Heather Lain
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Compassionate Critical Care Nurse experienced in leadership roles and multidisciplinary team collaboration. Delivers high-impact solutions through critical thinking and effective decision-making under pressure. Committed to continuous learning and innovation in fast-paced environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
3
3
years of post-secondary education
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
ICU Charge Nurse
Lovelace Westside Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
08.2025 - Current
- Supervises nursing staff to uphold quality patient care and safety standards, enhancing overall patient outcomes.
- Assigns specific tasks based on staff strengths and qualifications.
- Provides direct patient care, including assessments and treatments for IMC and ICU levels of care.
- Ensures optimal staffing levels for current and upcoming shifts, aligning with patient needs and maintaining productivity guidelines.
Nurse Manager
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
11.2023 - 07.2025
- Managed staffing schedules to optimize resource allocation and meet patient needs.
- Conducted performance reviews for nursing staff to support professional development.
- Participated in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, orientation of new employees.
- Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication with staff members.
- Conducted regular meetings with staff to discuss concerns or issues related to nursing practices.
Vascular Access Registered Nurse
VICC The PICC
Lodi, California
04.2022 - 01.2025
- Placement of PICC/Midlines for mobile, vascular access needs in acute care facilities, skilled nursing/LTC facilities, and in the patient home setting.
- Confirmation of PICC line placement through the use of ECG technology.
- Evaluation and troubleshooting of established VAD’s.
- Delivery of education to patients and nursing staff in the proper use and maintenance of VAD’s.
Contract RN/Staff Registered Nurse, MICU
VA Medical Center
Albuquerque, NM
04.2022 - 10.2022
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and recovery strategies.
ICU Charge Nurse/PICC Nurse
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
03.2014 - 03.2022
- Effective management of a 12 bed ICU by ensuring efficient patient flow in an out of unit while maintaining appropriate nurse to patient ratios.
- Served as a primary resource for nursing staff in the ICU and hospital wide when uncertainty or emergency situations would arise.
- Lead nursing care on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic in a designated Covid unit.
- Assisted in the implementation of various new processes to improve patient outcomes and employee satisfaction.
- Delegation and prioritization of tasks in rapid response situations.
- Vascular access, including PICC and midline insertions
Charge Nurse/ MET Nurse/ Staff Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
05.2006 - 03.2014
- Promotion to a permanent Charge Nurse role in the 20-bed Adult Intensive Care Unit.
- Direct patient care in the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, IMC, and Adult Intensive Care Unit.
- MET/Rapid Response nursing duties.
- Training and mentorship for new RNs, focusing on best practice, hospital policies, and standards of care.
Education
Associate of Science in Nursing - Nursing/ADN
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NM 04.2003 - 04.2006
Skills
- Acute care expertise
- Critical care management
- Vascular access
- Rapid Response Leadership
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
- Professionalism
- Mentorship training
Accomplishments
- 2015 AACN Circle of Excellence Award for Leadership Development
Certification
- RN
- BLS/ACLS
- NIHSS
Timeline
ICU Charge Nurse
Lovelace Westside Hospital
08.2025 - Current
Nurse Manager
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital
11.2023 - 07.2025
Vascular Access Registered Nurse
VICC The PICC
04.2022 - 01.2025
Contract RN/Staff Registered Nurse, MICU
VA Medical Center
04.2022 - 10.2022
ICU Charge Nurse/PICC Nurse
UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center
03.2014 - 03.2022
Charge Nurse/ MET Nurse/ Staff Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
05.2006 - 03.2014
Associate of Science in Nursing - Nursing/ADN
Central New Mexico Community College
04.2003 - 04.2006