ANA VAIA
Cicero,IL
Summary
Seasoned Health Facilities Surveillance Nurse with a proven track record at the Illinois Department of Public Health. Expert in regulatory compliance and inspection reporting, coupled with exceptional skills in training and mentoring. Achieved significant improvements in community health safety through meticulous investigations and quality control. Demonstrates unparalleled teamwork and time management abilities.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Health Facilities Surveillance Nurse
Illinois Department Of Public Health
02.2018 - Current
- Acted as a liaison between the Health Department and other government agencies, fostering cooperation in shared efforts to promote community wellbeing.
- Conducted investigations into reported cases of non-compliance with the Rules and Regulations set forth by CMS (Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services) to identify root causes and prevent further occurrences.
- Prepared reports of conditions found, outlined recommended actions and prepared and presented to Federal and local State agencies.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge on local, state, and federal regulations to ensure accurate assessments during inspections.
- Enhanced public health safety by conducting thorough inspections of hospitals, dialysis clinics, and surgery centers.
- Investigated incidents, determining root causes and implementing corrective actions.
- Provided new-employee health and safety orientations and developed materials for presentations.
- Mentored new staff, facilitating a faster learning curve and increased overall team efficiency.
Nurse Case Coordinator
Cigna Health Spring
05.2014 - 12.2017
- Collaborated with social workers to address patients'' psychosocial needs, connecting them with community resources for ongoing support.
- Coordinated seamless transitions between levels of care by establishing strong working relationships with other healthcare facilities such as rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities.
- Enhanced patient care by developing individualized care plans based on thorough assessments and collaboration with healthcare providers.
- Developed specialized knowledge in specific disease processes or patient populations to better serve targeted groups such as geriatrics or oncology patients.
- Reduced readmission rates by closely monitoring patient progress and coordinating timely follow-up appointments.
- Educated colleagues about best practices in case management through presentations at staff meetings or informal mentoring opportunities on-the-job training sessions.
- Promoted patient self-management through tailored education on chronic disease management, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
- Managed complex caseloads while prioritizing urgent needs, demonstrating exceptional time management skills in a high-pressure environment.
- Advocated for patients'' needs within the healthcare system, collaborating with insurance companies to secure coverage for necessary treatments and services.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient cases, identify potential barriers to recovery, and develop appropriate interventions.
- Maintained current knowledge of healthcare industry trends, policies, and regulations by participating in ongoing continuing education opportunities.
Nurse Case Manager
Vanguard Home Care Formerly MacNeal Home CAre
11.1998 - 04.2014
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Took samples to complete diagnostic and routine assessment tests.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, social, and environmental needs to develop individualized care plans.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by establishing trust and rapport through empathetic communication and active listening.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between healthcare settings by coordinating services and maintaining open communication with patients, families, and providers.
- Strengthened patient adherence to prescribed medications and treatments by providing clear instructions and addressing any concerns or barriers.
- Maintained high-quality care standards by participating in ongoing professional development activities.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to federal, state, and agency guidelines in all aspects of home health nursing practice.
- Maximized staff efficiency by delegating tasks appropriately based on skill level and workload considerations.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accuracy and timely completion of required paperwork.
- Prevented complications by promptly identifying potential issues and taking appropriate action to address them.
- Supported family caregivers through education, resources, and emotional support during challenging times.
- Developed strong relationships with primary care providers to facilitate seamless coordination of care for patients transitioning from hospital or rehabilitation settings back into the community setting.
- 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.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05-2014
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Morton College
Cicero05-1997
Skills
- Inspection reporting
- Training and mentoring
- Quality control
- Regulatory compliance
- Report writing
- Documentation preparation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Health Facilities Surveillance Nurse
Illinois Department Of Public Health
02.2018 - Current
Nurse Case Coordinator
Cigna Health Spring
05.2014 - 12.2017
Nurse Case Manager
Vanguard Home Care Formerly MacNeal Home CAre
11.1998 - 04.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Morton College
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