Maria Fiuza

Colorectal surgical ward with 26 inpatient beds:

• Patient assessment and Preparation: conduct preoperative health assessments, including medical history collection and physical exams.
• Facilitated communication between patient's families and doctors; fostered trust and transparency in care process.
• Patient Education: inform and prepare patients and their families about the surgical process, expectations, and postoperative care.
• Post-operative care: medication administration, wound care and management of pain.
• Discharge Planning: preparation of patients and their families for discharge, including home care instructions.

Surgical ward with 20 beds in the first private hospital in Portugal, which is a national reference in cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery. In this ward the majority of patients undergo cardiothoracic surgery, but there are other surgical specialities such us general surgery, orthopaedics, urology, plastic surgery, gynaecology and vascular surgery. Nursing responsibilities included:

• Prepare patients for and assist with examinations or treatments.
• Monitor, record, and report symptoms or changes in patients conditions.
• Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
• Provide direct nursing care in accordance with established policies, procedures and surgical protocols of the healthcare organization.
• Monitoring patients before and after surgery, and providing advice on home care after the patients are discharged.
• Administer prescribed medication in line with stringent drug regulations.
• Collect serological typing and send them for lab analysis to provide blood units to elective surgeries.
• Provide wound care treatment and management, post-surgical wounds and wounds with complex dressings.
• Carry out with the specific surgical protocols establish by the surgical teams.
• Carry out and the implemented interventions (based on the Morse Fall Scale) to prevent patient's falls and monitor that risk.
• Carry out the implemented interventions (based on the Braden Scale) to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers while hospitalized and monitor that risk.
• Built caring, compassionate relationships with patients, providing emotional support and encouragement during complex surgeries

• Assist during minor surgical procedures (with local anaesthesia), such as: cryotherapy, curettage, excisions, joint Injections, ingrowing toenails, carpal tunnel, basal cell carcinoma, electrocautery/radio wave surgery, and many other procedures from various medical specialities: dermatology, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedics, otorhinolaryngology, plastic surgery and urology.
• Provide a holistic approach to wound management and implement wound care in line with current evidence-based guidelines, including the management of leg ulcers.
• Execute different interventions and techniques, including suture removal, urinary catheterisation and medication administration (intramuscular and subcutaneous).

Worked in a medical centre available 24 hours, which provides primary care support to the Lisbon Naval Base. It also has a medicalized ambulance (with advanced life support system) to transport the most serious cases to the Military Hospital.

Sent to different environments, to military hospitals and directly on the field:

• During the covid-19 pandemic, I was sent to help the Portuguese National Health Service in the military hospital in an isolated COVID‐19 ward and supported the vaccination against covid-19 in the geographically isolated regions (Azores islands and Alentejo).
• In 2022 during the volcano-seismic crisis in São Jorge Island (Azores). Participated with the Portuguese Armed Forces to collaborate with the São Jorge health delegation and civil defense in order to prepare the resources for a potential catastrophe.
• On shore during peacetime, provided medical assistance in military training and ceremonies.

SNS 24 is a telephone and online-service of the Portuguese National Health Service. Offers a set of services that allows the citizens to solve health-related issues.

• Screening, counseling and referral in acute non-emergent disease.
• Counseling about non-prescription medication.
• Provide information about public health issues.
• Provide information about and referral to specialized HIV, HBV, HCV care associated with point-of-care tests (Tests in pharmacies, laboratories or at home).

Long-term Care Facility with 30 beds with a ratio of 1:15 in the day and 1 nurse for 30 patients by night. The responsibilities were:

• Develop, coordinate and implement patient care plans with medical and clinical staff.
• Administer medications, perform vital sign checks and medical procedures (venepuncture, intubation, tracheostomy care, catheterization, and others).
• Plan nursing interventions to reduce the risk of falling.
• Plan nursing interventions to reduce the risk of new ulcers.
• Provide treatment and management of chronic wounds.
• Operate medical equipment, monitor and assess patient status, and record patient's information.
• Assist patients with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.
• Offer education, emotional support, and guidance for patients, families, and caregivers.

Otorhinolaryngology, plastic reconstructive and maxillofacial surgery ward with 21 beds in a Public Hospital. The responsibilities included:

• Insert PVC's, monitor patients pre and post-operation. Educate patients and relatives on discharge planning.
• Administer medication in line with stringent drug regulations.
• Collect blood samples and prepare them for lab analysis.
• Provide wound care treatment and management, post-surgical wounds and wounds with complex dressings.
• Generate detailed and comprehensive patient care plans in collaboration with clinical teams.
• Carry out interventions (based on the Morse Fall Scale) to prevent patients' falls and monitor that risk.
• Carry out the implemented interventions (based on the Braden Scale) to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers while hospitalized and monitor that risk.
• Carry out nursing measures to restore, maintain and promote patients' physical and mental health.
• Built caring, compassionate relationships with patients, providing emotional support and encouragement during complex surgeries.

• Collect and handle blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures.
• Instruct patients in the proper collection of samples.