competencies among staff through targeted skill development programs, workshops, and continuing education opportunities.

ICU Private Registered Nurse

Royal Palace
Jeddah
05.2004 - 11.2006
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Ordering of relevant equipment

Medical Surgical ICU Registered Nurse

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
Rhiyadh
05.2002 - 05.2004
  • Enhanced patient safety through diligent monitoring of vital signs, medication administration, and adherence to infection control protocols.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the unit by participating in ongoing professional development opportunities and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
  • Reduced recovery time for surgical ICU patients by providing comprehensive post-operative care, including pain management and wound care.
  • Assisted surgeons during bedside procedures such as central line insertions or tracheostomies, ensuring proper set-up and maintenance of aseptic technique.
  • Managed complex medication regimens by administering intravenous medications, titrating drips based on clinical parameters, and monitoring for potential side effects or interactions.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions from the ICU to lower acuity units by ensuring effective communication among healthcare providers during handoffs.
  • Streamlined documentation processes for increased efficiency while maintaining high standards of accuracy and confidentiality of patient records.
  • Strengthened interdisciplinary collaboration through active participation in rounds discussions and sharing valuable insights from nursing perspective.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by consistently demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and respect towards colleagues and patients alike.
  • Coordinated with physical and occupational therapists to develop individualized rehabilitation plans aimed at improving patients'' functional status during their ICU stay.

Registered Nurse, ICU

Life Cosmos Hospital
01.2000 - 05.2002
  • Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
  • Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Implemented infection control measures consistently, minimizing risk of cross-contamination among vulnerable ICU patients.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of patients upon admission to the ICU, identifying urgent needs and initiating appropriate interventions.
  • Utilized strong clinical judgment skills in prioritizing tasks based on acuity levels of ICU patients under my care daily routine.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in improved recovery outcomes.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult moments.
  • Operated advanced life support equipment proficiently during emergencies, stabilizing critically ill patients swiftly when necessary.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and their families, providing emotional support while addressing medical concerns.
  • Advocated for patient needs, working closely with healthcare providers to ensure individualized care plans were developed and executed accordingly.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
  • Recorded patients' medical status and treatment details in electronic charts to accurately document medical care.
  • Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
  • Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
  • Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.

Maternity Registered Nurse

Witbank Hospital
01.1998 - 01.2000
  • Administered medications as prescribed to ensure the well-being of mothers and newborns during labor, delivery, and postpartum stages.
  • Coordinated postpartum follow-up visits to monitor both maternal recovery and newborn growth milestones accurately.
  • Provided emotional support to families coping with miscarriages or other pregnancy-related issues, fostering resilience during challenging times.
  • Maintained detailed medical records for accurate documentation of patient care and progress throughout the perinatal period.
  • Participated in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of midwifery care.
  • Utilized evidence-based practices when making clinical decisions, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients under my care.
  • Implemented infection control measures within the labor and delivery unit to minimize risks to both mothers and newborns during their hospital stay.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans for high-risk pregnancies.
  • Mentored student midwives during clinical rotations to enhance their learning experience within a practical setting.
  • Improved patient satisfaction with childbirth experiences through compassionate support during labor and delivery.
  • Advocated for patients'' rights and needs within the hospital system to promote equitable access to quality maternity services.
  • Reduced maternal and infant complications by providing appropriate prenatal care and education on healthy pregnancy practices.
  • Enhanced patient care by effectively managing and monitoring labor, delivery, and postpartum processes.
  • Followed professional standards and guidelines by adhering to ethical and legal guidelines and maintaining continued education certifications.
  • Directed parents and newborns to physicians without causing parent alarm based on problematic test results and health conditions of babies and mothers.
  • Watched vital signs, checked for comfort levels and monitored emotional states of mothers before, during, and after labor.
  • Kept accurate medical records by documenting patient prenatal care, labor and delivery and postpartum care.
  • Educated mothers and families on pregnancy-related topics to inform and prepare for pregnancy, childbirth and newborn care.
  • Provided prenatal care by monitoring mother and baby health, identifying potential health concerns and providing advice to support mothers.
  • Participated in over 30 successful births.
  • Administered pain medication during deliveries to keep mothers comfortable and safe during delivery.
  • Advocated for mothers' rights and choices to make informed decisions about care by respecting human autonomy.
  • Identified complications in pregnant women or laboring mothers and notified medical doctors to obtain speedy and effective care.
  • Identified high-risk pregnancies and educated pregnant women on gynecological healthcare.
  • Assessed individual patient conditions, monitored behaviors and administered medication, injections and intravenous infusions during labor.
  • Monitored fetal development by listening to fetal heartbeat, taking external uterine measurements and estimating fetal size and weight.
  • Initiated emergency interventions to stabilize patients.
  • Collected biological samples from patients, checked pulses, monitored temperatures and assessed blood pressure to keep close eye on changing maternal conditions.
  • Educated patients and family members regarding prenatal, postpartum or interconception care.
  • Helped mothers handle realities of labor, childbirth and postpartum recovery through proactive preparation and education.
  • Examined and monitored over 25 pregnant women per year.
  • Assisted parents in coping with miscarriages, termination, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

Education

Diploma - Neonatal Nursing

University of Pretoria
Pretoria
04.2001 -

Diploma - Diploma in Nursing Science 4 Year Course

SG Lourens Nursing College
Pretoria, South Africa
04.2001 -

Skills

Premature infant care, Breastfeeding Support, bonding, Feeding support, and Developmental Care, Growth monitoring, Neonatal assessment

Intravenous therapy, Blood transfusion,Fluid balance monitoring

Patient care planning

Central line maintenance, Umbilical line care

Oxygen therapy, Ventilator, Oscillator, Biphasic CPAP and High Flow management, Endotracheal intubation, Endotracheal tube care

Phototherapy

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Teamwork

Emergency interventions

BLS and outdated NLS

Nursing documentation on paper as well as electronic

Timeline

Unit Manager

Rondebosch Medical Centre
03.2025 - Current

Registered Nurse, NICU

Netcare Femina Hospital
03.2014 - 06.2024

NICU Nurse Manager

Life Cosmos Hospital
01.2005 - 10.2013

ICU Private Registered Nurse

Royal Palace
05.2004 - 11.2006

Medical Surgical ICU Registered Nurse

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre
05.2002 - 05.2004

Diploma - Neonatal Nursing

University of Pretoria
04.2001 -

Diploma - Diploma in Nursing Science 4 Year Course

SG Lourens Nursing College
04.2001 -

Registered Nurse, ICU

Life Cosmos Hospital
01.2000 - 05.2002

Maternity Registered Nurse

Witbank Hospital
01.1998 - 01.2000
Caroline WatsonRegistered Nurse NICU Trained