Lindsey Kookaby
Durham,NC
Summary
Cardiothoracic step-down registered nurse with experience caring for post-operative cardiac and thoracic surgery patients in a high-acuity academic medical center. Skilled in cardiac telemetry interpretation, vasoactive medication management, chest tube and pacing wire care, and complex post-operative pain management, including PCA and epidural infusions. Recognized for strong clinical judgment, effective escalation of care, and collaborative teamwork. Seeking transition to the cardiothoracic ICU to continue developing critical care expertise and contribute to advanced cardiac patient outcomes.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cardiothorasic Registered Nurse
Duke University Hospital
07.2024 - Current
- Provides comprehensive nursing care for post-operative cardiothoracic surgery patients, including CABG, valve replacements, thoracic surgeries, transplants, and complex cardiac medical patients
- Specialized training for ventricular assistive devices (LVADs), pacemakers, and EKGs
- Recognizes early signs of hemodynamic instability, arrhythmias, respiratory compromise, and post-operative complications, initiating appropriate interventions and escalating care as needed
- Manages patients requiring continuous cardiac monitoring, titration of cardiac medications, and frequent reassessment for clinical deterioration
- Educates patients on medications and post-op support, enhancing understanding of cardiothoracic surgery practices
- Ensures safe environment of care by monitoring equipment functionality, managing lines and tubes, and maintaining infection prevention standards
- Actively participates in ongoing professional development by maintaining required competencies, completing continuing education, and seeking learning opportunities related to cardiac and critical care nursing
- Assists in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Delegates and supervises care provided by CNAs and support staff, ensuring timely and safe completion of patient care activities
Float Pool Patient Care Technician
Adventist Health Care White Oak Medical Center
01.2023 - 05.2024
- Responds to patient emergencies with immediate care and notifies clinicians to provide comprehensive assistance.
- Works in stressful environment with multiple demands and responds appropriately.
- Answers patient assistance calls, assesses needs, and offers qualified support using non pharmacological interventions.
- Maximizes patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Assists with feeding and monitoring intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Role model, assertive, fair, collaborative and supportive.
- Demonstrates effective communication, conflict resolution and team building.
IMCU Patient Care Technician
Adventist Health Care White Oak Medical Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Member of Rapid Response Team.
- Organizes and replenishes unit supplies to maintain team readiness for expected demands and emergent situations.
- Provides care for COVID 19 patients, applying PPE and maintaining airborne precautions.
- Supports patient admissions, discharges, and transfers to promote team productivity.
- Answers patient assistance calls, assesses needs, and offers qualified support.
- Eases anxiety using effective calming techniques for distressed patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Frostburg State University
Online12-2025
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Montgomery College
Silver Spring, MD12.2025
Associates In Biology - Nursing
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown10.2021
High School Diploma - undefined
Boonsboro High School
Boonsboro05.2021
Skills
- Cardiac telemetry monitoring and rhythm interpretation
- Post-operative cardiothoracic patient management
- Rapid patient assessment and clinical escalation
- Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring
- Chest tube and temporary pacing wire management
- Vasoactive medication administration and titration per protocol
- Post-operative pain management (PCA; epidural management)
- Oxygen delivery systems: HFNC, NRB, BiPAP/CPAP, trach collar
Certification
- ACLS
- BLS
- PCCN
Timeline
Cardiothorasic Registered Nurse
Duke University Hospital
07.2024 - Current
Float Pool Patient Care Technician
Adventist Health Care White Oak Medical Center
01.2023 - 05.2024
IMCU Patient Care Technician
Adventist Health Care White Oak Medical Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
Associates In Biology - Nursing
Hagerstown Community College
High School Diploma - undefined
Boonsboro High School
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Frostburg State University
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
Montgomery College
Interests
Powerlifting, Running