Sophia Wiernusz
Collegeville,PA
Summary
Ambitious and dedicated critical care nurse with over two years of intensive care experience providing high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced surgical ICU environment. Seeking admission to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program in Nurse Anesthesia to further advance clinical expertise and leadership in anesthesia nursing. Demonstrates strong communication, leadership, and mentoring abilities with a commitment to evidence-based practice, professional growth, and excellence in patient outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Registered Nurse
Indiana University Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana
10.2023 - Current
- Provide comprehensive care to critically ill post-surgical patients in a high-acuity intensive care setting.
- Manage advanced airways including ventilators, tracheostomies, and laryngectomy tubes.
- Perform vasoactive medication titration and manage Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT).
- Operated specialized equipment such as Viopix monitoring systems and Belmont rapid infusers to ensure optimal patient care.
- Conducted skin audits and implemented prevention strategies for pressure injuries as Unit Skin Champion.
- Precepted newly hired staff, facilitating orientation and enhancing professional development.
Clinical Advisor
Indiana University Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana
10.2025 - Current
- Develop, implement, and facilitate educational initiatives designed to strengthen clinical judgment, technical skills, and nursing confidence.
- Provide education, mentorship, and clinical support to nurses ranging from novice to expert levels.
- Deliver real-time coaching, feedback, and mentorship to bedside nursing staff.
- Facilitated clinical discussions for early recognition of patient deterioration and timely interventions.
- Promoted evidence-based practice and supported quality and patient safety initiatives to enhance care.
- Guided newly hired nurses through the transition from ICU orientation to competent independent practice.
- Collaborate with nursing leadership to ensure patient assignments align with competency and skill level.
- Demonstrated leadership and teamwork by implementing advocacy and self-care strategies.
- Participate in peer review and leadership meetings to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
foundations instructor
IU Health University Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana
07.2026 - Current
- Facilitated onboarding and clinical development of newly hired nurses through practical skills education, enhancing their readiness for patient care.
- Guide nurses through competency-based clinical skills, including central-line dressing changes, IV medication administration, IV piggyback setup, and other core bedside procedures.
- Provide real-time coaching, demonstration, and return-demonstration to reinforce safe nursing practice and institutional standards.
- Assessed knowledge or skill gaps and provided individualized education to boost confidence and clinical competency in nursing practices.
- Collaborate with unit educators and nursing leadership to support successful transition of new nurses into independent practice.
Sigma Theta Alpha Leadership Intern Coordinator
Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana
06.2024 - Current
- Coordinated intern selection processes and interviews for nine Indiana University schools, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Presented organizational updates and reports at board meetings to inform strategic decision-making.
Peer Tutor
Curry College
Milton, Massachusetts
09.2020 - 05.2023
- Developed personalized tutoring plans based on individual student needs.
- Tutored nursing and science students, enhancing academic performance and effective study strategies.
- Assisted students with coursework and study strategies to enhance understanding.
- Facilitated group study sessions to encourage collaborative learning among peers.
COVID-19 Vaccinator
Fallon Ambulance
Foxboro, Massachusetts
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Administered Moderna COVID-19 vaccinations, ensuring community members received timely access to immunization.
- Administered COVID-19 vaccinations to diverse populations in various settings.
- Prepared and labeled vaccine doses, verified patient documentation, educated patients on side effects, and maintained accurate vaccination records to support an efficient vaccination process.
- Educated patients on vaccination procedures and potential side effects.
- Maintained accurate records of vaccinations and patient information.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Nursing, Biology
Curry College
Milton, Massachusetts05-2023
Skills
- NIH stroke scale certification
- NPIAP skin certification
- Glucometer and ECPoC ABG certification
- Ventilator management
- IV and medication administration
- Central line management
- Continuous renal replacement therapy
- Tracheostomy and laryngectomy management
- Belmont rapid infuser operation
- Arterial line management
- Temperature management devices
Certification
Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), May 2025, Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), American Heart Association, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) Certified, NIH Stroke Scale Certified, NPIAP Skin Certification, Glucometer and ECPOC ABG Certified, Stress First Aid Certified
Research Interests
Interested in investigating the prevalence of skin breakdown in hospitalized patients and evaluating the effectiveness of waffle mattress utilization in the prevention of pressure injuries. Dedicated to improving evidence-based interventions that enhance patient comfort, safety, and long-term outcomes in critical care settings.
Honors and Awards
Two-Time Daisy Award Nominee (2024), Magna Cum Laude, Curry College (2023), Deans List (All Semesters), Alexander Graham Bell Honor Society (2023), Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (2022 Present), Sigma Theta Alpha
Volunteer and Leadership Activities
- Wheeler Mission Womens Shelter, Volunteer, 2023-09, Present
- Relay for Life Donations, Chair, 2022-09, 2023-05
- Local Historic Society, Volunteer, 2007, Present
- Sportsmens Tennis Club, Violence Against Volleys Volunteer, 2019, 2023
Leadership, Advocacy, and Committee Involvement
Nursing Professional Governance (NPG) Council
- Indiana University Hospital
- May 2025 Present
- Participate in shared governance initiatives aimed at improving nursing practice, institutional policy, and patient care outcomes.
Healthy Work Environment and Workplace Violence Council
- Contribute to workplace safety initiatives, violence prevention strategies, and positive workplace culture development.
Advocacy Initiatives
- Authored and submitted letters to state and federal legislators advocating for the Big Beautiful Bill to improve continuing education funding opportunities for nurses.
Tennis Team Captain | 2021–2023
- Served as team captain for three consecutive years, providing leadership, mentorship, and support to teammates.
- Fostered team cohesion, accountability, and a positive competitive environment while balancing academic and athletic responsibilities.
- Communicated with coaches and teammates to support team organization, preparation, and performance.
Timeline
foundations instructor
IU Health University Hospital
07.2026 - Current
Clinical Advisor
Indiana University Hospital
10.2025 - Current
Sigma Theta Alpha Leadership Intern Coordinator
Indiana University
06.2024 - Current
Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) Registered Nurse
Indiana University Hospital
10.2023 - Current
COVID-19 Vaccinator
Fallon Ambulance
03.2021 - 05.2021
Peer Tutor
Curry College
09.2020 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Nursing, Biology
Curry College