Christian Ward BSN, RII, CCRN
Charleston
Summary
Critical care registered nurse with 3 years of experience in stepdown and CTICU settings, caring for high-acuity cardiothoracic patients. Recognized charge nurse and preceptor with awards for safety and excellence in patient care. Skilled in advanced hemodynamic monitoring, ventilator management, and titration of vasoactive infusions. Passionate about anesthesia and committed to professional continuous growth. Prepared to transition into nurse anesthesia training, bringing expertise in high stakes decision making, precision in patient management, and using evidence based practices.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, CTICU
MUSC
09.2023 - Current
- 21 bed CTICU environment delivering comprehensive critical care to post-open heart surgery patients, including those with CABG, valve replacements/repairs, heart/lung transplants, and complex aortic surgeries.
- Managed patients requiring advanced mechanical circulatory support, such as ECMO, LVAD, RVAD, Impella, Tandem heart, and IABP.
- Expertly titrating multiple vasoactive and inotropic infusions to optimize hemodynamics. Additionally, monitored and interpreted Swan-Ganz catheter data adjusting therapy in collaboration with intensivists and surgeons.
- Proficient in ventilator management, weaning protocols, and adjuncts such as nitric oxide and prone positioning.
- Served as charge nurse and preceptor, mentored new graduate nurses and ensuring safe, evidence based care for critically ill patients.
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
MUSC
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Provided advanced care for high-acuity patients with mechanical circulatory support, including impella devices and intra-aortic balloon pumps while awaiting heart transplant or advance therapies.
- Managed selected inotrope infusions such as Dobutamine and Milrinone, while adhering to unit protocols restricting vasoactive drips.
- Supported safe transitions of patients between ICU and stepdown levels, ensuring continuity of care for complex cardiac conditions.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Conway, SC05-2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ04-2025
Skills
- Critical care expertise: Proficient in managing high-acuity patients with mechanical support devices
- Advanced hemodynamic monitoring: Skilled in and managing invasive lines such as Swan-Ganz, arterial lines, central venous lines and titration of vasoactive/inotropic infusions
- Airway and ventilator management: Competent in advance airway techniques ventilator troubleshooting, and oxygenation/ventilation strategies
- leadership and preceptorship: Charge nurse and preceptor experience guiding new ICU nurses, promoting teamwork, and collaboration with physicians
- Communication: Strong interdisciplinary skills working with NP's, PA's, surgeons, respiratory therapists to optimize patient outcomes
Accomplishments
- Silver heart recipient: Exceptional nurse of the month. Honored for outstanding patient care, leadership, and commitment to clinical excellence
- Patient safety hero award: Recognized for rapid, decisive intervention that directly prevented loss of life.
- Daisy award: Selected for providing compassionate care and patient advocacy. Coordination of care for the patient that enhanced both theirs and family experience.
Certification
- ACLS- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- BLS- Basic Life Support
- CCRN-Critical Care Registered Nurse
- CSU-ALS- Cardiac Surgical Unit Advanced Life Support
Timeline
Registered Nurse, CTICU
MUSC
09.2023 - Current
Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse
MUSC
06.2022 - 09.2023
Associate of Science - Nursing
Horry-Georgetown Technical College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix