Janessa Sikora
Gainesville,GA
Summary
Dynamic Critical Care Registered Nurse with 9 years of experience. Adept at collaborating with interdisciplinary medical teams. Dedicated to delivering best-in-class patient care and individualized plans for families and patients. Cardiac ICU Nurse with 6 years of hospital experience supporting patient care excellence. Collaborates with doctors, nurses and administrators to expedite patient care in fast-paced healthcare platforms. High-energy RN with background in emergency centers, applying best practices and complying with complex health and safety regulations. Equipped with Critical Care Registered Nurse certification.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Flight Nurse
Guardian Flight
11.2022 - Current
- Enhanced patient care by efficiently assessing, planning, and implementing appropriate medical interventions during emergency flights.
- Streamlined patient transfer processes by coordinating with various hospital, clinic, and/or village personnel and maintaining accurate documentation throughout the transport process.
- Ensured optimal equipment functionality by regularly inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining all flight nursing equipment according to established protocols.
- Reduced response times to emergencies by effectively prioritizing tasks and managing time in high-pressure situations.
- Promoted adherence to aviation safety standards among colleagues by consistently following established guidelines regarding aircraft operations and maintenance procedures.
- Performed wide range of specialized functions and complex assessments, diagnoses, therapies and emergency treatment of patients transported by fixed-wing aircraft.
- Provide critical care to patients being transferred to a higher level of care via fixed wing aircraft
- Perform rapid pre-departure assessment and continuous hemodynamic monitoring, which may include transducing central venous, arterial, intracranial and pulmonary artery pressures, en route and intervening as appropriate
- Function autonomously under an expanded scope of practice that permits advanced skills such as RSI/intubation, surgical cricothyrotomy, both needle and tube thoracostomy placement, as well as administering pharmacological interventions
- Precept new medical crew members, both paramedics and nurses, to flight medicine environment
- Supervised enplaning, securing and deplaning of patients and liaised between medical and operational aircrews and support personnel to facilitate multidisciplinary care
- Assessed for and detected changes in status of patients and demonstrated proactive approach to solving patient problems
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action
- 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
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
West Georgia Technical College
09.2022 - Current
- Evaluated student performance through ongoing assessment, providing constructive feedback and promoting academic growth.
- Facilitated skill development through hands-on clinical training, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with practical application.
- Assigned students to patients based on students' learning objectives and patient needs.
- Provided immediate and constructive feedback to students individually and as group.
- Provided nursing skill demonstrations for medication administration, dressing changes and clinical logs.
- Instructed and coached students to help overcome academic issues and personal challenges.
- Supervised students when administering medications to maintain patient safety.
- Mentored students during clinical rotations, providing guidance and promoting critical thinking skills.
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
Fastaff
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Enhanced patient care in ICU by closely monitoring vital signs and administering appropriate treatments.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills in rapidly changing situations, contributing to positive patient outcomes.
- Managed the administration of medication safely and accurately, reducing potential errors or adverse reactions among ICU patients.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
Fastaff
04.2022 - 07.2022
- Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions, providing compassionate care and support to families.
- Implemented best practices in wound care management, reducing healing time and preventing complications in post-surgical patients.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Provided targeted care and treatment to burn patients.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, ensuring a safe environment for patients and colleagues alike.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Demonstrated strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills in rapidly changing situations, contributing to positive patient outcomes.
- Demonstrated adaptability in handling diverse patient populations and complex cases, showcasing versatility as a Travel Registered Nurse in the ICU setting.
Senior Infusion RN
IntraFUSION
04.2021 - 05.2022
- Administered IV Biologic medications through peripherally inserted catheter or Port access to support long-term treatment for auto-immune problems
- Opened and independently managed new infusion suite within MD office
- Coordinate with MD and clinic staff regarding patient care and orders
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens
- Adhered to strict safety measures by carefully determining proper dosages before administering medications
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies
- Prepared intravenous solutions, admixtures, other solutions using aseptic techniques
- Coordinated with insurance representatives to process claims and calculate correct co-pay information for patients.
ECMO RN I
Northside Hospital Gwinnett
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Assisted with opening of new Cardiac Care Unit
- Active participation in CLABSI prevention committee
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, ECMO support, extensive wound care and rehabilitation
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry via PA s and arterial catheters, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation and chest tubes
- Operated critical care equipment to keep patients stable and promote recovery
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes
- Responded rapidly to critical codes to coordinate stabilization treatments and restore vital functions.
Flight Nurse
Guardian Flight
09.2018 - 06.2021
- Provide critical care to patients being transferred to a higher level of care via helicopter/fixed wing aircraft
- Perform rapid pre-departure assessment and continuous hemodynamic monitoring, which may include transducing central venous, arterial, intracranial and pulmonary artery pressures, en route and intervening as appropriate
- Function autonomously under an expanded scope of practice that permits advanced skills such as RSI/intubation, surgical cricothyrotomy, both needle and tube thoracostomy placement, as well as administering pharmacological interventions
- Precept new medical crew members, both paramedics and nurses, to flight medicine environment
- Supervised enplaning, securing and deplaning of patients and liaised between medical and operational aircrews and support personnel to facilitate multidisciplinary care
- Assessed for and detected changes in status of patients and demonstrated proactive approach to solving patient problems
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action
- 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
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
Clinical Instructor
LaGrange College
04.2017 - 04.2019
- Provide clinical expertise and support to nursing students during clinical experience
- Ensure students adhere to policies set forth by college and clinical site
- Educate and verify competency of student skills and proper equipment use
- Provide timely feedback to students and professors regarding performance
- Coordinated with clinicians to develop and coordinate student assignments.
Clinical Manager
Amedisys Hospice of Newnan
05.2017 - 10.2018
- Provide oversight and administrative support of approximately 20 team members
- Conduct chart audits to ensure accuracy and CMS compliance
- Develop tools to provide ongoing staff education
- Lead daily team briefing, bi-weekly Interdisciplinary group meetings, and monthly staff education
- Guide on-boarding process for all new-hire medical staff
- Foster relationships with potential referring facilities by providing education and support regarding hospice care
- Worked in conjunction with the Director of Operations to maintain a functional and effective QAPI program.
On-Call RN
Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care
03.2017 - 06.2018
- Provide exceptional patient care in the home, in-patient facility, and acute care settings
- Educate and support patients, families, caregivers, and medical staff regarding the hospice modality of care
- Gain proficiency knowledge of Medicare guidelines for hospice eligibility and participation
- Coordinate with the interdisciplinary team to meet patient needs and expectations
- Proficiency in telephone triage, time management, and accurate/timely documentation
- Responsible for admissions both General In-Patient/Home, routine and death visits
- Utilize clinical knowledge base to independently and accurately assess patient/family needs
- Manage patient needs in all levels of hospice care: Routine, Respite, Continuous, and General In-Patient.
Staff RN
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
07.2015 - 05.2017
- Provide excellent patient care in fast paced, high acuity 26 bed unit
- Manage immediate post-operative care cardiothoracic surgical patients, LVAD implant/explants, and heart transplant
- Coordinate with interdisciplinary team to maximize patient outcomes
- Proficiency with advanced life support therapies
- Participate in shared governance for process improvement within critical care areas
- Educate nursing and support staff on changes in policy, procedure, and equipment
- Superuser for Epic EMR, Heartmate II & III LVAD, Purewick Catheter
- Complete chart audits related to Restraint, Foley Catheter, and Central Line documentation
- Cared for culturally-diverse patients, liaising with family members and specialists to address changing needs and enhance individual experience.
Critical Care Nurse I
West Georgia Health
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Provide excellent patient care in 12 bed MICU/ 12 bed Step-down unit
- Rapid Response/Code Team Member, Ebola Response Committee member
- Preceptor for new hires and nursing students
- Gain experience in critical care setting
- Directly participated in Joint Commission Survey that resulted in no deficiencies
- Managed needs of chronically ill and acute patients with well-coordinated treatment strategies
- Protected critically ill patients from unnecessary risks by limiting visitors, using proper PPE and using strong infection control procedures
- Guided and educated patients and caregivers on diagnoses, disease management, preventative measures, medication use and self-care to foster consistency in care administration
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities to prevent further disability
- Coordinated with physicians to perform bedside procedures such as intravenous injections, vascular line insertions and bronchoscopies.
Staff RN
Shepherd Center
06.2014 - 08.2014
- Provided outstanding patient care for Spinal Cord Injury/Traumatic Brain Injury patients
- Obtained proficiency in chronic ventilator management, bowel/bladder management, advanced wound care, Hoyer lifts, patient transfers, and assorted wheelchairs
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary team to maximize rehabilitation
- Managed post-operative care for skin flaps, orthopedic procedures, ostomies, suprapubic tube
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes
- Effectively prioritized assignments, executing care based on each patient's relative condition and delegating tasks to available personnel deliver safe and efficient care
- Worked within interdisciplinary health care team to develop, implement and make adjustments to patient care plans, individualizing strategies and methods to improve health and meet recovery goals
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical ability, appearance and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians
- Identified patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and families.
Education
Bachelor of Science: Nursing -
LaGrange College
LaGrange, GA01.2014
Skills
- EKG/Rhythm Interpretation
- EPIC /Cerner/ Meditech / Imagetrend /Homecare Homebase EMR
- Ventilator Management
- Swan-Ganz Catheter management
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
- Open chest management/closure
- AVAPS/Bi-Pap
- Extra Corporeal Life Support
- Flotrac
- Heart transplant management
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
- Intraosseous Catheter Placement
- Advanced Airway Placement
- Small Group Instruction
- IV infusion treatments
- Strong clinical judgment
- Prehospital Care
- Patient Transport
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Resuscitation
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Certification
- Critical Care Registered Nurse
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- BCLS - Basic Cardiac Life Support
- NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation Provider
- TPATC -Transport Professional Advanced Trauma Course Provider
- RN240307, Georgia/Multi-State Compact, Registered Professional Nurse
- RN189373, Alaska Registered Professional Nurse
- RN191578, Connecticut Registered Professional Nurse
- RN867398, Nevada Registered Professional Nurse with EMS endorsement
Affiliations
- American Association of Critical Care Nurses
- Air & Surface Transport Nurses Association
- Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse Association
- Extracorporeal Life Support Organization
Timeline
Registered Flight Nurse
Guardian Flight
11.2022 - Current
Adjunct Clinical Instructor
West Georgia Technical College
09.2022 - Current
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
Fastaff
07.2022 - 09.2022
Travel Registered Nurse, ICU
Fastaff
04.2022 - 07.2022
Senior Infusion RN
IntraFUSION
04.2021 - 05.2022
ECMO RN I
Northside Hospital Gwinnett
03.2021 - 04.2022
Flight Nurse
Guardian Flight
09.2018 - 06.2021
Clinical Manager
Amedisys Hospice of Newnan
05.2017 - 10.2018
Clinical Instructor
LaGrange College
04.2017 - 04.2019
On-Call RN
Compassus Hospice & Palliative Care
03.2017 - 06.2018
Staff RN
Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
07.2015 - 05.2017
Critical Care Nurse I
West Georgia Health
08.2014 - 06.2016
Staff RN
Shepherd Center
06.2014 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science: Nursing -
LaGrange College