Angelique Varela
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse with extensive experience in high-acuity environments, including intensive care and oncology. Expertise in managing complex patient needs, leading interdisciplinary teams, and advocating for evidence-based practices. Dedicated to improving patient outcomes through effective communication and continuous professional development.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse – Intensive Care Unit
Lovelace Medical Center
Albuquerque, NM
12.2024 - Current
- Provide high-acuity support for patients with sepsis, ARDS, multi-organ failure, and postoperative complications.
- Monitor ventilators, central lines, arterial lines, and CRRT.
- Administer complex medications and therapies.
- Assist with rapid response and code blue events.
- Work with intensivists, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists during interdisciplinary rounds.
- Supervised nursing staff during critical shifts, ensuring adherence to patient care standards and quality outcomes.
- Coordinated patient admissions and discharges, streamlining workflow and improving care transitions.
- Mentored and trained new nursing staff on best practices, enhancing team competency and patient care delivery.
- Provided leadership during emergency situations including code blue and rapid response calls.
Registered Nurse – Oncology Unit
Presbyterian Rust Hospital
Rio Rancho, NM
07.2022 - 12.2024
- Administer chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments per protocol.
- Monitored adverse reactions and managed complex symptom profiles to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Coordinated care with oncology team and palliative services to optimize treatment plans and improve patient outcomes.
- Educate patients and families on treatment plans, side effects, and supportive resources.
- Delivered compassionate end-of-life care and implemented effective pain management strategies for patients and families.
Nurse Extern – Trauma/Burn Inpatient Unit
University of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
12.2021 - 08.2022
- Supported RN-led care for trauma and burn patients in a Level 1 Trauma Center.
- Monitored vital signs, assisted with ADLs, and tracked intake/output to support patient health.
- Provided attentive bedside care to enhance patient safety and comfort.
- Documented patient data in EMR and supported wound care and hygiene to maintain patient well-being.
Specimen Lab Technician III
Quest Diagnostics Core Lab
Albuquerque, NM
04.2017 - 01.2021
- Processed and analyzed specimens to support accurate diagnostic testing.
- Maintained quality control standards, ensuring reliable data entry and compliance.
- Trained new staff on lab protocols and safety procedures to enhance team competency.
Phlebotomist Technician I
Quest Diagnostics at Lovelace Westside/Women’s Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Executed venipuncture and prepared specimens to ensure accurate testing.
- Facilitated patient comfort and safety during collection procedures to enhance patient experience.
- Upheld infection control and lab standards to support quality patient care.
Clinical Lab Assistant I
UNM Hospital Tricore Reference Laboratory
Albuquerque, NM
04.2015 - 07.2016
- Conducted phlebotomy and processed specimens to support accurate diagnostic testing.
- Performed quality control and entered test codes to ensure reliable lab results.
- Prepared and processed patient samples for laboratory analysis.
- Maintained laboratory equipment to ensure proper functioning and safety standards.
- Assisted in managing inventory of lab supplies and reagents.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
08-2026
Associate Degree - Nursing
Central New Mexico Community College
01-2022
Associate Degree - Integrated Studies
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NMSkills
- Critical care and ICU nursing
- Ventilator and hemodynamic monitoring
- Rapid response management
- Trauma and burn support
- Chemotherapy and immunotherapy administration
- EMR documentation (Epic, Cerner)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and discharge planning
- Ethical decision-making and end-of-life care
- Patient and family education
- Phlebotomy and specimen analysis
- Time management and prioritization
- Team leadership
Certification
NM RN License #68494, ACLS & BLS Certified, Chemotherapy Certified, Phlebotomy Certificate, Nursing Assistant Certificate, Health Well/Public Safety Certificate
Awards & Recognition
Daisy Award Nominee, 2023, Guardian Angel Award Recipient, 2023
Disclaimer
References available upon request
Timeline
Registered Nurse – Intensive Care Unit
Lovelace Medical Center
12.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse – Oncology Unit
Presbyterian Rust Hospital
07.2022 - 12.2024
Nurse Extern – Trauma/Burn Inpatient Unit
University of New Mexico Hospital
12.2021 - 08.2022
Specimen Lab Technician III
Quest Diagnostics Core Lab
04.2017 - 01.2021
Phlebotomist Technician I
Quest Diagnostics at Lovelace Westside/Women’s Hospital
08.2016 - 02.2017
Clinical Lab Assistant I
UNM Hospital Tricore Reference Laboratory
04.2015 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Associate Degree - Nursing
Central New Mexico Community College
Associate Degree - Integrated Studies
Central New Mexico Community College