Thomas Gunia, RN
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Board-certified Medical-Surgical Nurse (MEDSURG -BC) with over four years of progressive experience delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care in high-acuity environments. Daisy Award recipient recognized for exceptional compassion, clinical excellence, and commitment to patient advocacy.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff RN- OR
Aurora Healthcare
09.2025 - Current
- Currently in orientation.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, driving enhanced clinical outcomes within the unit.
Per Diem RN- Med/Surg
CareRev
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Float RN across multiple inpatient med-surg units including cardiac, neuro, ortho, and respiratory depending on hospital needs.
- Adapted quickly to varying inpatient unit protocols and patient populations.
- Collaborated effectively with interdisciplinary teams across various units to ensure safe and effective discharge.
Utilization Review RN- Prior Authorizations
United Healthcare
06.2023 - 09.2025
- Completed clinical reviews to determine medical necessity, level of care, and appropriateness of medical services; utilize electronic medical record systems to review clinical documentation.
- Applied evidence-based guidelines to determine appropriate levels of care and ensure services meet established coverage criteria.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of Medicaid and Medicare guidelines to support consistent and compliant utilization management.
- Collaborated with physicians and case managers to facilitate patient care; obtain supporting documentation and clarify clinical indications for requested medical services.
- Advocated for and educated members on available community/state programs and resources.
Staff RN- Cardiac Progressive Care
Froedtert Hospital
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care patients with complex cardiac conditions, including post-myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia management, and post cardiac surgery recovery.
- Monitored and interpreted cardiac rhythms via telemetry.
- Administered and titrated cardiac medications such as amiodarone, diltiazem, dobutamine, milrinone, and nitroglycerin.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including Cardiology, Electrophysiology, and CT Surgery to optimize patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, lifestyle modifications, and post-discharge care.
Staff RN- Cardiac Neuro Med/Surg
Aurora Healthcare
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Provided comprehensive nursing care to patients experiencing various cardiac problems related to heart failure, arrythmias, or acute coronary syndrome.
- Additionally, provided care to patients experiencing symptoms of acute or chronic neurological conditions including strokes, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and other neurodegenerative disorders.
- Performed frequent nursing assessments appropriate to the patient’s needs; assessed and monitored patients’ neurological status using hospital protocol, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), and the NIH Stroke Scale.
- Educated patients and families on heart-failure self-management, including lifestyle and dietary modifications, fluid restrictions, and medication adherence; provided stroke prevention and discharge education for patients and families.
Education
Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) -
Milwaukee Area Technical College
05.2021
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Benedictine University
06.2014
Bachelor of Science in Finance (BS) - undefined
Illinois State University
05.2008
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Inter-disciplinary collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Cardiac care
- Patient advocacy
- IV insertion & maintainence
Certification
- Registered Nurse, Wisconsin Board of Nursing, License number: 260768-30
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (MEDSURG-BC), American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Certificate number: 2024009863
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, Expiration: 12/31/2025
Timeline
Staff RN- OR
Aurora Healthcare
09.2025 - Current
Per Diem RN- Med/Surg
CareRev
10.2023 - 09.2025
Utilization Review RN- Prior Authorizations
United Healthcare
06.2023 - 09.2025
Staff RN- Cardiac Progressive Care
Froedtert Hospital
06.2022 - 06.2023
Staff RN- Cardiac Neuro Med/Surg
Aurora Healthcare
05.2021 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science in Finance (BS) - undefined
Illinois State University
Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) -
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
Benedictine University
Awards
Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses, The Daisy Foundation, 2022