KAYLA Gonzalez
Kannapolis,NC
Summary
Intensive Care Unit Nurse delivering bedside care for patients with cardiovascular instability, respiratory support needs, and stroke precautions. Manages ventilators, BIPAP, titratable IV drips, cardiac devices and catheters, and renal therapy devices while interpreting cardiac rhythms and responding to critical changes. Coordinates closely with interdisciplinary teams to support safe care transitions and timely escalation.
Overview
5
5
Certifications
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
2022.03 - Current
- Monitor critically ill patients and respond to changes in vital signs, rhythm, and level of consciousness.
- Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses clearly in the medical record.
- Educate patients and families on treatment plans, procedures, and discharge instructions with a calm bedside approach.
- Support respiratory interventions and collaborate with therapy staff to manage ventilator settings during changes in respiratory status.
- Perform EKG interpretation and report rhythm changes to the care team promptly.
- Assist with central line, arterial line, PA catheter and chest tube care according to unit procedures.
- Serve as Rapid Response RN hospital wide.
- Titrate IV infusions and vasopressors based on patient response and provider orders.
- Track intake, output, and other bedside indicators to support ongoing critical care decisions.
- Provide tracheostomy care and airway support while maintaining patient comfort and safety.
- Complete neurologic checks and dysphagia screening for patients with stroke-related or altered mental status concerns.
- Prepare patients for diagnostic and treatment procedures while explaining steps in clear, reassuring language.
- Follow advanced cardiac life support protocols during emergencies and assist with resuscitation workflows.
- Coordinate charge nurse duties as needed, including patient flow, task prioritization, and team communication.
- Proficient in the following devices: CRRT, IABP, Impella, FloPatch, NICOM
Registered Nurse, IMU
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
2021.02 - 2022.03
- Support 4 patients per shift with head-to-toe assessments and critical-change monitoring in the IMU.
- Titrate BIPAP and heated high-flow oxygen to optimize oxygen saturation for patients requiring noninvasive ventilation.
- Administer titratable IV drips, including diltiazem, dexmedetomidine, nitroglycerin, amiodarone, heparin, and nicardipine.
- Interpret cardiac rhythms on EKG monitors while managing afib with RVR, SVT, ST, hypertension, and hypotension.
- Perform chest tube, wound vac, tracheostomy, and central/peripheral IV line care maintenance.
- Perform NIH stroke assessments, dysphagia screenings, aspiration precautions, patient education, and documentation while collaborating with respiratory therapy and the care team.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northeastern University
2020-12
Bachelor of Arts - Exercise and Sport Science
UNC Chapel Hill
2015-05
Skills
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Documentation
- Patient education
- CPR
- Chest tube management
- Arterial line care
- Vasopressor administration
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Stroke care
- Central venous catheter care
- Rapid response coordination
- Charge nurse duties
- Respiratory therapy collaboration
- Ventilation management
- Tracheostomy care
Certification
BLS
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
2022.03 - Current
Registered Nurse, IMU
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center
2021.02 - 2022.03
Bachelor of Arts - Exercise and Sport Science
UNC Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Northeastern University