Alexandria Kerns
Minneapolis,MN,
Summary
Compassionate Critical Care Nurse with background in providing care in high-stress environments. Skilled in rapidly assessing patient conditions and developing immediate care plans. Strengths include effective communication, teamwork, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Contributed to improved patient outcomes through vigilant monitoring and proactive interventions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Cardiovascular ICU
North Memorial Health Hospital
Robbinsdale, MN
06.2023 - Current
- Provide advanced, specialized care to critically ill cardiovascular patients, including those recovering from open-heart surgery, STEMI, and other complex cardiac interventions.
- Monitor and manage patients requiring hemodynamic support, including the use of Impella devices and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), ensuring optimal cardiac output and perfusion during recovery.
- Administer medications, including IV infusions and vasoactive agents, while continuously assessing the effects on patients’ stability and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
- Perform comprehensive, continuous assessments of patients, including vital signs, lab results, EKGs, and other diagnostic information, to make quick, accurate decisions in a high-acuity environment.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare teams, including cardiologists, surgeons, respiratory therapists, and other specialists, to ensure coordinated care plans for post-operative and critically ill patients.
- Manage post-operative recovery and complications for patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, and other open-heart procedures.
- Ensure accurate documentation of patient care, interventions, and outcomes, maintaining compliance with hospital policies, national standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Educate patients and their families on procedures, recovery plans, and self-care, providing compassionate support during often stressful and emotionally taxing situations.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to nursing staff and clinical support teams, ensuring that all staff members follow best practices for patient safety, infection control, and quality care delivery.
Emergency Department Technician
North Memorial Health Hospital
Robbinsdale, MN
01.2021 - 06.2023
- Assisted physicians and nurses in managing complex trauma cases, including stabilizing patients, preparing for imaging, and assisting with rapidly implementing life-saving treatments.
- Responded to emergencies and code blues, assisting with resuscitations, airway management, and other critical procedures under the direction of physicians and nurses.
- Played an integral role in the triage process, helping prioritize patient care based on acuity and urgency during high patient volume and trauma incidents.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care, providing support for physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals in the efficient operation of the emergency department.
Emergency Medical Technician
North Memorial Medical Center
Brooklyn Center, MN
06.2018 - 01.2021
- Provided high-quality pre-hospital emergency care on an ALS ambulance in a fast-paced, urban environment, responding to emergencies, accidents, and medical crises.
- Collaborated with paramedics to assess patients, administer treatments, and transport patients to medical facilities, ensuring optimal patient care during transport.
- Monitored and documented patient vital signs, medical history, and interventions, while maintaining accurate records in compliance with medical protocols and hospital guidelines.
- Effectively communicated with emergency room staff, relaying patient information to ensure smooth handoffs, and continuity of care.
- Assisted in managing complex trauma, cardiac, respiratory, and medical emergencies, utilizing advanced techniques and equipment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Minnesota, Mankato
Mankato, MN05-2025
Associate of Science - Nursing
North Hennepin Community College
Brooklyn Park, MN05-2023
Skills
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Critical care nursing
- Team collaboration and leadership
- Patient and family education
- EPIC compliance
- Medication administration
Accomplishments
- Daisy Award Recipient
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Cardiovascular ICU
North Memorial Health Hospital
06.2023 - Current
Emergency Department Technician
North Memorial Health Hospital
01.2021 - 06.2023
Emergency Medical Technician
North Memorial Medical Center
06.2018 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Minnesota, Mankato
Associate of Science - Nursing
North Hennepin Community College