Kristen Smith
Registered Nurse
Springfield,IL
Summary
Dynamic and mission‑driven healthcare professional with over 18 years of combined clinical, laboratory, and military leadership experience. Six years as a critical care bedside nurse with a strong foundation in high‑acuity patient management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence‑based practice. Previously served 12 years as a certified Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLT), bringing deep expertise in laboratory operations, quality assurance, and diagnostic accuracy.
A dedicated United States Army Reserve leader with an 18‑year career overseeing blood bank operations and directing the safety, training, and readiness of teams ranging from 5 to 100 personnel. Recognized for exceptional leadership, operational planning, and the ability to perform under pressure in complex, resource‑constrained environments. Combines clinical insight, technical laboratory knowledge, and military discipline to deliver safe, efficient, and high‑quality care.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Critical Care Registered Nurse
SICU - Saint Francis Medical Center
Peoria, IL
09.2023 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families about post-discharge care, enhancing understanding and compliance.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve nursing protocols and enhance patient safety.
- Monitored vital signs and laboratory results to assess patient conditions continuously.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in critical care nursing procedures and patient management.
- Assisted with invasive procedures such as central line insertions or bronchoscopies under physician supervision when needed.
- Implemented advanced life support measures during emergent situations, stabilizing patients'' conditions until transfer to higher levels of care if necessary.
- Collaborated with physicians in developing individualized plans of care tailored to each patient''s unique needs and preferences.
Telemetry Traveling Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions Supplier
Peoria, IL
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Administered heart and blood pressure medication to cardiac patients as prescribed by physicians.
- Observed patient health and side effects from treatments and medications, noting all details in patient chart.
- Collaborated across disciplines to coordinate disposition, referral and psychosocial support needs.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Surgical ICU Traveling Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions Supplier
Peoria, IL
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Operated critical care equipment to keep patients stable and promote recovery.
- Worked with intubated and ventilated patients, monitoring and reporting on conditions to maintain stats within optimal levels.
- Counseled patients and families on treatments, care options and discharge instructions.
- Administered medications to treat patients' symptoms and address underlying disease progression.
- Managed needs of chronically ill and acute patients with well-coordinated treatment strategies.
- Documented work in hospital system and updated patients' charts with orders and observations.
- Responded rapidly to critical codes to coordinate stabilization treatments and restore vital functions.
- Protected critically ill patients from unnecessary risks by limiting visitors, using proper PPE and using strong infection control procedures.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in Surgical, Cardiac, Trauma, Medical and Neurological critical care units.
ICU Nurse
HSHS St. John's Hospital
11.2020 - Current
- Explained health care issues and ramifications to patients and families to promote informed medical care choices.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult and geriatric ICU patients.
- Supervised new employees and student nurses to promote adherence to established patient care standards and practices.
- Observed patients' vital signs and administered physician-prescribed medications and treatments.
- Delivered outstanding patient care in Trauma, Medical, Surgical and Neurological critical care units.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Assessed and managed various patient treatments for numerous patient diagnoses from sepsis to acute respiratory distress.
Army Officer
United States Army Reserve
08.2019 - Current
- Ordered, unloaded, sorted and tracked supplies and equipment needed for unit activities.
- Directed collection, organization and application of field intelligence and combat data to enhance troop safety and operational success.
- Handled administrative requirements, maintained records and submitted operational reports.
- Integrated intelligence activities into other military operations, plans and programs.
- Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Conducted and oversaw interrogations, briefings and debriefings.
Medical Technologist
Carle Brommen
11.2015 - 05.2022
- Identified test system abnormalities with potential for negatively affecting test performance or reporting and corrected issues.
- Employed microscopic techniques to collect and study blood samples to determine number of cells, morphology and blood group, assessing compatibility for transfusion purposes.
- Managed routine laboratory operations and supervised employees.
- Participated in procedure and instrument development activities.
- Maintained required laboratory supplies inventory, and verified viability of supplies prior to use.
- Participated in essential quality improvement programs to maintain accurate and timely laboratory testing and meet customer needs.
Medical NCO
United States Army Reserve
05.2008 - 08.2019
- Provided leadership, delegation and exceptional medical service in high-pressure situations.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Developed policies and procedures for effective laboratory management.
- Maintained operational organization by ensuring equipment functionality, inventory levels and employee medical training.
- Supervised a company of 95 Soldiers.
- Expanded cross-functional organizational capacity by collaborating across departments on priorities, functions and common goals.
- Delivered feedback to decision-makers regarding employee performance and training needs.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Education
Master of Science - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Saint Francis School of Nursing
Peoria, IL05-2029
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Methodist College
Peoria, IL08-2020
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL08-2020
Skills
- Organization and Time Management
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Decision Making
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Training and Development
- Multitasking Abilities
- Team building
Accomplishments
3.8 BSN Nursing School GPA
Certification
ACLS
BLS
TNCC
NIHSS
Active duty - deployment 2010-2011
Additional Information
References:
Emily Setzer
SFMC
Previous SICU Charge Nurse
636-346-9072
CPT Steve Tordoff
United States Army Reserve
Previous 801st DET Commander
309-642-5744
Anne Endris
Carle, Medical Hills
Laboratory Manager
847-343-8082
MAJ Louis Griffith
United States Army Reserves
Current BN/Unit Executive Officer
573-330-9917
Timeline
Critical Care Registered Nurse
SICU - Saint Francis Medical Center
09.2023 - Current
Telemetry Traveling Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions Supplier
06.2023 - 08.2023
Surgical ICU Traveling Registered Nurse
Medical Solutions Supplier
06.2022 - 07.2023
ICU Nurse
HSHS St. John's Hospital
11.2020 - Current
Army Officer
United States Army Reserve
08.2019 - Current
Medical Technologist
Carle Brommen
11.2015 - 05.2022
Medical NCO
United States Army Reserve
05.2008 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
Saint Francis School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Methodist College
Bachelor of Science - Clinical Laboratory Science
Northern Illinois University