Akhila John

Compassionate and motivated Registered Nurse with over two years of experience in acute medical nursing and a strong aspiration to transition into intensive care. A graduate of the Eastern Institute of Technology and a recent NETP participant at Te Whatu Ora, I bring a strong foundation in acute care, sound clinical judgement, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally safe, patient-centered care. Motivated by the fast-paced and collaborative nature of critical care environments, I am eager to expand my skill set and contribute meaningfully to a multidisciplinary ICU team.

• Emergency Department – Transition Placement, Hawke’s Bay Hospital, 07/22, 09/22, 9 weeks, Assisted in triage, urgent interventions, and trauma support.
• Primary Health – Totara Health, Napier, 04/22, 06/22, 6 weeks, Supported chronic care management, immunisations, and health education.
• Mental Health Placement, Napier, 11/21, 4 weeks, Engaged in patient-centred mental health care and therapeutic communication.
• Cardiology Unit (B1), Hawke’s Bay Hospital, 10/21, 11/21, 4 weeks, Cared for patients with acute cardiac conditions, monitored ECGs and medications.
• Renal Unit – Ballantyne House, Hawke’s Bay, 05/21, 06/21, 6 weeks, Participated in dialysis care, fluid balance monitoring, and renal education.
• Gracelands Care Centre – Aged Residential Care, Hastings, 10/20, 2 weeks, Delivered personal cares and observed medication administration.

• Identified and escalated a case of SVT (HR 156 bpm), activated the emergency response, facilitated ECG monitoring, and supported administration of 6 mg IV adenosine, observing successful rhythm conversion.
• Assisted in managing hyperkalaemia (K⁺ 6.1 mmol/L) by initiating treatment with IV calcium gluconate, insulin-dextrose infusion, and salbutamol, ensuring safe transfer to a telemetry-capable unit.
• Escalated care for a patient who acutely desaturated (SpO₂ 83–85%); supported urgent investigations including chest and abdominal imaging, which led to diagnosis of bowel obstruction and surgical transfer.
• Participated in the emergency management of opioid toxicity by recognising low respiratory rate and pinpoint pupils, facilitating timely naloxone administration.
• Confidently collaborate with MDT, allied health, and whanau, especially during high-acuity situations. Deliver clear, structured clinical handovers and coordinate safe transfers during deterioration or escalation.
• Advocated for a Māori patient in delirium by involving a te reo Māori-speaking professional, ensuring culturally appropriate engagement and care delivery.
• Managed patients on high-flow nasal prongs (HFNP) for acute hypoxia.
• Assisted in red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, including monitoring and documentation.
• Performed neuro assessments and seizure management.
• Managed patients with pseudo-obstruction and nasojejunal (NJ) drains. Provided nasogastric feeding, ensuring safe administration and tolerance.
• Observed pleural taps and arterial blood gas (ABG) sampling.
• Administered IV potassium, magnesium, and calcium as prescribed.
• Assisted with tracheostomy care and suctioning., Managed syringe drivers for end-of-life care.
• Supported apomorphine infusions in Parkinson’s patients.
• Gained confidence with IVIG infusion protocols under supervision.

Motivated to advance into critical care nursing, I actively seek learning opportunities and clinical upskilling. I’ve engaged with nurse educators during IVIG and tracheostomy care education, and take initiative in building my knowledge in preparation for ICU. I’ve also supported student nurses as a preceptor, reinforcing reflective and evidence-based practice.