Adult-Geriatric-certified Nurse Practitioner with expertise in Orthopedics: outpatient, inpatient, and surgical. Experienced in patient and family education regarding the management of acute and chronic orthopedic surgical procedures, preoperative and postoperative care. Self-directed professional with superior problem-solving, communication and management skills. Successful in prioritizing tasks and organizing projects to improve the quality of patient care. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Orthopedic Trauma Nurse Practitioner
Weatherby Healthcare (St Joseph's Hospital)
Eureka, CA
08.2023 - Current
First assist on orthopedic trauma cases.
Preoperative and postoperative follow up outpatient clinic.
First call for clinic and Emergency room.
Monitored progress of recovery from traumatic events using laboratory tests or imaging studies.
Developed individualized treatment plans based on patient needs and preferences.
Coordinated with other departments within the hospital to ensure quality care is provided to trauma victims.
Demonstrated excellent communication skills while interacting with patients and families during difficult times.
Evaluated patient's medical history for any complications with existing conditions or illnesses.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, such as social workers, physicians, and psychiatrists to ensure optimal care for the patient.
Documented all treatments given to trauma patients according to hospital standards and regulations.
Provided wound care services including dressing changes, debridement, irrigation, and suture removal.
Assisted physicians with diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans and ultrasounds.
Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
Ordered laboratory tests and imaging scans to complete further investigations.
Advised patients about diet, nutrition and other lifestyle behaviors to promote health and disease prevention.
Ordered and interpreted results of laboratory tests and radiographs.
Analyzed records, exam data and test results to inform diagnoses.
Orthopedic Surgery Nurse Practitioner-Locum Tenens
Wheatherby Healthcare (Regional West Medical Ctr
Scottsbluff, NE
02.2023 - 07.2023
Worked with other orthopedic providers to provide complex orthopedic care management, patient education and counseling.
Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in electronic medical records.
Assessed, diagnosed, treated and delivered surgical follow-up care.
Interviewed patients and reviewed patient files to determine medical histories, previous treatment and therapies and medication history for preoperative and postoperative visits.
Ordered laboratory tests and imaging scans to complete further investigations.
Prepared clinical notes and updates on each patient for review by primary physician.
Performed suturing, stapling and gluing and used butterfly bandages for orthopedic surgeries as a first assistant. Also, applied splinting or casting after surgeries.
Liaised with nurses, hospitalist and other clinical staff to process and direct patients to appropriate discharge planning.
Provided initial coverage for unavailable physicians, on-call duties to provide solid ED patient care and referral to follow up in clinic.
Nonoperative fracture management through splinting or casting, baseline and follow up x-rays ordering and interpretation.
Assisted physicians with skilled support during surgeries and complicated medical procedures.
Patiently explained prescribed procedures and discussed test results with patients and family members.
Cleaned, examined and sutured patients' wounds to promote optimum healing. Wound care of complicated post-surgical wounds.
Evaluated patients, diagnosed orthopedic conditions and provided appropriate recommendations for treatment.
Diagnosed and treated musculoskeletal disorders and orthopedic conditions.
Prescribed preoperative and postoperative treatments and procedures.
Managed acute trauma cases resulting from sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents or other types of trauma.
Instructed patients regarding post-surgical care instructions such as wound care and activity restrictions.
Conducted pre-operative and post-operative evaluations, including ordering diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans and MRIs.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Sovah Physician Practices
Martinsville, VA
01.2019 - 01.2023
Communicated concerns regarding patients' status, care and environment to nursing supervisors, clinical care supervisors and case managers.
Performed physical exams, ordering and evaluating lab test as well as medications.
Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
Built trust and rapport with patients by listening to concerns, advocating for wellness and educating on acute and chronic health issues.
Hospital rounding, first assist in orthopedic surgeries, postoperative progress notes, non-surgical consults, discharge planning, and discharge medications with reconciliation.
Outpatient clinic: SOAP notes, intra-articular injections, orders medications and diagnostics, x-ray interpretation and diagnoses.
Effectively managed ortho trauma and joint replacement patients.
Neurosurgery Critical Care ARNP
Florida Hospital Orlando
Orlando, FL
12.2017 - 03.2018
Formulated knowledgeable diagnoses based on direct patient assessments, laboratory results and evaluations of medical histories.
Assessed patient conditions, implemented care plans and reassessed conditions continuously.
Alerted physician of diagnostic study results and changes in patient condition.
Communicated and collaborated with healthcare team and patient to identify and meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values and beliefs.
Daily postoperative exams, progress notes and plan of care.
Neurosurgery consults, transfers, and discharge electronic orders.
Furnish medications and controlled substances II, III, IV, and V.
Order blood and blood products. Order lab work and diagnostic studies. Order/management of medical therapies. Order multidisciplinary consults (PT, OT, ST, nutrition, Social Services). Request physician consultations. Perform hospital-approved standardized procedures. Surgical ventricular and spine drain removal and wound care.
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Irvine, CA
02.2011 - 05.2017
Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
Built trust and rapport with patients by listening to concerns, advocating for wellness and educating on acute and chronic health issues.
Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
Managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of various disorders and diseases.
Prescribed medication, including controlled substances.
Reviewed lab test results.
Daily postoperative exams, progress notes and plan of care.
Hospital admission, transfers, and discharge electronic orders. Discharge summary dictation.
Order blood and blood products. Order lab work and diagnostic studies. Order/management of medical therapies. Order multidisciplinary consults (PT, OT, ST, nutrition, Social Services).
Communicated concerns regarding patients' status, care and environment to nursing supervisors, clinical care supervisors and case managers.
Performed physical exams, ordering and evaluating lab test as well as medications.
Answered patient and family questions to educate on optimal treatment procedures.
Built trust and rapport with patients by listening to concerns, advocating for wellness and educating on acute and chronic health issues.
Assessed need for, ordered, obtained and interpreted appropriate lab tests.
Managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of various disorders and diseases.
Delivered primary care for patients and handled diagnosis, treatment, referral for consultation or specialty services, follow-up care, evening urgent care call and on-call emergency consultation.
Prescribed medication, including controlled substances.
Reviewed lab test results.
Managed patients with acute and chronic conditions.
Explained treatment plan care, physician-ordered tests and medications to patients and family members or caregivers.
Educated patients about chronic illnesses and recently diagnosed conditions.
Managed care of critically ill patients with hypertension, diabetes, renal failure, cardiac disease, closed head injuries, strokes, seizures and tumors.
Charge Nurse, Orthopedics
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Irvine, CA
09.2010 - 02.2011
Built and maintained strong working relationships between nursing department and other disciplines.
Coordinated and performed patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
Oversaw medication administration, monitored distribution and documented responses.
Educated patients, caregivers and families on diagnoses, treatment and disease prevention.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare specialists to devise, implement and modify plans of care defining patient outcome goals
Supported physicians and consultants with tests and procedures.
Audited patient charts in real-time, verifying accuracy and completion of information.
Organized and delegated tasks during rapid response and high-pressure code situations.
Distributed assignments to RNs, LPNs and resident advisors, guided work and delivered training to promote proper care standards for patients.
Assessed unit patients from admission to discharge.
Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
Conferred with patients to obtain medical history, discuss procedures and answer questions.
Complied with OSHA programs, maintaining safe and clean working environment.
Participated in facility, regulatory and accreditation surveys and action plans to address deficiencies.
Reviewed staffing patterns and census of nursing units, meeting staffing needs and budgetary controls.
Directed unit staff and promoted quality care for diverse patients.
Advised, coached and mentored experienced and student nurses on medical issues, crisis management and appropriate nursing interventions.
Coordinated, tasked and supervised nurses and ancillary staff based on staffing requirements.
Staff Nurse III Orthopedics & Neuro
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Hospital
Newport Beach, CA
04.2000 - 09.2010
Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
Recorded patients' medical history, vital statistics and test results in electronic medical records.
Developed care plans complete with effective nursing measures to improve patients' mental and physical health.
Communicated effectively with physicians and provided support during surgical procedures.
Evaluated patients to develop and update treatment plans while anticipating day-to-day needs.
Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
Facilitated transition to home care by providing patients with continued care information and discharge instructions.
Conducted patient assessments and diagnostic tests to provide physician with important patient health information.
Monitored patient vitals post-surgery, managed medical equipment and administered medications and IVs.
Answered patient questions and provided take-home materials for further information.
Treated and monitored wounds using liquid skin, sutures and bandages.
Provided emotional support for patients receiving physically taxing treatments.
Arranged placement of new patient admissions and transfers according to clinical standards and guidelines.
Educated nursing students and new nurses on proper care procedures and prioritization strategies.
Education
RNFA - First Surgical Assistant
National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA)
Centennial, CO
10.2020
Master of Science - Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA
05.2005
Associate of Science - Nursing
Rio Hondo College
Whittier, CA
05.1996
Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving
Diagnosis and Treatment
Critical Thinking
Verbal and Written Communication
Preventive Care
Patient Education
Diagnostic Tests Ordering
Judgement and Decision Making
HIPAA Guidelines
Medication Prescribing
Disease Prevention Education
Care Planning
Patient-Centered Care
Physical Examinations-Orthopedics
Therapeutic Interventions
Infection Control
Diagnostic Interventions
Adult-Geriatric Treatment
Test Result Interpretation
Standards of Care
Specialist Referrals
Drug Regimen Counseling
Behavior Modification
OR first assist skills
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
Licensed Nurse Practitioner in the State of Virginia license number 0024177120
Registered Nurse Practitioner and holds furnishing license in the State of Florida 9459360
Holds NP and furnishing license in the State of California 20481
Holds RN license in the State of California 528554
AANP Certified in Adult-Geriatric NP Certification number AG0814057
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification 2022 to present.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification 2022 to present
APRN Registered Nurse First Assistant (NIFA) 2020
DEA License MT4627660
NPI No. 1578847034
Timeline
Orthopedic Trauma Nurse Practitioner
Weatherby Healthcare (St Joseph's Hospital)
08.2023 - Current
Orthopedic Surgery Nurse Practitioner-Locum Tenens
Wheatherby Healthcare (Regional West Medical Ctr
02.2023 - 07.2023
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Sovah Physician Practices
01.2019 - 01.2023
Neurosurgery Critical Care ARNP
Florida Hospital Orlando
12.2017 - 03.2018
Nurse Practitioner, Internal Medicine
Dr. Mark Rodriguez
11.2014 - 02.2017
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
02.2011 - 05.2017
Charge Nurse, Orthopedics
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
09.2010 - 02.2011
Staff Nurse III Orthopedics & Neuro
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian Hospital
04.2000 - 09.2010
RNFA - First Surgical Assistant
National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA)
Master of Science - Adult-Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Fellow in a Combined Cross Sectional Body Imaging Fellowship at Juravinski Hospital and St. Joseph's Healthcare HamiltonClinical Fellow in a Combined Cross Sectional Body Imaging Fellowship at Juravinski Hospital and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton