Carolyn Ludwig
Perioperative & PACU Registered Nurse | Preceptor | 18 Years at the Bedside
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About
CAPA-certified registered nurse with 18 years at the bedside: 11 in perioperative and PACU units and 7 on a medical-surgical telemetry floor, including charge nurse duties. Precepted nine nurses, reached the top tier of Ochsner's Clinical Ladder, and helped open a new outpatient surgery unit. Compact license, with four travel assignments across three states.
Experience
Staff Nurse, PACU / Same Day Surgery / Endoscopy / Pre-Admit - Baton Rouge General Hospital - Baton Rouge, LA
(2023-08)
- Float across four perioperative units, moving to wherever acuity and volume are highest.
- Prep patients for surgery: physical assessments, IV starts, foley catheter insertion, and 12-lead EKGs.
- Recover patients through Phase I PACU and Phase II post-op, managing pain control and discharge teaching.
- Perform injections and infusions, and complete wound assessments and dressing changes.
Travel Nurse, PACU & Ambulatory Surgery - Medical Solutions, Gifted Healthcare, TotalMed - CA, LA, ID
(2021-01 - 2023-08)
Northern Inyo Healthcare District, Bishop CA | Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics, Lafayette LA | Gritman Medical Center, Moscow ID | Sutter Solano Medical Center, Vallejo CA
- Took full PACU caseload at four hospitals in three states, reaching independent practice within days of each orientation.
- Prepped and recovered surgical patients across Phase I and Phase II in unfamiliar units and charting workflows.
- Performed injections and infusions for a range of disease processes, plus wound care assessment and dressing changes.
- Advocated for patient safety with surgeons and staff at every assignment.
Staff Nurse, Outpatient Surgery - University Medical Center - New Orleans, LA
(2020-03 - 2021-11)
- One of the first nurses hired to open a new 22-bed outpatient surgery unit, carrying a caseload of 8.
- Prepped and recovered patients through Phase I PACU and Phase II post-op.
- Performed COVID-19 testing for first responders during the initial pandemic response.
Staff Nurse & Preceptor, Outpatient Surgery - Ochsner Baptist Medical Center - New Orleans, LA
(2015-03 - 2020-02)
- One of two nurses out of 25 to reach Level 3, the top tier of Ochsner's Clinical Ladder, which recognizes clinical expertise and professional development in direct patient care.
- Prepped 10+ patients daily for outpatient and inpatient surgery on a 30-bed unit with a caseload of 8 to 12.
- Precepted 6 nurses from orientation through independent practice.
- Earned performance bonuses tied to unit HCAHPS scores.
Staff & Charge Nurse, Med-Surg & Telemetry - Jennings American Legion Hospital - Jennings, LA
(2008-06 - 2015-02)
- Charge nurse over three floors on weekend night shifts, leading a team of LPNs on a 48-bed unit with a caseload of 6 to 8.
- Served as clinical auditor across ER, ICU, Med-Surg, and Labor & Delivery for two years.
- Responded to codes as part of the hospital code team.
- Precepted 3 new graduate RNs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing - McNeese State University (2008)
