TAMARA NICHOLS
Hopewell
Summary
Compassionate and detail-oriented Registered Nurse (RN) with 10+ years of progressive nursing experience in acute care, long-term acute care, and behavioral health. Skilled in managing complex patient cases, critical care interventions, and interdisciplinary care coordination. Recognized for patient advocacy, strong clinical judgment, and ability to remain calm under pressure, and committed to delivering safe, evidence-based, and empathetic care to diverse patient populations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse – Progressive Care/Medicine (Sickle Cell Specialty)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health
Richmond, VA
06.2025 - Current
- Provide specialized care for patients with sickle cell disease in a progressive care setting.
- Manage PCA pain pumps to ensure safe and effective pain management.
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments, develop care plans, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
- Educate patients and families on disease management, treatment options, and discharge planning.
- Deliver evidence-based, compassionate care while monitoring for complications and ensuring continuity of care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
RN
Select Speciality Hospital
Richmond, VA
06.2024 - Current
- Delivered compassionate patient care in high-acuity environments, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders, maintaining compliance with protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Educated patients and families on health management, fostering understanding of treatment options and outcomes.
- Managed ventilator-dependent patients effectively, preventing complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure while promoting weaning success rates.
- Assessed and responded to changes in patient condition rapidly, initiating appropriate interventions as needed to prevent complications or decline.
- Skillfully performed tracheostomy care procedures, minimizing risks associated with airway management in critically ill patients.
- Advocated for patients'' needs within the healthcare system, ensuring access to appropriate resources and services required for optimal recovery.
Registered Nurse
Bon Secours
Petersburg, VA
06.2023 - 01.2024
- Deliver patient care across admissions, discharges, disease management, and post-op recovery.
- Manage ventilated/sedated patients, invasive lines, and vasoactive/sedative drips.
- Perform wound care including dressing changes, irrigation, and debridement.
- Educate patients and families on treatment plans, recovery, and medications using teach-back.
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.
Registered Nurse
Poplar Springs Hospital (Contract)
Petersburg, VA
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Provided direct care to psychiatric inpatients in an acute setting.
- Developed individualized treatment plans and implemented crisis interventions.
- Monitored progress and collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for safe discharge planning.
Licensed Practical Nurse – Medical Surgical
Vibra Acute Care Hospital (LTAC)
Richmond, VA
10.2015 - 06.2023
- Cared for patients with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, respiratory failure, and complex wounds.
- Administered medications (IV, PO, PEG, IV push) and managed ventilators, tracheostomies, and wound VACs.
- Collaborated with physicians to create discharge plans, patient education, and referrals for community resources.
- Precepted and mentored new RN and LPN staff.
Student Nurse (Clinical Rotation)
Bon Secours Healthcare System
Richmond, VA
01.2023 - 03.2023
- Completed 170 clinical hours in PACU.
- Assisted with post-anesthesia recovery, pain/nausea management, and cardiac cath recovery.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes in patient conditions, facilitating timely interventions and support for medical staff.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Armor Health Services
Richmond, VA
02.2013 - 12.2015
- Provided nursing care to acute, chronic, and dialysis patients.
- Performed immunizations, wound care, tube feedings, EKGs, and IV medication administration.
- Assisted in developing patient care plans and documenting vital signs and progress.
Education
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) -
Paul D. Camp Community College
01-2023
Practical Nursing Certificate - undefined
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
01-2012
Bachelor of Science - Health/Physical Education
Virginia State University
01-2007
Skills
- Clinical Care: Medication administration (IV, PO, SQ, IM), ventilator & tracheostomy management, wound care, catheterization, telemetry, blood transfusions, arterial/venous line management
- Patient Support & Education: Teach-back method, post-op care, discharge planning, health promotion
- Critical Care: Sedation/vasoactive drips, ECG monitoring, crisis intervention, step-down & ICU patient care
- Technical Skills: EMR documentation, specimen collection, lab draws, TPN administration
Affiliations
- Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- National Society of Leadership and Success
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Commonwealth of Virginia (Active)
- Licensed Practical Nurse, Commonwealth of Virginia (Active)
- BLS & ACLS – American Heart Association (Expires 07/2027)
- NIH Stroke Scale Certified
Timeline
Registered Nurse – Progressive Care/Medicine (Sickle Cell Specialty)
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health
06.2025 - Current
RN
Select Speciality Hospital
06.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse
Poplar Springs Hospital (Contract)
08.2023 - 10.2023
Registered Nurse
Bon Secours
06.2023 - 01.2024
Student Nurse (Clinical Rotation)
Bon Secours Healthcare System
01.2023 - 03.2023
Licensed Practical Nurse – Medical Surgical
Vibra Acute Care Hospital (LTAC)
10.2015 - 06.2023
Licensed Practical Nurse
Armor Health Services
02.2013 - 12.2015
Practical Nursing Certificate - undefined
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Bachelor of Science - Health/Physical Education
Virginia State University
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) -
Paul D. Camp Community College