Denise Cardona

Registered nurse with almost 19 years experience. From 2006-2013, worked in a Cardiac Step-down unit caring for various cardiac patients dealing with either heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, heart blocks, STEMI and post cardiac catheterization procedures.

In 2013, transferred to a Cardio thoracic Step-down unit. After five years on CT Step-down, I then transferred to CTICU. I am presently still working in CTICU, within a critical and complex patient care setting. Extensive knowledge of hemodynamics.

Upon request.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (current)

PALS (current)

• Implement CALS (Cardiac Surgery Advanced Life Support) protocol to work setting. Assisted in giving input and organizing the open heart/sternotomy cart to make it more user friendly, simple and less chaotic during an open heart code.
• Attend critical care classes and skills lab to update my knowledge and have become the chief preceptor and have successfully oriented most of our new nurses to be proficient in advanced understanding of hemodynamics. Created personalized notes and study guides on the management of patients who require the assistance of an IMPELLA and an IABP who are in cardiogenic shock.
• Manage patients who require Swan Ganz, IABP, IMPELLA, ECMO and CRRT care
• Subject matter expert in the recovery of post CABG, AVR, MVR, TAVR and post cardiac cath procedures.
• Subject matter expert in the use of epicardial pacing for patient's that are bradycardic with or without symptoms for increased cardiac output
• Work diligently with CT team to promote hemodynamic stability and to prevent or reverse patient's potential acidotic state.
• Work consistently in coordinating and acts as a liaison with nursing staff, R.T., PT, pharmacy, nurse assistants, dietitian and swallow therapists to speed up recovery and rehab process.
• Serves as patient and family advocate and able to establish good rapport. Maintain care and compassion during patient's time of need and during emergent and stressful situations.
• Communicate in a positive, polite and vibrant manner to my colleagues and patients and their family. I am told I am very helpful, approachable, easy going and respectful to my co- workers as well as other disciplines that I encounter.

Cardio thoracic ICU RN

Cardio thoracic Step-down RN

Cardiac Step-down RN