Chelsea Vargas
Catawba,SC
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Trauma Nurse with 6 years of critical care experience treating acutely and critically ill patients in highly technical and ongoing monitoring environment, and using extensive medication protocols and therapies. Offers direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on application of scientific nursing principles. Leads system change and encourages team learning to promote health outcomes, system efficacy and healthy work environment through evidence-based practice. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and patient care. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with colleagues to promote engaged, empowering work culture.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Psychiatric and Trauma Registered Nurse
CrossCountry Healthcare-Caromont Health
10.2022 - Current
- Provides exceptional emergency care to victims of motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, stabbings, falls, burns, and other traumatic injuries while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Mentors new nursing staff members, sharing best practices in trauma care and helping them transition smoothly into the fast-paced work environment.
- Utilizes critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patient's acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducts thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Promotes a culture of safety through active reporting and investigation of adverse events, implementing corrective actions when necessary to prevent future occurrences.
- Expedites patient flow through the trauma bay by efficiently triaging incoming cases according to severity and prioritizing treatment accordingly.
- Consistently maintains accurate and up-to-date electronic health records for all patients under care through streamlined communication among healthcare providers; by serving as the primary liaison between physicians, specialists, and ancillary staff members in high-stress environments.
- Assesses and evaluates mental health needs, working with multidisciplinary team to initiate, manage and modify individualized care plans.
- Reports findings to quality departments after conducting routine restraint audits and working with team to devise corrective actions for deficiencies.
Trauma Registered Nurse
Cross Country Healthcare - Prisma Health
10.2021 - 09.2022
- Managed complex airway issues through diligent monitoring of ventilated patients for signs of respiratory distress or failure.
- Provided emergency care to victims of motor vehicle accidents, gunshot wounds, stabbings, falls, burns, and other traumatic injuries while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Mentored new nursing staff members, sharing best practices in trauma care and helping them transition smoothly into the fast-paced work environment.
- Consistently maintained accurate and up-to-date electronic health records for all patients under care, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare team members.
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
MUSC Lancaster
07.2018 - 09.2021
- Delivered high level of care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Collaborated with law enforcement on criminal cases by quickly reporting injuries and collecting needed evidence.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response and care to high acuity patients needing complex care during codes and events such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation in multi-disciplinary team settings.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Trained student nurses and new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
Home Health Aide
AngelMates
08.2015 - 07.2018
- Offered patients and families emotional support and instruction in preparing healthy meals, independent living and adaptation to disability or illness.
- Provided mobility assistance such as walking and regular exercising.
- Traveled to clients' homes to complete healthcare services and promote continuity of care.
- Followed nutritional plans to prepare optimal meals.
- Encouraged patients to participate in safe physical activity to help boost mood and improve overall wellness.
- Assisted patients with dressing, grooming and feeding needs, helping to overcome and adapt to mobility restrictions.
Financial Aid Assistant
University Of South Carolina
09.2015 - 05.2018
- Guided students through financial aid processes, including completing necessary forms, filing, documentation, preparing reports and updating account records.
- Performed wide-ranging administrative, financial and service-related functions.
- Double checked payments and documentation of students applying for loans.
- Assisted students and families in filling out financial aid applications.
- Operated computers programmed with accounting software to record, store and analyze information.
Loss Mitigation Specialist
CitiFinancial Mortgage
03.2009 - 12.2014
- Controlled loss by assessing risk, conducting system analysis and recommending policy solutions.
- Reached out to borrowers to discuss current status and loan workout options.
- Helped customers navigate options to maintain homeownership.
- Explained legal aspects of loan to borrower, as well as payment terms and clauses.
- Evaluated pay stubs, credit history, tax information and bank statements for financial status.
- Discussed property liquidation options with customers.
- Checked property valuations to assess foreclosure feasibility.
- Provided reinstatement and payoff quotes to clients.
- Assisted with short sales and deed in lieu processes.
- Handled customer complaints with relative ease by conducting research, listening carefully and taking appropriate action.
- Assessed aging accounts and initiated collection strategies based on conditions.
- Managed over 100 client calls per day
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of South Carolina
Lancaster, SC05.2018
High School Diploma -
American Academy
05.2002
Skills
- Acute and Critical Care Management
- Precepting
- Psychiatric Care
- Delegation and Motivation
- Infection Control and Aseptic Procedures
- Triage
- Airway Management
- IV Insertion
- Advanced Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Wound Management
- Trauma Protocols
Certification
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- NIH Stoke Scale Certification
- TNCC
- CPI
Timeline
Psychiatric and Trauma Registered Nurse
CrossCountry Healthcare-Caromont Health
10.2022 - Current
Trauma Registered Nurse
Cross Country Healthcare - Prisma Health
10.2021 - 09.2022
Registered Nurse, Emergency Department
MUSC Lancaster
07.2018 - 09.2021
Financial Aid Assistant
University Of South Carolina
09.2015 - 05.2018
Home Health Aide
AngelMates
08.2015 - 07.2018
Loss Mitigation Specialist
CitiFinancial Mortgage
03.2009 - 12.2014
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of South Carolina
High School Diploma -
American Academy
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- NIH Stoke Scale Certification
- TNCC
- CPI
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