Christopher Dela Cruz, RN, BSN, CCRN
Saylorsburg,PA
Summary
Critical care registered nurse in a high-acuity ICU/cardiac care setting with experience managing complex, hemodynamically unstable patients requiring advanced monitoring and mechanical support. Demonstrated clinical leadership as ICU charge nurse and preceptor, with exposure to IABP transport and ultrasound-guided vascular access, seeking advancement into nurse anesthesia practice.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Full-Time RN, Intensive & Cardiac Care Unit
Cayuga Medical Center
Ithaca, NY
03.2026 - Current
- Deliver comprehensive life-support care to critically ill adult medical, surgical, and cardiac patients.
- Collaborate daily with dedicated Intensivists and specialized multi-disciplinary teams to manage unstable hemodynamics, mechanical ventilation, and continuous cardiac monitoring.
- Managed and monitored patients on intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) support in a high-acuity ICU setting, ensuring accurate timing, waveform interpretation, hemodynamic stability, and rapid response to device alarms and complications in collaboration with the critical care team.
- Titrate advanced vasoactive drips and manage life-sustaining equipment for high-risk patients.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
Full-Time RN, Cardiovascular ICU
UHS Wilson Medical Center
Johnson City, NY
10.2024 - 02.2026
- Deliver comprehensive life-support care to critically ill adult medical, surgical, and cardiac patients.
- Collaborated with intensivists, perfusionists, and nephrology teams to optimize outcomes for patients receiving ECMO, IABP, Impella, and CRRT support in a high-acuity ICU setting.
- Titrate advanced vasoactive drips and manage life-sustaining equipment for high-risk patients.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
Full-Time/Per Diem RN, Operating Room
Cayuga Medical Center
Ithaca, NY
12.2023 - 03.2026
- Assisted with patient positioning, prepping, and draping during surgical procedures to ensure optimal safety and comfort throughout the process.
- Ensured efficient flow of the operating room schedule by coordinating effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and support staff.
- Served as a reliable resource for colleagues in navigating case scenarios, offering expertise on various surgical interventions and troubleshooting challenges encountered during procedures.
- Provided comprehensive education to patients regarding their upcoming surgeries to alleviate anxiety, address concerns, and ensure informed consent was obtained properly.
- Contributed to a high-performing operating room team through consistent collaboration, effective problem-solving, and open communication with peers.
- Enhanced patient safety by diligently following preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative nursing care protocols.
Full-Time RN, Cardiac Telemetry
Lehigh Valley Health Network - Pocono
East Stroudsburg, PA
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Trained and guided new nurses and nursing students in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
Per Diem Nurse Technician, Emergency Department
St. Luke's University Health Network
Stroudsburg, PA
05.2020 - 05.2022
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight.
- Provided activities of daily living by assisting with serving meals, ambulating, turning and positioning patients.
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Provided prompt and accurate services such as CPR and first aid during emergencies.
- Provided personal hygiene assistance, giving baths and performing dress changes for patients.
- Maintained records of patient progress and services performed to report changes in patient condition.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA05.2022
High School Diploma -
Pleasant Valley High School
Brodheadsville, PA06.2018
Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Medication Administration
- Telemetry Monitoring
- Intravenous Therapy
- Electronic Charting
- Injury Prevention
- Biological Specimen Handling
- Infection Prevention and Control
Advanced Clinical Leadership & Skills
ICCU Charge Nurse
- Coordinated staffing, prioritized patient assignments, and managed unit flow for high-acuity critical care patients
CVICU Preceptor
- Mentored and evaluated new ICU nurses, focusing on hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, and critical care decision-making
ICCU IABP Transport Team
- Trained and assisted in interfacility transport of patients requiring intra-aortic balloon pump support, ensuring hemodynamic stability and device safety
Ultrasound-Guided Vascular Access Training
- Trained in ultrasound-assisted vascular access to improve vascular access success and patient safety in critically ill populations
Member of ICCU Unit Improvement Council
- Participated in workflow optimization and patient safety initiatives within the ICU setting
Clinical Exposure/Shadowing
Shadowing Experience
- Completed 24 hours of shadowing experience with a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), observing perioperative anesthesia management, airway management, and hemodynamic monitoring in the surgical setting
Certification
- CCRN Certification
- ACLS Certification
- PALS Certification
- BLS Certification
- Registered Nurse — New York & PA Licenses
- AORN Periop 101 Certification of Completion
- Foundations of Infection Control (NY State) Certification of Completion
Professional Engagement/Community Work
- Participated in hospital nursing advocacy efforts during the NYSNA-led staffing and safety initiatives, supporting efforts to improve patient safety and working conditions.
- Submitted public comments to federal regulatory proceedings (Regulations.gov) advocating for recognition of advanced practice nursing within definitions of professional nursing education classifications.
- Engaged directly with lawmakers in advocacy lobbying efforts to support legislation promoting safer staffing ratios at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg
- Volunteering at non-profit organization Loaves & Fishes, preparing and serving healthy, free meals to the Tompkins County community
- Writing, performing, and recording music for 8+ years. Toured and managed acts regionally.
- Lead as an event organizer for regional non-profit DIY music booking collective, Practice At, in Ithaca, NY from September 2023–November 2024.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Professional Working
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Full-Time RN, Intensive & Cardiac Care Unit
Cayuga Medical Center
03.2026 - Current
Full-Time RN, Cardiovascular ICU
UHS Wilson Medical Center
10.2024 - 02.2026
Full-Time/Per Diem RN, Operating Room
Cayuga Medical Center
12.2023 - 03.2026
Full-Time RN, Cardiac Telemetry
Lehigh Valley Health Network - Pocono
06.2022 - 06.2023
Per Diem Nurse Technician, Emergency Department
St. Luke's University Health Network
05.2020 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
High School Diploma -
Pleasant Valley High School