Registered Nurse | Chicago, IL
Karina Nunez
Perioperative nurse specializing in cardiac and robotic-assisted surgeries with 8+ years of experience delivering excellence in high-acuity care.
Registered Nurse | Chicago, IL
Perioperative nurse specializing in cardiac and robotic-assisted surgeries with 8+ years of experience delivering excellence in high-acuity care.
With over 8 years of perioperative nursing experience at Ascension Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago, I've dedicated my career to delivering exceptional patient care in some of the most demanding surgical environments.
I specialize in cardiac surgery—including CABG, valve replacements, and arrhythmia procedures—contributing to 250+ complex cardiac surgeries annually. My passion lies in advancing surgical care through innovation and mentorship.
Beyond the operating room, I've played a pivotal role in launching new service lines and training the next generation of OR nurses, earning recognition as Nurse of the Year in 2021 for clinical innovation and patient care excellence.
Extensive experience in CABG, valve replacements, aortic aneurysm repair, and arrhythmia surgeries. Proficient in procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodynamic management.
Skilled in da Vinci robotic systems across multiple service lines including cardiac, thoracic, general, gynecological, and urology procedures. Champion of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Pioneered the launch of the ION Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy program and Robotic Thoracic/Cardiac Service Lines, expanding hospital capabilities and patient access to advanced procedures.
Directed onboarding and training for new OR staff, mentoring nurses in robotic and cardiac surgical care. Active participant in hospital committees and quality improvement initiatives.
Honored for clinical expertise, leadership in robotic program implementation, and excellence in patient care at Ascension Resurrection Medical Center.
When I'm not in the operating room, you'll likely find me exploring new places or new restaurants. I'm an avid traveler—Hawaii, Montreal, Mexico City, and the beaches of Cancun and San Juan are among my favorite escapes. As a proud Chicagoan, I take full advantage of our incredible food scene and love discovering the next great spot over a glass of wine. Lately, I've been hooked on hot yoga for balance, and at home, I unwind with home renovation shows (always gathering inspiration) and a good sci-fi series.
I'm always interested in discussing opportunities in perioperative nursing, robotic surgery programs, or healthcare leadership roles.