KRISTA LAFORD
NTSICU
Chandler,AZ
Summary
ICU Nurse with almost 8 years of dedicated experience in critical care environments, adept at managing complex patient cases involving ventilated patients and advanced medical devices. Proficient in Cerner and clinical documentation, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication to enhance patient outcomes. Committed to implementing evidence-based protocols to improve care quality and efficiency in fast-paced settings.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Dignity Health
08.2025 - Current
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- 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.
ICU Nurse/Travel
Banner Dessert Medical Center
09.2024 - 10.2024
- Floated to PCU units, managed patient drips, ensured seamless care transitions.
- Organized urgent care, prioritized treatments, enhanced response efficiency.
- Managed ventilated ICU patients, coordinated complex drips, lines, devices.
SICU Travel Nurse/Contract
St. John's Medical Center
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Treated patients suffering from acute and chronic medical conditions such as stroke, CHF, sepsis, GI bleed, DKA, trauma related incidents such as MVC, and post-surgical patients including post kidney transplant and flap surgeries
- Organized care and treatment of patients according to level of urgency for better prioritization
- Management of ventilated patients with multiple drips, lines and devices.
- Implemented evidence-based protocols in the ICU, enhancing patient recovery times and achieving substantial improvements in overall care quality.
NTICU/Travel
St Francis Medical Center
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Delivered care for post TNK, post-op coiling and craniotomy patients, ensuring optimal recovery.
- Managed MICU overflow cases like pneumonia and seizures, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Conducted assessments to identify nursing diagnoses, ensuring appropriate care plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to meet patient needs, improving communication efficiency.
Cardiac ICU Nurse
Wesley Medical Center
01.2019 - 07.2022
- Assess, implement, and coordinate critical care along with interventions
- Determine emergency interventions by evaluating patient
- Draw blood, and monitor labs as ordered by physician, along with interpreting those results
- Provide emotional support to patient and family
- Master in caring for patients on ventilators/titrating drips/multi-tasking/COVID patients
- Relief Charge RN of 26 bed ICU, including Code Blue RN
Nurse Technician
Via Christi Resource Pool
02.2018 - 01.2019
- Able to adapt and cope with changes while being floated to numerous units
- Performed skills such as straight cathing, and removing IVs under RN delegation
- Took samples of blood and other body fluids for diagnostic purposes
- Checked patients’ vitals, blood sugars, I&O’s and pain levels while ensuring that the RN was informed of any irregularities
- Maintain the general cleanliness, maintenance and sterilization of patient areas
- Assist in changing bed linens and ensuring that any spills are promptly cleaned up
- Assist patients in handling their personal needs such as bathing, toileting and grooming
- Provided support in using bedpans and urinals
CNA
Meridian Health and Rehabilitation
10.2014 - 01.2015
- Provided patient care for residents in long-term care facility. Worked closely with the Nurse to manage patient care, and communicate any concerns.
- Patient care performed as ordered, assisted with bathing, feeding, and light house-keeping. Obtained vitals, and charted effectively.
- Looked after cleanliness and healthfulness of clients
CNA/Caregiver
Brookdale - Village at Skyline (Personalized Living)
02.2014 - 07.2014
- Worked closely with Personalized Living Director and scheduler to ensure client needs were met. Played dual roles as caregiver and CNA whenever necessary.
- Personal care, mobility assistance and well checks
- Ran the BP clinic for entire facility
- Looked after cleanliness and healthfulness of clients and their environment
- Meal preparation, pet care, and assisted clients in outside traveling to medical appointments
Education
RN, BSN -
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS12.2018
Certified Nursing Assistant - undefined
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, CO10.2014
Skills
Patient Care (Expert), Critical Care (Experienced), Ventilator Management (Experienced), ACLS (Expert), BLS (Expert), NIHSS (Expert), Clinical Documentation (Expert), Team Leadership (Experienced), Meditech, Cerner (Experienced), MS Office (Experienced), Communication (Expert), Organization (Expert), Patient Advocacy (Expert)
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Dignity Health
08.2025 - Current
ICU Nurse/Travel
Banner Dessert Medical Center
09.2024 - 10.2024
SICU Travel Nurse/Contract
St. John's Medical Center
09.2023 - 08.2024
NTICU/Travel
St Francis Medical Center
09.2022 - 08.2023
Cardiac ICU Nurse
Wesley Medical Center
01.2019 - 07.2022
Nurse Technician
Via Christi Resource Pool
02.2018 - 01.2019
CNA
Meridian Health and Rehabilitation
10.2014 - 01.2015
CNA/Caregiver
Brookdale - Village at Skyline (Personalized Living)
02.2014 - 07.2014
Certified Nursing Assistant - undefined
Pikes Peak Community College
RN, BSN -
Wichita State University