Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Stephanie Gunkelman

San Marcos,CA

Summary

Experienced Registered Nurse with 20+ years of clinical expertise in high-acuity hospital settings, including extensive practice in Neuro Surgical Trauma ICU and over a decade of Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) experience. Highly skilled in managing complex neurological and post-operative patients, rapid assessment, critical decision-making, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Demonstrated ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while delivering compassionate, evidence-based patient care. Recognized for clinical leadership, mentoring staff, and maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and quality outcomes.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Registered Nurse in Neuro Surgical Trauma ICU

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
07.2007 - Current
  • Implemented and monitored patient care plans to support achievement of personalized treatment objectives.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and enhance service delivery.
  • Executed comprehensive assessments and monitored vital signs to support timely patient care and intervention strategies.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Educated patients and families on health management strategies and post-discharge care plans.
  • Administered patient care plans in alignment with individualized treatment goals.

Registered Nurse, PACU

UCSD Hillcrest Hospital
05.2018 - 08.2019
  • Administered post-anesthesia care to patients, ensuring safety and comfort during recovery.
  • Monitored vital signs and assessed patient status, promptly addressing any complications.
  • Educated patients and families on post-operative care, enhancing understanding of recovery process.
  • Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and streamline PACU operations.

Registered Nurse, PACU

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
05.2017 - 05.2018
  • Monitored and managed patient recovery post-anesthesia, ensuring optimal safety and comfort levels.
  • Evaluated vital signs and patient conditions, promptly addressing complications to maintain optimal health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans for optimal recovery outcomes.
  • Provided detailed guidance to patients and families on post-operative care practices, enhancing clarity and support during the recovery journey.

Registered Nurse, PACU

Sports and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center
03.2013 - 05.2017

• Providing care to post-surgical patients in an outpatient setting.
• High volume patients include orthopedic surgeries, minimally invasive spine surgeries, interven-
tional pain management, and reconstructive plastic surgery.
• Provide pain management and education on narcotic medications and nerve blocks.
• Assist anesthesiologists with inserting nerve blocks, pain management, and airway management.
• Education and teaching on post-operative instructions and orthopedic devices.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA
06-2007

Skills

  • Continuous renal replacement therapy expertise
  • Certified Preceptor (2009), Scripps Memorial Hospital, La Jolla
  • Advanced hemodynamic monitoring and vasoactive drug management
  • Management of mechanical ventilation and airway stabilization
  • Wound assessment and care
  • Proficient in moderate sedation
  • Management of surgical drains and invasive lines
  • Intracranial pressure monitoring and External Ventricular Device monitoring and management

Certification

• Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS), American Heart Association (2004), Expires
05/2027
• Advanced Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS), American Heart Association (2007), Expires 05/2027.
• Critical Care Nurse Adult Certification (CCRN), American Heart Association (2009), Expires
08/31/2027
• National Institute of Health Stroke Certified, American Heart Association (2007), Expires 07/25/2025

Timeline

Registered Nurse, PACU

UCSD Hillcrest Hospital
05.2018 - 08.2019

Registered Nurse, PACU

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
05.2017 - 05.2018

Registered Nurse, PACU

Sports and Minimally Invasive Surgery Center
03.2013 - 05.2017

Registered Nurse in Neuro Surgical Trauma ICU

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
07.2007 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Point Loma Nazarene University