Carey Riffel

• Led multidisciplinary team in providing high-quality critical care to patients in ICU setting.
• Implemented evidence-based protocols enhancing patient safety and recovery outcomes.
• Streamlined patient assessment procedures, improving efficiency of care delivery processes.
• Conducted comprehensive patient assessments ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Collaborated with physicians to develop individualized care strategies for complex cases.
• Managed diverse patient caseload, prioritizing interventions based on clinical urgency.
• Educated families on complex medical conditions, promoting understanding and collaboration in care decisions.
• Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
• Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
• Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
• Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
• Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
• Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
• Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
• Identified patients' current needs through careful observation, vitals monitoring and discussions with loved ones or patients.
• Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one's progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
• Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one's progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
• Enhanced ICU team efficiency by providing continuous education on best nursing practices and protocols.
• Streamlined workflow by efficiently prioritizing tasks during high-stress situations, leading to better overall performance of the ICU team.
• Participated in continuing education opportunities to remain current on best practices and advancements within the field of critical care nursing.

• Covid vaccination RN, traveled and worked large vaccination events for the state of Arkansas. Duties not on campus are mentioned, otherwise performed between Red Cross bldg, FMP Clinic, and vaccination room reserved with in the Internal Medicine Clinic.
• Administered emergency federally released non-FDA approved vaccinations and monitored close to a 1000 patients for 15min for complications such as anaphylaxis or other possible unknown urgent reactions to the vaccination.
• Obtained permission to use transport van as primary driver and traveled to large companies and vaccinated on site with NP and Pharmacist's.
• Documentation on globally recognized vaccination cards : Pharmaceutical brand, dose 1,2,3, amount of med administered then later would enter into the national and global vaccination CDC banks.
• During Delta Covid also would be pulled to work the "garage" AR state testing site on campus where we worked closely with the National Guard in training in proper PPE donning and doffing, Infection Control, Epic documentation of dropping orders, testing each individual, education of the safe testing of public and safe and proper testing with swabs, placing in vials and safe and efficient labeling and transporting to lab.
• Implemented Monoclonal Antibody Infusion protocol with the CSM and charge RN if not my self.
• Implemented safe administration guidelines and monitoring of patients that would receive the antibodies and participated in the remodel of 7 rooms with in the Family Practice Clinic on JS drive.
• Quick and efficient scheduling implemented of triaged patients and patients sent down from the ED that did not fit emergency criteria but urgent care.
• Reviewed the necessary stock that was needed to set up the clinic so Infection Prevention, safe and efficient and fluid care of the very ill often septic Covid patient, even the pregnant staff and public.
• Coordinated with all MD's and Pharmacist on campus to ensure the safe administration of the at times daily change in MAB that was effective per CDC and WHO and UAMS guidelines.
• Received patients, started IV, started vital signs, pulled patient list up and selected patient and paired with their specific room and Vital sign machine and open documentation.
• Call Pharmacy and advised patient was in chair and so that MAB could be thawed and transportMManaged
• managed at times 7-10 patients with sporadic help due to the influx of patients and decrease of staff who might be out sick or who were pulled to work in the garage to such extreme patient loads.
• Administered non-FDA emergency released Monoclonal Antibodies according to UAMS latest Pharmacy guidelines.
• Patient monitoring every 15 min. if emergency occurred activated the MEMS EMS to be transported and Using ACLS guidelines closely supported and monitored patient.
• Position dissolved in April 2022.
• CSM: Lorna Portaka
• Covid Director: Deborah Hutts

• Streamlined nursing processes, improving departmental efficiency.
• Conducted quality assurance assessments, ensuring adherence to healthcare standards.
• Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
• Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
• Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
• Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
• Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
• Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
• Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
• Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
• Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
• Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.

• CommonSpirit - Cardiac critical care; Covid Critical Care in the infancy of the pandemic. Post op care; Family education on remote care to ensure fastest recovery possible.
• 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.
• Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
• Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
• Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
• Cardiac Step Down / Short Stay - Cardiac care of post op patients including all necessary tasks such as removal of arterial and venous sheaths; monitoring cardiac drips; Participant in the clinical ladder process and further education.
• Led patient care initiatives, enhancing treatment plans and outcomes.
• Mentored nursing staff, fostering professional growth and development.
• Coordinated interdepartmental communication to optimize patient care delivery.
• Implemented evidence-based practices, increasing treatment efficacy.
• Managed complex patient cases, ensuring comprehensive care plans.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.

• RN III, Endoscopy Lab - Moderate sedation nurse; RN circulator for non Anesthetic cases; Trained as and Endo-tech for pre-op and post-op care including post-anesthesia care . Duties included but not limited to taking biopsies, applying cautery, banding, and dilatation. Trained and proficient with moderate sedation.
• Postpartum RN - All duties related to the postpartum patient including high risk with severe hypertension, pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, PPH; Newborn infant care and family education.
• RN III - Infusion 4 - Cancer Institute - Multiple Myeloma patient and family care; Experience with stem cell replacement, central lines, I-Ports, Lab results including electrolyte replacement, fluid replacement treatment etc.
• Administered medications and treatments following established protocols to ensure patient safety and care quality.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized patient care plans, enhancing treatment effectiveness.
• Implemented evidence-based practices that improved patient outcomes and streamlined workflow efficiency within the unit.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to monitor patient progress, adjusting care plans as necessary based on clinical changes.
• Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate documentation, enhancing communication among healthcare providers.
• Trained staff on infection control protocols, significantly reducing hospital-acquired infections through education and oversight.
• Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
• Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.

All duties required of adult ICU including caring for neurological and neurosurgical, trauma and cardiac ICU patients. Experience with EVD's, central venous and arterial lines; multiple life saving drips; sedation.

Expertise care of the infant to adult with congenital heart defects; heart transplants, and ECMO patients. Duties included holistic care, multiple life-saving drips, sedation, paralytic, and pain control. Experience with ballon pumps, CVVHD, multiple central venous, arterial and pulmonary artery lines, chest tubes, pigtails, open chest recovery, and life support for non-vented patients.

Level 4 NICU care

All duties required for the NICU RN, including not limited to vented, CPAP, NC with respiratory care. Drips to manage pain control, hypotension, and heart rate. Umbilical lines both venous and arterial and PICC lines. Care delivery charge nurse.

• Provided compassionate personal care and assistance with daily living activities for diverse patients.
• Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
• Assisted patients with mobility, ensuring safety and comfort during transfers and ambulation.
• Educated families on patient care techniques, promoting effective home health practices.
• Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress, adherence to care protocols, and medication schedules.

• Managed patient records using electronic health record systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
• Coordinated communication between medical staff and patients to streamline appointment scheduling and inquiries.
• Assisted in maintaining office supplies inventory, optimizing procurement processes for operational efficiency.
• Developed and implemented standardized filing processes to enhance information retrieval speed and accuracy.
• Coordinated patient admissions, discharges, and transfers to ensure smooth operations in NICU.
• Managed scheduling for medical staff, optimizing coverage for critical care needs.
• Facilitated communication between families and healthcare teams to enhance patient care experience.
• Oversaw inventory management of medical supplies, reducing shortages and improving availability.
• Implemented process improvements that streamlined workflow within the unit, enhancing overall productivity.