Nakala Durden
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Detail-oriented Registered Nurse with 3+ years of progressive acute-care nursing experience across cardiothoracic/progressive stepdown, thoracic surgery, pulmonary transplant, cardiovascular ICU, and general surgery settings. Experienced in comprehensive patient assessment, care planning, clinical decision-making, patient and family education, medication administration, continuous monitoring, safety, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to prioritize care, respond effectively in emergency situations, manage complex patients, and provide compassionate, team-oriented care under pressure. B.S. in Nursing with current BLS and ACLS certification.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Baylor Scott & White
, Tx
06.2024 - Current
- Care for complex acute-care patients including CABG, TAVR/AVR cardiac valve replacements, LVAD patients, cardiac/insulin/heparin drips, and ENT surgical oncology patients with tracheostomies, laryngectomies, PEG tubes, free flaps, and internal Dopplers.
- Conduct detailed clinical assessments, prioritize patient and family needs, and create, implement, and evaluate individualized plans of care.
- Build therapeutic relationships with patients and families through compassionate communication, comfort management, education, and professional support.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary colleagues to coordinate care, delegate appropriately, follow up on patient needs, and promote safe, effective outcomes.
- Apply clinical judgment and problem-solving to changing patient conditions while recognizing limitations and prioritizing safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.
- Provided acute-care nursing for patients undergoing complex thoracic surgical and pulmonary transplant care.
- Performed patient assessments, developed and evaluated care plans, addressed patient/family needs, and collaborated with the healthcare team.
- Provided education and therapeutic support while maintaining safety, prioritization, and effective communication in a high-acuity environment.
Nurse Intern
Baton Rouge General
05.2022 - 06.2023
- Provides personal care and professional excellence by assisting in observing patients and implementing nursing care under the direct supervision of an RN
- Collecting vital signs and blood cultures, begins intravenous therapies, assisting with patient admissions, and performs patient care efficiently.
- Coordinates information relative to direct, diagnostic, therapeutic, and indirect patient care.
- Assists and collaborates with a diverse spectrum of professionals to ensure exceptional patient care.
- PART-TIME 25hrs/wk
- Unit: General Surgery
- Supervisor: Rochelle Howard | (225)-572-4676
Nurse Tech
Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center
02.2022 - 06.2023
- Performs direct patient care nursing tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and completes delegated tasks for competency as designated.
- Maintains patient safety through direct supervision, reorienting, and redirecting confused patients.
- Conducting patient labs and testing such as but not limited to EKGs, Vitals, Bladder scans, and CPR in an emergency setting.
- Direct patient care with patients requiring continuous telemetry monitoring.
- PART-TIME 30hrs/wk
- Unit: Heart and Vascular ICU
- Supervisor: Chris Diggins | (225)-266-1578
Education
B.S. - Nursing, Psychology
The Southern University and A&M College
Skills
- Patient & Family-Centered Care
- Comprehensive Assessments
- Nursing Process & Care Planning
- Clinical Judgment
- Patient Monitoring
- Medication Administration
- Patient Education
- Care Coordination
- Interdisciplinary Teamwork
- Safety & Risk Reduction
- Emergency Response
- Documentation
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Time Management
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Baylor Scott & White
06.2024 - Current
Nurse Intern
Baton Rouge General
05.2022 - 06.2023
Nurse Tech
Our Lady of The Lake Regional Medical Center
02.2022 - 06.2023
B.S. - Nursing, Psychology
The Southern University and A&M College