Dithma Needham
Haughton,LA
Summary
Versatile clinical educator with a strong foundation in procedural support, staff training, and cross-functional collaboration in critical care and cardiovascular settings. Currently supporting Impella education and adoption as an Area Clinical Consultant at Abiomed, delivering real-time case support, protocol development, and bedside instruction across ICU, CVOR, and cath lab teams. Experienced RN with advanced clinical knowledge in cardiogenic shock, post-op cardiac surgery care, ECMO, and Impella. Former U.S. Air Force Aerospace Physiology Technician and NCOIC, skilled in human performance training, simulation-based education, and emergency preparedness under high-pressure conditions. Known for clear communication, adaptability, and a commitment to elevating team performance through impactful education.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Abiomed Clinical Consultant
Johnson & Johnson, Medical Devices
08.2023 - Current
- Led clinical education and case support across multiple hospitals, ensuring safe and consistent use of Impella devices in high-risk PCI and cardiogenic shock scenarios.
- Delivered targeted bedside instruction during complex procedures, empowering teams to manage Impella confidently under pressure.
- Designed and facilitated high-impact in-services, Harvi training, and post-case debriefs to deepen cross-functional clinical knowledge.
- Conducted needs assessments with ICU, cath lab, and OR leadership to develop custom training plans that elevated team competency and patient care.
- Mentored new Abiomed clinical staff and served as a regional training resource, accelerating ramp-up time and improving field readiness
- Developed adaptive teaching strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners, from new grad RNs, residents/fellows to seasoned interventionalists
- Partnered with physicians and hospital educators to implement structured shock education and escalation protocols, driving earlier intervention and improved outcomes.
- Supported system-wide adoption of heart recovery strategies through consistent, high-quality clinical education and multidisciplinary alignment.
- Delivered advanced scenario-based training to prepare teams for rare but critical Impella emergencies, including device escalation, repositioning, and ECMO conversion.
- Consistently recognized by leadership for outstanding communication, training delivery, and ability to elevate clinical performance across diverse hospital teams.
Abiomed Per Diem Clinical Educator
Johnson & Johnson, Medical Devices
04.2022 - 07.2023
- Provided as-needed clinical education/bedside support for hospitals using Impella, ensuring staff competency/confidence during high-risk PCI and cardiogenic shock cases
- Addressed immediate knowledge gaps through focused education for ICU, cath lab and OR staff
- Delivered real-time guidance during procedures to optimize device use and patient outcomes
- Collaborated with full-time clinical team members to maintain continuity of education and ensure a consistent standard of care across institutions
- Adapted quickly to diverse hospital environments and team dynamics, reinforcing Abiomed's best practices and promoting heart recovery strategies during short-term assignments
Registered Nurse, CVOR
Willis Knighton Medical Center
08.2020 - 07.2023
- Assisted surgeons in complex cardiothoracic procedures, showcasing advanced clinical skills and knowledge.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills while serving as charge nurse, overseeing daily operations of the CVOR unit.
- Mentored new nurses, fostering teamwork and skill development within the department.
- Led classroom training sessions on emergency bedside resternotomy for ICU staff, enhancing preparedness and interdisciplinary response during post-op cardiac emergencies
- Participated actively in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency levels within the CVOR department.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between different phases of the surgical process by maintaining open lines of communication among the CVOR team members.
- Maintained a sterile operating environment, adhering to strict infection control protocols.
Registered Nurse, CVICU
Willis Knighton Medical Center
01.2018 - 07.2023
- Delivered critical care to post-cardiac surgery patients, including transplant, VAD, and ECMO, in high-acuity CVICU environment
- Recovered over 600 post-operative open-heart surgeries, assessing, monitoring, and intervening as appropriate based on early recognition of hemodynamic changes
- Served as Charge Nurse, managing unit workflow, staffing and clinical escalation across multidisciplinary teams
- Assisted in bedside resternotomy and emergent procedures, ensuring rapid intervention during cardiac tamponade and arrest
- Supported VV/VA ECMO cannulation and decannulation at the bedside, collaborating with perfusion and surgical teams
- Precepted new nurses and led clinical education on advanced devices including Impella, CRRT, ECMO and IABP
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
USAFR
10.2014 - 10.2017
- Managed the release of information process, safeguarding sensitive patient data while adhering to legal requirements.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately organizing and maintaining medical records and health information.
- Implemented quality control measures within the department, resulting in improved accuracy rates in medical record keeping.
Human Performance Training Specialist
USAF
06.2013 - 10.2014
- Designed and delivered mission-critical training on human performance optimization to aircrew, emphasizing physiological readiness and in-flight safety.
- Instructed pilots and flight teams in high-G tolerance, hypoxia recognition, and emergency response protocols using simulation-based learning.
- Led classroom and hands-on sessions tailored to varied learning styles, ensuring retention of complex concepts under pressure.
- Collaborated with medical and operational teams to develop training curricula that improved team performance and decision-making in high-stress environments.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through post-session assessments and feedback, continuously refining content to meet evolving operational needs.
Aerospace Physiology Instructor & Team Supervisor
USAF
10.2004 - 07.2013
- Delivered high-risk physiological support during real-world high-altitude airdrop missions as a certified member of the elite HAAMS team, ensuring in-flight safety and performance of aircrew and personnel.
- Instructed over 1,000 aircrew members annually on aerospace physiology, including hypoxia recognition, G-force tolerance, and high-altitude operational safety.
- Led simulation-based training using altitude chambers and emergency scenarios to reinforce physiological principles and life-saving interventions.
- Served as NCOIC of Aerospace Physiology, managing daily operations, training schedules, and professional development for junior technicians.
- Developed and refined instructional curricula to align with USAF standards, improving training outcomes and operational readiness.
- Partnered with medical, flight, and operational units to assess mission-specific needs and tailor training solutions that enhanced real-world performance.
- Recognized for leadership and instructional excellence, directly contributing to mission readiness and the successful execution of high-altitude operation
Neurocognitive Testing Proctor
USAF
07.2009 - 05.2013
- Administered baseline and post-incident ANAM cognitive assessments to evaluate neurocognitive function in aircrew and personnel following potential TBI events
- Ensured standardized testing protocols, safeguarded medical data, and coordinated with medical teams to support safe return-to-duty decisions
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Shreveport, LA05-2026
Associate of Science - Nursing
Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, LA12.2017
Associate in Applied Science - Aerospace Physiology Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL06.2014
Skills
- Leadership, mentorship & team collaboration
- Strong communicator with passion for empowering clinicians
- Clinical Education & bedside training
- High-risk PCI & cardiogenic shock support
- Adaptable, calm under pressure & mission driven
- Impella, ECMO, IABP, CRRT expertise
- Simulation-based & adult learning instruction
- Protocol development & competency building
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel & Teams
- Multidisciplinary team training & alignment
- Curriculum design & staff onboarding
- Real-time device troubleshooting & escalation
Certification
- Heartmate II and Heartmate III LVAD Certification| 2020-present
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification| 2020-present
- Licensed Registered Nurse Louisiana State Board of Nursing | 2018-present
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification | 2018-present
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification | 2018-present
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Stroke Certification | 2018-present
Timeline
Abiomed Clinical Consultant
Johnson & Johnson, Medical Devices
08.2023 - Current
Abiomed Per Diem Clinical Educator
Johnson & Johnson, Medical Devices
04.2022 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse, CVOR
Willis Knighton Medical Center
08.2020 - 07.2023
Registered Nurse, CVICU
Willis Knighton Medical Center
01.2018 - 07.2023
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
USAFR
10.2014 - 10.2017
Human Performance Training Specialist
USAF
06.2013 - 10.2014
Neurocognitive Testing Proctor
USAF
07.2009 - 05.2013
Aerospace Physiology Instructor & Team Supervisor
USAF
10.2004 - 07.2013
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Associate of Science - Nursing
Bossier Parish Community College
Associate in Applied Science - Aerospace Physiology Technology
Community College of The Air Force
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