Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Cara Craighead

Arroyo Grande,CA

Summary

Accomplished Registered Nurse with a proven track record in cardiac catheterization and critical care. Expert in hemodynamic monitoring and compassionate patient care, significantly enhancing patient outcomes. Skilled in collaborative teamwork, adept at emergency response, and proficient in procedural sterility maintenance.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab

French Medical Center
06.2022 - Current
  • Knowledge base on all procedures pertaining to Cath Lab. Responsibilities including circulating, documenting, and providing conscious sedation for Cath patients. Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiac Catheterizations. Diagnostic and Interventional Peripheral procedures. Electrophysiology studies and ablations. Pacemaker (along with BI-V, and temp) Insertions. Structural Heart (TAVR, Mitral Clip, Watchman). TEE and Cardioversion procedures. Interventional Radiology (Embolizations, Hemodialysis catheter and Port Insertion) procedures. Carotid Angiograms and Carotid stenting.
  • Wide knowledge of product and equipment used in the Cardiac Cath Lab.
  • Demonstrated excellent clinical judgment when administering medications as ordered during cardiac catheterization procedures while closely monitoring potential side effects or adverse reactions.
  • Reduced the risk of complications through meticulous attention to sterile techniques and proper equipment handling.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions of care between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and thorough education on cardiac catheterization procedures.
  • Minimized delays in care delivery through effective time management skills while prioritizing multiple tasks simultaneously under high-pressure situations.
  • Knowledge of Merge, and Cerner Charting Systems

Cardiac Cath Lab Registered Nurse

Bakersfield Heart Hospital
04.2008 - 05.2022
  • Charge/Lead Duties including running daily operations of Lab. Including scheduling cases, staffing, and staff scheduling.
  • Circulating, Documentation, and Conscious Sedation for all Cath procedures.
  • Charges and Billing of procedures. Along with helping with management of inventory.
  • Contributed to successful procedure outcomes through expert administration of conscious sedation under physician guidance.
  • Minimized complications by identifying and responding to emergent situations promptly and efficiently.
  • Enhanced patient care by effectively monitoring vital signs and hemodynamic parameters during procedures.
  • Safeguarded patient privacy rights by maintaining strict confidentiality of personal health information according to HIPAA regulations.
  • Assisted physicians with diagnostic and interventional procedures, ensuring optimal patient care and safety.
  • Knowledge of Witt, Mac Lab, Prucha, and St Jude 3D Mapping systems


Emergency Room Registered Nurse

Mercy Southwest Hospital
01.2007 - 04.2009
  • Delivered culturally competent care to diverse populations, adapting communication styles as needed for optimal understanding between parties involved.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
  • Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
  • Ensured continuity of care by thoroughly documenting vital information in electronic health records systems for seamless transitions between healthcare providers.
  • Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
  • Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.

Critical Care Registered Nurse

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • Utilized advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
  • Reduced hospital readmission rates through thorough discharge planning and patient education on self-care management strategies.
  • Administered life-saving medications and therapies under strict protocols, guiding patients towards recovery from acute illnesses or injuries.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.
  • Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
  • Monitored hemodynamic parameters and analyzed complex data sets, making appropriate adjustments to treatment plans based on patient response.

Education

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA

Associate of Science - Nursing

Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA

Skills

  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Compassionate patient care
  • Cultural Competency
  • Emergency and Cardiac Medication Knowledge
  • Critical Care Nursing
  • Emergency Response Preparedness
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring
  • Cardiac Catheterization knowledge
  • Procedural Sterility Maintenance

Certification

RN License # 672251

Exp: 01/31/2026


ACLS


BLS

Timeline

Registered Nurse, Cardiac Cath Lab

French Medical Center
06.2022 - Current

Cardiac Cath Lab Registered Nurse

Bakersfield Heart Hospital
04.2008 - 05.2022

Emergency Room Registered Nurse

Mercy Southwest Hospital
01.2007 - 04.2009

Critical Care Registered Nurse

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2007

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Santa Barbara City College

Associate of Science - Nursing

Santa Barbara City College

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Cara Craighead