Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Career Accomplishments
Timeline
Hi, I’m

NICOLE FITCH, BSN, RN, FNP-S

Metairie,LA
NICOLE FITCH, BSN, RN, FNP-S

Summary

Driven family nurse practitioner honors student anticipating graduating with Masters of Science in Nursing in December 2024. CCRN-certified nurse with almost 11 years extensive experience in acute care settings, notably at Southeastern Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, caring for our nations Veterans. Demonstrates accurate diagnostic interpretation with culturally competent and compassionate bedside manner, excelling in high-quality patient care throughout the life span. Detail-oriented and proven track record in mentoring nurses and leading by example in high-pressure environments to maximize patient outcomes.

Overview

11
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Jorge Contretras, M.D.

MSN FNP-S, Adult Internal Medicine, 210 Hours
08.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • Will conclude clinical rotation with 105 hours of care for adults under the age of 65 years and 105 hours of care for adults over the age of 65 years.
  • Conducts and electronically documents in Medtron EMR thorough patient assessments, taking accurate patient vital signs and history to identify health issues and determine appropriate diagnosis and interventions.
  • Collaborates closely with preceptor to develop effective treatment strategies for complex medical conditions such as asthma, anemia, COPD, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hormone replacement therapy, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and thyroid disorders.
  • Orders and interprets diagnostic testing such as labs, x-rays, CT scans, MRI, in collaboration with preceptor to develop and implement treatment plans.
  • Develops strong rapport with patients, fostering trust and promoting culturally competent care and open communication regarding health concerns.
  • Administers IM and SQ medications safely and effectively while closely monitoring for adverse reactions or potential complications.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in electronic medical records systems, including documenting chief complaint, history of present illness, review of systems, physical examination, diagnosis, treatment plan, and electronic ordering of prescriptions, streamlining the documentation processes and optimizing efficiency.
  • Proficient in performing and interpreting 12 lead EKG, diabetic foot examination with monofilament testing, and pulmonary function testing.
  • Provides compassionate care for all patients, addressing both physical and emotional concerns during appointments while maintaining HIPPA compliance.
  • Educates patients on CDC vaccination recommendations and disease management techniques, empowering them to take control of their health and improve overall wellbeing.
  • Preps patient and sterile field and assists preceptor perform procedures such as joint injections and hormone replacement pellet placement.

Sam Obgartel, FNP-C

MSN FNP-S, Adult Primary Care, 150 Hours
01.2024 - 05.2024

Job overview

  • Performed comprehensive physical assessment of patients, 18 years of age to 65 years of age.
  • Managed acute and chronic illnesses, conducting thorough assessments and developing appropriate treatment plans in collaboration with preceptor.
  • Promoted overall wellness by educating patients on CDC vaccination recommendations, disease prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care management techniques.
  • Promoted effective preventive care measures and early intervention strategies for at-risk patients.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with patients and their families, addressing concerns or questions promptly and compassionately.
  • Utilized translator for interpretation for non English speaking patients to effectively communicate while maintaining HIPPA compliance.

Leslie Brown, MD

MSN FNP-S, Pediatrics / Adolescents, 150 Hours
08.2023 - 05.2024

Job overview

  • Performed comprehensive physical assessment of pediatric patients, newborn to 12 years of age and adolescent patients, 13 years of age to 19 years of age.
  • Identified common pediatric and adolescent illnesses to plan and implement interventions and management in conjunction with preceptor for conditions such as otitis media, exanthems, and ADD/ADHD management.
  • Analyzed and interpreted patients' histories, symptoms, physical findings, and diagnostic information to develop appropriate diagnosis.
  • Established and implemented developmental screening initiatives to detect delays in young children.
  • Performed well-child visits, monitoring developmental milestones, growth patterns, nutrition status, and overall health of pediatric patients from infancy through adolescence.
  • Educated patients and families on disease prevention, CDC vaccination recommendations and health promotion to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Performed suture and staple removal.

Alyson Salling, FNP-C

MSN FNP-S, Women's Health OB/GYN, 90 Hours
08.2023 - 12.2023

Job overview

  • Performed comprehensive physical examinations in women based on medical conditions involving age, menstruation, pregnancy, and sexual health.
  • Competent in performing breast examinations, pelvic examinations, and collection of PAP smears.
  • Promoted women's health by conducting regular screenings for cervical cancer, sexually transmitted infections, and other reproductive health concerns.
  • Assisted preceptor in care plan for treatment of women dealing with yeast infections, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.
  • Obtained and documented in EPIC EMR patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Educated patients on birth control options and associated health risks.
  • Educated teenage women on puberty and body changes related to hormones and growth.
  • Administered prenatal and postnatal care for mothers to include vitamin regimens, postnatal pain management, breastfeeding coaching and hormone imbalances.
  • Competent in measurement of fundus and use of doppler to assess fetal heart tones.
  • Witnessed preceptor place and remove Nexplanon implant and intrauterine devices.

Trina Guzan, DNP

MSN FNP-S, Urgent Care, 60 Hours
01.2023 - 05.2023

Job overview

  • Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
  • Performed comprehensive physical assessments.
  • Informed patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion based on recommendations for the patient population.
  • Visualized preceptor perform minor procedures such as suturing, ear flushing, wound care, and splinting when required for urgent care patients.

Southeastern Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System

Registered Nurse, CCU/MICU/SICU
11.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Utilizes strong assessment skills to provide culturally competent and high-quality patient care.
  • Collaborates well with interdisciplinary team to provide holistic care for patients while maintaining HIPPA compliance.
  • Maintains and performs dressing changes on patients with central lines, arterial lines, PICC lines, port-a-caths, dialysis lines, JP drains, ostomies, chest tubes and wound vacs.
  • Cares for a variety of complex CCU, MICU, and SICU patients including care of patients with trachestomy, intubated on ventilator, CABG, thrombectomy, endarterectomy, lobectomy, fempop bypass, PCI, IABP, Impella, and Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.
  • Appropriately titrates and manages continuous drips such as antihypertensives, vasopressors, paralytics, and sedation medications.
  • Maintains sterile field and assists physician during bedside procedures: chest tube placement, dressing changes, arterial line insertions, central line insertions.
  • Mentors and precepts nurses during routine and urgent patient situations.
  • Responds to code blue and rapid response calls and assists in ACLS protocol.
  • Serves as charge RN and makes nurse assignments based on acuity of patient population.
  • Competent in CPRS, PICIS, and BCMA electronic medical record documentation.

Ochsner Medical Center

Registered Nurse, CCU, MICU, SICU
02.2014 - 11.2017

Job overview

  • Skilled critical care nurse with experience in care of CRRT, ECMO, Left Ventricular Assist Device, Right Ventricular Assist Device, Impella, IABP, CABG, cardiac valve repairs and replacements.
  • Pre- and post-operative care of transplant recipients: heart, kidney, liver, lung, and pancreas.
  • EPIC electronic medical record documentation competency.

Education

Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA

Master of Science from Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner
12.2024

University Overview

  • Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Member

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA

Bachelor of Science from Nursing
12.2015

Delgado Charity School of Nursing
New Orleans, LA

Associate of Science from Nursing, Registered Nurse
12.2013

Houston Community College
Houston, TX

Associate of Arts from Fine Arts
12.2007

University Overview

  • Honors

Skills

  • CCRN certified
  • ACLS/ BLS certification
  • Advanced physical examination; Pediatric, Adult, Women's Health with pelvic exams
  • IV insertion and management
  • 12 lead EKG monitoring and interpretation
  • Diagnostic test interpretation
  • Patient-centered care
  • Electronic medical chart management

Certification

  • RN, Louisiana, 142964, 01/31/26
  • CCRN, 06/30/25
  • ACLS, 03/31/26
  • BLS, 03/31/26

Career Accomplishments

  • Inducted Member, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, 2024
  • Member, American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners (LANP) and American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
  • Critical Care RN certification, July 2016 to present
  • Nurse Residency presenter at 8th Annual Evidence Based Practice / Research National Conference and placed second for Nurse Residency EBP poster, September 2014
  • Ochsner Nurse Residency Program graduate, December 2014
  • CLABSI Unit Champion, Ochsner, April 2016 to November 2017
  • Greater New Orleans Chapter of Critical Care Nurses, Treasurer Elect 2016, and Treasurer 2017
  • Nominated for system-wide employee of the month Ochsner, May 2017
  • Member of the Professional Development Council Ochsner, 2015 to 2017
  • Member of and elected Treasurer of the Unit Based Council, VA ICU 2022-present
  • Unit Champion, VA ICU for CRRT, Impella, IABP, CABG and stroke codes
  • Charge nurse with effective leadership skills
  • Preceptor of nursing students and new orientation nurses
  • Voted 'Star Nurse' by ICU nurse peers at the VA
  • Creator of The Critical Chronicles, a monthly educational newsletter specific to ICU processes, VA ICU 2018- present
  • Effectively demonstrates the ability to streamline processes and optimize efficiency in the work environment

Timeline

MSN FNP-S, Adult Internal Medicine, 210 Hours

Jorge Contretras, M.D.
08.2024 - Current

MSN FNP-S, Adult Primary Care, 150 Hours

Sam Obgartel, FNP-C
01.2024 - 05.2024

MSN FNP-S, Pediatrics / Adolescents, 150 Hours

Leslie Brown, MD
08.2023 - 05.2024

MSN FNP-S, Women's Health OB/GYN, 90 Hours

Alyson Salling, FNP-C
08.2023 - 12.2023

MSN FNP-S, Urgent Care, 60 Hours

Trina Guzan, DNP
01.2023 - 05.2023

Registered Nurse, CCU/MICU/SICU

Southeastern Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System
11.2017 - Current

Registered Nurse, CCU, MICU, SICU

Ochsner Medical Center
02.2014 - 11.2017

Southeastern Louisiana University

Master of Science from Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Bachelor of Science from Nursing

Delgado Charity School of Nursing

Associate of Science from Nursing, Registered Nurse

Houston Community College

Associate of Arts from Fine Arts
NICOLE FITCH, BSN, RN, FNP-S