Clinical Expertise

Management of Cardiothoracic Critically Ill patients including heart and lung transplants, ECMO, Ventricular Assist Devices, Aortic Aneurysm Replacement, Coronary Arterial Bypass Grafting, PFO repairs, Valve Replacements.

Thoracic Bedside Ultrasound

Opening post-operative sternums in emergent situations

Insertion and Removal of all invasive monitoring lines including:

 Radial, Brachial, Femoral, and Axillary Arterial lines

Intra jugular, Subclavian and Femoral Central lines and PA catheters.

Chest tubes insertion for pleural effusion or pneumothorax

Open-chest Wound Vac placement

Intra-aortic Balloon Pump management and Insertion

Thoracentesis for pleural effusion removal

 Bronchoscopy 

Charge in code Blue situations

Interpretation of 12 lead EKGs,

Interpretation of Chest/Abdomen Radiographs

Heart Tone Interpretation

Pacemaker management

Ventilator Management

Advanced Pharmacology,

Laboratory analysis

Management of Anticoagulation Regimens (Heparin, Argatroban, and Leparudin gtts) and Coumadin dosing

Advanced Suturing

Publications

American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Advanced Critical Care. “A Comparison of Ultrasound and Chest Radiograph: Post Removal of Chest Tubes in a Cardiac Surgery Population”. In review.

F.A. Davis Pokcet Guide to Herbs and Supplements (2009). Chapter Review

Invited Presentations

Oakland University- Poster Competition, 2009. “A Comparison of Ultrasound and Chest Radiograph: Post Chest Tube Removal in the Cardiothoracic Patient Population”. Poster Presentation

Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society, 2009. 40^th Biennial research convention. “A Comparison of Ultrasound and Chest Radiograph: Post Chest Tube Removal in a Cardiac Surgery Population”. Poster Presentation

Henry Ford Health System. 2007-2009. FCCS, courses taught includes EKG interpretation, Arrhythmia treatment, and interventions. Hemodynamic parameter monitoring and treatments. Pharmacokinetics of Isotropic, Vasopressors, and Vasodilator agents. Speaker Presentation

Thoracic and cardiac ultrasound. Speaker Presentation

Oakwood Hospital. 2000. Care of Ventriculostomies with emphasis on traveling off the unit.

Oakwood Hospital. 1999-2003. 12 Lead EKG. Critical Care Core Competency course. Speaker Presentation

Research

"A Double Blind Randomized Analysis of Laryngotracheal Instillation of Topical Anesthesia Endotracheal Tubes in Post Primary CABG Patients". Primary Investigator

"Effects of Music Therapy on Biophysical Markers in a Cardiothoracic Patient Population". Primary Investigator

"The Effects of Guided Imagery on Sleep among Hospitalized Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial". Co-investigator

Research Interest includes critical care, thoracic bedside ultrasound and international healthcare issues.

Awards

Henry Ford Health System. Nurse Practitioner of the Year- 2009

Oakland University- Poster Competition entry "A Comparison of Ultrasound and Chest Radiograph: Post Chest Tube Removal in The Cardiothoracic Patient Population"- Scientific Merit- 2009

Nomination for Nurse Practitioner State Award- 2008, 2009

Wayne County Community College- Vice President of Nursing Class

Eastern Michigan University- Dean Circle of Excellence 2000-2001

Community Service

Covenant Community Clinic- Detroit, Michigan. Volunteer. Provide health care to the indigent population.

American Association of Critical Care Nurses, International Ambassador for Mexico. Collaborate with Mexican healthcare providers on methods for improving care in critical care units.

Henry Ford Health System. Attend yearly medical missions providing medical treatments including performing surgeries to the people of Honduras.

Attend various health fairs throughout the community offering free medical advice and immunizations, participation with habitat for humanity and medical missions to Honduras providing healthcare.

Membership

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Nominations Committee Member (2009-Present)

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Chair of Bylaw Committee (2009-Present)

Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners. Member (2002-Present)

Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners. Chair of Bylaw Committee (2003-Present)

Henry Ford Health System. Safety Champion (2009-Present)

HRSA grant Reviewer (Pending)

Henry Ford Health System. Chair of Handoff Committee (2008- Present)

Henry Ford Health System. Chair Preceptor/Mentor Committee (2008- Present)

Henry Ford Health System. Chair of Handoff Committee (2008- Present)

Henry Ford Health System. SICU-Quality Improvement Committee. Member (2007- Present)

Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society- Rho Chapter. Member (2002- Present)

American Association of Critical Care Nurses. International Ambassador-Mexico (1997- Present)

American Heart Association. Member (1995- Present)

Certifications

Registered Nurse (RN), Michigan

Certified Adult Nurse Practitioner (NP-C), Michigan

DEA # Controlled Substance Drug Enforcement Agency –schedules 2-5

Cardiac Surgery Certification (CSC)

Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) – Instructor

Society of Critical Care Medicine

Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Instructor

Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)

Thoracic Ultrasound

Human Immune Deficiency (HIV) Test Counselor