Shannon Rakitis

• Delivered comprehensive care to patients with cerebrovascular anomalies in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Coordinated all aspects of pre- and post-operative care, including patient education, medication management, diagnostic imaging, and follow-up planning.
• Served as a liaison between Penn Medicine and external marketing organizations to promote awareness and fundraising for conditions such as brain aneurysms and spinal deformities.
• Managed patient care for complex neurosurgical conditions, including vascular malformations, cerebral aneurysms, cerebrovascular accidents, and spine deformities.

Key Outcomes & Skills:

• Ordered and interpreted laboratory and radiology results
• Evaluated and triaged clinical concerns to ensure timely and appropriate interventions
• Educated patients and families, provided counseling, and coordinated specialist referrals
• Proficient in EPIC electronic medical record (EMR) system

• Served as the primary point of contact and liaison for the attending neurosurgeon, facilitating communication among staff, physicians, departments, patients, and families.
• Oversaw complex scheduling of patient appointments, diagnostic testing, and case planning across multiple departments.
• Coordinated pre- and post-operative needs, including medication orders, imaging studies, and surgical preparation.
• Managed the organization of key departmental conferences, including Spine Conference, Tumor Board, and Neurovascular Conference.
• Acted as the liaison for regional and national academic and industry-sponsored programs and events.
• Led external marketing initiatives for Cooper Neurosurgery, focusing on outreach to local and regional practices, tertiary centers, and referral sources across the Delaware Valley.

Key Outcomes & Skills:

• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and multidisciplinary coordination for high-acuity neurosurgical patients.
• Excelled in high-pressure environments with exceptional organizational skills, effectively managing multiple priorities and time-sensitive tasks.
• Maintained superior interpersonal communication as a consistent point of contact for patients and families throughout the surgical care process.

• Delivered skilled nursing care in patients’ homes, providing comprehensive support from initial assessment through discharge.
• Conducted intake evaluations, benefits assessments, and developed individualized short- and long-term care plans.
• Advocated for patient needs, provided health education, and facilitated referrals to appropriate community and healthcare resources.
• Ensured continuity of care by closely coordinating with families, physicians, and other care team members.

Key Outcomes & Skills:

• Applied advanced clinical expertise to manage care across a wide range of home health conditions.
• Exercised sound clinical judgment, leading to improved patient outcomes and safety.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to enhance care quality, boost patient satisfaction, and support ongoing quality improvement efforts.

• Provided critical care as part of an interdisciplinary team at Lourdes’ nationally recognized cardiac center, delivering high-quality nursing care to patients with complex cardiac conditions.
• Closely monitored cardiac patients and promptly communicated changes in condition to physicians and charge nurses.
• Supported patients and families during highly stressful and emotionally challenging situations, including acute illness, post-surgical recovery, and end-of-life care.
• Managed care for high-risk medical and surgical patients, including those requiring PACU-level critical care, ventilator support, and treatment for acute myocardial infarction.

Key Outcomes & Skills:

• Delivered expert nursing care in high-acuity environments, demonstrating clinical competence and rapid decision-making.
• Led staff training initiatives on updated Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement standards, enhancing compliance and care delivery.
• Developed and implemented care plans for chronic, non-healing wounds, and provided thorough patient and family education in wound care techniques.