Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Awards
Timeline
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BRIANNA Q. AHRENS

RN, BSN
Elgin,IL

Summary

Dedicated and highly skilled ICU Registered Nurse with 5+ years of delivering exceptional care in fast-paced, high-acuity settings. Profound clinical expertise in evidence-based practice, complex procedures, advanced medical equipment use, patient monitoring, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated Charge Nurse leadership, adept at education and mentoring. Committed to excellence and innovative, patient-centered care.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

ICU Registered Nurse/ICU Charge Nurse

Northwestern Medicine Hospital - ICU
11.2019 - 06.2023
  • Delivered compassionate direct bedside care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced 27-bed ICU, necessitating extensive cardiovascular and neurosurgical interventions.
  • Led as Charge Nurse, overseeing patient admissions, daily operations, and executing Rapid Response interventions and resuscitation protocols in accordance with ACLS guidelines.
  • Adapted to dynamic protocols and the demanding care requirements for critically ill patients in the COVID-ICU during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Managed complex patient care, employing specialized medical assistive equipment including the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Impella, Chest Tubes, CRRT therapy, Continuous EEG, Mechanical Ventilation, EVDs, and Targeted Temperature Management.
  • Delivered specialized care to post-operative open heart patients ensuring optimal recovery and closely monitoring cardiac status.
  • Skillfully titrated high-risk medications such as sedation, paralytics, analgesia, and pressors.
  • Assisted in multiple bedside procedures across various medical disciplines, administering procedural sedation, analgesia, and, when necessary, Rapid Sequence Intubation.
  • Maintained meticulous precision in documenting medication administration, bedside procedures, and patient conditions.
  • Provided compassionate palliative and end-of-life care to patients confronted with severe chronic and terminal illnesses.
  • Functioned as a mentor for fellow nurses, imparting education on intricate clinical knowledge and critical care concepts as a preceptor for student nurses and new ICU hires.
  • Effectively communicated with multidisciplinary teams and provided patient families with a comprehensive education on intricate patient conditions in a compassionate and accessible manner.
  • Served as a member of the Nursing Peer Review Committee, meticulously conducting patient chart reviews and colleague interviews to foster a Fair and Just Culture, enhancing patient safety events awareness and resolution.

Registered Nurse

Northwestern Medicine Hospital - Observation Unit
01.2018 - 01.2019
  • Delivered culturally sensitive and empathetic care to a diverse sub-acute patient demographic in a busy 29-bed observation unit.
  • Efficiently managed the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and discharge of multiple patients concurrently.
  • Exemplified precision in recording medication administration, procedures, and patient conditions to maintain comprehensive and accurate documentation.
  • Maintained vigilant monitoring of patients' cardiac statuses, promptly notifying physicians of any detected concerns or changes for immediate attention.
  • Delivered age-appropriate post-operative care and education to pediatric patients and their families.

CNA/In-Home Caregiver

Visiting Angels Home Care
01.2015 - 01.2018
  • Operated autonomously to provide quality, individualized care for clients of varying cognitive abilities within their homes.
  • Demonstrated adept communication with office personnel, clients, and healthcare team members, effectively conveying the evolving status of clients' conditions.
  • Efficiently managed client appointment scheduling and fostered collaboration with care team constituents, including families, physicians, and physical therapists, contributing to favorable patient outcomes.
  • Expertly managed care and facilitated Activities of Daily Living for clients with an array of physical and cognitive challenges.
  • Championed the training of new caregivers on-site, providing insightful feedback and continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing progress.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Purdue Northwest University
Hammond, Indiana
12.2021

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Elgin Community College of Nursing
Elgin, Illinois
05.2018

Skills

  • HIPAA and Confidentiality Compliance
  • Patient Care and Monitoring
  • Care Prioritization
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Ventilator Management
  • Emergency Response
  • Advanced Medical Device Management
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Clinical Knowledge
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork

Additional Information

Registered Nurse (RN) License

- Montana State Board of Nursing

- Illinois State Board of Nursing

Certifications

- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) & Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

American Heart Association

- NIHSS Stroke Certification

Awards


"Rookie of the Year" Award - Northwestern Medicine Hospital, McHenry, IL

- Recognized for consistently delivering exemplary care and service, as acknowledged by both peers and management. 

“Coach” Award - Visiting Angels, South Elgin IL

- Acknowledged for consistently providing exemplary care and service and embodying a commitment to excellence. 

Timeline

ICU Registered Nurse/ICU Charge Nurse

Northwestern Medicine Hospital - ICU
11.2019 - 06.2023

Registered Nurse

Northwestern Medicine Hospital - Observation Unit
01.2018 - 01.2019

CNA/In-Home Caregiver

Visiting Angels Home Care
01.2015 - 01.2018

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Purdue Northwest University

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Elgin Community College of Nursing

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BRIANNA Q. AHRENSRN, BSN