Chris Zolkowski

Compassionate and experienced Registered Nurse with more than 20 years of diverse clinical experience across hospice, home health, critical care, emergency services, medical-surgical nursing, behavioral health, orthopedics, and interventional care. Proven ability to coordinate comprehensive patient care, perform detailed clinical assessments, educate patients and families, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and advocate for positive patient outcomes. Recognized for building trusting relationships with patients and families while navigating complex medical and psychosocial needs.

Experienced in care planning, transitions of care, chronic disease management, symptom management, and coordinating community resources. Committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while improving health outcomes and quality of life.

Hospice Registered Nurse at St. Croix Hospice (2022-09 – 2026-07)

• Perform comprehensive physical, psychosocial, and environmental assessments.
• Admit patients to hospice services while coordinating with physicians and interdisciplinary team members.
• Develop and update individualized plans of care.
• Provide patient and family education regarding disease progression, medications, symptom management, and available resources.
• Coordinate care among physicians, social workers, chaplains, therapists, and community providers.
• Monitor patient status and communicate changes promptly to providers.
• Advocate for patient comfort, dignity, and quality of life.

Home Health Registered Nurse (Ventilator Care) at Wisconsin (2022-05 – 2022-09)

• Delivered skilled nursing care to ventilator-dependent patients in the home setting.
• Managed medications, respiratory treatments, and ongoing assessments.
• Educated caregivers on ventilator management, medications, infection prevention, and emergency procedures.
• Collaborated with physicians and home health teams to ensure continuity of care.

ICU Travel Registered Nurse at Summit Medical Staffing (2022-02 – 2022-05)

• Provided high-acuity nursing care in intensive care settings.
• Adapted quickly to new healthcare systems while maintaining exceptional standards of patient care.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to manage complex medical conditions.

Registered Nurse – Critical Care Float Pool at Aurora Medical Center (2020-01 – 2022-02)

Provided nursing care across multiple specialties:

• Comprehensive patient assessments
• Medication administration
• Patient education
• Care planning
• Collaboration with physicians and ancillary departments
• Safe transitions of care
• Intensive Care Unit
• Emergency Department
• Medical-Surgical
• Progressive Care (MCU)
• Behavioral Health
• Orthopedics
• Hospice

Registered Nurse at Froedtert Hospital (2014-09 – 2020-01)

• Delivered high-quality patient care in a fast-paced hospital environment.
• Coordinated care for patients with acute and chronic medical conditions.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes.
• Educated patients and families regarding treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions.

Registered Nurse – Medical/Surgical & Orthopedics at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center (2004-06 – 2014-07)

• Provided comprehensive nursing care to orthopedic, medical, and surgical patients.
• Assisted physicians with specialized orthopedic procedures including traction and epidural pain management.
• Cared for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, TURP procedures, and peritoneal dialysis.
• Served on the Pain Management Committee to improve patient comfort and evidence-based pain management practices.
• Developed strong skills in patient education, discharge planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh

Associates Degree in Nursing – Fox Valley Technical College (2002 – 2004)