Kara Cunningham FNP-C
Nurse Practitioner
Denver,PA
Summary
Experienced healthcare provider with a strong foundation in family-focused and geriatric care. Demonstrated expertise in patient assessment, treatment planning, and health education. Highly skilled in collaborating with healthcare teams, adapting to dynamic environments, and emphasizing teamwork. Known for reliability, empathy, and effective communication. Recognized for excellent clinical skills and unwavering commitment to holistic patient care.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Advanced Practice Clinician
United Health Group/ Optum
11.2020 - Current
- Assess, treat and manage both acute and chronic health issues in the adult/geriatric population for ISNP, DSNP, and long term care.
- Promote healthy lifestyle and quality of life.
- Develop plans of care by working with patients, families and collaborating physicians to promote quality of life and reduce hospitalizations
- Serve team as coding champion, advanced care planning champion, and preceptor.
- Delivered high-quality patient care by conducting thorough assessments, developing treatment plans, and providing ongoing therapeutic support.
- Advocated for patients within the healthcare system to ensure access to appropriate resources and services when needed.
RN Team Manager/ Supervisor
Conestoga View
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Coordinated care involving 445 residents in collaboration with physicians, nurse practitioners, social work, and therapy teams.
- Supervised teams operating in critical areas like ventilator systems, orthopedic services, and post-cardiac recovery.
- Monitored changes in patient conditions while ensuring accurate lab draws and effective intervention strategies.
- Oversaw the activities of approximately 80 employees, adhering to best practices.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
Heart and Vascular Critical Care Nurse
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Only35 bed critical care open heart unit in central Pennsylvania that manages heart transplants, total artificial hearts, ventricular assist devices, ECMO, MARS and CRRT therapy
- We also manage bypass, cardiogenic shock and heart failure patients
- Participate in a rotating role on code team for the whole facility
- Personal responsibilities include frequent detailed critical assessments to note subtle changes, nurse driven protocols to monitor and replace electrolytes, titrating drips which include sedation, paralytics, vasopressors, inotropes, diuretics and steroids
- Emergent bedside care following ACLS protocol and working closely with respiratory therapy and anesthesia to maintaining airways at all times
- Constant open communication with providers about patient care and safety
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families during difficult transitions.
- Delivered high-quality direct patient care to diverse populations in the critical care setting including trauma, cardiovascular, neurologic, pulmonary, and surgical cases.
- Managed complex ventilation settings and titrated vasoactive medications in accordance with established protocols and physician orders.
- Delivered top-notch care exceeding department, hospital and Joint Commission standards.
Education
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Georgetown University
Washington D.C.01.2020
B.S.N - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, NY01.2016
Associate of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, NY04-2000
Skills
- Quality improvement
- Geriatric care
- Coding champion
- Advanced care planning champion
- Hospice and Palliative care
Certification
- Current ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certification
- Current CPR for health care professionals
- GAPNA member
- AANP member
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Tau Chapter member
Clinical Experiences
- Family Nurse Practitioner I
- Green and Seidner Family Practice, Lansdale PA
- Family Nurse Practitioner II
- Bernard Adukaitis Pediatrics, Frackville PA
- Partners in Family Health, York PA
- Family Nurse Practitioner III
- Alexander Spasic MD Family Medicine, Carlisle PA
- Family Nurse Practitioner IV
- Optum- Caren Goldberg CRNP, Lancaster, PA
- 11th Street Family Health Clinic, North Philadelphia, PA
- The Health Annex, South Philadelphia, PA
Timeline
Lead Advanced Practice Clinician
United Health Group/ Optum
11.2020 - Current
RN Team Manager/ Supervisor
Conestoga View
01.2017 - 12.2020
Heart and Vascular Critical Care Nurse
Penn State Hershey Medical Center
01.2015 - 01.2017
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Georgetown University
B.S.N - Nursing
Excelsior College
Associate of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
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