Amber Mendoza
Scottsbluff,Nebraska (NE)
Summary
Patient-oriented Nurse with 12 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, staff supervision and department operations. Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing patient needs and daily assignments. Offering expertise with lactation, newborns, triage and pediatrics. Caring Lactation Consultant with a great understanding of the diverse emotional and psychological response to lactation and parenting. Skilled in providing lactation support and instruction to new mothers weekly. Positive and energetic with excellent follow-up skills. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Lactation Consultant Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
- Developed strong relationships with local community organizations, facilitating referrals to additional resources when necessary for continued breastfeeding success beyond hospital discharge.
- Assessed needs of new mothers and advised mothers about child care topics.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented interventions, adjusting care plans as needed based on progress toward desired goals.
- Served as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education on lactation topics, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive lactation support and education to new mothers.
- Reduced instances of formula supplementation by advocating for early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact postdelivery.
- Demonstrated how to express milk and store it in bottles for later feeds.
- Provided emotional support to families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, contributing to increased resilience during the postpartum period.
- Received recognition for excellence in patient care, demonstrating a commitment to supporting families throughout their breastfeeding journeys.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to develop personalized care plans for each mother-infant dyad, promoting optimal health outcomes.
- Managed scheduling and coordinated appointments effectively, ensuring timely access to lactation support services for patients in need.
- Worked closely with neonatologists and pediatricians to address complex feeding issues in premature and medically fragile infants.
- Educated expectant parents about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during prenatal visits, setting the foundation for successful future experiences with nursing infants.
- Performed daily hospital rounds for all healthcare system maternity wards and facilities.
Lactation Consultant Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
04.2021 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with local community organizations, facilitating referrals to additional resources when necessary for continued breastfeeding success beyond hospital discharge.
- Assessed needs of new mothers and advised mothers about child care topics.
- Served as a resource for nursing staff by providing ongoing education on lactation topics, fostering a knowledgeable workforce.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive lactation support and education to new mothers.
- Reduced instances of formula supplementation by advocating for early initiation of breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact postdelivery.
- Performed daily hospital rounds for all healthcare system maternity wards and facilities.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to develop personalized care plans for each mother-infant dyad, promoting optimal health outcomes.
- Created online collection of breastfeeding educational resources for patients and community.
- Managed scheduling and coordinated appointments effectively, ensuring timely access to lactation support services for patients in need.
- Worked closely with neonatologists and pediatricians to address complex feeding issues in premature and medically fragile infants.
- Educated expectant parents about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during prenatal visits, setting the foundation for successful future experiences with nursing infants.
- Demonstrated how to express milk and store it in bottles for later feeds.
- Provided emotional support to families experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding, contributing to increased resilience during the postpartum period.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills, and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
- Received recognition for excellence in patient care, demonstrating a commitment to supporting families throughout their breastfeeding journeys.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by creating a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding consultations.
Pediatric Triage Nurse
Regional West Physicians Clinic
07.2016 - 03.2021
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently prioritizing and addressing urgent medical concerns in a timely manner.
- Reduced wait times for patients by swiftly assessing their conditions and directing them to appropriate care providers.
- Improved communication among healthcare team members by serving as a liaison between patients, physicians, and nursing staff.
- Maintained accurate patient records, ensuring thorough documentation of triage assessments and treatment plans.
- Assisted with training new nursing staff on triage procedures, contributing to the overall growth of the team''s competencies.
- Developed strong rapport with patients through active listening skills, empathetic communication, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
- Provided clear and concise instructions to patients regarding home care plans, ensuring proper understanding and adherence to treatment protocols.
- Maintained a calm and professional demeanor during high-stress situations, effectively managing patient expectations and alleviating concerns.
- Counseled patients via telephone according to established guidelines and protocols, advising on provider-established plans of care.
- Scheduled appointments for patients not requiring emergency services but needing examination from provider and consulting directly with provider.
- Delivered orientation and training of less experienced clinic staff in specific clinic operations and procedures.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Provided compassionate care for patients experiencing acute symptoms, offering emotional support and comfort during stressful situations.
- Routinely evaluated effectiveness of current triage protocols, recommending changes when necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
NICU Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
02.2013 - 06.2016
- Managed complex cases, addressing needs of premature infants requiring ventilator support, IV therapy, and total parenteral nutrition.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing exceptional care for critically ill neonates in a Level III NICU setting.
- Assisted physicians with neonatal procedures such as intubation, umbilical line insertion, and lumbar puncture.
- Promoted family-centered care, involving parents in the decision-making process and educating them about their infant''s condition.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify subtle changes in patient conditions promptly initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Provided emotional support to families during difficult times, demonstrating empathy and understanding in high-stress situations.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in neonatal intensive care nursing.
- Administered medications and blood products safely, following established guidelines to minimize adverse effects on patients.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary communication by participating in daily rounds and collaborating with multidisciplinary medical teams.
- Served as a resource to fellow staff members, sharing knowledge of neonatal care best practices to facilitate continuous improvement.
- Contributed to hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving patient safety and quality of care within the NICU setting.
- Mentored new nursing staff, fostering a supportive learning environment that contributed to improved team performance.
- Achieved positive patient outcomes, by closely monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatments accordingly.
- Advocated for patients and families, ensuring their needs were met and concerns were addressed in a timely manner.
- Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
01.2012 - 02.2013
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Heritage Estates
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
- Served as an advocate for each patient's needs during shift handoffs or interdisciplinary conferences with other healthcare professionals.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
Education
Bachelors in Nursing - Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Scottsbluff, NE05.2011
Skills
- Breastfeeding support
- Infant Nutrition
- Newborn care
- Lactation Education
- Pediatric nursing care
- Family Education
- Immunization Administration
- Critical Thinking
- Medication and IV administration
- Monitoring Vital Signs
- Decision-Making
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient and family advocacy
Accomplishments
One of my goals in my nursing career is to obtain my CLC license and I happy to say I have had my license for almost 3 years now!
Timeline
Lactation Consultant Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
04.2021 - Current
Pediatric Triage Nurse
Regional West Physicians Clinic
07.2016 - 03.2021
NICU Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
02.2013 - 06.2016
Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
01.2012 - 02.2013
Certified Nursing Assistant
Heritage Estates
01.2009 - 01.2010
Lactation Consultant Registered Nurse
Regional West Medical Center
Bachelors in Nursing - Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center
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