Nicole Kepler
Eagle Butte,SD
Summary
Healthcare professional prepared for demands of emergency care environments. Background in delivering efficient and compassionate treatment in high-pressure settings. Known for collaborative team efforts and adaptability to dynamic situations. Proficient in trauma assessment, patient stabilization, and maintaining calmness under pressure.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ER Nurse
IHS-Cheyenne River Health Center
Eagle Butte, SD
08.2023 - Current
- Oversaw planning and execution of patient care strategies in emergency department. Led in-depth triage and patient assessments, facilitating various emergency procedures. Monitored and documented patient symptoms while preparing individuals for treatments. Provided education to patients and families regarding continued care and disease prevention upon discharge. Functioned as charge nurse, managing clinical care for all patients in ED, ensuring safe staffing ratios, assisting with critical cases and transfers, and executing necessary regulatory tasks.
- Supervisor: Millie Santos Sanchez (6052301711)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
National On Call Coordinator
MTF Biologics
Edison, NJ
02.2020 - 08.2023
- Achieved compliance with FDA standards by effectively assessing eligibility for tissue donation through incoming calls from tissue recovery partners. Delivered thorough evaluations of clinical circumstances and medical records, ensuring adherence to donor risk assessment protocols. Guaranteed safety of donated tissues by applying nursing knowledge to confirm absence of communicable diseases, promoting successful transplantation outcomes. Streamlined operations by utilizing software tools, including Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and phone systems, to fulfill the timely demands of tissue recovery partners. Fostered supportive relationships with partner programs through compassionate and professional communication.
- Supervisor: Flo Rosenberg (9492793569)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Yes
Cardio Thoracic Donation Coordinator
University of Minnesota Hospital
Minneapolis, MN
10.2021 - 07.2023
- Achieved successful organ transplantation by effectively managing incoming offers for heart and lungs from UNOS for University of Minnesota recipients. Evaluated diagnostic information, including imaging and lab cultures, to confirm organ suitability for transplant. Communicated critical clinical and donor information to surgeons, leading to informed acceptance decisions. Streamlined transplant processes by coordinating recovery timing, transportation logistics, and hospital admissions while ensuring thorough EMR documentation. Utilized nursing processes to assess organ acceptance and maintained strong communication with partner agencies and transplant physicians to enhance patient-centered care.
- Supervisor: Emily Warren (6128100253)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Contact me first
Donation Coordinator
LifeSource
Minneapolis, MN
09.2016 - 02.2020
- Led onsite responses to referrals, facilitating meetings between potential donors and families while partnering with hospital staff to obtain necessary donation authorizations. Oversaw comprehensive management of deceased donor cases, including allocation and recovery processes. Delivered constructive feedback to hospital partners post-case. Mentored and trained new hires as a preceptor. Contributed to strategic planning initiatives as a committee member.
- Supervisor: Joshua Korthouse (612-800-6100)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Contact me first
Critical care RN, Resource Nurse
Avera Hospital University Health System
Sioux Falls, SD
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Delivered high-quality nursing care in adult intensive care unit, contributing to improved patient stability through timely interventions. Coordinated staffing and responded to hospital codes, enhancing team efficiency. Supported bedside nurses in addressing urgent patient needs, fostering a collaborative care environment.
- Supervisor: Amy Boyd (6053228000)
- Okay to contact this Supervisor: Contact me first
Critical Care Flight Nurse
Air Medical Resource Group
Ogden, UT
02.2013 - 01.2015
- Managed flight nurse schedule by providing coverage for air medical resource group service area. Oversaw assignments ranging from 1 week to 3 months in various geographical regions. Executed air medical evacuation missions in rotor and fixed-wing aircraft. Led hiring and training initiatives for flight nurses and medics to enhance base personnel capabilities.
Various
Sanford USD Medical Center
Sioux Falls, SD
08.1999 - 02.2012
- 08/1999-02/2012 multiple positions, sanford USD medical Center 08/1999-05/2005 Patient Care Tech; PICU 05/2005-02/2006 RN Adult ICU 02/2006-06/2008 ER RN 06/2008-02/2012 Flight RN/ER RN
Education
Associate's degree - ADN
University of South Dakota
Sioux Falls, SD, United States05-2005
Bachelor's degree - BSN Honors: Magna Cum Laude
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD, United StatesSkills
- Trauma nursing
- Intravenous therapy
- Compassionate care
- Airway management
- Pediatric advanced life support
- Emergency triage
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Critical thinking
- Excellent communication
- Strong clinical judgment
- Medication administration
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
ACLS
PALS
NR-EMTP-pending recertification
Timeline
ER Nurse
IHS-Cheyenne River Health Center
08.2023 - Current
Cardio Thoracic Donation Coordinator
University of Minnesota Hospital
10.2021 - 07.2023
National On Call Coordinator
MTF Biologics
02.2020 - 08.2023
Donation Coordinator
LifeSource
09.2016 - 02.2020
Critical care RN, Resource Nurse
Avera Hospital University Health System
01.2015 - 01.2017
Critical Care Flight Nurse
Air Medical Resource Group
02.2013 - 01.2015
Various
Sanford USD Medical Center
08.1999 - 02.2012
Bachelor's degree - BSN Honors: Magna Cum Laude
South Dakota State University
Associate's degree - ADN
University of South Dakota