Arnold Lustina
Lake Villa,IL
Summary
Accomplished ICU Nurse with extensive experience at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, skilled in US-guided IV catheter insertion and renowned for exceptional critical thinking abilities. Demonstrated success in managing complex patient care, mentoring new RNs, and achieving improved patient outcomes. Proven leadership as a charge nurse, coupled with a strong commitment to ongoing education in critical care practices.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
ICU Nurse
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
North Chicago, IL
08.2014 - Current
- Managed cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Facilitated admission and discharge processes for ICU patients.
- Administered complex cardiac medications, monitored dosages, and observed patient reactions in a high-stakes environment.
- Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of infections within the ICU.
- Provided care to a variety of complex medical and surgical patients.
- Helped monitor, maintain and improve nursing-sensitive indicators, core measures and other identified outcome metrics.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Participated in clinical rounds with physicians, offering insights from nursing perspective to inform patient care decisions.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities related to critical care nursing practices.
- Functioned as charge nurse and assumed patient care in absence of nurses ending or arriving for shifts.
- Utilized strong critical thinking skills to make quick and accurate clinical decisions in emergency situations.
- Serves as a stroke champion in our VA ICU unit with extensive knowledge in the immediate post-Alteplase care of patients
Stem Cell Transplant Nurse
CTCA
Zion, IL
02.2002 - Current
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Skilled in various chemotherapy administrations, including high-dose conditioning regimens designed for stem cell transplantation.
- Trained in the management of post-CAR-T patients and their associated toxicities.
- Provided nursing care for hemodynamically compromised patients in the SCTU requiring critical care and ventilatory support.
- Extensive experience in the care of patients going through stem cell transplantation, its complications, until full recovery, as well as dealing with other oncologic emergencies.
- Serves as a charge nurse and resource person in our SCTU unit
Float Registered Nurse
Vista Health System
Waukegan, IL
10.1997 - 08.2014
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Participated in interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive quality care for patients.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization.
- Ensured accurate documentation in the medical record according to hospital policy and procedures.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients requiring medical, surgical or oncologic services.
- Communicated effectively with other departments regarding patient status changes or concerns.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Practice
Bicol University College of Nursing
Philippines03-1991
Skills
- US guided IV catheter insertion
- Telemetry monitoring
- Advanced cardiac life support, PALS, BLS
- Knowledge in various EHR, ie EPIC, Cerner, PICIS, CPRS, BCMA
Accomplishments
- Topped the 1992 Post Graduate Course in Critical Care Nursing at the Philippine Heart Center
- Receiver of "Apogee Award" at Vista Medical Center
- Receiver of " Clinical Excellence Award" at CTCA ( Midwestern regional Medical Center)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
ICU Nurse
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
08.2014 - Current
Stem Cell Transplant Nurse
CTCA
02.2002 - Current
Float Registered Nurse
Vista Health System
10.1997 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing Practice
Bicol University College of Nursing