Laura graduated from PLNU in 2010 with her BSN. She was hired later that year at Sharp Memorial hospital on a surgical progressive care unit. Two years later she transitioned to the surgical intensive care unit where she has been ever since. During her time in the surgical intensive care unit Laura has had the opportunity to care for many complex patients including cardiac surgery, cardiac device patients, neurosurgery, trauma, complicated general surgery, and obstetrical patients. She has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles including charge and resource nurse, clinical mentor, advanced clinician, rapid response nurse, ECMO specialist, and CPS RN. Many of the in-hospital roles included formal and informal teaching and mentoring which prompted Laura to return to PLNU as a clinical instructor in 2022. When not teaching, or working at the hospital Laura can be found spending time with her wonderful husband and three children and spending time outside.
Education
- BSN, Point Loma Nazarene University
Courses Taught
- NSG 2051 - Nursing of Individuals: Clinical Practicum
- NSG 2061 - Nursing of Individuals: Clinical Practicum II
Professional and Community Involvement
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: Advanced Clinician: Role: Night Shift Staff Developer Teaching new hire classes, planning preceptor development, implementation of cardiac surgery orientation program (revised). Fulfilling charge RN and resource RN responsibilities, mentor and assist new staff as they transition to unit, July 2016-present
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: ECMO Nurse Team member: Role: ECMO RNs in the SICU care for ECMO patients in the ICU, but also to respond to the emergency department and throughout the hospital to assist MDs with the insertion of ECMO cannulas and management of the ECMO pump. This is also a leadership role where the RNs are expected to help guide appropriate clinical decision making for these complex patients, July 2018–present
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: Advanced ECMO RN: Role: An extension of the ECMO RN role – the advanced ECMO RN is trained to manage the ECMO machine independently, September 2021–present
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: Clinical Mentor Night Shift: Role: An extension of the Advanced clinician role, provides support and education to new staff on the night shift in the SICU. Working with RNs to build critical thinking and communication skills, October 2017 – August 2019
- Evidence Based Practice Institute (EBPI): Project: Implement an evidence based practice project about decreasing pressure injuries in the SICU (presented December 2018), Jan. 2018-December 2018
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: 2W Acuity Auditor: Role/projects: One-on-one staff education regarding appropriate use of patient acuity indicators. Development of educational tools to improve accuracy of acuity data, Fall 201–present
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: Preceptor: Role/Projects: Work with new hires to SICU to ensure safe nursing practice, complete competencies, assessment validation, and learning new devices/equipment, Fall 2015-present
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: Mentor/Mentee Program: Role: Meet with mentees to discuss progress, learning, and challenges encountered as they acclimate and assimilate to the SICU, Fall 2015-present
- Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego: 2W Unit Practice Council Member: Projects: Employee of the Month, EBP Projects: Nare HAPU reduction project, Unplanned extubation project, January 2014-October 2014
Awards and Honors
- CCRN (2015-present)
- CSC (2023-present)
- PCCN (2012-2015)