Karla Graber
Fort Wayne,IN
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive ICU experience at Lutheran Hospital, excelling in advanced life support and patient advocacy. Proven track record in leading emergency response teams and enhancing patient outcomes through effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognized for compassionate care and mentoring junior staff, fostering a culture of excellence in critical care.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Lutheran Hospital- Coronary Intensive Care Unit
Fort Wayne, IN
02.2015 - Current
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining focus on providing exceptional patient-centered care within a fast-paced critical care environment as Charge Nurse of a 24 bed ICU.
- Led code blue team and rapid response team for emergencies on the Telemetry and Medical-Surgical Units, showcasing strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities under pressure.
- Administered life-saving medications and therapies under strict protocols, guiding patients towards recovery from acute illnesses or injuries.
- Cared for and managed patients with critical invasive devices, such as IABPs, Impellas, CRRT dialysis machines with dialysis catheters, Swan-Ganz catheters, EKOS catheters and system, temperature management systems including Arctic Sun and Zoll, also cared for ECMO patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Educated patients and families on treatment protocols and health management strategies.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering skills development and teamwork within the unit.
- Led quality improvement initiatives, streamlining processes for better patient care delivery.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
- Monitored hemodynamic parameters and analyzed complex data sets, making appropriate adjustments to treatment plans based on patient response.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses entering the critical care field, sharing knowledge and expertise to facilitate successful integration into the team.
- Demonstrated a high level of adaptability in adjusting to ever-changing patient acuity levels within the critical care unit, ensuring consistent delivery of safe and effective nursing care.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to quickly identify changes in patient condition requiring intervention or escalation of care.
- Oversaw various aspects of telemetry by administering pa catheters and arterials, vasoactive drugs, titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tubes.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult times.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans for critically ill patients.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration by effectively communicating with physicians, therapists, and support staff to ensure optimal patient care.
- Assisted in invasive bedside procedures such as central line insertions, arterial catheter placements, chest tube insertions, intubations, endoscopic procedures, surgical procedures, and interventional radiology procedures.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams during daily rounds to develop individualized treatment plans based on specific patient needs and goals.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at reducing complications related to ventilator use, central line infections, and pressure ulcers.
- Streamlined workflow processes within the critical care unit, resulting in increased efficiency and improved patient satisfaction.
Phlebotomist
Lutheran Hospital
Fort Wayne, IN
06.2010 - 02.2015
- Performed venipunctures and capillary draws, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
- Maintained accurate records of blood collection procedures and test results.
- Trained and mentored new staff on proper phlebotomy techniques and protocols.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to ensure timely processing of specimens for diagnosis.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Labeled transfer tubes and followed exact directions for handling and storing specimens for transport.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Completed proper sanitation and cleaning of equipment and work areas between patients.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Stocked phlebotomy cart or carrier with appropriate supplies.
- Demonstrated adaptability by effectively performing blood draws on diverse patient populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and challenging cases.
- Established and maintained positive working relationships with patients, staff and clinical personnel to build trust and camaraderie.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Used personal protective equipment correctly to protect coworkers and patients.
- Collaborated with medical professionals to ensure accurate test orders and appropriate sample collection methods were used.
- Organized daily work based on collection priority.
- Addressed questions and concerns to educate patients on collection process and procedures.
- Actively engaged with patients to educate them on proper post-draw care, reducing potential complications and ensuring their comfort throughout the process.
- Contributed to a reduction in wait times by quickly assessing patient needs, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and efficiently completing blood draw procedures.
- Provided support to laboratory staff, facilitating prompt analysis of collected samples for expedited results delivery.
- Collected, labeled, and processed blood samples for variety of tests, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to laboratory.
- Supported laboratory technicians by preparing and organizing samples for analysis, facilitating smoother workflow.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to prioritize urgent blood draws, ensuring timely analysis for critical care decisions.
- Trained new phlebotomists in proper blood collection techniques and safety protocols, elevating overall quality of care.
- Identified veins suitable for venipuncture with precision, minimizing discomfort for patients.
Patient Care Technician
Lutheran Hospital - Float Pool
Fort Wayne, IN
01.2014 - 12.2014
- Provided direct patient care, including bathing, feeding, and mobility assistance.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Assisted with diagnostic tests and procedures while ensuring patient comfort.
- Maintained accurate patient records in electronic health systems for continuity of care.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Saint Francis
Fort Wayne, INAssociate of Science - Nursing
University of Saint Francis
Fort Wayne, INSkills
Nurse leader/ charge nurse
Intensive care unit experience
Direct patient care
Patient assessments
Medication and IV administration
Advanced cardiovascular life support
Central line management
Hemodynamic monitoring
Intravenous therapy
Patient advocacy
Compassionate care
Healthcare team collaboration
Airway management
Interdisciplinary collaboration
Evidence-based practices
Family advocacy
Policy adherence
Chart management
IV setup
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Standards of care
Life-sustaining machines
Cultural history
Emergency interventions
Problem-solving
Cardiac monitors
Decision-making
Documentation and reporting
Electronic charting
Pain management
Endotracheal intubations
Honest and dependable
Task and work prioritization
Adaptable and flexible
Intervention recommendations
Procedure support
Reliable and responsible
Complex information interpretation
Patient coping mechanisms
Medical equipment setup
Coaching and mentoring
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Lutheran Hospital- Coronary Intensive Care Unit
02.2015 - Current
Patient Care Technician
Lutheran Hospital - Float Pool
01.2014 - 12.2014
Phlebotomist
Lutheran Hospital
06.2010 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Saint Francis
Associate of Science - Nursing
University of Saint Francis