CARLA MONTANEZ
O’Fallon,IL
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Neuro ICU | Travel RN
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, MO
10.2025 - Current
- Managed acute neurological injuries including ischemic strokes, SAH, post-thrombectomy care, EVDs, and ICP monitoring, post-op craniectomies and spinal surgery patients to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.
- Performed advanced EVD management, ICP monitoring, and cerebrovascular autoregulation assessment.
Trauma ICU | Travel RN
Saint Louis University Hospital
St. Louis, MO
07.2025 - 10.2025
- Cared for critically injured trauma patients requiring aggressive resuscitation, airway management, and rapid hemodynamic stabilization.
- Titrated multi‑pressor support for hemorrhagic, septic, and cardiogenic shock.
- Managed massive hemorrhage using Belmont and Level 1 Rapid Infuser, coordinated balanced resuscitation, and executed Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP).
- Delivered high‑acuity trauma care for polytrauma patients, utilizing orthopedic traction devices to maintain alignment and stability during resuscitation and operative planning.
Medical ICU | Travel RN
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
St. Louis, MO
01.2024 - 07.2025
- Managed complex cases including ARDS, acute respiratory failure, sepsis/septic shock, CRRT, endocrine emergencies (DKA/HHS), GI bleeds, and post-cardiac arrest TTM to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Provided advanced care for septic shock, multi‑organ failure, and endocrine emergencies (DKA/HHS).
- Operated CRRT (Prismaflex/NxStage) for hemodynamically unstable patients with renal failure.
- Supported post‑cardiac arrest patients with targeted temperature management and vasoactive support including norepinephrine, vasopressin, phenylephrine.
Trauma ICU | Travel RN
Saint Louis University Hospital
St. Louis, MO
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Cared for critically injured trauma patients requiring aggressive resuscitation, airway management, and rapid hemodynamic stabilization.
- Titrated multi‑pressor support for hemorrhagic, septic, and cardiogenic shock.
- Managed massive hemorrhage using Belmont and Level 1 Rapid Infuser, coordinated balanced resuscitation, and executed Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP).
- Delivered high‑acuity trauma care for polytrauma patients, utilizing orthopedic traction devices to maintain alignment and stability during resuscitation and operative planning.
Trauma Surgical ICU | Travel RN
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, WA
03.2023 - 07.2023
- Level I Trauma Center- 24 bed unit
- Provided specialized care for polytrauma, severe TBI, penetrating trauma, high-risk post-operative liver transplants, necrotizing soft tissue infections, and multisystem organ failure, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in critical conditions.
- Manage mechanically ventilated patients using advanced ventilator modes; optimize oxygenation/ventilation strategies for ARDS, TBI, multi‑system trauma, and complex surgical cases.
- Perform continuous hemodynamic assessment using FloTrac, arterial lines, central venous catheters, pulmonary artery catheters, and dynamic resuscitation parameters.
- Titrate vasoactive infusions—including norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, nitroglycerin, and dobutamine—to maintain targeted perfusion goals in unstable patients.
- Provide organ support therapies including CRRT, aggressive fluid management, and electrolyte/acid‑base correction for shock states and multi‑organ failure.
- Assist with high‑risk bedside procedures such as RSI, chest tube insertions, bronchoscopies, bedside tracheostomies, and emergent surgical interventions.
- Manage neurocritical devices including external ventricular drains (EVDs) and intracranial bolts, including ICP waveform interpretation, troubleshooting, and sterile maintenance.
- Provide care for patients requiring pelvic traction, halo devices, and complex orthopedic stabilization; maintain strict spine precautions for unstable cervical, thoracic, and lumbar injuries.
- Operate emergency resuscitation equipment including Belmont and Level 1 Rapid Infusers during massive transfusion protocol activations.
- Coordinate care for complex postoperative patients including thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, vascular, neurosurgical, and multi‑system trauma cases.
Critical Care Float ICU | Travel RN
Good Samaritan Hospital
Puyallup, WA
03.2022 - 03.2023
- Float RN across ER, CCICU, Trauma ICU, and Rapid Response, providing advanced critical care for polytrauma, ACS, cardiogenic and septic shock, and acute respiratory failure in rapidly evolving, high‑pressure environments.
- Delivered complex, unit‑specific care plans with strict adherence to protocols and rapid clinical prioritization.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams—including trauma surgery, cardiology, critical care, emergency medicine, and respiratory therapy—to coordinate high‑acuity interventions and optimize patient outcomes.
Medical ICU | Staff RN
Providence Regional Medical Center
Everett, WA
01.2021 - 03.2022
- Level II Trauma Center – 20‑bed unit Delivered high‑acuity care for COVID‑19 and non‑COVID ARDS, utilizing LPV strategies, individualized PEEP titration, advanced oxygenation techniques, neuromuscular blockade, manual proning, and TOF monitoring to optimize respiratory outcomes in critically unstable patients.
- Managed complex medical‑surgical and trauma‑adjacent cases involving septic shock, multi‑organ failure, and rapidly deteriorating respiratory status requiring aggressive hemodynamic support, advanced ventilator management, and rapid clinical prioritization in a fast‑paced critical care environment.
Trauma Surgical ICU | Staff RN
Harborview Medical Center
Seattle, WA
07.2019 - 12.2020
- Level I Trauma Center- 24 bed unit
- Provided specialized care for polytrauma, severe TBI, penetrating trauma, high-risk post-operative liver transplants, necrotizing soft tissue infections, and multisystem organ failure, ensuring optimal patient outcomes in critical conditions.
- Manage mechanically ventilated patients using advanced ventilator modes; optimize oxygenation/ventilation strategies for ARDS, TBI, multi‑system trauma, and complex surgical cases.
- Perform continuous hemodynamic assessment using FloTrac, arterial lines, central venous catheters, pulmonary artery catheters, and dynamic resuscitation parameters.
- Titrate vasoactive infusions—including norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, nitroglycerin, and dobutamine—to maintain targeted perfusion goals in unstable patients.
- Provide organ support therapies including CRRT, aggressive fluid management, and electrolyte/acid‑base correction for shock states and multi‑organ failure.
- Assist with high‑risk bedside procedures such as RSI, chest tube insertions, bronchoscopies, bedside tracheostomies, and emergent surgical interventions.
- Manage neurocritical devices including external ventricular drains (EVDs) and intracranial bolts, including ICP waveform interpretation, troubleshooting, and sterile maintenance.
- Provide care for patients requiring pelvic traction, halo devices, and complex orthopedic stabilization; maintain strict spine precautions for unstable cervical, thoracic, and lumbar injuries.
- Operate emergency resuscitation equipment including Belmont and Level 1 Rapid Infusers during massive transfusion protocol activations.
- Coordinate care for complex postoperative patients including thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, vascular, neurosurgical, and multi‑system trauma cases.
Surgical ICU | Travel RN
University of Washington Medical Center
Seattle, WA
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Contributed to excellence in nursing practice within a Magnet‑designated academic medical center in Seattle, WA.
- Provided post‑operative critical care for liver transplants, Gleolan‑assisted glioblastoma resections, and complex reconstructive surgeries performing advanced flap perfusion monitoring and early detection of vascular compromise in high‑risk surgical patients.
Trauma Surgical ICU | Staff RN
Broward Health Medical Center
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
10.2014 - 03.2019
- Level I Trauma Center -24 bed unit
- Provided high‑acuity critical care for polytrauma, acute abdomens, SCIs, TBIs, penetrating trauma, GSWs, and complex blunt‑force injuries. Delivered advanced ventilatory, hemodynamic, and resuscitative support in a fast‑paced trauma environment, ensuring rapid stabilization and optimal outcomes for critically unstable patients.
- Titrated multiple vasoactive infusions—including norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, phenylephrine, nitroglycerin, and dobutamine—to maintain targeted perfusion goals in hemorrhagic, septic, cardiogenic, and neurogenic shock.
- Managed severe ARDS using Rotoprone beds, manual proning, neuromuscular blockade, individualized PEEP titration, and advanced oxygenation strategies.
- Performed and assisted with high‑risk bedside surgical procedures including chest tube insertions, emergent airway management, bedside tracheostomies, and trauma‑related operative interventions.
- Executed external pacing for unstable bradyarrhythmias and peri‑arrest patients, coordinating rapid stabilization with trauma surgery and critical care teams.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Florida International University
Miami, FL04-2014
Skills
- Experienced in airway management, including rapid sequence intubation (RSI) assistance, bag‑mask ventilation, airway adjuncts, and bedside tracheostomy support
- Proficient in advanced ventilator management, including LPV strategies, individualized PEEP titration, and ventilator synchrony optimization with neuromuscular blockade
- Skilled in external ventricular drain (EVD) management and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring
- Proficient in hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation, including arterial lines, central lines, Swanz catheters, and FloTrac systems
- Experienced with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) using Prismaflex and NxStage platforms
- Comprehensive trauma care experience: MVCs, GSWs, polytrauma, and uncontrolled hemorrhage using Belmont and Level 1 rapid infusers
- Strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in fast‑paced, high‑pressure environments
- Excellent clinical assessment, critical thinking, and rapid decision‑making abilities
- Highly organized with strong prioritization and time‑management skills
Certification
- CCRN – Adult, AACN
- TNCC
- ACLS
- BLS
- NIH Stroke Scale
- Member, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
- Member, American Nurses Association (ANA)
Languages
English
Spanish
SHADOWING & CONFERENCES
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital — 8 Hours Clayton Karimi, CRNA
- Broward Health Medical Center — 12 Hours Heather Maldonado, DNP, CRNA
- UW Medicine EMS & Trauma Conference — Seattle, WA Attendee (Sept 2022)
LEADERSHIP
- Rapid Response Team Member for code blues and rapid responses (Broward Health Medical Center, Jan 2016–Mar 2019)
- Preceptor/resource nurse for new graduates and travel nurses (Broward Health, Harborview, Providence Everett)
- Member, Skin Wound Assessment Team (SWAT) (Broward Health Medical Center, 2015–2019)
Timeline
Neuro ICU | Travel RN
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
10.2025 - Current
Trauma ICU | Travel RN
Saint Louis University Hospital
07.2025 - 10.2025
Medical ICU | Travel RN
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
01.2024 - 07.2025
Trauma ICU | Travel RN
Saint Louis University Hospital
08.2023 - 12.2023
Trauma Surgical ICU | Travel RN
Harborview Medical Center
03.2023 - 07.2023
Critical Care Float ICU | Travel RN
Good Samaritan Hospital
03.2022 - 03.2023
Medical ICU | Staff RN
Providence Regional Medical Center
01.2021 - 03.2022
Trauma Surgical ICU | Staff RN
Harborview Medical Center
07.2019 - 12.2020
Surgical ICU | Travel RN
University of Washington Medical Center
03.2019 - 06.2019
Trauma Surgical ICU | Staff RN
Broward Health Medical Center
10.2014 - 03.2019
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Florida International University