Cailin Elliott
Edwardsville,IL
Summary
Critical care nurse rooted in Midwest values of hard work and service. Experienced in managing complex patients while staying calm under pressure and supporting team collaboration. Recognized for leadership at the bedside and a commitment to lifelong learning, bringing both clinical excellence and personal integrity to every patient encounter. Dedicated to advancing into nurse anesthesia to provide patients with safe, personalized care that builds trust and improves outcomes.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
REGISTERED NURSE – ADULT ICU
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
O'Fallon, IL
01.2025 - Current
- Managed and engaged in care for cardiothoracic surgery patients (CABG, valve replacement, pacemaker implantation), including those supported with IABP and Impella devices
- Monitored and managed treatments including CRRT, Swan-Ganz catheters, temporary and transcutaneous pacing
- Performed ultrasound-guided peripheral IV insertions as an Ultrasound IV Assessor for difficult-access patients
- Assisted with arterial line, central venous, and dialysis catheter placement, including sheath removal
- Appropriately titrated vasopressors, sedation, analgesia, and paralytics, including neuromuscular blockade (Nimbex), and participated in vasoactive and sedation infusions to maintain hemodynamic stability
- Provided care for patients who received Tenecteplase (TNK) & Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA), ensuring close monitoring for signs of bleeding and neurological changes in accordance with thrombolytic therapy protocols
- Assisted with emergent intubations and extubations, administering necessary medications
- Monitored and maintained external ventricular drains (EVDs), chest tubes, and other drains, ensuring proper function and infection prevention
- Participated in emergency situations, including rapid response and code blue events, performing resuscitative efforts and critical interventions
- Contributed to unit process improvements by participating in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care delivery and satisfaction
- Served as a Quality Champion for the ICU, leading initiatives to improve patient outcomes, ensure adherence to evidence-based practices, and promote a culture of safety and excellence within the unit
- Served as a unit resource and subject-matter contact during the implementation of Alaris IV Interoperability, supporting ICU staff adoption, troubleshooting, and safe integration into clinical workflows
- Serve as a Preceptor for new nurses and students, providing clinical guidance, education, and skill development
- Registered Nurse of Illinois – License Number: 041579765
NURSE EXTERN II – ADULT ICU
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
O'Fallon, IL
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Completed the following under 1:1 Preceptorship:
- Provided care to critically ill patients, including post-CABG, thoracotomy cases, and patients receiving CRRT.
- Assisted with mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, and management of advanced cardiac support devices including intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) and Impella.
- Performed sterile procedures including central line care, catheter insertions, and dressing changes.
- Observed and assisted with advanced ICU procedures including intubations, extubations, and bedside surgeries.
NURSE EXTERN I – MEDICAL SURGICAL UNIT
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
O'Fallon, IL
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Assisted patients with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, eating, hygiene), monitored vital signs, maintained a clean, safe environment, and supported nursing staff with rounds, documentation, and patient needs.
HOME HEALTH AIDE
Brewer Family
Edwardsville, IL
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Provided specialized in-home care for a family member with ALS, managing mobility challenges, respiratory support (BiPAP, suctioning, oral care), G-tube medication administration, and daily living assistance while fostering a supportive environment to enhance patient well-being and reduce caregiver burden.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southern Illinois University
Edwardsville, IL12-2024
High School Diploma - undefined
Triad High School
Troy, IL05-2020
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
- Care of Populations Clinical - HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital 03/2024-05/2024 - Highland, IL
- Mental Health Clinical - Gateway Regional Medical Center 01/2024-03/2024 - Granite City, IL
- Adult Health Clinical - BJC West County 08/2023-12/2023 - Creve Coeur, MO
- Pediatrics Clinical - St. Louis Children's Hospital 03/2023-05/2023 - St. Louis, MO
- Labor & Delivery Clinical - HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital 01/2023-03/2023 - O'Fallon, IL
INTERNSHIPS / SHADOWING
- CRNA Shadow – Quantum Vision Centers (04/2025 & 05/2025) Observed several outpatient conscious sedation procedures – such as cataract removals, Lasik, and Photorefractive keratectomies (Total hours: 16)
- CRNA Shadow - Memorial Medical Center (08/2024 & 03/2025) Met with Director of Anesthesia, job shadowed a CRNA, and observed several adult surgical procedures – such as a total knee replacement, a total hip replacement, nerve blocks, and a craniotomy (Total hours: 24)
- Nurse Intern - HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital (12/2023) Completed a 4 week-long Nursing Internship with specialized focus with Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
- Nurse Intern - HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital (05/2023) Completed a 4 week-long Nursing Internship with specialized focus with Medical Surgical Unit and Intensive Care Unit
Certification
- BLS / ACLS / PALS - AHA
- CCRN - AACN
- CMC (Pending - Test date 4/28/2026) - AACN
- Ultrasound IV Certified – Sonosite Institute
- CRRT Certified - HSHS St. Elizabeth’s
- Chemotherapy Certified – Prairie Research
- NIHSS Certified – Apex Innovations
- Sepsis Micro-credential– AACN
- ECMO Micro-credential – AACN
- Pulmonary & Ventilator Care Micro-credential – AACN
Accomplishments
- Summa Cum Laude / High Honor Roll Triad High School - 4 years
- Nurse Extern II Colleague Achievement Certificates
- - Immediate recognition of critical change in post-CABG surgical patient
- - Completion of ICU Wellness Wall
- - Peer recognition for initiative and competency
Affiliations
- ICU Unit Practice Council – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s - 01/2025 – Present
- Unit Quality Champion – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s – 01/2025 – Present
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) – 01/2025 – Present
- American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) – 08/2025 – Present
- CCRN Unit Educator/Resource – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s – 03/2026 – Present
- Joy Committee – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s – 03/2025 – Present
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing – 11/2024 - Present
- Alpha Phi Sorority Alumni - 08/2020 - Present
VOLUNTEER WORK / FUNDRAISING
- SIUE Cougar Cupboard (2020-2024) Donated food and household goods to support the Cougar Cupboard's mission of combating food insecurity
- Restore Decor (2020-2025) Volunteered at Restore Décor, assisting with furniture restoration and sales to support local nonprofits
- Metro East Humane Society (2020-2025) Volunteered at Metro East Humane Society, supporting its no-kill shelter and animal welfare initiatives
- Willoughby Farms (2020-2025) Volunteered at Willoughby Heritage Farm, assisting with trail maintenance and preserving the natural environment
- Mensi Project (2020-2024) Volunteered with the Mensi Project to distribute free menstrual products and support educational outreach on period poverty and gender inclusivity
- ALS Walk for Life (2024-2026) Participated in the ALS Walk for Life to raise awareness & funds for ALS research and support
Timeline
REGISTERED NURSE – ADULT ICU
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
01.2025 - Current
NURSE EXTERN II – ADULT ICU
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
08.2024 - 12.2024
HOME HEALTH AIDE
Brewer Family
07.2023 - 03.2024
NURSE EXTERN I – MEDICAL SURGICAL UNIT
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital
05.2023 - 08.2024
High School Diploma - undefined
Triad High School
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southern Illinois University