Kara Barcalow
Louisville,KY
Summary
Experienced registered nurse with a background in Emergency Department triage, Apheresis, Pediatric Acute Hemodialysis, CVVHD, and fulfilling "On Call" shifts. Committed to improving the health and well-being of patients through assessment, diagnosis, and prioritization of patient problems. Seeking a nursing position to contribute as a valuable team member, advance professional development, and expand knowledge and skills. Confident in ability to make significant contributions as a team leader, co-worker, and patient advocate.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Department RN
U Of L Health
Louisville, KY
07.2023 - 02.2025
- Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Regularly attended continuing education classes and workshops, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in emergency nursing practices and patient care techniques.
RN, Acute Care
Fresenius Medical Care N.A.
Louisville, KY & Southern Indiana
08.2018 - 06.2023
- Specializing in Acute (Inpatient) Pediatric / Adult Hemodialysis and Apheresis procedures
- Experienced in 12 hour 'On Call' shifts and communicating with answering after hour service and dispatch
- Responsibilities begin with the assessment and analysis of each patient's status on admission and throughout the patient's care and instruct the patient / family about the caring needs related to treatment dependent on diagnosis
- The administration of blood and blood products as well as prescribed medication and when needed the medical interventions identified in the plan of care
- As a registered nurse in a specialty acute care setting I am credentialed and verified to work in all surrounding hospitals in the Louisville and southern Indiana areas (including Norton Children's hospital)
- Optimal patient safety is of utmost importance
- To keep every team member updated with the patient's current plan of care, I organize concise shift reports that are given to each team member to ensure optimal patient safety
- My education, training and adherence to FMC's policy / procedure manual as well as on the job work experience makes me aware of risks inherent in hemodialysis / Plasmapheresis nursing
Emergency Dept. RN
Baptist Health Hospital
Louisville, KY
10.2016 - 07.2018
- Company Overview: Magnet Certified facility with ACLS, PALS, BLS and NIHSS Certified
- Responsible for triage, level one acuity (1:1 required patient care) and 4:1 section of ED rooms
- Comfortable in rotating job duties within a twelve hour shift
- Assisted with protocol care of pt's requiring TPA, cardiac cath and severe septic shock algorithms
- Maintained compliance with hospital policies and procedures, adhering to strict infection control practices to reduce the spread of disease.
Contract Travel RN
Flaget Memorial Hospital
Bardstown, KY
06.2016 - 09.2016
- Coordinated specialized services referrals ensuring timely access essential resources tailored each unique case.
- Promoted continuity of care by effectively communicating with healthcare team members during shift handoffs and transitions of care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Contract Travel RN
TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
Bowling Green, KY
02.2016 - 06.2016
- Advocated patients'' rights collaborating closely family members addressing concerns easing anxieties throughout treatment process.
- Served as a mentor to new nurses, providing guidance on best practices and fostering professional growth.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis
Louisville, KY
06.2005 - 03.2016
- As a member of the care plan team I collaborated with the medical director, social worker, dietitian and clinical manager about the status of the patients in my care
- Minimized complications related to vascular access sites by performing proper cannulation techniques using both needles and catheters according to established protocols.
- Reduced the risk of infections by adhering to strict infection control protocols during all procedures.
- Demonstrated excellent teamwork skills while assisting other technicians during busy shifts for optimal patient care delivery.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northern Kentucky University
Newport, KY10-2026
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Jefferson Community & Technical College
Louisville, KY12-2013
Skills
- Intermediate Trauma Patient Care
- Ultrasound-Guided Intravenous Therapy
- Administration of Critical Care IV Medications
- High Acuity Patient Transport
- Blood Product Administration
- Airway management
- Emergency medical treatment
- Triage and assessment
- Compassionate care
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Critical Thinking Skills
License Certification
- Registered Nurse Licensure, KY, 1139124
- Registered Nurse Licensure, IN, 28247711A
- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (CCHT), 06/07 - Present
- NIHSS Stroke Certified
- Basic Life Support Certification, American Heart Association
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification, American Heart Association
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification, American Heart Association
- Active Compact RN License, 1139124
Affiliations
- ANA
Certification
- Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- Dialysis Technician Certification- Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - American Heart Association.
Timeline
Emergency Department RN
U Of L Health
07.2023 - 02.2025
RN, Acute Care
Fresenius Medical Care N.A.
08.2018 - 06.2023
Emergency Dept. RN
Baptist Health Hospital
10.2016 - 07.2018
Contract Travel RN
Flaget Memorial Hospital
06.2016 - 09.2016
Contract Travel RN
TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
02.2016 - 06.2016
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
Fresenius Medical Care Dialysis
06.2005 - 03.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northern Kentucky University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Jefferson Community & Technical College