Shanna Carlson
Topeka,KS
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented nursing professional with extensive experience in cardiac catheterization lab, interventional radiology, electrophysiology, and structural procedures, pursuing a nursing leadership role to leverage clinical expertise and team leadership skills. Recognized for exceptional critical thinking, effective communication, and strong mentoring abilities that foster team development in high-acuity environments. Proven track record of guiding teams in implementing process improvements while upholding the highest standards of patient care and safety. Demonstrated success in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring regulatory compliance, contributing to overall excellence in healthcare delivery.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cardiac Cath Lab Supervisor
University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
07.2025 - Current
- Assisted in implementing a hospital metric system to enhance efficiency and support cath lab room utilization. Focused on optimizing lab utilization during peak hours, ensuring timely starts for first cases, and maintaining accuracy in case length and turnover time.
- Allocated time to analyze case durations by provider and procedure, enhancing room utilization and boosting daily productivity.
- Collaborated with HVC physicians and RNs to enhance scheduling efficiency through the implementation of the overlapping method.
- Developed a comprehensive scheduling spreadsheet for nurses at HVC to optimize case management and turnover times.
- Analyzed productivity index trends through Laborlytics.
- Achieved improved team engagement and skill enhancement through the successful implementation of four development initiatives: education in-services, annual skills fair, cath lab townhall, and morning huddle.
- Managed hiring process for four new employees to enhance team stability and eliminate contract labor.
Interim Cardiac Cath Lab Supervisor
University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
04.2025 - 07.2025
- Directed cath lab operations to ensure adherence to safety regulations and protocols.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture among colleagues to enhance staff morale.
- Enhanced team dynamics by promoting transparent communication and promptly resolving conflicts.
- Assessed employee performance and delivered constructive feedback to enhance skill development.
- Organized and managed monthly call schedules while validating PTO and timecard submissions for accuracy.
- Supported medical coder in verifying accurate billing of procedures and equipment to patients.
Registered Nurse – Cardiac Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology
St. Francis Hospital
01.2011 - 04.2025
- - Provide specialized nursing care to patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, interventional radiology, EP, TAVR, and watchman procedures
- - Monitor and assess patients pre-, intra-, and post-procedure to ensure safety and optimal outcomes
- - Administer conscious sedation and medications while maintaining hemodynamic stability
- - Collaborate closely with physicians, radiologic technologists, and ancillary staff in high-acuity settings
- Guided and mentored new nurses and staff to enhance workflow efficiency and deliver patient-centered care.
- - Serve as a resource nurse, promoting evidence-based practices and cross-department communication
Registered Nurse – Telemetry Unit
St. Francis Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2011
- - Delivered care to patients with cardiac and medical conditions requiring continuous telemetry monitoring
- - Interpreted cardiac rhythms and responded promptly to changes in patient condition
- - Managed medication administration, wound care, and patient assessments
- - Communicated effectively with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care
- - Supported patient education and discharge planning
- - Acted as a preceptor for new staff, fostering clinical growth and teamwork
Student Nurse Technician – Telemetry Unit
St. Francis Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2006
- - Assisted nurses with daily care routines, including hygiene, mobility, and feeding support
- - Collected vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff
- - Documented patient information with accuracy and timeliness
- - Gained hands-on clinical experience while completing nursing education
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Washburn University
Topeka, KS01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Sociology
Washburn University
Topeka, KS01.2003
Skills
- Clinical Leadership & Team Coordination
- Patient Care & Advocacy
- Cardiac telemetry monitoring
- Interventional Radiology & Cardiac Cath Procedures
- Conscious Sedation Administration
- Critical Thinking & Clinical Decision-Making
- Staff Training & Mentorship
- Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Quality Improvement & Patient Safety Initiatives
- IV Therapy & Medication Administration
- Time Management in High-Stress Environments
Accomplishments
- Led the implementation of an operational metrics system focused on efficiency and productivity. Within six months, prime-time utilization improved from 40% to 93%, first-case on-time starts increased from 43% to 67%, all-case on-time starts from 61% to 82%, and case length accuracy from 44% to 69%, resulting in higher case volume and productivity.
- Collaborated with physician RNs at HVC to design and implement a staggered scheduling model, allowing for an increased number of cases to be scheduled each day.
- Created a physician-specific scheduling tool that standardized procedure times by provider, improving scheduling accuracy and increasing individual physician case volume.
- As a result of operational improvements and scheduling optimization, expanded cardiac cath lab capabilities to routinely perform three TAVRs, six Watchman procedures, and two AFib ablations, and successfully launched a concomitant AFib ablation with Watchman procedure, reducing total patient procedural time while maximizing lab efficiency.
- Partnered with the pre-op manager to implement a mobile pre-op nurse role to prepare inpatients at the bedside for cardiac, interventional, and related procedures, improving workflow efficiency, staff support, and patient satisfaction.
Certification
- BLS (Basic Life Support) — Current
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) — Current
Timeline
Cardiac Cath Lab Supervisor
University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
07.2025 - Current
Interim Cardiac Cath Lab Supervisor
University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
04.2025 - 07.2025
Registered Nurse – Cardiac Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology
St. Francis Hospital
01.2011 - 04.2025
Registered Nurse – Telemetry Unit
St. Francis Hospital
01.2006 - 01.2011
Student Nurse Technician – Telemetry Unit
St. Francis Hospital
01.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Washburn University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Sociology
Washburn University