CHIMEZIE NNORUKA-OKAFOR
Gainesville,VA
Summary
Highly motivated ICU nurse with 3+ years critical care experience in Level I & II Trauma Centers, combined with international medical training in anesthesiology residency background. Proven ability to manage complex, critically ill patient populations including cardiac, neuro and pos-surgical cases. Demonstrated leadership through precepting new nurses, committee involvement and evidence-based practice initiatives. Passionate about advancing patient care through nurse anesthesia with a commitment to lifelong learning and clinical excellence.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff RN - Mixed Medical/Surgical/Trauma ICU
Reston Hospital Center
Reston, VA
05.2023 - Current
- Provide autonomous care for 1-2 critically ill patients per shift in 24-bed ICU with diverse patient populations
- Hemodynamic Management: Expert management of vasopressors (Norepinephrine, Vasopressin, Dopamine, Epinephrine, Dobutamine), sedatives (Propofol, Fentanyl, Midazolam, Dexmedetomidine, Ketamine), paralytics (Rocuronium), and antiarrhythmics (Amiodarone)
- Advanced Airway Management: Assist with rapid sequence intubations; manage patients on advanced ventilator modes
- Critical Interventions: SLED (Dialysis), EVD (External ventricular drain, TTM (Targeted temperature management), ICP monitoring, massive transfusion protocol
- Patient Populations Managed: Post-cardiac arrest, STEMI/NSTEMI with PCI, ARDS, Septic/cardiogenic/hypovolemic/neurogenic shock, multisystem trauma (GSW, MVC, TBI), post-craniotomy/neurosurgical cases
- Leadership: Precept and mentor new graduate nurses; Member of Preceptor Committee conducting interviews and developing pathways for nurse residency program success
Staff RN Cardiovascular Stepdown RN
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
Falls Church, VA
10.2021 - 04.2023
- Managed post-operative cardiovascular patient including Cardiac Artery Bypass Graft (CABG), valve replacements (TMVR, TAVR), MAZE procedure
- Monitored and intervened for complex dysrhythmia, and tachyarrhythmia
- Managed chest tubes, wound vacs, surgical drains and prevented post-surgical complications
- Utilized ultrasound guided IV insertion for difficult access
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA08.2021
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - undefined
University of Nigeria
Nsukka, Nigeria03.2012
Certification
- Critical Care Registered Nurse CCRN
- Trauma Nursing Care Course TNCC
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers BLS
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support ACLS
- Virginia Registered Nurse License (Active)
- National Institute of Health Stroke Scale NIHSS
Timeline
Staff RN - Mixed Medical/Surgical/Trauma ICU
Reston Hospital Center
05.2023 - Current
Staff RN Cardiovascular Stepdown RN
Inova Fairfax Medical Campus
10.2021 - 04.2023
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - undefined
University of Nigeria
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
George Mason University
Community Service
Lifeline Medical Mission, Nigeria, 2024-12, Present, Medical mission trips to Enugu State, Nigeria
ANESTHESIA & PERIOPERATIVE EXPERIENCE
- Anesthesiology Residency Training- Chief Resident Junior Physician | University of a Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria October 2012 - December 2013
- Complete formal anesthesiology residency under supervision of senior residents and consultant anesthesiologists
- Anesthesia Administration: Trained in general anesthesia, regional/local anesthesia techniques tailored to surgical procedures and patient acuity
- Perioperative Assessment: Conducted pre-operative evaluations, intraoperative monitoring (HR, BP, SpO2, EtCO2), and post-anesthesia recovery assessment
- Clinical Rotations: Multi-specialty exposure including general surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics and neurosurgery
- Leadership Role: As Chief Resident, created work schedules, managed junior resident workflow and served as liaison between junior and senior staff
- CRNA Shadowing Experience | 27+ Hours
- Amazing-Grace Ighedo, CRNA (Reston Hospital Center): 7 hours – Total ankle arthroplasty, hardware removal
- Chiamaka Ndukwe, CRNA (Inova Fairfax): 8 hours – Myomectomy, Craniotomy
- Brandi Washington, Chief CRNA (Inova Loudoun): 4 hours – Hip arthroplasty
- Hannah Burzumato, CRNA (Inova Loudoun): 8 hours – Robotic inguinal hernia repair, left leg angioplasty
- Diversity CRNA Mentorship Program (VCU): 24- hours Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop (2023)
- Professional Development:
- NAFA Pathway to Nurse Anesthesiology Conference (November 2025, Alexandria VA)
- Virginia Association of Nurse Anesthetists Conference (October 2025, Harrisonburg, VA)
- American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) Member since March 2023
LEADERSHIP, RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENT
- Leadership & Committee Involvement:
- Vice-Chair, Unit-based Environmental Committee, Reston Hospital Center (2023-present)
- Subcommittee Vice-Chair, Nursing Week Planning Committee (2024-present)
- Member, Shared Governance Committee (2024-Present): Daisy Award selection, employee recognition, hospital events coordination
- Member, Preceptor Committee (2024- Present): Interview panel for new graduate ICU nurses, mentorship program development
- Research & Evidence-Based Practice:
- “Mindfulness Practices in Reducing Nurse Burnout” (Unit-Based EBP Project, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus)
- Investigated burnout causation and evidence-based interventions for CVSD nursing staff
- “Early Ambulation of Intubated Patients in Mixed Medical/Surgical-Trauma ICU” (Unit-Based Council Team, Reston Hospital Center
- Implemented an early ambulation protocol with a team of Physical Therapists and Respiratory Therapists
- “Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine by Hypertensives in West Africa” (Undergraduate Research, University of Nigeria, Nsukka)
- Examined herbal remedies (e.g., African Bitter Leaf) in Hypertension management
- Community Engagement:
- George Mason University, Mason and Partners MAP Clinic (2023): Provided care to uninsured, refugee, and undocumented patients
- Catholic Opus Dei Sunday School Teacher (2010-2015): Catechism instruction for girls ages 10-14