Heilea Hitzelberger
Sewell,NJ
Summary
Dynamic critical care nurse with 17 years of experience. Highly trained in neonatal, pediatric and adult critical care nursing with a strong background as a critical care transport nurse. Expertise includes advanced patient care, emergency response, and life support protocols. Known for effective team collaboration, adaptability, and maintaining high standards in challenging environments.
Skilled in patient assessment, critical decision-making, and comprehensive patient support during transport. Recognized for reliability and consistent achievement of positive patient outcomes.
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse
Virtua Memorial Hospital
Mount Holly, NJ
07.2013 - 05.2015
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Actively participated in multidisciplinary rounds discussing each case thoroughly thus ensuring all aspects are covered leading to informed decisions.
- Served as a resource for other nursing staff members on pediatric emergency care topics, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Managed complex medical equipment during critical situations, ensuring proper functioning and timely response to emergencies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Safely administered medications and treatments, adhering to strict protocols for pediatric dosages and calculations.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing empathetic and compassionate care to children and their families.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall clinical outcomes for pediatric patients in the emergency room setting.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic procedures such as lumbar punctures, suturing lacerations, or inserting intravenous lines when needed.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of pediatric patients, identifying urgent needs and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments practicing as a single care provider SCTU RN.
Pediatric Cardiac ICU Registered Nurse
The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, CHOP
Philadelphia, PA
01.2009 - 05.2015
- Participated in code blue situations as an integral member of the resuscitation team, applying advanced life-saving techniques under high-stress scenarios.
- Utilized advanced technical skills to operate life-supporting equipment such as ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machines.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality, evidence-based care in a fast-paced Cardiac ICU setting.
- Liaised with patients following cardiothoracic surgical procedures, providing support and education on post-surgical care.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by fostering trust through compassionate communication and empathetic listening skills.
- Anticipated potential complications in high-risk cardiac patients through vigilant assessment of vital signs trends and EKG changes, initiating prompt interventions.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Demonstrated competency in the administration of various cardiac medications such as antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, vasopressors, and inotropes for optimal therapeutic effects.
- Provided continuous hemodynamic monitoring for critically ill patients, adjusting treatments accordingly to optimize outcomes.
- Served as a preceptor for new nursing staff members, sharing clinical expertise and guiding them towards professional development.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Educated families on cardiac conditions, treatment options, and post-discharge care, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
- Produced care plans in alignment with physical, psychosocial and learning needs of patients, achieving commendations for compassionate treatment.
- Guided patients, caregivers, and family members on plans of treatment and helpful resources available locally to support care.
Critical Care Transport Nurse
Inspira Medical Center
Millville, NJ
01.2022 - Current
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Operated medical equipment efficiently during transports, including HFNC, ventilators, IV pumps, and invasive neurological and cardiac monitoring devices including ICP devices and Balloon Pumps.
- Implemented advanced life support measures when necessary, stabilizing patients prior to arrival at destination facilities.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment in identifying potential complications early on during transports; prioritizing interventions based on severity.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient conditions en route between facilities, modifying treatment plans as needed for optimal outcomes.
- Contributed to ongoing quality improvement initiatives within the critical care transport team by identifying areas for improvement and suggesting actionable solutions.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Cross-trained as an MICN provider on ALS units collaborating with medical command as needed and adhering to state protocols.
- Practiced as a single care provider SCTU RN managing ventilators, advanced hemodynamics monitoring and infusions independently.
Critical Care Flight Nurse
The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, CHOP
Philadelphia, PA
10.2017 - 11.2022
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Utilized advanced flight nursing knowledge and skills to provide exceptional patient care in challenging environments while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
- Performed wide range of specialized functions and complex assessments, diagnoses, therapies and emergency treatment of patients transported by rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.
- Enhanced flight safety by conducting thorough pre-flight checks and ensuring proper equipment functionality.
- Assessed for and detected changes in status of patients and demonstrated proactive approach to solving patient problems.
- Provided compassionate support to patients'' families during difficult times while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Performed advanced clinical interventions as needed to stabilize patients during transport, improving their chances for recovery upon arrival at receiving facilities.
- Exercised sound decision-making abilities when faced with complex or rapidly changing situations involving critically ill or injured patients.
- Facilitated teamwork among crew members through clear communication channels and mutual respect for individual roles and responsibilities.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Supervised enplaning, securing and deplaning of patients and liaised between medical and operational aircrews and support personnel to facilitate multidisciplinary care.
- Communicated effectively with pilots and other crew members to optimize in-flight operations and patient care.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment in assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating nursing care for critical patients.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Promoted collaboration among medical team members through effective communication strategies during challenging cases.
- Maintained flight medicine knowledge base by attending mandatory meetings, performing chart and equipment reviews, skills labs and clinical rotations and participating in continuing education sessions for care and transport of critically ill and injured patients.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Evaluated patient response to interventions and adjusted care plans as needed, ensuring optimal outcomes for diverse patient populations.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Pediatric Critical Care Registered Nurse
Aureus Medical Group - Nursing Division
Omaha, NE
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Reduced complications from invasive procedures through meticulous monitoring and prompt intervention.
- Decreased medication errors through vigilance in medication administration, verification processes, and timely documentation updates.
- Optimized resource utilization by coordinating with ancillary staff on equipment availability, room readiness, and staffing levels during high census periods.
- Mentored new nurses, sharing expert knowledge and clinical skills to enhance their professional development.
- Served as an advocate for pediatric patients'' rights while respecting cultural diversity within the critical care environment.
- Demonstrated adaptability by floating to other departments when needed to provide coverage for staff shortages or increased acuity levels.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by skillfully assessing, diagnosing, and treating critically ill pediatric patients.
- Prioritized patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols, safe medication administration practices, and evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of hospital-acquired complications.
- Delivered high-quality patient education materials, empowering families to make informed decisions about their child''s healthcare plan.
- Maintained current knowledge of pediatric critical care nursing best practices through continuing education, professional conferences, and peer-reviewed literature.
- Promoted family-centered care, involving parents in the decision-making process and providing emotional support during difficult situations.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Practiced at a variety of top children's hospitals including Seattle Children's Hospital and Kapiolani Children's Hospital in HI.
Pediatric Critical Care Registered Nurse
Cross Country Travel Corps
Tampa, FL
05.2015 - 12.2016
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Expedited recovery times by implementing appropriate interventions based on continuous assessment of vital signs and symptoms.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Reduced complications from invasive procedures through meticulous monitoring and prompt intervention.
- Mentored new nurses, sharing expert knowledge and clinical skills to enhance their professional development.
- Triaged patients and delegated treatment needs to qualified staff and specialized departments.
- Demonstrated adaptability by floating to other departments when needed to provide coverage for staff shortages or increased acuity levels.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by skillfully assessing, diagnosing, and treating critically ill pediatric patients.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Delivered high-quality patient education materials, empowering families to make informed decisions about their child''s healthcare plan.
- Maintained current knowledge of pediatric critical care nursing best practices through continuing education, professional conferences, and peer-reviewed literature.
- Improved patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive nursing care tailored to individual needs.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Facilitated seamless transitions between hospital departments or facilities for optimal continuity of care during transfers or discharges.
- Practiced at a variety of top children's hospitals including St. Joes Hospital, Minnesota Children's Hospital and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, NY05.2008
Skills
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
- Staff Coordination
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Cardiac monitors
- Critical Care Nursing
- Pulmonary Assessments
- Task and Work Prioritization
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Airway Management
- Vitals monitoring
- Diagnostic Procedures
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support
- Emergency Interventions
- Emotional Support
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
- Blood Transfusion Administration
- Advanced Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Shock Symptom Identification
- Medical Equipment Setup
- Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization
- Medication Administration
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program
- Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
- Neonatal Resuscitation
Certification
- RN
- MICN
- PHRN
- PHTLS
- NREMT
- ACLS
- BLS
- PALS
Timeline
Critical Care Transport Nurse
Inspira Medical Center
01.2022 - Current
Critical Care Flight Nurse
The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, CHOP
10.2017 - 11.2022
Pediatric Critical Care Registered Nurse
Aureus Medical Group - Nursing Division
12.2016 - 09.2017
Pediatric Critical Care Registered Nurse
Cross Country Travel Corps
05.2015 - 12.2016
Pediatric Emergency Room Nurse
Virtua Memorial Hospital
07.2013 - 05.2015
Pediatric Cardiac ICU Registered Nurse
The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, CHOP
01.2009 - 05.2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College