Cara Swinton
Columbia
Summary
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse with experience in managing critical care patients, delivering comprehensive cardiac care, and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams. Possess strong clinical skills enhanced by ability to remain calm under pressure and skillful communication with patients and their families. Demonstrated experience of care impact as a Daisy Award Nominee.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4044
4044
years of post-secondary education
Work History
ICU/ICU Stepdown RN
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge
Columbia
10.2025 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
Prisma Health Richland
Columbia
02.2024 - Current
- Performed nursing care to acutely ill adult patients with cardiac diagnoses such as myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
- Educated patients about their condition and disease process and post-discharge care instructions.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by implementing infection control measures in accordance with hospital policy guidelines.
- Developed collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams including physicians, pharmacists, respiratory therapists.
- Recognized early signs and symptoms of possible complications related to cardiac conditions or treatments and reported them immediately to physician team members.
- Utilized evidence-based practice standards when making clinical decisions regarding patient assessment and care planning activities.
- Demonstrated knowledge of cardiac pathophysiology through competent performance of nursing skills related to cardiovascular assessments and interventions.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Managed time efficiently while providing high quality patient care.
Student Nurse Technician
Prisma Health Upstate
Spartanburg
08.2022 - 12.2023
- Provided patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, including vitals, assessments, and lab results.
- Performed physical exams and collected vital signs for assigned patients.
- Observed changes in patient conditions and reported them to supervising nurse or physician.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss treatment plans for complex cases.
- Interacted with patients in a professional manner while providing compassionate care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient records according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Operated under direction of licensed nursing professionals and pursued opportunities to learn new skills.
- Cared directly for patients by assisting with daily living activities and mobility needs.
- Provided direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Telemetry Monitor Technician
Prisma Health Richland
Columbia
08.2019 - 11.2020
- Documenting and interpreting electrocardiogram strips.
- Communicating with registered nurses regarding patients’ heart rhythms.
- Utilized computer charting for efficient patient record access.
- Responded promptly to any alarms or changes in patient conditions.
- Ensured that all necessary documentation was completed accurately and timely according to departmental policies.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of South Carolina Spartanburg
Spartanburg, South CarolinaHigh School Diploma -
Dutch Fork High School
IrmoSkills
- LVAD Certified
- Lifelong Learner
- BLS/ACLS Certified
- Resilient
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Compassionate care
- Team collaboration
Timeline
ICU/ICU Stepdown RN
Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge
10.2025 - Current
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
Prisma Health Richland
02.2024 - Current
Student Nurse Technician
Prisma Health Upstate
08.2022 - 12.2023
Telemetry Monitor Technician
Prisma Health Richland
08.2019 - 11.2020
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of South Carolina Spartanburg
High School Diploma -
Dutch Fork High School