Tracey Kappers
ROCHESTER
Summary
Registered Nurse with 30+ years of high-acuity clinical experience across trauma ICU, coronary critical care, post-anesthesia recovery, and gastrointestinal endoscopy and motility, and a published contributor on procedural sedation and patient safety. Brings deep clinical expertise in critical care, moderate sedation, and airway management to medical-legal review—identifying deviations from the standard of care and translating complex records into clear, defensible work product. Supports plaintiff and defense attorneys through every stage of case development and litigation.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff RN, Gastroenterology Endoscopy & Consultative and Motility Clinic
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
01.2014 - Current
- Administer moderate sedation and monitor patients pre-, intra-, and post-procedure under institutional sedation and airway management protocols
- Recognize impending complications and intervene decisively to prevent adverse events; provide detailed patient education on post-procedure care and warning signs
- Collaborate with lead physicians and the interdisciplinary team to optimize patient flow, safety, and outcomes
Staff RN, Gastroenterology Motility Procedures
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Performed advanced GI motility diagnostics, including colonic and gastro-duodenal manometry, for patients with complex motility disorders
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to interpret manometry data and guide individualized care plans
- Calibrated and maintained specialized motility equipment; troubleshoot system failures to maintain procedural integrity
Staff RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Delivered pre-, intra-, and post-operative care per PACU protocols and evidence-based guidelines; provided sedation for orthopedic procedural nerve blocks
- Monitored for post-anesthesia complications using standardized assessment tools and rapid response protocols
- Collaborated with surgical and anesthesia teams to implement perioperative pathways and discharge readiness
Staff RN, Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
01.1996 - 01.2008
- Delivered advanced critical care in a Level 1 Trauma ICU; performed rapid assessment, triage, and stabilization using Glasgow Coma Scale and Injury Severity Score
- Managed airway, ventilator support, hemodynamic monitoring, central lines, ICP monitoring, chest tubes, and massive transfusion protocols
- Conducted ICU admission/discharge assessments and participated in trauma resuscitations alongside multidisciplinary teams
Staff RN, Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
Oakwood Hospital
Dearborn, MI
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Provided advanced cardiac care for patients with acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, arrhythmias, and post-surgical recovery
- Operated Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheters, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and invasive hemodynamic monitors
- Managed EKG and telemetry interpretation, vasoactive and antiarrhythmic medication titration, ACLS interventions, blood product administration, and post-operative care including central lines, chest tubes, and IV drip titration
Staff RN, Stepdown Cardiac Surgical Unit
Sinai Hospital
Detroit, MI
01.1993 - 01.1994
- Provided advanced cardiac care for patients with acute coronary syndromes, heart failure, arrhythmias, and post-surgical recovery
- Operated Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheters, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and invasive hemodynamic monitors
- Managed EKG and telemetry interpretation, vasoactive and antiarrhythmic medication titration, ACLS interventions, blood product administration, and post-operative care including central lines, chest tubes, and IV drip titration
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN
01-2009
Associate Degree in Nursing - undefined
Rochester Community and Technical College
01-1992
Skills
- Trauma & Critical Care Nursing
- Coronary & Cardiac Intensive Care
- Post-Anesthesia Recovery (PACU)
- GI Endoscopy & Motility Diagnostics
- Moderate Sedation & Airway Management
- Advanced Hemodynamic Monitoring
- Cardiac Devices (Swan-Ganz, IABP, Pacemakers)
- Massive Transfusion & Blood Product Administration
Affiliations
- American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC)
- National Legal Nurse Consultant Network (NLNCN)
- LNC Exchange — Legal Nurse Consultant Professional Community
- Sigma Theta Tau International — Honor Society of Nursing
Timeline
Staff RN, Gastroenterology Endoscopy & Consultative and Motility Clinic
Mayo Clinic
01.2014 - Current
Staff RN, Gastroenterology Motility Procedures
Mayo Clinic
01.2014 - 01.2021
Staff RN, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Mayo Clinic
01.2008 - 01.2014
Staff RN, Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Mayo Clinic
01.1996 - 01.2008
Staff RN, Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
Oakwood Hospital
01.1994 - 01.1995
Staff RN, Stepdown Cardiac Surgical Unit
Sinai Hospital
01.1993 - 01.1994
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN
Associate Degree in Nursing - undefined
Rochester Community and Technical College
Publications
Kappers, T. D., 2026-01-01, Awake, alert…and at risk: Sedation's silent aftermath., P. Iyer, Medical record analysis: A guide for attorneys by expert LNCs, 4, 129–139, LNC Success Publishing