Nikki Lunsford
Monroe,NC
Summary
Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse with 26 years of experience and an proven track record at Atrium Health , excelling in family-centered care and neonatal resuscitation. Renowned for problem-solving abilities and fostering strong relationships with parents. Significantly enhanced patient outcomes and family satisfaction in high-stakes environments. Expert in medication administration and central line care, embodying reliability and compassion. I remains calm and composed in the most stressful environments. Smart and determined in giving each patient an exceptional level of care through assessments, medication administration and dedicated service and support.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
Atrium Health Pineville
12.2020 - Current
- Charge Nurse and provided high level of quality care for each and every patient in 10+-bed neonatal ICU unit.
- Coordinated discharge planning for patients ready to transition home or to a lower level of care facility, collaborating with families and healthcare providers for optimal continuity of care.
- Enhanced family satisfaction with timely communication and education on infant health, development, and care needs.
- Administered medications and treatments as ordered by physician.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
- Assisted with neonatal transport team duties as needed, ensuring safe and efficient transfer of critically ill infants between hospitals.
- Administered medications safely according to physician orders while monitoring for potential side effects or adverse reactions.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork within the NICU unit by fostering open communication, mutual support, and shared accountability among nursing colleagues.
- Assessed patients'' vital signs, blood gases, and lab results daily to adjust treatments accordingly and ensure optimal patient progress.
- Charge nurse
- Percutaneous Central Venous Catheter Inserter for the unit.
- Maintained detailed records of patient assessments, interventions, progress notes, and discharge planning in the electronic medical system.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Atrium Healthcare - Levine Children's Hospital
01.1999 - 12.2020
- Charge Nurse of busy 70+ bed unit
- Bedside nurse for Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)
- Percutaneous Central Venous Catheter (Central Line) Inserter
- Neonatal Transport Nurse
- Administered medications accurately and promptly, monitoring patients for potential side effects or adverse reactions.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing emotional support throughout their infant''s NICU stay.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality, compassionate care to critically ill neonates.
- Supported breastfeeding mothers by providing lactation assistance and education on breast milk expression techniques for their hospitalized infants.
- Assisted with complex procedures such as intubation, umbilical line placement, and lumbar punctures to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Enhanced family satisfaction by providing extensive education on infant care and supporting parents during their NICU journey.
- Actively participated in daily rounds with physicians, offering insights on patient progress from a nursing perspective to inform decision-making processes.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, resulting in increased efficiency and improved patient safety.
- Reduced infection rates through strict adherence to infection control protocols and diligent hand hygiene practices.
- Anticipated potential complications related to prematurity or critical illness by staying current on industry best practices through continuing education opportunities.
- Mentored new nurses in the NICU, fostering a supportive environment for learning and professional growth.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic hypothermia protocols for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, reducing the risk of long-term neurological damage.
- Trained and coached new employees on protocols and best practices to promote ideal patient outcomes.
Education
Dipolma of Nursing - Register Nurse
Mercy School of Nursing
Charlotte, NC11-1998
Skills
- Family-centered care
- Medication administration
- Neonatal resuscitation
- Parent education
- Premature infant care
- Central line care
- Intravenous therapy
- Honest and dependable
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (RNC-NIC) - National Certification Corporation.
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
- PCVC Inserter 2002-current
- Charge nurse 2002-current
- Preceptor 2001-current
Daisy Award Winner
The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors register nurses who exemplify the nursing values: Extraordinary Compassion, Courage, Integrity in every situation.
A statement from the award was that in the moment of distress seeing her, gave me comfort and knowing that my baby was in good hands. Nikki continued to show not only our baby, but me and my husband wonderful and compassionate care throughout his NICU stay. Having such a great nurse take care of both of my sons has made me a better nurse for the patients and families that I care for. I strive to give excellent and compassionate care to my patients as she gave to our family. We will forever be thankful for her and consider her family.
Timeline
Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
Atrium Health Pineville
12.2020 - Current
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Atrium Healthcare - Levine Children's Hospital
01.1999 - 12.2020
- Certified Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse (RNC-NIC) - National Certification Corporation.
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) - American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
- PCVC Inserter 2002-current
- Charge nurse 2002-current
- Preceptor 2001-current
Dipolma of Nursing - Register Nurse
Mercy School of Nursing
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