Tara Cunningham, MS, APRN, AGACNP-BC

• Worked as a member of the medical team to provide care to patients with traumatic injuries and acute care surgery needs throughout the entire peri-operative process including pre-operative, intraoperative, and post-operative care as needed
• Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
• Managed inpatient surgical populations from SICU to discharge
• Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Assisted the surgeon in all procedures and processes on general surgery patients including consults, preoperative appointments, intra-operative assistance, post-operative, and discharge
• Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
• Managed acute care surgery and trauma patients under the direction of MD
• Provided orders for inpatients and surgical patients including electrolyte repletion, pain management, diet, drains, and tubes
• Collaborated on the development of geriatric patient protocol and the monitoring and reviewing geriatric patient cases
• Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
• Provided wound care to post-operative patients
• Performed clinic and hospital procedures including biopsies, chest tube insertion and removal, and lesion I&D’s.
• Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases and treatment plans.
• Managed complex cases involving multiple co-morbidities through diligent monitoring of disease progression and proactive intervention strategies.
• Maintained thorough documentation of all clinical encounters, adhering to HIPAA regulations while facilitating clear communication among team members.

• Worked as a member of the medical team to provide wound care to patients within long-term care, transitional care, assisted living, and memory care homes
• Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
• Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
• Exceeded average patient volume within the first six months of hire
• Managed and educated nursing staff and wound care nurses
• Utilized tissue cultures, surgical debridements, I&D’s, biopsies, and NPWV for optimal wound healing.
• Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.

Completion of Master's Degree through Georgetown University and certification and license in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

• Exhibited strong leadership skills by serving as a preceptor to new nurses, sharing knowledge of best practices in Cardiac Cath Lab care.
• Promoted a safe environment for both patients and staff through strict adherence to infection control protocols and guidelines for radiation safety.
• Enhanced team efficiency by collaborating with physicians, technicians, and other nurses in the Cardiac Cath Lab.
• Reduced the risk of complications through meticulous attention to sterile techniques and proper equipment handling.

• Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
• Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
• Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.

• Assisted with complex medical procedures such as intubation, lumbar punctures, and umbilical line placements under physician supervision.
• Maintained a safe and clean environment by adhering to infection control policies, proper equipment handling, and waste disposal procedures.
• Promoted family-centered care by providing education, support, and resources to parents of NICU patients.
• Advocated for patient rights and needs, ensuring a patient-centered approach to care delivery within the NICU setting.

• Developed innovative solutions for complex problems encountered during field investigations using creative problem-solving techniques.
• Enhanced team collaboration by providing clear communication channels between researchers, enforcement personnel, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in marine resource management decisions.
• Aided in the prevention of maritime accidents by regularly inspecting navigational aids for accurate functionality.
• Contributed to the protection of endangered species by participating in population surveys and implementing conservation measures.