Alma Garcia
Franklin,TN
Summary
Dedicated to transitioning into an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner role at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with an anticipated completion date of August 2026. Over 10 years of progressive high-acuity nursing experience includes surgical stepdown, trauma, thoracic surgery, oncology, and medicine, supported by a strong background in complex post-operative management and hemodynamic monitoring. Recognized for exceptional clinical judgment and leadership in high-volume units, with a proven ability to identify early signs of patient deterioration. Committed to fostering team collaboration and achieving optimal patient outcomes while delivering reliable and compassionate care in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Stepdown Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN
10.2019 - Current
- Serve as Relief Staff Leader and Patient Flow Nurse for 31-bed unit
- Managed critical care for diverse patient populations, including trauma, thoracic, ENT, emergency, and general surgery cases.
- Directed and facilitated care delivery processes, optimizing teamwork among 8 RNs and 4 care partners.
- Coordinated efforts among diverse medical teams to enhance surgical rounds and streamline discharge planning.
- Manage complex post-operative patients requiring close monitoring and timely escalation of care
- Assessed clinical signs to promptly identify and address early deterioration in patient health.
- Facilitated patient and family education on surgical recovery complications and medication management.
Float Registered Nurse
Saint Thomas Rutherford
Murfreesboro, TN
06.2019 - 10.2019
- Delivered patient-centered care across multiple high-acuity unit
- Adapted quickly to varying patient populations and acuity levels
- Implemented evidence-based care plans in compliance with hospital protocols
Clinical Decision Unit Team Lead
Saint Thomas Rutherford
Murfreesboro, TN
07.2018 - 06.2019
- Assisted in opening and operationalizing 25-bed observation unit
- Managed interdisciplinary team of 5 RNs and 2 care partners
- Administered chemotherapy and blood transfusions
- Collaborated with hospitalists and advanced practice providers to determine patient disposition
- Coordinated with bed management to ensure appropriate level-of-care placement
Oncology/Orthopedic Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Saint Thomas Rutherford
Murfreesboro, TN
07.2016 - 07.2018
- Oversaw nursing operations as charge nurse and provided guidance to residents during their training.
- Led interdisciplinary team of 8 registered nurses and 3 care partners to enhance patient care delivery.
- Assisted in skin and wound care committee activities. Supported hospital prevalence rounds to enhance patient care. Collaborated with healthcare teams to address wound management issues.
- Facilitated comprehensive discharge planning processes to ensure seamless transitions for patients.
- Assessed and documented vital signs and side effects in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy and blood transfusions.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Nashville, TN08-2026
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN08-2022
Associate of Science - Nursing
Aquinas College
Nashville, TN05-2016
Bachelor of Science -
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN08-2013
Bachelor of Science -
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN08-2013
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Tennessee Board of Nursing
- BLS & ACLS Provider, American Heart Association
Languages
Spanish
Strengths
- Acute and complex post-operative management
- Trauma and thoracic surgical patient care
- Oncology and chemotherapy-related assessment
- Hemodynamic monitoring & escalation of care
- Rapid response and clinical deterioration recognition
- Diagnostic interpretation (labs, EKGs, imaging)
- Care coordination & multidisciplinary rounds
- EMR documentation & protocol-driven practice
- Patient and family education
- Quality improvement & discharge planning
- Leadership in high-acuity environments
Timeline
Surgical Stepdown Registered Nurse
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
10.2019 - Current
Float Registered Nurse
Saint Thomas Rutherford
06.2019 - 10.2019
Clinical Decision Unit Team Lead
Saint Thomas Rutherford
07.2018 - 06.2019
Oncology/Orthopedic Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Saint Thomas Rutherford
07.2016 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of Tennessee
Master of Science in Nursing - Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing
Associate of Science - Nursing
Aquinas College
Bachelor of Science -
Middle Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Science -
Middle Tennessee State University