Kara Baker
Steamboat Springs,CO
Summary
Compassionate registered nurse specializing in critical care with a proven ability to quickly assess clinical situations and ensure timely interventions that enhance patient outcomes. A self-motivated team player dedicated to providing high-quality care with careful attention to detail.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse - ICU
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
Grand Junction, Colorado
07.2022 - 04.2026
- Provide direct nursing care to critically ill patients in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards of practice.
- Assess clinical situations quickly and accurately using critical thinking skills to ensure timely interventions.
- Identify changes in patient conditions and report them to the supervising physician immediately.
- Evaluate interventions' effectiveness through ongoing assessment of patient responses, adjusting care plans based on findings.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting their rights, values, and beliefs, enhancing their overall care experience.
Student Nurse Extern
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
Grand Junction, Colorado
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Assisted diverse patient populations across telemetry, medical-surgical, oncology, intensive care, emergency, postpartum, and neurological units to enhance care delivery.
- Provided compassionate support to patients during daily activities, fostering comfort and emotional well-being.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information according to policies and procedures.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient care areas.
Part Time Dental Office Administrator
Paul E. Andrews, DMD
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
04.2018 - 01.2020
- Managed patient scheduling and appointment reminders for efficient office operations.
- Assisted in billing processes, verifying insurance information for accurate claims submission.
- Organized patient records and maintained confidentiality in compliance with regulations.
- Executed bookkeeping duties, balancing accounts receivable and payable ledgers and reconciling bank deposits to maintain financial accuracy.
Dental Practice Manager
Pine Grove Dental Arts
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
05.2006 - 07.2017
- Managed daily operations of dental practice, ensuring smooth workflow and patient care.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards related to dental practice management.
- Oversaw staff training and development to strengthen team skills and service quality.
- Implemented office policies and procedures to improve efficiency.
- Utilized practice management software for accurate record-keeping and billing.
- Provided guidance on personnel matters such as disciplinary actions or promotions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Colorado Christian University
Denver, CO05-2022
Skills
- Critical care nursing
- Patient advocacy
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Self-motivated
- Professional demeanor
- Welcomes instruction and feedback
- Friendly attitude
Certification
- BLS – American Heart Association
- ACLS – American Heart Association
- NIHSS
- TNCC
- TCAR
Activities
- My passion is people, and I thrive in nurturing my interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and coworkers.
- I love a good dance party or karaoke session, even if it’s solo while driving in my car!
- When I have some downtime, I like to cook, walk my dog, dream about our next vacation, or simply spend time with my husband.
Accomplishments
The DAISY Award: two-time recipient
Timeline
Registered Nurse - ICU
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
07.2022 - 04.2026
Student Nurse Extern
St. Mary’s Regional Hospital
05.2021 - 05.2022
Part Time Dental Office Administrator
Paul E. Andrews, DMD
04.2018 - 01.2020
Dental Practice Manager
Pine Grove Dental Arts
05.2006 - 07.2017
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Colorado Christian University