JENNA WETZEL
Rancho Santa Margarita,CA
Summary
Registered Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 9+ years of experience delivering advanced cardiorespiratory and IV therapies, monitoring critical vitals, and implementing evidenced-based neonatal protocols to improve patient stability. Skilled in clinical assessment, ventilator and infusion management, infection control, and multidisciplinary coordination to accelerate decision making and reduce care delays. Committed to family-centered education, measurable outcome improvement, and continuing professional development to advance neonatal care quality.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
NICU Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Downey, CA
08.2021 - Current
- Provided high-acuity care for Level III NICU patients, including extremely premature neonates (less than 1000 grams).
- Managed care for neonates requiring mechanical ventilation, CPAP, HFOV, and inhaled nitric oxide.
- Successfully stabilized and cared for neonates with sepsis, RDS, NEC, congenital anomalies and post op surgical needs.
- Performed central line care (UAC/UVC, PICC) with strict adherence to infection-prevention protocols.
- Achieved zero CLABSI events during assigned shifts through meticulous line maintenance.
- Responded to neonatal emergencies including codes, rapid desaturations, and resuscitations.
- Monitored and titrated continuous infusions (TPN, lipids, vasopressors, sedation, insulin) based on labs and clinical status.
- Conducted comprehensive hemodynamic, neurological, and respiratory assessments, identifying subtle changes and escalating care promptly.
- Provided expert nursing care for neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for HIE, ensuring strict temperature regulation neurologic monitoring, and protocol adherence to optimize neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Educated and supported families during prolonged NICU stays, improving parental confidence and engagement in care.
- Provided compassionate guidance during end-of-life and palliative care situations.
- Precepted and mentored new graduate nurses and NICU orientees.
- Collaborated closely with neonatologist, NNPs, respiratory therapists, occupational/physical therapists, pharmacists, and social workers.
- Provided critical care for high-risk neonates, ensuring optimal health outcomes in a fast-paced NICU environment.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Monitored vital signs and administered medications, demonstrating attention to detail and adherence to protocols.
- Educated families on neonatal health issues, fostering trust and promoting effective communication during challenging times.
- Trusted NICU RN with strong clinical judgement and family centered approach.
- Known for calm, effective performance in high-stress, critical care environment's.
NICU Registered Nurse
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
Loma Linda, CA
03.2018 - 05.2023
- Delivered comprehensive care for critically ill neonates including ELBW (Less than 750 grams), complex congenital anomalies, and multi-organ failure.
- Managed neonates requiring ECMO, HFOV, jet ventilation, and inhaled nitric oxide.
- Provided pre- and post-operative care for cardiac, neurosurgical, and general surgical neonatal patients.
- Managed central access devices (UAC, UVC, PICC, Broviac) with zero line-related complications during assignments.
- Administered and titrated vasoactive drips, continuous sedation, paralytics, prostaglandin's, and TPN.
- Interpreted continuous EEG, ABGs, and hemodynamic monitoring to guide rapid clinical interventions.
- Responded to high-acuity neonatal emergencies, including codes, massive transfusions, and rapid respiratory/cardiac decompensation.
- Recognized subtle changes in neonatal status, preventing deterioration through early escalation and intervention.
- Functioned effectively during high-stress resuscitations, maintaining composure and precise execution of care.
- Supported families through complex diagnoses, prolonged hospitalizations, and end-of-life decision making.
- Facilitated family presence during procedures and rounds, promoting family-centered and and trauma-informed care.
- Educated caregivers complex home care needs including tracheostomy G-tube, and oxygen management.
- Recognized by leadership for clinical excellence, teamwork, and patient advocacy.
- Led bedside rounds communication, ensuring accurate care plans and continuity across shifts.
- Acted as a clinical liaison between families and complex specialty teams.
- Known for strong clinical judgement, calm leadership, and family advocacy in critical situations.
- Level IV NICU RN with expertise in highest-acuity neonatal critical care.
NICU Registered Nurse
Victor Valley Global Medical Center
Victorville, CA
08.2017 - 04.2018
- Provided comprehensive care for moderate ill neonates in a Level II NICU including late preterm and term infants.
- Managed infants with respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, NAS, Feeding difficulties, and infection.
- Cared for neonates requiring CPAP, nasal cannula oxygen, and continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring.
- Administered medications and IV therapies with precise weight-based dosing.
- Conducted thorough neonatal assessments, promptly identifying changes in condition and escalating care as needed.
- Monitored lab results, blood glucose, and bilirubin levels to guide timely interventions.
- Assisted with neonatal resuscitation and stabilization prior to transfer to higher-level care when indicated.
- Supported breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and gavage feeding, promoting adequate growth and nutrition.
- Collaborated with lactation consultants to improve feeding outcomes and parental confidence.
- Provided developmentally supportive care including thermoregulation, positioning, and minimal stimulation.
- Educated parents on newborn care, safe sleep, feeding techniques, and discharge planning.
- Supported families during NICU admission and transition to home, reducing readmission risk.
- Served as a consistent point of contact, enhancing family satisfaction and trust.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Coast University
Ontario, CA01.2017
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Patient Advocacy
- Team Collaboration
- Time Management
- Emotional Resilience
- Clinical Assessment
- Infection Control
- Infusion Management
Certification
- Registered Nurse - License No. 95120913
- Public Health Nurse - License No. 55282
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Timeline
NICU Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
08.2021 - Current
NICU Registered Nurse
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
03.2018 - 05.2023
NICU Registered Nurse
Victor Valley Global Medical Center
08.2017 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
West Coast University