Cacie RiveraBSN, RN, CNOR

Clifton, NJ

• Direct and supervise all nursing care and related activities of the surgical suite — pre-op/holding, operating rooms, and recovery — in accordance with physician instructions, facility policies, and AORN standards and recommended practices.
• Accountable for all aspects of nursing services, including clinical staffing, performance, and quality and efficiency of care; formulate staffing schedules to ensure adequate qualified personnel for all surgical procedures and adjust case schedules to meet physician and patient needs.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives: collect and analyze performance improvement data, evaluate nursing care delivery, maintain CQI and surgical services logs, and work collaboratively to identify and pursue opportunities for improvement.
• Hold oversight responsibility for Infection Control, Central Supply, Pharmacy, and Housekeeping; direct safety and risk management measures, control traffic patterns to prevent infection, and ensure a clean, sterile, and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Serve as designated responsible party for pharmacy functions in the absence of a full-time pharmacist, including oversight of controlled substances and dangerous drugs.
• Interview and select nursing staff; orient new employees, document competencies, complete introductory and annual performance appraisals, and maintain the in-service education and training program.
• Manage the department operationally and fiscally: prepare and submit budget requirements, supervise the medical inventory process, maintain surgeon preference cards, and evaluate needs for new equipment and supplies.
• Ensure staff compliance with organizational policies, accreditation and licensing standards, governmental regulations, and professional standards of care; update the clinical policy and procedure manual and ensure medical records are complete and compliant.
• Collaborate with the Medical Director, Executive Director, and surgeons; serve as patient advocate and foster a customer-focused environment for patients, visitors, and the health care team.

Woodland Park, NJ

• Served as DON Designee in addition to full OR RN responsibilities: supervised nursing staff, managed schedules, addressed staff concerns, and trained new team members.
• Generated, collected, and submitted quarterly infection control reports.
• Identified emergency situations and concerns and instituted corrective actions in a calm, efficient manner.
• Ensured timely availability of supplies and equipment for all procedures.

Rutherford, NJ

• Provided comprehensive intraoperative nursing care with initial and ongoing patient assessment according to accepted standards of nursing practice.
• Collaborated with the charge nurse to plan and execute surgical schedules; anticipated the needs of the surgical team and supported anesthesiologists.
• Monitored and maintained established safety, environmental, and infection control standards; managed and ordered medication inventory.
• Accurately collected, labeled, and documented surgical specimens per established protocols.

Montvale, NJ

• Maintained a safe intraoperative environment through aseptic practice, surgical prep, and adherence to organizational policies and nursing standards.
• Ensured proper maintenance and storage of medication inventory and accurate operative documentation.
• Worked collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure efficient workflow.

Jersey City, NJ

• Planned, verified, implemented, and evaluated intraoperative management of surgical patients; reviewed consent, H&P, and lab results prior to procedures.
• Assisted anesthesia during intubation, extubation, and emergency circumstances.
• Ensured patient safety by maintaining the sterile field and supervising accurate surgical counts to prevent retained objects.
• Assembled and verified properly functioning equipment, supplies, and instruments before each procedure.