Rachel Chacko DNP, AGAC-NP, CCRN

Dr. Chacko holds a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Michigan and is an Adult Gerontology-Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. With five years dedicated to the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), she specializes in assessing, treating, and evaluating critically ill adult patients in the immediate post-operative phase, particularly focusing on cardiovascular conditions. Dr. Chacko is proficient in managing advanced medical equipment such as ventilators, invasive lines, temporary pacemakers, and hemodynamic monitors. Her skills extend to administering and adjusting medications crucial to intensive care, including vasoactive drips, inotropes, narcotics, sedatives, and paralytics. She possesses extensive experience in managing patients following open-heart surgery and overseeing complex devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP), Impella heart pumps, ECMO, CRRT, therapeutic temperature management, and EKOS catheter monitoring. Additionally, Dr. Chacko plays a vital role in mentoring new nurses, facilitating their transition into critical care roles with guidance and support.