KRISTEN NICE

• Assessed, evaluated, and cared for neonates and their families in a Level 3 NICU.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
• Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
• Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed labs. Monitored oxygen levels and ventilators, titrating when needed.
• Floated to WellBaby Nursery and filled in as Nursery Nurse or NAN Nurse when needed.

• Administered nursing care to cardiac patients undergoing diagnostic, therapeutic or emergency services.
• Assisted in diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as, acute and chronic renal failure, unstable angina, cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease and cardiac dysrhythmia.
• Conducted initial assessments, documented findings in patient records and notified physicians of abnormal findings.
• Administered medication, titration of cardiac drips, pain management and analysis of patient responses to interventions to improve individual performance.
• Liaised with patients following cardiothoracic surgical procedures, providing support and education on post-surgical care.

• Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
• Administered medications via oral, IV, and epidural infusions and monitored responses.
• Cared for pre and post op cardiothoracic surgical patients involving coronary artery bypass, valve replacements, thoracotomies, and larger vascular surgical cases involving femoral popliteal bypass, carotid artery surgery, and Aortic Endografts.
• Monitored chest tubes, temporary pacemakers, epidural infusions and cardiac drips.
• Relief Charge nurse of 42 bed unit
• Enjoyed the benefits of a Magnet hospital as an RN on numerous unit based committees that supported employee satisfaction and evidence based patient treatment and outcomes
• Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
• Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
• Managed care from admission to discharge.
• Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
• Oversaw delivery of care for patients on a surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks/telemetry techs.

Entered the medical field during nursing school as an OR Tech. Supported the surgical team assisting in setting up OR suites for scheduled and emergent cases. Assisted with pre-op preps and immediate post op care in the PACU, Transitioned in this same hospital to Nurse Extern role in my last year of nursing school on a med surg/ortho/telemetry floor. Learned time management skills for a group of patients and enhanced my medical team relationship working with a group of nurses, MDs and patient care techs. Began cardiac nursing and obtained strong telemetry foundation. Furthered basic nursing skills and admission history skills. Benefited from being surrounded by strong educators and experienced nurses during my first year as a floor nurse.