Laura Pigg
Hanceville,AL
Summary
Dedicated VAD specialist with nearly a decade of critical care experience, currently excelling in a role focused on delivering high-quality patient and family care through comprehensive education and support. Proven ability to thrive in dynamic healthcare environments while consistently prioritizing patient-centered outcomes. Passionate about leveraging extensive expertise to enhance patient experiences and drive improvements in clinical practices within advanced cardiac care. Committed to fostering collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal care delivery and innovative solutions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
VAD Specialist
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
Birmingham, AL
06.2025 - Current
- Provide specialized care and management for patients with ventricular assist devices (VADs)
- Collaborate with cardiology, transplant, and surgical teams to optimize patient outcomes
- Educate patients and families on VAD care, maintenance, and post-discharge management
- Monitor device function, troubleshoot complications, and respond to emergencies
Registered Nurse – Heart & Lung Transplant ICU
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
Birmingham, AL
09.2016 - 06.2023
- Delivered high-quality care to critically ill patients undergoing heart and lung transplantation
- Managed complex ventilator support, hemodynamic monitoring, and post-operative care
- Administered medications, including vasoactive drips and immunosuppressive therapies
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans
- Responded rapidly to emergencies, including code situations and acute patient deterioration
- Educated patients and families regarding treatment plans and recovery expectations
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, ALPre-Nursing - BSN Track
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, ALSkills
- Critical Care Nursing
- Heart & Lung Transplant Care
- Ventilator Management
- Hemodynamic Monitoring
- VAD (Ventricular Assist Device) Management
- Emergency Response & Code Blue
- Patient & Family Education
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Analytical thinking
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Alabama State Board of Nursing
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) Certification
Timeline
VAD Specialist
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
06.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse – Heart & Lung Transplant ICU
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
09.2016 - 06.2023
Pre-Nursing - BSN Track
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Associate of Science - Nursing
Wallace State Community College