Payton Rene Sams (She/Her/Hers)

Chandler, Arizona | (512) 739-8142 | paytonrsams@email.arizona.edu | linkedin.com/in/payton-sams-bsn

Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Emphasis of Integrative Health | Minor in Family Studies & Human Development
University of Arizona – Gilbert, Arizona | Anticipated Graduation: May 2022
o GPA: 3.57 | Wildcat Excellence Scholarship Recipient 2017 – 2021 | Dean’s List: Spring 2018, Fall 2019 |
Dean’s List with Distinction: Spring 2021, Fall 2021

Clinical Experience
Total Hours: 524 hours
Spring ‘21
Well Child | Lauren’s Institute for Education | 23 hours
Well Adult | Mercy Housing | 20 hours
Medical/Surgical | Banner Desert | 36 hours
Community Health | Desert Mission Food Bank | 16 hours
Fall ‘21
Critical Care | Dignity Chandler Regional | 60 hours
Psychiatric | Banner University Medical Center | 60 hours
Summer ‘21
Medical/Surgical | HonorHealth John C. Lincoln | 60 hours
Pediatrics | Cardon Children’s Medical Center | 24 hours
Obstetrics | Banner Gateway | 36 hours
Spring ‘22
Preceptorship: Med/Surg | HonorHealth Osborn | 144 hours
Community Health | Multiple Communities in Mesa | 45 hours

Patient Care Experience

Patient Care Technician | Tucson Medical Center: Float Pool 07.2020 – 08.2021
o Adapted excellent patient care in multiple units including intensive care, emergency, post-critical/progressive care,
neurology, cardiac, medical surgical, telemetry and geriatric psychiatric units resulting in flexible, efficient work style.
o Executed meticulous, efficient care in collaboration with nursing staff in detailed exposure to mechanical ventilation, tube
feeding, infusion pumps, elimination, and waste management equipment.
o Performed EKGs, bladder scanning, and bedside glucose monitoring as needed.
o Communicated patient needs and status with other disciplinary teams (PT/OT, case management) in a complex environment.
o Established meaningful relationships with critically ill, intubated, sedated patients and their loved ones to offer culturally
competent, empathetic care and active listening in vulnerable situations.
Patient Care Technician | Curahealth: LTAC & Inpatient Rehabilitation 06.2020 – 06.2021
o Performed quality CPR, notable teamwork, and critical thinking skills in an emergency cardiac arrest situation.
o Obtained vital signs and charted aspects of care such as blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respirations, pulse oximetry,
weight, personal hygiene, meals, and preventative interventions to assure quality care.
o Built comforting connections with several long-term patients when unable to be around family for extended periods of time
due to isolation precautions.
Certified Nursing Assistant | Haven of Tucson: LTAC & Inpatient Rehabilitation 09.2019 – 06.2020
o Provided preventative care to residents to manage skin related injuries such as pressure ulcers.
o Assisted patients with activities of daily living including eating, dressing, ambulating, among others while monitoring patient
needs to effectively communicate with the nursing staff.
o Practiced airborne precautions regardless of COVID status to prioritize the safety of patients despite limited resources.
o Conveyed immense emotional support to patients and fellow staff in the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic while
managing the challenges of working night shift.

Campus Engagement & Community Service

Preceptor | University of Arizona: FSHD237 Close Relationships 01.2020 – 12.2020
o Researched relevant supporting evidence to aid in lectures in the behavioral science approach to relationship development.
o Led a lecture once a semester to 45+ students on the application of psychologist John Gottman’s theories of relationship
stability using pop-culture references to connect with students and better apply course concepts.
 o Orchestrated numerous office hours weekly to facilitate conversation with students regarding content to improve
understanding.
Member | University of Arizona: Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Beta Lambda Chapter 08.2017 – 12.2019
o Cooperated with the Fundraising Chair and other Greek members to collectively contribute over $26,000 in fall 2019 towards
Emerge, a Tucson local domestic abuse shelter, in order to fund domestic violence education, safety planning, and housing.
Teens in Nursing Volunteer | Hospice of the Valley: Phoenix, Arizona 10.2014 – 05.2017
o Trained under registered nurses and seasoned nursing assistants in a Palliative Care Unit to better understand prioritizing
quality of life, dignity, and comfort in end-of-life care.
o Listened to stories of life reflection from patients. Provided distraction activities such as music and games. Bonded with
memory care patients in several instances of ‘going on their journey with them’.
o Conveyed the utmost respect in the necessities of pre- and post-mortem care and complexities of counseling with loved ones
during grief, exchanging positive stories of the individual, and allowing room for reflection.

Certifications & Skills

Collaborative Teamwork | Highly Flexible | Critical Thinking | Excellent Communication | Innovative | High Energy
Assessment | Medication administration | Phlebotomy | Patient education | Vital signs | Infection control
EHR/EMR Proficiency (Epic) | Basic American Sign Language Skills
o COVID-19: Training for Healthcare Workers, Stanford Medicine 02.2022
o HIPAA Annual Certification, University of Arizona 11.2021 – 11.2022
o Basic Certificate in Quality & Safety, Institute for Healthcare Improvement 07.2021
o Basic Life Support, American Heart Association 08.2020 – 08.2022
o Certified Nursing Assistant, Arizona State Board of Nursing | License #232542 09.2019 – 10.2021