Kari Winchester
Wildwood
Summary
Dedicated Infusion Nurse at Washington University School of Medicine, skilled in IV medication administration and patient education. Proficient in care coordination and critical thinking, ensuring safe and effective treatment for pediatric patients across multiple specialties.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Infusion Nurse
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis
10.2006 - Current
- Administers outpatient infusion care for pediatric patients from diverse specialties, such as Neurology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Oncology, and Allergy.
- Delivers safe and effective patient care through medication administration, IV starts, central line management, vital sign monitoring, and assessment of patient reactions.
- Manages urgent situations efficiently throughout infusions, coordinating closely with the care team to address treatment changes.
- Facilitates phone calls related to patient care, involving inquiries from patients and families, outside physicians, clinics, outpatient labs, and home health care organizations.
- Educates patients and families on infusion procedures and care instructions.
- Championed the initiative to implement standardized chemotherapy administration documentation and education, decreasing study-related errors in patients enrolled in study protocols.
- Participated in the Policy and Procedure Committee, the Unit-Based Joint Practice Council, the Patient Safety Council, the Clinical Trials Task Force, and the QA/QI Committee.
Staff Nurse
St. Louis Children's Hospital
St Louis
08.2002 - 10.2006
- Delivered care for children and families during hospitalization for treatment of various cancer types and hematology diagnoses, as well as liver and kidney transplants
- Exhibited mastery of technical skills such as safe administration of medication, blood products, and chemotherapy handling
- Member of the Hematology/Oncology Bereavement Committee and Standard of Practice Committee.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Louis University
St. Louis, MO05-2006
Associate of Science - Nursing
Southwest Baptist University
Bolivar, MO05-2002
Skills
- IV medication administration
- Chemotherapy handling
- Patient education
- Central line management
- Care coordination
- Critical thinking
Publications and Presentations
- “From the Children’s Oncology Group: Evidence-Based Recommendations for PEG-Asparaginase Nurse Monitoring, Hypersensitivity Reaction Management, and Patient/Family Education,” Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing June 2017
- “Best Practices for Chemotherapy Administration in Pediatric Oncology: Quality and Safety Process Improvements,” Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing May-June 2016
- “Documentation of Investigational Medication Administration Infusion Times: Meeting Clinical and Research Demands,” Poster Presentation at Children’s Oncology Group Meeting 2015
- “Evidence Based Practice Recommendations for Hydration in Children and Adolescents with Cancer Receiving Intravenous Cyclophosphamide,” Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nursing 2014
Certification
- Certified Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Nurse
- APHON Chemotherapy Certification
- CPR and AED Certification
Timeline
Infusion Nurse
Washington University School of Medicine
10.2006 - Current
Staff Nurse
St. Louis Children's Hospital
08.2002 - 10.2006
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saint Louis University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Southwest Baptist University