Acute Care/Acute Gerontology Nirse Practitioner

LORI CHRISTENSEN

Woodbury, MN *****

*****************@*****.*** / 612-***-****

SUMMARY

Dedicated, compassionate, knowledgeable Registered Nurse with over 22 years of acute patient care experience. Specialized practice in Oncology, Endocrinology, and Emergency medicine. Known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in patient care management, emergency response, management complex disease processes, and preventing/mentoring new staff. Excel at communication, teamwork, and empathy, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and collaborative healthcare environments. Actively seeking to grow clinical practice autonomy and provide enhanced patient management as a Nurse Practitioner.

SKILLS

Team lead/mentor

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Strong patient assessment and diagnostic skills

Proficient in developing and implementing treatment plans for acute and chronic diseases.

Strong communication skills with patients, families, and healthcare providers and specialists.

Exceptional time management skills that enable

efficient handling of multiple patients and tasks in fast-paced environments.

Committed to promoting health and wellness through preventative care initiatives.

EXPERIENCE

01/2019 - Current

Registered Nurse/Clinic Team Leader / Allina Health Cancer Institute-United Hospital - St. Paul, MN Provided direct patient care to newly diagnosed oncology patients, including breast, colon, melanoma, sarcoma and thyroid.

Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.

Assessed and prepared patients for procedures, performing initial and ongoing patient assessments. Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times. Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans. Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.

Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.

Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results. Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care. Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately. Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans. NP Practicum Direct Patient Experience / Abbott Northwestern Hospital - Minnea, MN 12/2024 - 08/2025 Completed 640 hours of direct acute patient care hours under supervision of internal medicine hospitalist NP/PA preceptors.

LC

Assessed and prioritized care for a variety of acutely ill adult patients. Obtained medical histories, conducted physical exams, prescribed medications, ordered labs and diagnostic tests to develop differential diagnosis.

Worked collaboratively with clinical staff, differing disciplines to develop treatment plans for acutely ill patients. Provide treatment to patient populations of Hypertensive heart disease, heart failure, COPD, kidney disease, anemia, diabetes, dementia and mental health disorders. Provided education to patients and families around management of acute/chronic diseases. Registered Nurse, Emergency Department / Abbott Northwestern Hosptial - Minneapolis, MN 08/2010 - 10/2020 Maintained role of night Charge RN for 8+ years. Overseeing patient flow, placement, and all critical patients coming into the ER.

Cared for patients experiencing acute traumas, including cardiac arrests, strokes, sepsis and traumatic injuries . Facility status-Level 3Trauma Center and Level 1 Stroke Center. Maintained open and clear communication with physicians to coordinate effective patient care. Documented all patient interactions, assessments, and interventions in electronic health records with accuracy. Utilized evidence-based practice guidelines for appropriate nursing interventions. Monitored patient vital signs and symptoms, responding rapidly to changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.

Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development. Triaged and treated high-volume caseload in busy emergency room setting. Monitored cardiac rhythm strips and titrated vasoactive medications as ordered by physicians. Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of contagious diseases within the emergency department.

Conducted regular rounds throughout the department ensuring a safe environment for staff and patients. Pediatric Registered Nurse/Home Care Provider / Bayada Home Health - Plymouth, MN 09/2016 - 02/2017 Provided direct care to a mechanical ventilator dependent child in home environment. Assessed for acute changes in respiratory status, provided tracheostomy cares and suctioning. Managed drains, tubes, medication administration.

Served as a liaison for patient, parents and physicians to ensure highest level of care. Registered Nurse, Float Pool / Abbott Northwestern Hospital - Minneapolis, MN 07/2008 - 08/2010 Assessed patient's health status and developed individualized plans of care. Evaluated patient response to interventions through ongoing assessment of condition. Performed bedside procedures such as wound care, IV insertions, foley catheter insertion and removals. Maintained accurate documentation in the electronic medical record system according to hospital policies and standards of practice.

Demonstrated knowledge of infection control practices in order to reduce risk of transmission within the organization.

Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions. Demonstrated excellent communication skills when interacting with patients, families and healthcare team members.

Managed multiple tasks efficiently while providing safe patient centered care. Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's conditions. Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit / Abbott Northwestern Hospital - Minneapolis, MN 07/2002 - 07/2008 Administered medications and treatments as directed and as appropriate for patient's medical care in collaboration with multi-disciplinary team.

Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families. Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition. Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop individualized patient plans of care. Responded quickly and effectively to life threatening situations utilizing advanced cardiac life support protocols. Prioritized workloads according to urgency levels ensuring timely completion of assignments. Observed patient's heart rate, blood pressure and respiration for signs of distress. Participated actively in unit meetings to discuss clinical issues related to patient outcomes, care plans, staffing concerns.

Assisted physicians during exams or other medical procedures as needed. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills when interacting with patients, family members, physicians or other healthcare professionals.

Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult times. Coordinated discharge planning to ensure continuity of care post-hospitalization. Instructed patients and families in health promotion activities such as proper nutrition, wound care and disease prevention.

Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions. Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining high standards of professional conduct. Adhered to hospital policies and procedures while providing quality patient centered care. Exhibited professionalism and leadership to peers by participating in professional activities and continuing education.

Supported new staff members by providing orientation to the Medical-Surgical Unit procedures and protocols. EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Master of Science: Nursing Practice 08/2024

Walden University - Minneapolis, MN

Achieved degree for Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner 640 hours completed of direct acute patient care, age 13-adult Bachelor of Science: Nursing 12/2002

Minnesota State University, Mankato - Mankato, MN

CERTIFICATIONS

RN-Registered Nurse, MN, MN Board of Nursing, expires 6/2026 RN-Registered Nurse, WI, expires 2/2026

Adult Gerontology Acute Care NP, (certification eligible, exam scheduled with ANCC) BLS-Basic Life Support, Allina Health, expires 2026 ACLS-Advanced Cardiac Life Support, expires 2026

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)

Minnesota Nurse Practitioners

American Nurses Association (ANA/ANCC)

Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA)

ACTIVITIES/HOBBIES

Health maintenance is a priority to myself and my family. We enjoy downhill skiing, attending daughters soccer games, traveling and spending quiet weekends at our lake cabin. Personally I enjoy yoga, reading and exploring new recipes to share with my husband and three daughters.

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