Allison Darnell
Scottsbluff
Summary
Dedicated and experienced Critical Care Registered Nurse with four years of high-acuity experience in a 32-bed Intensive Care Unit at Regional West Medical Center, a rural Level II/III trauma center. Proven expertise in managing 1:1 or 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratios for mechanically ventilated, septic shock, post neurosurgical, trauma, and hemorrhagic cases in a resource-limited rural setting. Holder of a BSN (with high distinction) from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and an Associate of Science from Western Nebraska Community College. Passionate about advancing clinical practice through nurse anesthesia, with a strong foundation in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence based care. Seeking to leverage critical care and rural healthcare experience in a CRNA program to deliver safe, compassionate anesthesia care to underserved communities.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
Scottsbluff, NE
06.2022 - Current
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses entering the critical care field, sharing knowledge and expertise to facilitate successful integration into the team.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for complex cases.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Served on the Daisy Award committee
- Served on the nurse counsel committee
Education
High School Diploma -
Scottsbluff High School
Scottsbluff, NE05-2017
Associate of Science - Nursing
Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, NE05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Scottsbluff, NE05-2022
Skills
- Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation- Arterial lines (setup, troubleshooting)
- Mechanical ventilation management- vent modes (AC, VC, PC), weaning, troubleshooting, respiratory assessment, ABG interpretation
- Titration of vasoactive infusions- vasopressors (norepinephrine, phenylephrine, vasopressin), inotropes (dobutamine), sedatives (propofol, versed, dexmetomidate), paralytics (rocuronium, nimbex)
- Invasive line management/infection prevention- Central lines, PICCs, dialysis catheters, arterial lines
- Advanced cardiac monitoring: 12- lead ECG interpretation, telemetry, arrythmia recognition
Clinical skills
- Emergency response- ACLS protocols, emergency airway assistance
- Neurosurgical patient management- ventriculostomies/external ventricular drain: monitor ICP values, drain CSF as ordered (continuous or intermittent), maintain cerebral perfusion pressure, hyperosmolar therapy (mannitol/hypertonic saline)
- Chart management: Proficient in EPIC and Cerner charting systems
- Multidisciplinary team coordination (physicians, respiratory therapy, pharmacy)
- Patient/family communication/advocacy in crisis
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- ACLS- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
- BLS- Basic Life Support
- ENPC- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
- TNCC- Trauma Nursing Core Course
- Licensed Registered Nurse (NE) : 2022-present
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
06.2022 - Current
High School Diploma -
Scottsbluff High School
Associate of Science - Nursing
Western Nebraska Community College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center