Paula Minor
University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)
Pasadena,MD
5
Certifications
22
years of professional experience
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner delivering advanced care in cardiothoracic surgical critical care. Manages patients after CABG, valve repair and replacement, aortic dissection repair, and aneurysm repair while interpreting hemodynamics, labs, and diagnostic data to guide treatment. Performs arterial line placement, central venous catheter placement, and bronchoscopy within protocol and supports patients on LVAD, Impella, IABP, VA ECMO, VV ECMO, and CRRT.
Work History
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
7 Years 2 Months- Cardiothoracic Surgical Intensive Care Unit (CSICU)
- Provide advanced clinical care and management for critically ill patients following complex cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures.
- Manage patients following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair and replacement, aortic dissection repair, and aneurysm repair.
- Evaluate and manage postoperative hemodynamic instability, respiratory failure, and other complications associated with complex cardiac surgery.
- Provide care for patients requiring advanced mechanical circulatory support, including left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), Impella, and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP).
- Manage patients requiring veno-arterial and veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO and VV ECMO).
- Provide care for critically ill patients requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
- Perform arterial line placement, central venous catheter placement, and bronchoscopy within clinical privileges and institutional protocols.
- Interpret hemodynamic parameters, laboratory findings, and diagnostic studies to guide clinical management.
- Collaborate with cardiac surgeons, intensivists, nursing staff, respiratory therapists, and other multidisciplinary team members in the management of complex patients.
ECMO Specialist
9 Years- Supported the care of critically ill patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac and/or respiratory failure.
- Participated in the management of patients receiving VA ECMO and VV ECMO.
- Monitored ECMO circuit function, circuit parameters, and patient status.
- Collaborated with the multidisciplinary team in the care of patients requiring advanced cardiopulmonary support.
- Assisted in identifying and escalating ECMO-related complications and changes in patient condition.
Registered Nurse (RN)
13 Years 2 Months- Delivered critical care nursing for complex cardiothoracic surgery patients, supporting recovery after major cardiac and thoracic procedures.
- Monitored cardiac rhythms, respiratory status, and organ perfusion, then escalated postoperative deterioration and complications promptly.
- Supported patients requiring mechanical ventilation, advanced cardiovascular support, and ECMO during critical recovery periods.
- Collaborated with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate safe, effective patient care.
Registered Nurse (RN)
1 Year 11 Months- Assessed cardiac rhythms, identified significant changes, and promptly escalated concerns to physicians.
- Administered prescribed medications and followed individualized treatment plans for telemetry patients.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to support care coordination and discharge planning.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
650 Maryville University Dr.
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
4201 S. Washington St.
Associate Degree - Nursing
101 College Parkway
Skills
Cardiothoracic surgical intensive care
Postoperative cardiac surgery management
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Heart valve repair and replacement
Aortic dissection and aneurysm repair
Advanced hemodynamic monitoring
Mechanical circulatory support: LVAD
Impella
and IABP
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: VA ECMO and VV ECMO
Arterial line placement
Central venous catheter placement
Bronchoscopy
Postoperative complications management
Mechanical ventilation management
Continuous renal replacement therapy
Respiratory support protocols
Advanced practice assessment
Clinical decision making
Interdisciplinary care coordination
Patient stabilization
Certification
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE SUMMARY
- Nursing experience beginning July 2004.
- Cardiothoracic surgical intensive care nursing experience beginning June 2006.
- ECMO Specialist experience from 2011 through 2020.
- Advanced practice nursing experience beginning August 2019.
Timeline
Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)
08.2019 - CurrentRead More
ECMO Specialist
UMMC
01.2011 - 01.2020Read More
Registered Nurse (RN)
UMMC
06.2006 - 08.2019Read More
Registered Nurse (RN)
Baltimore Washington Medical Center (BWMC)
07.2004 - 06.2006Read More
Anne Arundel Community College (AACC)
Associate Degree from Nursing
Read More
Indiana Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
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Maryville University
Master of Science from Nursing
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