Cheryl Merrington
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Parow North
Summary
I am driven by the ambition to assume an official leadership position within the nursing community, where I can make a significant impact and foster positive change. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing the field, I am poised to contribute my skills and knowledge to enhance the fraternity of nursing professionals. My goal is to lead by example, inspire my peers, and champion the values that underpin exceptional patient care and progressive healthcare practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Clinical Nurse Specialist
CBMH
10.2024 - Current
- Conducting comprehensive patient assessments.
- Providing Mentorship and bedside training according to best practices. And do assessments and mentoring Post grad critical care students and Netcare six months courses.
- Identifies gaps in healthcare delivery, and implement evidence based practice guidelines and leads initiatives to reduce costs and improve quality care and reduce cost.
- Nurse Manager
Acting Unit Manager
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
10.2018 - Current
- Shift leading a team of 12 staff members in the surgical icu unit. Involved with direct patient care and overseeing patient care. Managing patients on organ support devices. Involved in working with the multidisciplinary team and make combined decisions about patient management. Give evidence base input into patient care. Involved in staff allocation and delegation.
Enrolled Nurse Medical and Oncology Ward
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
01.2010 - Current
- Providing of direct patient care including administration of medication and monitoring of patience condition. Doing doctors' rounds and carrying out doctors' orders and preparing patience for diagnostic and surgical procedures under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Care Worker
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
02.2007 - Current
- Provided basic patient care and patient hygiene.
Ward Hostess
FEDICS LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
01.2006 - Current
- Taking food orders, serving of food and beverages and ensuring patients receive the correct dietary requirements and general cleaning in the kitchen.
Nurse Manager
LIFE KNYSNA PRIVATE HOSPITAL
02.2024 - 05.2024
- Dynamic leadership and team management, overseeing a multidisciplinary staff across various departments.
- Strategic scheduling development for enhanced operational efficiency and optimal staff allocation.
- Performance management with a focus on constructive feedback and fostering staff professional growth.
- Commitment to excellence in patient care, adhering to hospital protocols and evidence-based practices.
- Effective collaboration with physicians to tailor individualized patient care plans.
- Vigilant monitoring of patient outcomes, proactively implementing care adjustments for quality enhancement.
- Fiscal responsibility in managing departmental budgets and maximizing resource utilization.
- Analytical approach to reporting on performance metrics, patient outcomes, and quality improvement efforts.
- Rigorous compliance with healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.
- Leadership in quality improvement initiatives, prioritizing patient safety and outcome optimization.
- Introduction of innovative clinical protocols to elevate standards of care delivery.
- Regular audits and compliance checks to maintain continuous improvement and best practice adherence.
- Proactive management of patient complaints, devising strategies for service enhancement and customer satisfaction.
- Advocate for patient and family interests, ensuring effective communication and support throughout the care continuum.
- Facilitation of family meetings to discuss treatment plans and progress, reinforcing patient-centered care.
- Acting Nurse Manager (Specialised Units)
Unit Manager Surgical ICU
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI
03.2022 - 01.2024
- Conducted meticulous audits to elevate patient care and safety.
- Patient & Family Advocacy: Dedicatedly facilitated transparent communication and provided compassionate support during family meetings, promoting patient and family satisfaction.
Unit Manager (Cardiac and Neurology ward)
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI
03.2021 - 02.2022
- Spearheaded a dynamic team of 12, orchestrating high-caliber patient care within the Cardiac and Neurology ward.
- Strategically crafted staff rosters, maximizing operational efficiency and coverage.
- Chaired regular meetings to align unit objectives, enhance patient care protocols, and foster professional growth.
- Directed patient care coordination, ensuring strict adherence to clinical standards and excellence in healthcare delivery.
- Managed seamless patient transitions, from admissions to discharges, optimizing ward flow and safety.
- Fostered collaborative care plan development with multidisciplinary teams, tailoring patient care strategies.
- Administered unit finances, meticulously curbing expenses and maximizing resource allocation.
- Compiled comprehensive reports, showcasing unit achievements, patient outcomes, and quality enhancement measures.
- Upheld stringent compliance with institutional policies and regulatory mandates, safeguarding high-quality standards.
- Pioneered quality improvement projects, significantly elevating patient care and minimizing hospital-acquired conditions.
- Instituted cutting-edge protocols and safety measures, bolstering patient welfare and service quality.
- Executed rigorous audits and compliance evaluations, ensuring perpetual refinement and best practice conformity.
- Advocated passionately for patients and families, ensuring transparent communication and resolving concerns effectively.
- Organized and engaged in family conferences, providing updates and collaboratively discussing patient care strategies.
ICU Registered Nurse
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI
02.2018 - 01.2021
- Expert Patient Care: Delivered exceptional care to critically ill patients, ensuring detailed monitoring and precise medication management.
- Clinical Proficiency: Demonstrated advanced skills in mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic monitoring, adhering to evidence-based protocols to enhance patient outcomes.
- Emergency Response Acumen: Excelled in swift intervention and critical resuscitation, playing a key role in code blue situations.
- Supportive Patient & Family Liaison: Provided thorough education and emotional support to patients and their families, promoting clear communication and collaborative care approaches.
- Collaborative Team Player: Engaged in effective teamwork with a multidisciplinary medical staff, actively participating in daily rounds and mentoring junior nurses.
Orthopedic Registered Nurse
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Shift leading a team of 3 staff members in the orthopedic high care. Involved with direct patient care as well as overseeing of patient care. Make combined decisions about patient management. Staff allocation and delegation. And doing clinical care rounds to determine patient satisfaction.
Education
Post Grad Diploma - Nursing Service Management
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
Post Grad Diploma - Critical Care Nursing
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
Diploma - General Nursing
LIFE COLLEGE OF LEARNING
Certificate - High Care Nursing
LIFE COLLEGE OF LEARNING
Certificate - Enrolled Nurse
LIFE COLLEGE OF LEARNING
Certificate - Home and Rehabilitation Care
ATHLONE COMMUNITY
Certificate - Basic Computer Course
SHAWCOW COMMUNITY CENTRE
Skills
- PATIENT MANAGEMENT
- STAFF MANAGEMENT
- STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT
- COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT
- TECHNICAL INTENSIVE CARE NURSING SKILLS
- NURSING MANAGEMENT PROCESSES
- HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AT UNIT LEVEL
- COVID 19 MANAGEMENT AT UNIT LEVEL
- CARDIAC THORACIC, NEURO SURGICAL AND GENERAL SURGERY CARE
- COMPUTER LITERACY
- PLANNING AND ORGANIZING AT UNIT LEVEL
- NATURAL BORN LEADER
- LEADING BY EXAMPLE
- STAFF SCHEDULING, DELEGATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
- CONFLICT RESOLUTION
References
- SIFISO, MDLULI, Mr, Sifiso.Mdluli@lifehealthcare.co.za, 044 302 5201/2, Life Knysna Private Hospital
- SIYABONGA, BUTHELEZI, Siyabonga.buthelezi@lifehealthcare.co.za, 0797129265, Life Healthcare
- ANNELINE, MOODLEY, anneline.moodley@westerncape.gov.za, 0833777404, Groote Schuur Hospital
LINKS
Cheryl Merrington: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryl-merrington-b119a45b
Timeline
Clinical Nurse Specialist
CBMH
10.2024 - Current
Nurse Manager
LIFE KNYSNA PRIVATE HOSPITAL
02.2024 - 05.2024
Unit Manager Surgical ICU
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI
03.2022 - 01.2024
Unit Manager (Cardiac and Neurology ward)
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI
03.2021 - 02.2022
Acting Unit Manager
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
10.2018 - Current
ICU Registered Nurse
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI
02.2018 - 01.2021
Orthopedic Registered Nurse
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
01.2013 - 01.2018
Enrolled Nurse Medical and Oncology Ward
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
01.2010 - Current
Care Worker
LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
02.2007 - Current
Ward Hostess
FEDICS LIFE VINCENT PALLOTTI HOSPITAL
01.2006 - Current
Post Grad Diploma - Critical Care Nursing
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
Diploma - General Nursing
LIFE COLLEGE OF LEARNING
Certificate - High Care Nursing
LIFE COLLEGE OF LEARNING
Certificate - Enrolled Nurse
LIFE COLLEGE OF LEARNING
Certificate - Home and Rehabilitation Care
ATHLONE COMMUNITY
Certificate - Basic Computer Course
SHAWCOW COMMUNITY CENTRE
Post Grad Diploma - Nursing Service Management
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH