Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Memberships
References
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Interests
Software
Timeline
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Sandi Ndlovu

Sandi Ndlovu

Houston,TX

Summary

Patient-oriented critical care nurse with several years of experience delivering high-quality care to patients in critical care and psychiatric units. Highly skilled in the field with demonstrated leadership skills that drive patient outcomes while sustaining care objectives.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Adult Congenital Heart Disease & Critical Care NP

Texas Children Hospital
Houston, Texas
11.2020 - Current
  • Conducted comprehensive physical assessments on admission and discharge of critically ill patients.
  • Maintained detailed documentation within the electronic medical record system.
  • Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines to ensure quality outcomes.
  • Participated in daily rounds with physicians to discuss patient progress and plan of care modifications.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills when supervising staff members assigned to the unit.
  • Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of treatments provided by other healthcare providers.
  • Monitored laboratory values and adjusted medications as needed based on results.
  • Implemented strategies to improve clinical outcomes within the unit.
  • Actively participated in performance improvement initiatives focusing on best practices for adult critical care settings.
  • Performed advanced nursing procedures, such as endotracheal intubation, chest tube insertion and central line placement.
  • Facilitated patient and family education regarding disease process and treatment options.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide patient-centered care.
  • Developed individualized plans of care for critically ill patients and their families.
  • Managed PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drug administration and titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tube management.
  • Performed emergency medical procedures, such as advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), when necessary.
  • Managed the care of patients on mechanical ventilation, optimizing respiratory function and monitoring for complications.
  • Mentored new nurses on practices and procedures to drive patient outcome goals.
  • Provided comprehensive care to critically ill patients, including those with complex medical and surgical conditions.
  • Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.

Registered Nurse - CVICU

Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas
02.2003 - 02.2022
  • Delivered comprehensive nursing to patients of a nationally recognized leader in applications of cutting-edge diagnostics, new procedures, and innovative therapies relating to heart and vascular disease.
  • Managed and directed comprehensive care operations of critically ill pre- and post-surgical cardiovascular patients, ventilated, and/or hemodynamically unstable individuals requiring cardiac assist devices, including Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps, ECMO, LVAD, CRRT, SynCardia, Impella, HeartWare, TandemHeart, and Swann-Ganz catheters, intravascular cooling systems, Flotrak monitoring, and external ventricular devices.
  • Fostered short- and long-term team and organization success by serving as a Clinical Mentor and Preceptor tasked with developing nurses and other medical students.
  • Supported the Center's vision and mission by serving as the Unit Team Leader for the Magnet Program and the Patient Satisfaction Committee.
  • Cemented the Center's presence as a leader in heart and vascular operations by volunteering at health fairs and educating/advocating for preventive healthcare and health screenings.

Registered Nurse - Obstetric ICU

Texas Children Hospital
Houston, Texas
07.2017 - 11.2020
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately in caring for critically ill patients in the Obstetric ICU.
  • Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
  • Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
  • Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
  • Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
  • Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
  • Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
  • Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
  • Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
  • Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
  • Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
  • Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.

Registered Nurse - Stroke Unit

Houston Methodist Hospital
Houston, Texas
02.2003 - 04.2013
  • Served multiple critical roles as a Registered Nurse, Team Leader, and Charge Nurse supporting stroke and neurological patients at the first DNV-Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the U.S. with ongoing recognition as one of the best in stroke diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery.
  • Consistently delivered superior comprehensive care to stroke and neurological patients, including critical and effective collaborations among multidisciplinary teams, to assess patient illness, status changes, and care plans.
  • Facilitated short- and long-term patient health through hands-on nursing assessments and educating patients and caregivers on pain management, medications, disease progression, and treatment strategies.
  • Served as Patient Satisfaction Committee Chair from 2010 to 2012, exceeding patient satisfaction goals in keeping with industry practices and stakeholder expectations.
  • Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.

Education

Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Purdue Global University
West Lafayette, IN
02-2024

Master of Science - Nursing - Adult Gerontology Acute Care

The University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, TX
12-2019

Skills

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
  • Intubation, airway & ventilator management
  • Managing Cardiac life-sustaining devices
  • Inserting invasive lines
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Quality Improvement
  • Medication Management
  • Patient-centered care
  • Diagnostic Assessment
  • Psychiatric and Mental Health Care
  • Clinical Quality Improvement
  • Mental health counseling
  • Multidisciplinary Collaboration
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
  • Professionalism and Reliability
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Excellent Communication

Affiliations

  • Travelling, working out, sewing, cooking

Certification

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: Texas Board of Nursing, February 2024

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: American Nurses Credentialling Center (ANCC), 2024

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), 2019

Adult/Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Texas Board of Nursing, 2019

Registered Nurse: Texas Board of Nursing, 2002

Advanced Cardiac Life Support: American Heart Association Expires 05/2025

Basic Life Support: American Heart Association Expires 05/2025

Memberships

American Psychiatric Nurses Association

International Society of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurses

Society of Critical Care Medicine

American Nurses Association

Houston Area Nurse Practitioners Association

References

References available upon request.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments

  • Supervised team of 6 staff nurse practitioners.
  • Collaborated with team of 8 in the development of insulin protocol
  • Achieved developing a core competency education pathway with accuracy and efficiency.

Interests

Travelling, sewing, cooking, working out

Software

EPIC, Microsoft

Timeline

Adult Congenital Heart Disease & Critical Care NP

Texas Children Hospital
11.2020 - Current

Registered Nurse - Obstetric ICU

Texas Children Hospital
07.2017 - 11.2020

Registered Nurse - CVICU

Houston Methodist Hospital
02.2003 - 02.2022

Registered Nurse - Stroke Unit

Houston Methodist Hospital
02.2003 - 04.2013

Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Purdue Global University

Master of Science - Nursing - Adult Gerontology Acute Care

The University of Texas Medical Branch
Sandi Ndlovu