Alexandra Shahi
Summary
Skilled CVOR registered nurse with over 10 years of experience in managing complex cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries. Expertise in circulating and scrubbing open-heart procedures while ensuring strict adherence to sterile protocols. Proven ability to execute life-saving interventions and collaborate effectively with cardiac surgeons and perfusion teams under high-pressure conditions.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
CVOR Registered Nurse
Sharp Memorial Hospital
San Diego, California
07.2024 - Current
- Scrubbed and circulated over 15 open-heart and robotic cases weekly in Level II trauma center.
- Executed complex cardiovascular procedures including CABGs, valve replacements, heart transplants, and aortic repairs.
- Utilized da Vinci robotic system for minimally invasive MVR, AVR, and MIDCAB procedures to enhance patient recovery times.
- Proficient with robotic-assisted pulmonary wedge resections, lobectomies, lymph node dissections, and thymectomies with high success rates.
CVOR Registered Nurse
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
La Jolla, California
06.2023 - 07.2024
- Scrubbed and circulated open-heart procedures at leading West Coast heart center performing over 1,100 heart cases annually.
- Performed intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) placements and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) placements to support critical cardiac function.
- Facilitated emergency interventions, including chest re-explorations and execution of crash cart protocols, ensuring timely patient care.
- Coordinated complex setups for aortic dissection and aneurysm repairs, enhancing procedural efficiency for root, arch, ascending, and descending replacements.
- Collaborated with Cath lab team to perform laser lead extractions and epicardial lead placements in hybrid setting.
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Santa Rosa, California
07.2016 - 02.2023
- Circulated all specialties at busy Level II trauma center including Trauma, General, Orthopedics, Vascular, Neuro/Spine, Urology/GYN, ENT, Plastics, and Podiatry.
- Joined open heart team, trained in scrubbing and circulating for complex open heart and thoracic cases.
- Assisted with CABGs- on pump and off pump techniques, valve replacements, ascending aortic aneurysm repairs, IABP placement, laser lead extractions, TAVR, and maze procedures.
- Managed setup and calibration of cardiac anesthesia drips and patient monitoring devices, ensuring accurate monitoring through arterial pressure lines and Swan-Ganz catheters.
- Supported anesthesia teams in central line placements and cerebral oximetry procedures.
- Precepted and mentored new hires, students, and orientees within the department.
- Collaborated on UBC project to optimize recycling and reduce OR waste, contributing to sustainability efforts within the department.
Registered Nurse
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
Santa Rosa, California
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed and applied foundational medical and surgical skills in orthopedic nursing care enhancing recovery outcomes for postoperative trauma patients.
- Managed remote telemetry, peripheral and central intravenous lines, and chest tubes, ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.
- Administered oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications while monitoring patient reactions.
- Educated patients on proper brace and prosthetic usage and pain management techniques, empowering them to manage their recovery.
- Conducted respiratory and tracheostomy care along with NG/PEG tube management.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Simpson University
Redding, CA05-2014
Skills
- Srubbing - Cardiac/Vascular
- Cardiac emergency interventions
- Robotic-assisted surgery
- Epic EMR superuser
- Infection control practices
- Mentorship and training
- Sustainability initiatives
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Operating room protocols
- Clinical documentation
Certification
- AORN Periop 101 - Core Cirriculum
- ACLS
- BLS
Accomplishments
- Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses
Timeline
CVOR Registered Nurse
Sharp Memorial Hospital
07.2024 - Current
CVOR Registered Nurse
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
06.2023 - 07.2024
Operating Room Registered Nurse
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
07.2016 - 02.2023
Registered Nurse
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
08.2014 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Simpson University