PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
CORE COMPETENCIES
PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS
Timeline

Erica Rubio-Pena, BSN, RN

Medical Solutions
Ventura,CA
2
Languages
1
Certification
12
years of professional experience

Critical Care Registered Nurse with over 11 years of progressive nursing experience, including 9 years in high-acuity ICU clinical operations and 6 years as a travel critical care nurse. Proven ability to rapidly assess complex clinical situations, synthesize large volumes of information, identify changes in patient condition, and make sound, timely decisions in fast-paced environments.

Throughout my career, I have cared for critically ill and medically complex patients while coordinating care across multidisciplinary teams, managing competing priorities, and maintaining clear, accurate documentation. My experience as a travel nurse has strengthened my adaptability, self-direction, communication, and the ability to quickly learn new systems, workflows, technologies, and organizational standards while consistently delivering safe, high-quality care.

I bring a strong foundation in critical thinking, risk identification, clinical documentation, patient advocacy, and evidence-based decision-making, with a demonstrated ability to manage complex information and communicate effectively with patients, providers, and interdisciplinary stakeholders.

Recognized for adaptability, accountability, attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach, I am seeking to leverage my critical care expertise and broad clinical experience in a nursing role where I can improve care coordination, support quality outcomes, identify clinical needs, and help patients navigate complex healthcare decisions.

Work History

Critical Care Travel Nurse

6 Years
Medical Solutions | 08.2020 - 08.2026
  • Coordinating high-quality, compassionate nursing care to critically ill patients in various healthcare settings throughout travel assignments while adapting to rapidly changing clinical conditions and maintaining efficient unit operations.
  • Providing critical care clinical operations throughout travel assignments in diverse healthcare systems, rapidly adapting to new environments while maintaining safe patient outcomes.
  • Building rapport with new teammates and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive and individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
  • Administering critical care infusions and medications safely, monitoring vital signs, and promptly responding to changes in patient conditions.
  • Delivering comprehensive patient care in high-acuity settings, by prioritizing competing needs while ensuring safety and comfort.
  • Educating patients and families on care procedures, fostering clear communication, and evaluating understanding during critical situations for improved compliance and outcomes.

ICU Charge Nurse/Rapid Response Nurse

2 Years 7 Months
Merit Healthy Wesley | 01.2018 - 08.2020
  • Coordinated safety huddle meetings with ICU staff, ensuring optimal patient care and adherence to protocols for patient safety.
  • Facilitated onboarding for new team members.
  • Mentored and trained nursing staff on best practices and emergency response procedures, improving team readiness and patient outcomes.
  • Collaborated with House Nursing Supervisor to streamline workflow processes, enhancing efficiency in patient admissions and discharges.
  • Used clinical judgement to respond to hospitalized patients with early signs of deterioration or at risk for cardiac and respiratory arrest for improved patient outcomes.
  • Responded to Code Blue and Rapid Response events while maintaining ACLS compliance.
  • Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions, requiring CRRT, Balloon Pump, and Impella devices following standards of care while providing compassionate care and support to families.

Staff – Intensive Care Unit

3 Years 7 Months
Wesley Medical Center | 01.2017 - 08.2020
  • Delivered comprehensive nursing care to critically ill adult ICU patients with complex medical and surgical conditions, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and maintaining efficient unit operations.
  • Coordinated care for ventilated patients following safe patient practices by monitoring, suctioning, sedation management, and weaning protocols to enhance respiratory function.
  • Followed operational standards to manage patients receiving CRRT, invasive hemodynamic monitoring, and advanced cardiovascular support.
  • Administered vasoactive medications, sedatives, analgesics, insulin infusions, and other high-risk medications using evidence-based protocols.
  • Performed comprehensive patient assessments and recognized subtle clinical changes requiring immediate intervention by prioritizing competing patient needs.
  • Collaborated and coordinated care closely with physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and multidisciplinary care teams.
  • Assist physicians with procedures and treatment protocols including moderate sedation for bedside
    EGD and Colonoscopy procedures enforcing clinical standards.
  • Maintained and enforced sterile technique by identifying contamination risks and addressing protocol deviations and ensuring compliance with infection prevention standards during central line placement, arterial line insertion, bronchoscopy, and intubation procedures.
  • Educated patients and families about treatment plans, disease processes, and discharge planning to foster understanding and promote better health outcomes.

Telemetry Registered Nurse

2 Years 4 Months
Wesley Medical Center | 01.2015 - 05.2017
  • Analyzed telemetry data to identify changes in patient conditions, prompting timely interventions.
  • Optimized workflow efficiency with a six patient assignment by prioritizing tasks according to urgency and collaborating with fellow nurses during peak periods of activity.
  • Ensured patient safety through vigilance in infection control practices, falls prevention strategies, and medication administration protocols.
  • Enhanced teamwork within the telemetry unit through active participation in daily huddles, shift handoffs, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
  • Coordinated incident investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.
  • Led safety meetings, fostering a culture of open communication regarding risk management.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing Science

United States University | San Diego, California | 05-2025
  • Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Member
  • Summa Cum Laude Graduate

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Pearl River Community College | Poplarville, MS | 12-2013
  • Student Nursing Association
  • Phi Theta Kappa

Skills

Cerner
Epic
Meditech
Analytical skills
Critical thinking
Trouble shooting and Problem resolution
Attention to detail
High-pressure decision-making
Adaptability
Multidisciplinary collaboration

Certification

  • Mississippi Board of Nursing License Multistate, R896480
  • California Board of Nursing License, 95218014
  • Basic Life Support (BLS), May 2027
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), October 2026
  • NIH Stroke Scale, July 2027

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Critical Care Nursing
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring
  • Mechanical Ventilation
  • Vasopressor & Sedation Management
  • CRRT & Renal Support
  • Arterial Lines & Central Lines
  • Chest Tubes & Drain Management
  • Rapid Response & Code Blue
  • ACLS & BLS Certified
  • Sepsis Recognition & Management
  • Stroke & Neurological Assessment
  • Medication Administration
  • Electronic Medical Records (Cerner, Epic, Meditech etc.)
  • Patient & Family Education
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

  • Exceptional critical thinking and clinical decision-making
  • Excellent communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams
  • Ability to prioritize care in fast-paced, high-acuity environments
  • Adaptable and calm during emergencies
  • Strong patient advocate with a commitment to quality improvement and evidence-based practice

Timeline

Critical Care Travel Nurse

Medical Solutions
08.2020 - 08.2026Read More

ICU Charge Nurse/Rapid Response Nurse

Merit Healthy Wesley
01.2018 - 08.2020Read More

Staff – Intensive Care Unit

Wesley Medical Center
01.2017 - 08.2020Read More

Telemetry Registered Nurse

Wesley Medical Center
01.2015 - 05.2017Read More

United States University

Bachelor of Science from Nursing Science
Read More

Pearl River Community College

Associate of Applied Science from Nursing
Read More
Erica Rubio-Pena, BSN, RN