Jacqueline McCray
Hoffman Estates,IL
Summary
Registered Nurse with 8+ years of experience in high-acuity emergency and trauma settings, now specializing in clinical education, staff development, and workflow optimization. Experienced preceptor for nurses, paramedic students, and multidisciplinary learners, with a strong ability to translate complex clinical concepts into practical, real-world application. Active contributor to departmental clinical workflow initiatives in a Level I Trauma Center and Magnet hospital. Recognized for strong communication, adaptability, and the ability to support clinical teams through change, training, and implementation in fast-paced healthcare environments.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
Park Ridge, IL
03.2024 - Current
- Serve as a preceptor for new hires, nursing students, and paramedic students, providing structured clinical education and real-time coaching in high-acuity scenarios
- Collaborate with department educator to develop and deliver educational content, reinforcing best practices and clinical standards
- Active member of the Clinical Workflows Committee, contributing to process improvements that enhance patient flow, safety, and care delivery efficiency
- Perform advanced triage and clinical assessments in a high-volume emergency department, managing complex and rapidly evolving patient conditions
- Educate patients and families on diagnosis, treatment plans, and discharge instructions, ensuring understanding and adherence
- Coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams, supporting continuity from intake through discharge
- Utilize EMR and clinical technologies to support accurate documentation, decision-making, and communication
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Resurrection Medical Center
Chicago, IL
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Delivered high-quality emergency care in a fast-paced urban ED environment
- Conducted patient assessments, triage, and interventions across a wide range of acuity levels
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure timely and effective patient care
- Maintained compliance with clinical documentation and safety standards
Ambulatory Surgery Registered Nurse
Duly Health and Care (Pain Management)
Naperville, IL
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Provided pre- and post-procedural patient education to support safe and effective treatment outcomes
- Monitored sedation and pain management protocols, ensuring patient safety and regulatory compliance
- Coordinated care plans and reinforced patient understanding of procedures and recovery expectations
- Supported clinical workflow efficiency in a procedural setting
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Northwest Community Hospital
Arlington Heights, IL
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed high-acuity patients in a busy ED environment, including triage and emergency stabilization
- Recognized and responded to early signs of clinical deterioration
- Participated in code response and critical care interventions
- Delivered patient and family education during high-stress clinical situations
Emergency Department Patient Care Technician
Alexian Brothers Medical Center
Elk Grove Village, IL
12.2014 - 07.2021
- Supported emergency department operations in a high-volume setting
- Assisted with patient intake, monitoring, and specimen collection
- Escalated changes in patient condition to clinical staff
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ01-2022
Associate of Science - Nursing
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL01-2021
Skills
- Clinical Assessment & Triage (acute and non-acute presentations)
- Patient Education & Health Coaching (clear, empathetic communication)
- Care Coordination & Continuity of Care
- Medication Management & Safety (review, reconciliation, patient instruction)
- Regulatory Compliance & Documentation Standards (HIPAA, scope of practice)
- Remote Patient Support & Virtual Communication (phone, video, secure messaging)
- Critical Thinking & Clinical Decision-Making
- Intake, Discharge & Care Transitions
- Diagnostic Results Review & Interpretation
- Technology-Adaptable & EMR Proficient
- Independent Practice with Strong Escalation Judgment
Certification
Clinical Education & Staff Development
Certifications
- TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
- ACLS, PALS, BLS
- NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
Accomplishments
- Trusted Preceptor responsible for onboarding and mentoring nurses, paramedic students, and clinical learners
- Active Clinical Workflow Committee Member, contributing to departmental process improvements and operational efficiency
- TNCC-Certified Trauma Nurse with advanced high-acuity training
- DAISY Award Nominee for excellence in patient-centered care
- Participated in Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Conference, demonstrating commitment to continued clinical advancement
Timeline
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
03.2024 - Current
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Resurrection Medical Center
08.2023 - 03.2024
Ambulatory Surgery Registered Nurse
Duly Health and Care (Pain Management)
01.2023 - 07.2023
Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Northwest Community Hospital
08.2021 - 01.2023
Emergency Department Patient Care Technician
Alexian Brothers Medical Center
12.2014 - 07.2021
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Science - Nursing
William Rainey Harper College