Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Daisy Award Nominee
Generic

Kara Lacy

Sterling

Summary

Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at CGH Medical Center, skilled in medication administration and patient advocacy. Proven track record of enhancing patient outcomes through compassionate care and strong clinical judgment. Committed to infection control and wound management, fostering a healing environment for diverse patient populations. Skilled in patient care, critical thinking, and communication. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving optimal patient outcomes. Reliable and adaptable, ensuring efficient and compassionate care in dynamic environments. Equipped with expertise in medical procedures, patient assessments, and care coordination.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse

CGH Medical Center
04.2025 - Current
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
  • Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Demonstrated strong clinical reasoning skills when assessing patients'' conditions, initiating appropriate interventions, and escalating concerns to physicians as needed.

Registered Nurse, Podiatry Clinic

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
10.2024 - 04.2025
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
  • Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.

Registered Nurse, OB

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
08.2023 - 04.2025
  • Assisted in developing evidence-based practice protocols for the OB unit to improve overall quality of care provided to patients.
  • Contributed to unit efficiency by managing complex caseloads, prioritizing tasks, and delegating responsibilities appropriately to support staff.
  • Streamlined documentation processes for improved efficiency, accuracy, and communication among healthcare team members.
  • Facilitated safe labor and delivery experiences by closely monitoring both mother and baby during the birthing process.
  • Supported mothers experiencing high-risk pregnancies with attentive monitoring and proactive interventions to prevent complications or adverse outcomes.
  • Provided compassionate support to patients experiencing pregnancy loss or other challenging situations.
  • Elevated patient care standards by staying up-to-date on the latest advancements in obstetric and neonatal care through continuing education opportunities.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication and education on prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care.
  • Ensured compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements through continuous professional development and adherence to best practices in nursing care.
  • Reduced complications and interventions with thorough assessments of maternal and fetal well-being throughout labor.
  • Responded to emergency situations such as pre-eclampsia, early labor, and fetal distress.
  • Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
  • Promoted breastfeeding success by educating mothers on proper techniques and addressing any concerns or difficulties they may have had.
  • Managed epidural analgesia infusions and monitored vital signs during labor and delivery.
  • Assisted obstetricians and midwives with deliveries and cared for newborns directly after birth.
  • Performed vital signs checks and administered vaccinations to infants following birth.

CNA, Labor and Delivery

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
03.2023 - 08.2023
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores through consistent delivery of high-quality care during labor and postpartum periods.
  • Provided emotional support to mothers throughout labor, offering encouragement and reassurance as needed.
  • Contributed to efficient patient flow by promptly completing required documentation related to births, transfers, discharges, or other changes in status.
  • Served as an advocate for patients'' rights and preferences throughout their birthing experiences, fostering trust and rapport with each individual.
  • Reduced complications during childbirth by assisting physicians with surgical preparations such as setting up sterile fields or instrument trays when needed.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care during labor and delivery.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment in the labor and delivery unit, adhering to infection control protocols.
  • Managed the effective use of limited resources within the labor and delivery unit by prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance.

CNA, Emergency Department

CGH Medical Center
01.2021 - 08.2023
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
  • Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.

CNA, Critical Care

CGH Medical Center
11.2020 - 01.2022
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
  • Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Sauk Valley Community College
Dixon
05-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, IL
05-2013

Skills

  • Medication and IV administration
  • Direct patient care
  • Patient assessments
  • Strong clinical judgment
  • Patient and family advocacy
  • Infection control measures
  • Wound care
  • Compassion, empathy, and professional bedside manner
  • PALS certification
  • Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification
  • TNCC certification
  • EMR systems

Certification

  • PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • TNCC - Trauma Nursing Certification Course
  • ECRN - Emergency Communications Registered Nurse

Timeline

Registered Nurse

CGH Medical Center
04.2025 - Current

Registered Nurse, Podiatry Clinic

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
10.2024 - 04.2025

Registered Nurse, OB

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
08.2023 - 04.2025

CNA, Labor and Delivery

OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center
03.2023 - 08.2023

CNA, Emergency Department

CGH Medical Center
01.2021 - 08.2023

CNA, Critical Care

CGH Medical Center
11.2020 - 01.2022

Associate of Applied Science - Nursing

Sauk Valley Community College

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Olivet Nazarene University

Daisy Award Nominee

Nominated by a patient in 2023 for Daisy Award. The Daisy Award is a nursing award for extraordinary nurses who demonstrate exceptional compassion and clinical skill. My patient included these words with her nomination: "Kara talked through any questions or concerns I had instead of making me feel uncomfortable or uncertain. She handle me and my son with absolute care and compassion. She exceeded my expectations for my son's care. She was very patient and understanding. She made me feel safe and like I was family. She has the heart of a true nurse and she picked the perfect career."

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