KRISTA NAFTZGER
DeKalb
Summary
Oncology Nurse Clinician that demonstrates critical thinking, initiative and expertise in Oncology/Hematology to assist patients in achieving optimal health, reduced hospitalization and increased quality of life. Leverages comprehensive knowledge of general nursing theory to function autonomously in patient care, resource management and other areas of professional practice. Drives clinical, quality and cost effective outcomes for patient population by identifying best practices and targeting performance improvement efforts.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Nurse Navigator/Oncology Nurse Clinician
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center
03.2006 - Current
- Provide direct patient care to hematology and oncology patients ranging in age from sixteen to elderly.
- Communicate/collaborate directly with four physicians and physician's assistant, nurses, and non-clinical staff to provide safe, quality-driven patient care in a healing environment.
- Assess need for, obtain order, and interpret appropriate lab tests.
- Developed first Oral Chemotherapy Navigation Program at Northwestern.
- Coordinate hospital admissions, blood and platelet transfusions, specialized testing and other hospital procedures as necessary.
- Assist physician with outpatient bone marrow biopsies.
- Served as charge nurse over clinical and non-clinical staff.
- Precept/mentor new employees and nursing students.
- Demonstrate professional judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving to meet quality and safety standards.
- Reinforce patient/family education regarding chemotherapy regimens, symptom management, and the promotion, maintenance, and restoration of health.
- Interview/assess patients prior to physician visits and document accordingly.
- Obtain ordered lab tests via port-a-cath or peripheral blood draw.
- Administer IM/SubQ injections as ordered by provider.
- Triage patients with questions, concerns and complications in person and via telephone.
- Confer with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Work within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals.
- Coordinate appropriate referral/support services based on assessed patient needs.
Registered Nurse
Kishwaukee Community Hospital Operating Room
10.2003 - 09.2014
- Prepared OR suite by assuring appropriate equipment, supplies, and medications were present for each case.
- Assessed patient's emotional, physiological, and psychosocial needs before, during, and after procedure.
- Provided direct and indirect patient care to ensure optimal care was delivered to each patient.
- Oversaw the maintenance of sterility in the OR suite throughout each case.
- Documented nursing interventions, patient responses, and complications encountered during surgery.
- Communicated both accurately and effectively to appropriate healthcare team members as well as patient and family members.
- Maintained a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for all patients and members of the healthcare team.
- Provided effective bedside care to patients before and after procedures to reduce concerns and provide comfortable and successful experiences.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals to assess, plan and implement patient care plans.
Registered Nurse, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
St. Luke's Medical Center
12.2000 - 05.2003
- Served a patient population, aged 16 and above, diagnosed with cancer, hematological disorders, and those undergoing autologous bone marrow transplants on a 40-bed inpatient unit.
- Administered chemotherapy, blood products, lab draws, and various forms of medications prescribed for disease management and symptom control.
- Acted as a registered nurse preceptor for graduate nurses, nurse interns, and nursing students.
- Collaborated with members of the interdisciplinary team to meet the discharge planning needs of the patient.
- Reinforced education to patients and families regarding their chemotherapy regimen, symptom control, and disease process.
- Responsible for staffing and bed placement during assigned shifts.
Nurse Intern, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
St. Luke's Medical Center
07.2000 - 12.2000
- Provided direct patient care to oncology patients, including assessments, medication administration, lab draws, administration of blood products, and documentation under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
- Collaborated with a registered nurse to establish a plan of care based on analysis of health, education, and developmental needs, and patient/family preferences.
- Evaluated patient responses to interventions and effectively communicated those observations and patient needs to a registered nurse.
CNA, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
St. Luke's Medical Center
01.2000 - 06.2000
- Provided direct patient care to oncology patients under the delegation and supervision of a registered nurse.
Case Monitor
Lake County Health Department
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Oversaw planning, organization, and evaluation of data collection and office system activities to ensure case management requirements for funding sources were being met.
- Maintained accountability standards required by Lake County Health Department and funding sources.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI12-2000
Bachelor of Business and Technology - Major: Management, Minor: Public Health
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL12-1996
Skills
- Patient assessment and treatment
- Support and education
- Physician communication
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
Accomplishments
Oncology Certified Nurse-2016-Current
Chemotherapy Certified Nurse 2000-Current
BLS Certification 2000-Current
Outpatient Nurse of the Year Nominee-2019
Affiliations
- Cancer Center Unit Base Council Chair 2015-2022
- Nursing Executive Council Member 2015-2022
- Cancer Committee 2010-2018
- Member of the Oncology Nursing Society
Timeline
Nurse Navigator/Oncology Nurse Clinician
Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center
03.2006 - Current
Registered Nurse
Kishwaukee Community Hospital Operating Room
10.2003 - 09.2014
Registered Nurse, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
St. Luke's Medical Center
12.2000 - 05.2003
Nurse Intern, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
St. Luke's Medical Center
07.2000 - 12.2000
CNA, Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant
St. Luke's Medical Center
01.2000 - 06.2000
Case Monitor
Lake County Health Department
01.1997 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
Bachelor of Business and Technology - Major: Management, Minor: Public Health
Western Illinois University
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