Jessica Sparks
Olive Hill,Kentucky
Summary
Highly-motivated Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with 5+ years of expertise managing cardiac electrophysiology patients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Experienced in providing care for cardiac patients for over 11 years. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working unsupervised, mastering new skills, and multitasking in a fast-paced practice with high acuity patients.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AGACNP-BC, Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner
St. Mary’s Medical Center
Huntington, WV
06.2019 - Current
- Management of acutely/chronically ill cardiac electrophysiology patients in the inpatient setting.
- Completing admissions, follow-ups, and discharges on hospitalized patients.
- Manage cardiac electrophysiology patients in the outpatient setting, including follow-up and management for patients with cardiac arrhythmias, bradycardia, post pacemaker/ICD/ILR implantations, and evaluation of cardiomyopathy patients for the need of ICD or cardiac device upgrades.
- Patient physical exams and evaluations.
- Ordering and interpretation of appropriate labs and diagnostic testing, as directed by a diagnosis.
- Complete referrals as an indication.
- Interpretation and evaluation of EKGs, cardiac monitors, and cardiac device interrogations.
- Independently prescribing and monitoring response to appropriate medications, as indicated.
- Placing pre-op and post-op orders for cardiac electrophysiology procedures.
- Obtaining informed consent for procedures.
- Scheduling procedures with the EP lab.
- Provide discharge teaching post cardiac electrophysiology procedures and education regarding medication changes.
- Seeing inpatients as a new consult in the inpatient setting, as well as follow-up visits during hospitalization, and scheduling appropriate outpatient follow-up visits.
- Covering weekend call coverage in the inpatient setting independently, as well as responding to and management of outpatient calls.
- Training and providing orientation, as well as ongoing follow-up, with new hire Nurse Practitioners to the EP practice.
- Work closely with nursing staff, collaborating providers, social work, case management, and ancillary staff.
- Preventive health management.
- Ability to work independently, as well as work collaboratively, as an effective member of a team.
- Ability to multitask and be productive in a fast-paced and high patient volume EP practice.
- Assessed patient health conditions and developed individualized care plans.
- Provided comprehensive physical examinations, including ordering appropriate diagnostic tests.
- Counseled patients on lifestyle modifications to improve their overall health.
- Initiated referrals to other healthcare specialists as necessary.
- Prescribed medications based on patient needs and current clinical standards of care.
- Collaborated with physicians to coordinate optimal patient care outcomes.
- Developed strategies for disease prevention and health promotion.
- Educated patients and families about medical treatments and self-care management techniques.
- Conducted follow-up visits to monitor treatment progress and ensure effectiveness of interventions.
- Maintained detailed records of patient visits, diagnoses, treatments, and test results in electronic health record systems.
- Advised patients on proper nutrition, exercise regimens, stress management techniques.
- Reviewed lab results and imaging studies to make accurate diagnoses and develop treatment plans.
- Coordinated with members of multidisciplinary teams to provide integrated services for complex cases.
- Built trust and rapport with patients by listening to concerns, advocating for wellness and educating on acute and chronic health issues.
- Managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of various disorders and diseases.
- Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
- Reviewed lab test results.
- Prescribed medication and treatment regimens to manage acute and chronic conditions.
- Advocated for patients to ensure their needs and preferences were addressed.
- Managed acute and emergency situations by providing timely and effective interventions.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Utilized electronic health records (EHR) systems for accurate documentation of patient care.
- Educated patients and families on health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Conducted research to stay informed on the latest treatments and medical advancements.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests and lab work to inform patient care decisions.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to maintain certification and expertise.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Ordering and interpretation of EKGs.
- Evaluating and interpretation of pacemaker, ICD, and Implantable Loop Recorder device interrogations inpatient and outpatient setting. As well as making adjustments as needed.
- Reviewing remote device alerts in Murj and adjusting medications or care plan as needed.
- Facilitating and monitoring temporary pacemakers in the critical care setting.
- Management of complex and critically ill patients with cardiac arrhythmias.
- Evaluating patient in office that has possible post-implantable cardiac device wound issues and implementing an appropriate care plan.
Registered Nurse
Kings Daughters Medical Center
Ashland, KY
07.2013 - 06.2019
- Staff RN in the nursing float pool, 10/2017-6/2019.
- I provided direct patient care for acutely ill inpatients on all inpatient care units, except the ICU.
- RN on the Heart and Vascular Surgical Unit (HVSU) from 7/2013-10/2017.
- My job responsibilities included providing direct patient care to patients before and after undergoing cardiothoracic or vascular surgery.
- Care for patients admitted with cardiac arrhythmias, management of temporary pacemakers, monitoring, and management of patients prior to and patients post permanent pacemaker and/or ICD implantation, post cardiac catheterization care, pre- and post-cardiac ablation care.
- Prepping patients for cardiothoracic surgery, vascular surgery, and prior to procedures on Cath/EP lab.
- Monitoring patients post-procedure for any adverse outcomes.
- Managing titratable cardiac infusions.
- Providing wound care pre- and post-cardiac and vascular surgery.
- Other responsibilities included accurately documenting all patient interactions and interventions in electronic charts, administering prescribed medications, and monitoring and documenting patient responses.
- I detected patient reactions, deteriorations/improvements, and accurately reported results in patient records and to appropriate providers.
- Developed and applied individualized care plans.
- Worked as a change nurse from 2015-2019 (On the Heart and Vascular Surgery unit and as a float nurse).
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Acted as patient advocate and implemented total patient care through team nursing process.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN11.2018
Associate of Science - Nursing
Morehead State University
Morehead, KY05.2013
Pre-Nursing, transferred to Morehead State.
Ashland Technical And Community College
Ashland, KYHigh School Diploma -
East Carter High School
Grayson, KY06-2001
Skills
- Adult/Geriatric care
- Cardiac electrophysiology
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- High level of autonomy
- Patient-centered care
- Excellent written communication skills
- Excellent verbal communication skills
- Professional bedside manner
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
- Multidisciplinary care team
- Clinical Decision Making
- Teambuilding
- ECG interpretation
- Cardiac implantable device interrogation interpretation
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Critical Thinking
- Management of patients in a critical care setting
- Attention to Detail
- Medication Prescribing
- Specialist Referrals
- Test Result Interpretation
- Diagnostic Tests Ordering
- Interpersonal Skills
- Reliability
- Time Management
- Admitting and Discharging
- Acute care expertise
- Preceptor for Nurse Practitioner students
- Orientation and training for new-hire EP Nurse Practitioners
- Completed the Arrhythmia Technologies Institute (ATI) CRM Jumpstart Course
- Medication prescribing
- Sorian Clinicals EMR documentation
- Cerner Works EMR documentation
- Epic EMR documentation
- Intergy EMR, view access only
- Scheduling patient procedures
- Pre-procedure and post-procedure orders
- Interpretation of lab and diagnostic testing results
- Compassionate and patient-centered care
- Admissions, discharges, and consults
- Dragon dictation experience, as well as dictation by phone
- Responding to the rapid response of EP patients in inpatient and outpatient statuses
Certification
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), 01/31/19, 01/30/24, 2018084974
- State of WV APRN-CNP License, 102622
- State of KY RN License, 1136084
- State of KY APRN-CNP License, 3013165
- Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association, 06/2025
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification, American Heart Association, 04/2025
Professional References
- Kevin Moore, Nurse Practitioner- Cardiac Electrophysiology, St. Mary’s Medical Center, kevmoore55@aol.com, (304)-638-0801
- Mark Adams, Nurse Practitioner- Cardiology, VAMC Huntington, WV, (304)-417-2999
- Melissa Chapman, Nurse Practitioner- Cardiac Electrophysiology, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Blackburn.Melissa.L@gmail.com, (740)-285-8182
Accomplishments
- Nominated for Nurse Practitioner of the Year at SMMC, 2021
Timeline
AGACNP-BC, Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner
St. Mary’s Medical Center
06.2019 - Current
Registered Nurse
Kings Daughters Medical Center
07.2013 - 06.2019
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), 01/31/19, 01/30/24, 2018084974
- State of WV APRN-CNP License, 102622
- State of KY RN License, 1136084
- State of KY APRN-CNP License, 3013165
- Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association, 06/2025
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification, American Heart Association, 04/2025
Master of Science - Nursing
Walden University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Morehead State University
Pre-Nursing, transferred to Morehead State.
Ashland Technical And Community College
High School Diploma -
East Carter High School
Similar Profiles
MONICA A. CASTELLANOS. BSN, RN, PHNMONICA A. CASTELLANOS. BSN, RN, PHN
Telemetry Monitor Technician at St. Mary’s Medical CenterTelemetry Monitor Technician at St. Mary’s Medical Center
Erin SullivanErin Sullivan
Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Medical CenterRegistered Nurse at St. Mary’s Medical Center
Kristen BrooksKristen Brooks
Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Medical CenterRegistered Nurse at St. Mary’s Medical Center