Healthcare professional with nursing expertise focused on safe, effective patient care. Applies critical thinking to assess needs, prioritize interventions, and monitor outcomes. Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to improve care quality and patient results.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Cardiology Triage Nurse
Unity Point Clinic
Des Moines, Iowa
05.2024 - 12.2026
Managed triage processes to ensure timely care delivery for patients.
Assessed patient conditions to determine urgency of care needed.
Answered incoming patient calls, gathering history and symptoms to determine scope of medical complaints.
Identified symptoms, gathered medical history, and documented patient information accurately.
Documented patient symptoms and medical histories in electronic records.
Collaborated with healthcare teams to coordinate patient treatment plans.
Educated patients on health management and follow-up procedures.
Instructed patients on self-care techniques, medications, diet plans, disease processes.
Trained new staff on triage protocols and clinic procedures.
Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehensible terminology.
ECMO Specialist
UnityPoint Health - Des Moines
Des Moines, IA
10.2018 - Current
Performed ECMO cannulation and decannulation for patients in critical condition.
Managed ECMO equipment setup and maintenance for critical care patients.
Monitored patient vital signs and ECMO parameters continuously.
Monitored patient progress and adjusted ECMO parameters as needed to optimize outcomes.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings regarding post-operative care plans for patients on ECMO support.
Educated medical staff on ECMO protocols and best practices.
Trained new staff on ECMO operations and safety procedures.
Assisted in troubleshooting ECMO equipment issues during procedures.
Provided comprehensive care to the patient while on ECMO support including monitoring of organ function and adjusting settings accordingly.
Reviewed test results and imaging studies to determine any complications or adverse effects from the procedure.
Adjusted ventilator settings based on physician directives.
Assessed patient's vital signs, such as blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, and cardiac rhythm.
Evaluated laboratory values and monitored drug levels during ECMO treatment.
Assisted with bedside procedures such as intubation, chest tube insertion, and arterial line placement.
Participated in quality improvement initiatives for ECMO services.
Maintained accurate documentation of all treatments administered and changes to the ECMO system settings.
Performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation during emergencies and airway maintenance.
Registered Nurse
Unity Point Health Methodist
Des Moines, IA
06.2015 - Current
Provided direct nursing care to critically ill patients in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
Administered emergency resuscitative measures when necessary according to advanced cardiac life support protocols.
Led code blue situations, coordinating emergency responses effectively.
Assisted in emergency procedures to ensure patient safety and care continuity.
Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to the medical team.
Educated patients and families on treatment options and self-care practices.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans.
Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
Administered medications and treatments prescribed by healthcare providers.
Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
Trained and mentored new nursing staff on best practices and protocols.
Maintained accurate patient records using electronic health record systems.
Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
Assisted physicians with diagnostic tests, therapeutic procedures, and other medical interventions.
Managed PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drug administration and titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tube management.
Provided compassionate support to patients during their recovery process.
Provided compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients.
Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
Utilized a wide range of medical equipment, including ventilators and intravenous (IV) pumps, to support patient care.
Certified Nursing Assistant
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center
Des Moines, IA
06.2005 - 05.2015
Worked as patient care tech on cardiac/vascular floor for 10 years while pursuing registered nurse degree. Managed 24-bed unit, obtained vitals, collected specimens, assisted nursing staff, and trained new staff.
Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
Responded to call lights promptly, addressing patient needs with urgency and care.
Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
Informed patients and families about care plans to enhance understanding and compliance.
Documented patient progress and care tasks in electronic health records.
Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure effective patient care delivery.
Educated patients on health management and wellness strategies consistently.
Provided emotional support to patients, creating a compassionate environment that promoted comfort and trust.