Caroline Merino
La Palma,CA
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive critical care experience at St Francis Medical Center, recognized for excellence in patient care. Proficient in advanced cardiac life support and adept at mentoring new staff. Awarded the Daisy Award for outstanding service, demonstrating a commitment to compassionate care and effective communication in high-pressure environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse Critical Care
St Francis Medical Center
Lynwood, CA
04.2021 - Current
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to Critical Care Intensivist.
- Monitored STEMI(ST elevation myocardial infarction) and NSTEMI(non-ST elevation myocardial infarction) patients status post angiogram with or without intraaortic balloon or IMPELLA.
- Monitored patients status post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft(Open Heart) and reported to Cardiothoracic Surgeon for any critical changes.
- Monitored patients with External Ventricular Device to monitor intracranial pressure(ICP).
- Monitored stroke patients with hourly Neuro checks.
- Monitored hyperglycemic patients on insulin drip with hourly blood sugar checks.
- Monitored trauma patients status post gunshot wounds, vehicular accidents, and so on.
- Monitored patients on multiple pressors or critical IV drips to maintain and stabilize vital signs.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation practices
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patient condition.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Administered medications and monitored patient vitals to ensure optimal recovery and comfort.
- Assisted in the orientation and training of new nursing staff, fostering a collaborative team culture.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs, ensuring timely interventions and support services.
- Streamlined documentation processes in electronic health records, enhancing accuracy and efficiency of patient information management.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
Registered Nurse -Telemetry Unit
St Francis Medical Center
Lynwood, CA
06.2005 - 04.2021
- Monitored and cared for four patients and covered two of the Licensed Vocational Nurse's patients.
- Educated patients on health management and wellness strategies
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Monitored patients status post heart catheterization and pre-op open heart surgeries to ensure and maintain cardiac stability.
- Monitored cardiac patients such as with hypertensive crisis or arrhythmias admitted from ER, transferred from other units/hospital or downgraded from the Intensive Care Unit and reported to Cardiologist any abnormal changes.
- Delegated duties to nursing aides minor daily living needs of patients if needed.
Register Nurse Critical Care
Downey Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
Downey, CA
03.2011 - 04.2014
- Started in Progressive Care Unit then transferred after six months and trained in the Intensive Care Unit.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and plan appropriate interventions.
- Monitored critically ill patients on ventilators status post respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest.
- Monitored patients in Hypertensive Crisis, status post Stroke, Sepsis, status post Craniotomy, Elevated troponin, Hyperglycemia and patients on multiple drips.
Registered Nurse Home Health
Priority Home Health Agency
Montclair, CA
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Visiting Nurse to homebound patients provided nursing care such as physical assessment, vital signs, wound care, other healthcare needs and patient education on health and home care needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UTAssociate of Arts - Nursing
Cerritos College
Cerritos, CA12.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA06.1996
Skills
Certifications:
07/2024 Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Resuscitation
07/2024 Basic Life Support
08/2010 Critical Care Course
Award:
2024 Daisy Award
2008 Vincentian Spirit Award for Mission and Values
Of Excellent Patient Care from St Francis
Medical Center, Lynwood, California
Affiliations
Association of Critical Care Nursing
Languages
Tagalog
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Registered Nurse Critical Care
St Francis Medical Center
04.2021 - Current
Register Nurse Critical Care
Downey Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital
03.2011 - 04.2014
Registered Nurse Home Health
Priority Home Health Agency
01.2007 - 01.2009
Registered Nurse -Telemetry Unit
St Francis Medical Center
06.2005 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Arts - Nursing
Cerritos College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University Long Beach