Uta Tichawa, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AGPCNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Park Ridge, IL 847-***-**** **********@*****.***
Professional Summary
Highly motivated and organized nurse practitioner seeking a position where skills in patient evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plan development through evidence-based practice will be utilized effectively for the well-being of patients
Well-rounded healthcare professional with 13 years of advanced practice experience in neurology and primary care.
Combined 40 years of experience as an advanced practice provider, nursing faculty member, staff educator, program director, clinical nurse specialist, and registered nurse.
Coleman Palliative Care Training in 2022.
Maintains professional knowledge through continuing education, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies.
Capable of providing timely and complete charting utilizing EMRs, including Athena.
Assessment and documentation experience with elderly clients and their multiple health issues including but not limited to cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal, neurologic, psychiatric and endocrine.
Fluent in English and Spanish.
Provide compassionate care to patient and/or significant other in a way that was supportive and consistent with respect and understanding.
Professional Experience
Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner – WellBe Senior Medical, Lisle, IL
January 2024 to June 2024
Provided Wellness home visits to seniors with Medicare Advantage Plans. Patients were provided with thorough head-toe physical assessments, medications reviewed and assessed for compliance, physicians were updated on status and any changes in condition.
Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner – Ascension Brain & Spine, Elk Grove, IL
October 2013 – December 2023
Safely delivered patient care autonomously in a busy practice setting, evaluating and treating patients with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's Disease and other neurodegenerative cognitive conditions.
Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests, managed medical emergencies, formulated diagnoses and treatment plans, and prescribed medications in collaboration with physicians.
Rounded on patients in the inpatient setting, providing consultations for patients with dementia-related issues.
Promoted patient independence through providing patient specific education concerning condition, procedures, medication, and self-care; assessed patient’s health literacy and learning preferences; and involved the family in education sessions as indicated.
Family Nurse Practitioner – Healthcare Clinics, Walgreens, Chicago, IL
February 2012 – October 2013
Independently provided healthcare services in a retail clinic, conducted physical assessments, performed and interpreted diagnostic testing, diagnosed, and treated patients over 18 months of age with the use of an evidence-based protocol.
Saw an average of 15-20 patients daily for acute complaints such as upper respiratory infections, acute otitis media, strep throat, and dermatological complaints.
Provided preventative services and screenings such as travel health, vaccinations, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, post-CVA, depression, post-orthopedic procedures and thyroid screenings.
Managed chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension in collaboration with the patient’s established primary care provider.
Nursing Faculty – DePaul University School of Nursing, Chicago, IL
August 2003 – August 2013
Planned, evaluated, and revised curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction, full-time.
Prepared and delivered lectures to undergraduate and master’s level students in basic and advanced pathophysiology, pharmacology, physical assessment, gerontology, and critical care.
Taught clinical skills and nursing theory in simulation settings, training students in CPR through Mock Code Blues.
Evaluated and graded students' class work, laboratory and clinic work, assignments, and papers.
Adult Nurse Practitioner – Elmhurst University Student Healthcare Clinic, Elmhurst, IL
January 2008 – December 2010
Provided comprehensive primary care services to college students, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses on a part-time basis.
Performed routine health screenings, immunizations, and health education sessions tailored to the college student population.
Managed student health records including coordinated referrals to specialists as needed, and participated in campus health promotion initiatives.
Administered and managed medications, including prescriptions for common student health issues.
Adult Nurse Practitioner – Quality Health Unlimited, Northbrook, IL
October 2008 – June 2010
Managed chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, COPD, and asthma through diagnostics, monitoring, and medication adjustments, part-time basis.
Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and asking appropriate medical questions.
Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
Educated patients on treatment options, wound care, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
Clinical Nurse Specialist – Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL
February 2001 – September 2003
Responsible for formal staff education and compliance with standards of practice for 5 units (general medicine, rehabilitation, pulmonary, oncology, surgical units), nursing float pool, intravenous therapy, and dialysis areas.
Provided expert consultation for complex medical-surgical clinical scenarios and served as a resource for clinical nursing skills, specializing in asthma and stroke education.
Acted as faculty for the ANCC Medical-Surgical Course, delivering comprehensive instruction and mentorship.
Responded promptly to behavioral and medical crises codes, implementing effective interventions and ensuring patient safety.
Staff Nurse, Educator, Clinical Specialist, and Manager – Advocate Lutheran General Hospital,
Park Ridge, IL
September 1981 – August 2003
Provided exceptional and compassionate care to patients suffering from a broad spectrum of acute complications of chronic diseases, infections, and injuries.
Served as a professional resource to patients, families, physicians, and staff by identifying and resolving problems, assisting in the care of complex patients, and by managing staff effectively and efficiently.
Director, Pathway Project – Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL
January 1995 – January 1997
Led a 2-year grant-funded research project overseeing and implementing an integrated care management system.
Managed care coordination for elderly patients across multiple care settings, promoting continuity of care.
Supervised 20 care coordinators across twenty care sites.
Collaborated with and communicated effectively with healthcare providers involved in the Pathway Project.
Certifications & Licenses
Board Certified Adult-Gerontologic Nurse Practitioner, ANCC, April 2011.
Certified Family Nurse Practitioner, AANP, May 2013.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (Medical/Surgical Nursing), ANCC, 2004.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse License, Illinois 209.007356.
Licensed Registered Nurse, Illinois 041.199088.
Basic Life Support American Heart Association.
Education
Post-Master Certificate (DNP) – DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Graduated May 2013.
Post-Master Certificate (ANP) – DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Graduated September 2008.
Master of Science in Nursing – Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Graduated January 1995.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Loyola University, Chicago, IL
Graduated January 1980.
Organizations
American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Honors & Awards
“2023 Spirit in Excellence" award, Ascension Alexian Brothers Hospital 2023.