Gwendolyn Simmons

Critical Care Unit

• Demonstrated adaptability in rapidly adjusting to changing unit assignments, consistently maintaining high-quality care delivery across various clinical settings

Medical-Surgical ICU

• Provided bedside care for critically ill adult patients with diagnoses including sepsis, respiratory failure, post-cardiac arrest, GI bleeds, CVA, DKA, CHF, MI, renal failure, overdoses, and various post-op complications
• Cared for post-surgical patients following gastrointestinal, urological, vascular, and OB/GYN procedures
• Managed ventilators and titrated vasoactive, sedative, paralytic, thrombolytic, antiarrhythmic, and insulin infusions
• Interpreted lab and hemodynamic data; collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize care
• Assisted with procedures including intubation, central and peripheral line insertions, NG tube placement, and Foley catheter insertions. Utilized train-of-four monitoring to guide neuromuscular blockade and assisted with patient proning

COVID ICU

• Delivered high-acuity care to COVID-19 patients with ARDS, PE, pneumothorax, respiratory and cardiac arrest, renal failure, and hemodynamic instability
• Applied expertise in ABG interpretation and mechanical ventilation modes
• Assisted with intubation, ETT exchanges, central and arterial line placements, and chest tube insertions
• Titrated multiple infusions including vasopressors, sedatives, paralytics, antiarrhythmics, insulin, and anticoagulants
• Managed neuromuscular blockade using train-of-four in paralyzed, proned patients
• Communicated clearly and empathetically with families during critical illness

COVID Infusion Center

• Administered monoclonal antibody infusions to COVID-positive and high-risk patients
• Educated patients, obtained informed consent, reconciled medications, initiated IV access, and monitored for infusion reactions
• Responded promptly to adverse events using established protocols.

Quality Analyst

• Reviewed all mortalities and hospital-acquired conditions; tracked and analyzed unplanned returns to the OR
• Created detailed reports by physician and specialty to support quality improvement initiatives
• Managed the TCAR registry for data collection and compliance reporting

Surgical ICU

• Recovered postoperative patients following major abdominal procedures including Whipple procedures and colectomies
• Monitored and managed patients with complications such as anastomotic leaks, fistulas, pneumonia, and sepsis
• Performed continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) for patients in acute renal failure
• Managed pain control using PCA pumps and epidural infusions
• Cared for obstetrical cases requiring vasopressor support
• Provided rapid, large-volume blood transfusions during emergency situations such as motor vehicle accidents and other traumatic injuries

Critical Care Float
Floated between Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) and ICU

• Delivered specialized care for postoperative cardiothoracic patients, including interpreting and monitoring hemodynamic data from pulmonary artery catheters and outputs
• Managed pleural and myocardial chest tubes, epicardial pacemakers, multiple blake drains and performed extubations and mobilizations

ICU

• Managed diverse critical illnesses and complex pathophysiology including sepsis, respiratory failure, post-cardiac arrest care, myocardial infarction, and multi-organ dysfunction to broaden clinical expertise
• Operated life support technologies including mechanical ventilation, pulmonary artery catheters, intra-aortic balloon pumps, EKOS catheter-directed thrombolysis, and target temperature management
• Utilized advanced pacing techniques such as transcutaneous and transvenous pacemakers
• Administered and titrated vasopressors, inotropes, sedation, and paralytics in high-acuity, fast-paced environments
• Enhanced critical thinking and clinical decision-making through hands-on experience in pressure situations
• Responded to cardiac and respiratory emergencies in accordance with BLS and ACLS protocols

Cardiac Step-Down Units

• Cared for patients with CHF exacerbation, pre- CABG, and arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation with RVR
• Managed pre- and post-procedural care for cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology lab patients; monitored and interpreted cardiac rhythms

Cardiac Step-Down Unit

• Managed patients with myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmias, DVT, and endocarditis
• Coordinated treatments including cardiac catheterization, cardioversion, ablation, and pacemaker/defibrillator placement
• Administered cardiac medications and infusions; ensured pre-op preparation and documentation for surgical candidates

Medical-Surgical Unit

• Developed foundational nursing skills including patient care, assessments, documentation, and time management
• Managed and prioritized care for up to seven patients with diverse medical and post-surgical needs
• Collaborated with physicians, therapists, and case managers to deliver timely and effective patient care
• Provided discharge education and ensured smooth care transitions