CARA FAULKNER
Huntersville,NC
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated Registered Nurse with a strong background in critical care and PACU nursing, experienced in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care in high-acuity, fast-paced environments. Skilled in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and ensure continuity of care. Demonstrates a growing interest in psychiatric and mental health nursing, with a commitment to advancing clinical expertise through doctoral education. Aspires to integrate critical care experience with evidence-based psychiatric practice to improve holistic patient care as a future Psychiatric DNP-prepared nurse.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, PACU
Union Hospital
2026.02 - Current
- Monitors patient vitals in post-anesthesia care, ensuring safety and comfort during recovery.
- Administers medications and managed pain relief protocols as per physician directives.
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Educate patients and families on recovery processes, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Registered Nurse
Summit Medical Center
2024.07 - 2026.01
- Monitored and assessed patients' vital signs immediately following surgery.
- Administered medications, including pain management and emergency drugs, as prescribed by the anesthesiologist or surgeon.
- Collaborated closely with the surgical team, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure seamless patient care.
- Educated patients and their families about post-operative care, discharge instructions, and any potential complications.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the recovery process.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement in the PACU.
- Assisted in training new staff on clinical procedures and hospital policies.
Registered Nurse II
Carolinas Medical Center
2023.07 - 2024.07
- Provided comprehensive care to critically ill patients in a 29-bed Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members including physicians, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Demonstrated proficiency in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) protocols.
- Educated patients and families about various medical conditions.
- Built therapeutic relationships with patients and family.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety, optimizing clinical outcomes, and improving efficiency in the MICU.
Certified Nursing Assistant II
Moses Cone Hospital
2022.08 - 2022.12
- Provided high-quality patient care in the critical care setting. Assisted nurses with admissions and discharges to ensure patient safety on a 22 bed unit. Adhered to HIPPA policies to protect patient’s rights. Ensures the accurate and timely flow of patient information by collaborating with the healthcare team through the EHR.
Nurse Extern
Moses Cone Hospital
2022.05 - 2022.07
- Assisted nurse preceptor in delivering patient care in the medical intensive care unit. Provided personal attention for patients that is conducive to recovery by assisting with ADLs and participating in hourly rounding. Applied critical thinking and collaborated with nurse preceptor to prioritize care. Obtained and documented accurate vital signs and informed healthcare team of abnormalities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
North Carolina A & T State University
Greensboro, NC2023-05
Skills
- Team collaboration, leadership, quick learner, adaptability, cleanliness, time management, problem solving, EMR/EHR (Epic and Meditech), therapeutic communication, cultural awareness, patient and family education, patient assessments
Affiliations
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Certification
- Registered Nurse licensed in North Carolina: 359191
- BLS CPR
- ACLS
- PALS
Timeline
Registered Nurse, PACU
Union Hospital
2026.02 - Current
Registered Nurse
Summit Medical Center
2024.07 - 2026.01
Registered Nurse II
Carolinas Medical Center
2023.07 - 2024.07
Certified Nursing Assistant II
Moses Cone Hospital
2022.08 - 2022.12
Nurse Extern
Moses Cone Hospital
2022.05 - 2022.07
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
North Carolina A & T State University