Lisa Lavo
Tucson
Summary
Driven registered nurse with several years of experience caring for patients within setting. Smoothly deliver comprehensive patient care and delegate tasks according to patient needs and personnel skillsets. Dedicated to providing top quality care within multidisciplinary team environment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Tucson Medical Center
Tucson
09.2024 - Current
- Monitor and support patients during critical recovery phases following surgery, ensuring comfort, safety, and stability.
- Educate patients and families on post-operative care, wound management, and activity restrictions to promote smooth transitions home.
- Collaborate closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and physical therapists to coordinate individualized recovery and discharge plans.
- Maintain calm, compassionate communication in a high-acuity, fast-paced environment.
Registered Nurse, Pre-Operative Services
Tucson Medical Center
Tucson
10.2023 - 09.2024
- Delivered pre-surgical assessments and education for orthopedic and neurological patients, ensuring thorough understanding of procedures and recovery expectations.
- Coordinated care among surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and case managers to optimize patient outcomes and reduce perioperative risks.
- Promoted patient readiness through education on medication management, pain control, and lifestyle factors influencing healing.
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Tucson Medical Center
Tucson
09.2021 - 09.2023
- Provided critical care and post-anesthesia monitoring for surgical patients during immediate recovery phases.
- During a seven-month weekend rotation, cared for a wide range of emergent and urgent cases - including vascular, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, pediatric, and podiatric procedures - broadening expertise beyond orthopedic and neurological specialties.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative expectations, safe activity levels, and pain management techniques.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams - including anesthesia providers, case managers, and physical therapists - to ensure continuity of care and effective discharge planning.
- Consistently recognized for maintaining composure and patient trust in high-stress environments.
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Inpatient Unit
Tucson Medical Center
Tucson
08.2015 - 09.2021
- Managed care for 4-6 post-surgical orthopedic patients per shift, focusing on pain control, mobility restoration, and rehabilitation readiness.
- Provided detailed education on physical therapy goals, wound care, and long-term recovery practices.
- Served as a patient advocate, ensuring interdisciplinary communication among physicians, case managers, and discharge planners.
- Mentored new nurses and students in evidence-based orthopedic and post-surgical care protocols.
Registered Nurse, Neurology/Neurosurgery Unit (6 East)
Banner University Medical Center
Tucson
07.2014 - 07.2015
- Delivered comprehensive care for complex neurological and post-surgical patients, monitoring for neurological changes and complications.
- Collaborated with neurosurgeons, rehabilitation therapists, and diabetes educators to address holistic recovery needs.
- Educated patients and families on stroke prevention, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments to reduce recurrence.
Registered Nurse, Neurology & Orthopedic Unit
St. Patrick Hospital
Missoula
09.2008 - 05.2014
- Provided compassionate, individualized care to 3-5 patients per shift with acute neuro and orthopedic conditions.
- Promoted understanding of treatment plans through ongoing patient and family education.
- Supported discharge planning and continuity of care with case managers, physical therapists, and outpatient specialists.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Maui Community College (now University of Hawaii-Maui College)
Kahului, HI05.2008
License - Massage Therapy
Maui Academy of Healing Arts
Kihei, HI07.2004
Liberal Arts -
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA01.2002
Skills
- Epic EHR and Meditech
- Patient assessment and education
- Post-operative and discharge planning
- Care coordination and management
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Team collaboration and communication
- Family support and patient advocacy
- IV drug therapy management
- Acute care expertise
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Google Workspace applications
- Patient monitoring and telemetry
- Interdisciplinary collaboration strategies
- Pain management techniques
- Attention to detail in patient care
- Staff training and development
Affiliations
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Member
- National Student Nurses Association, Former Board Member
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Arizona, Compact State, Active
- Registered Nurse, California, Active
- ACLS, PALS, and BLS Certified, Current
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Tucson Medical Center
09.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse, Pre-Operative Services
Tucson Medical Center
10.2023 - 09.2024
Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Tucson Medical Center
09.2021 - 09.2023
Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Inpatient Unit
Tucson Medical Center
08.2015 - 09.2021
Registered Nurse, Neurology/Neurosurgery Unit (6 East)
Banner University Medical Center
07.2014 - 07.2015
Registered Nurse, Neurology & Orthopedic Unit
St. Patrick Hospital
09.2008 - 05.2014
Associate of Science - Nursing
Maui Community College (now University of Hawaii-Maui College)
License - Massage Therapy
Maui Academy of Healing Arts
Liberal Arts -
Sonoma State University