Gelen Horta Hernandez

As a CVICU, or cardiovascular intensive care unit nurse, I specialize in the care of critically ill patients with heart and vascular problems. I provide advanced medical care in this fast-paced, dynamic cardiac nursing specialty and ensure patients receive specialized and lifesaving care when they need it most.

Also as CVICU nurse I have to manage complex equipment and powerful medications while skillfully guiding my patients through what is often a very challenging and difficult time. I hope that my knowledge, skill, and compassion make a tangible difference in the lives of my patients every day.

• Continuous monitoring and assessment of patients for both subtle and significant changes in vital signs and physiologic functions.
• Administration of multiple complex and continuous intravenous (IV) medications that support cardiac function, provide sedation, and more.
• Management of cardiac monitors, invasive monitors, central lines, arterial lines, ventilators, chest tubes, and other specialized medical equipment.
• Alerting the interdisciplinary care team to the patient’s progress, changes, and individualized needs.
• Responding to emergencies, performing CPR, and using advanced life support techniques to help patients who have stopped breathing or lost a pulse.
• Frequent blood draws, dressing changes, wound care, and more.

• Worked in clinical care units with respirators, IV’s and a sterile environment
• Assessed and monitored patient status and provided personal care
• Participated on a health care team to plan and provide quality care for patients
• Conducted head to toe assessments of patients
• Assisted with exams and treatments, and maintained patient charts
• Administered injections and medications as ordered by the physician
• Initiated oxygen therapy, and collected venous blood specimens
• Evaluated patient knowledge and provided education as needed
• Interacted with patients and their families to promote a supportive environment
• Established climate fostering privacy