Rachel Chacko, DNP, AGAC-NP, CCRN

LEO Lecturer I

Undergraduate Studies Program

University of Michigan School of Nursing
400 North Ingalls Building
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482

Interests

Critical care
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Cardiac surgery

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.

Teaching

Dr. Chacko began her involvement at the School of Nursing as a simulation technician assistant, helping students with competency check-offs. She then became an instructional aide during open lab sessions. Earning a certificate in nursing education, Dr. Chacko further contributed as a teaching assistant for a senior undergraduate class, Therapeutic Nursing Care III, in Fall 2023 and Winter 2024. She uses her advanced clinical expertise and evidence-based practices to help inform her teaching style and content, ensuring that the material is both engaging and practical. Dr. Chacko is passionate about helping students bridge the knowledge gap between the classroom and clinical practice, preparing them for real-world nursing challenges.