Ciara Carlson
Erie,CO
Summary
ICU nurse with 4+ years of experience caring for critically ill patients across pulmonary, cardiac, neuro, and multi-system conditions. Currently in school as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I bring a hands-on, patient-centered approach to complex care and thrive on creating individualized plans that improve outcomes. I enjoy guiding patients and families through challenging health journeys while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Known for leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, I’m ready to bring my critical care expertise, curiosity, and compassion to make a meaningful impact in any NP role.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ICU Registered Nurse
Boulder Community Health
Boulder, CO
07.2025 - Current
- Provided advanced care for critically ill patients across pulmonary, neurological, cardiac, and general ICUs, managing acute and chronic complex conditions including ARDS, stroke, MI, sepsis, and multi-organ failure.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Managed mechanical ventilation, including ARDS protocols, weaning strategies, and non-invasive ventilation, optimizing patient respiratory outcomes.
- Conducted continuous hemodynamic monitoring and titration of vasoactive medications to maintain patient stability in high-acuity settings.
- Performed and managed advanced procedures including central lines, arterial lines, Swan-Ganz catheters, chest tubes, and rapid sequence intubation.
- Lead or participated in code blue and rapid response teams, ensuring rapid, evidence-based intervention for life-threatening emergencies.
- Mentored and precepted new ICU nurses, promoting skill development, adherence to best practices, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives that reduced ICU complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), and pressure injuries.
- Delivered patient and family education for complex disease management and post-discharge care, enhancing continuity of care.
Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Westchester Medical Center
Valhalla, NY
03.2023 - 05.2025
- Compassionate and highly skilled ICU Nurse with 3.5 years of experience providing critical care to patients in high-acuity intensive care units.
- Adept at monitoring and stabilizing critically ill patients, administering advanced life support, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional patient care.
- Patient Monitoring & Assessment – Continuously evaluate and interpret vital signs, lab results, hemodynamic parameters (e.g., arterial lines) to detect and respond to changes in patient condition.
- Critical Care Interventions – Administer IV medications, titrate drips, manage chest tubes, and assist with bedside procedures (e.g., central line insertion, intubation).
- Advanced Life Support – Proficient in ACLS, ventilator management, vasopressor administration, and emergency interventions such as intubation, CPR, and defibrillation.
- ICU-Specific Technologies – Experienced with EMR systems (Cerner), ventilators, IV pumps, EVD, CRRT.
Nurse's Aide
Helen Hayes Hospital
Stony Point, NY
01.2020 - 03.2023
- Maintained patient vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate.
- Stay attentive to patient needs by quickly answering call lights and responding to requests.
- Assisted nurses with treatments and patient charting.
- Transported patients around the hospital, lifting them on to beds, into wheelchairs, to and from bathroom.
- Observed patients for physical behavioral changes such as mental focus, lack of appetite or sleep and reported finding to Nurse.
- Utilized knowledge of available resources to ensure patient advocacy and support.
Education
High School Diploma -
North Rockland High School
Thiells, NY05-2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Rockland Community College
Suffern, NY12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain University
Chicago, IL04-2024
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, CO08-2027
Skills
- Manage mechanical ventilation and ventilator weaning for critically ill patients
- Provide care for acute and chronic respiratory failure
- Initiate and titrate CPAP/BiPAP therapy; interpret pulmonary function tests
- Deliver multi-system ICU management across all ICU patients
- Develop individualized care plans based on patient needs and evidence-based practice
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes
- Provide patient and family education and chronic disease counseling
- Serve as charge nurse and preceptor, mentoring new nurses and trainees
Certification
- ACLS
- TNCC
- Neurocritical Care Training
- NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
- PALS
- BLS
Languages
English
Timeline
ICU Registered Nurse
Boulder Community Health
07.2025 - Current
Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Westchester Medical Center
03.2023 - 05.2025
Nurse's Aide
Helen Hayes Hospital
01.2020 - 03.2023
High School Diploma -
North Rockland High School
Associate of Science - Nursing
Rockland Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain University
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Colorado Technical University