Looking for a job

Kami Dodge

@kamidodge

Message

I guide surgical patients safely from recovery through discharge and follow-up.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to apply my surgical-care, patient-advocacy, and care-coordination experience in a role that helps patients navigate orthopedic procedures, overcome recovery barriers, and transition safely through every stage of care.

At UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital, I provide high-acuity PACU care for adult and pediatric patients after surgical and orthopedic procedures. For more than nine years in PACU, I've assessed recovery, addressed barriers, prepared patients and caregivers for discharge, and supported safe transitions home.

I've also served as Charge Nurse, clinical preceptor, and quality-improvement contributor, including creating the department’s standardized PACU Orientation Binder. My emergency, intermediate-care, and EMS background helps me pair clinical judgment with clear education, advocacy, and coordinated care.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Registered Nurse – Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Current

UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital

Jan 2017 - Present (9 years 8 months)

Provides high-acuity Phase I postoperative nursing care for adult and pediatric patients, coordinates multidisciplinary care, and serves as Charge Nurse. Educates patients and caregivers on discharge readiness and follow-up care.

Epic EHR Clinical Assessment Triage Care Coordination Patient Education Discharge Planning Quality Improvement

Volunteer Advanced EMT

Waunakee Area EMS

Jan 2009 - Dec 2019 (10 years 11 months)

Provided emergency assessment, stabilization, patient education, and coordinated handoffs with EMS and hospital teams.

Patient Stabilization Patient Education

Registered Nurse – Emergency Department

UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital

Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 11 months)

Performed rapid clinical assessment and triage for patients with acute conditions, coordinated diagnostics and discharge planning, and supported patients and families through complex healthcare encounters.

Clinical Assessment Triage Care Coordination Patient Advocacy Problem Solving

Registered Nurse – Heart & Vascular Intermediate Care

UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015 (1 year 11 months)

Managed medically complex cardiovascular patients, provided discharge education and transition support, and coordinated treatment plans with interdisciplinary teams.

Cardiovascular Care Patient Education Discharge Planning Care Coordination Interdisciplinary Communication

Emergency Department & Pediatric Patient Care Technician

UnityPoint Health – Meriter Hospital

Jan 2011 - Dec 2013 (2 years 11 months)

Supported emergency and pediatric nursing teams, developing strong patient communication, assessment, teamwork, and care-coordination skills.

Patient Care Communication Skills Teamwork Care Coordination

Personal Trainer

Anytime Fitness

Jan 2008 - Dec 2011 (3 years 11 months)

Provided individualized education and coaching based on client goals, health considerations, and lifestyle needs, developing motivational communication and accountability skills.

Client Education Coaching Accountability

Cardiac Rehabilitation Student Intern

UW Health Cardiac Rehabilitation

Jan 2007 - Dec 2007 (11 months)

Supported cardiovascular rehabilitation and supervised exercise programs while developing foundational knowledge of disease prevention and lifestyle interventions.

Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Lifestyle Interventions