Matthew Kramer, BSN, RN, CCRN

Registered Nurse, CVICU

Emory Healthcare

Atlanta, GA

04.2023 - Current

Provides compassionate care and highly specialized clinical skills to high-acuity patients in a Magnet-recognized, silver-level Beacon Award, 36-bed post-cardiac surgery ICU.
Admits directly from OR, rapid response, code blues, and emergent admissions from outside hospitals for patients requiring a higher level of cardiovascular care.
Tends to postoperative cardiothoracic patients, including heart and lung transplant, CABG, valve repair/replacement, thoracic/abdominal aortic aneurysm/dissection repairs, pulmonary thromboendarterectomy, LVAD placement, and congenital heart procedures.
Titrates medications infusions according to provider orders and protocol, including epinephrine, norepinephrine, vasopressin, amiodarone, dopamine, dobutamine, nicardipine, clevidipine, epoprostenol, insulin, and heparin, as well as sedative-analgesic medications, including propofol, fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, ketamine, midazolam, and hydromorphone.
Experienced with ECMO, LVAD, RVAD, Impella, IABP, CRRT, central lines, epidurals, mechanical ventilation, chest tubes, lumbar drains, cEEG, and temporary pacing with pacing wires, including general management, education, and troubleshooting.
Assists physicians in emergent preparation of re-sternotomy and invasive procedures, as well as emergent intubation and ECMO cannulation.
Monitors patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying and treating irregular telemetry and abnormal hemodynamics through PA catheters and arterial lines, and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
Provides exceptional care to high-acuity patients needing complex care, such as ventilator management, extensive wound care, and massive blood transfusion.
Participates in nursing simulation activities, EBP project implementation, and competency development to further nursing education.
Trains new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
Educates patients, families, and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, disease process, treatment and management, and lifestyle options.
Well-versed in Epic documentation of critical assessments in a timely manner.
Member of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.