Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Andrea L. Castro

Johnstown,NY

Summary

Dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse with a proven track record at Liberty ARC and St. Marys Hospital, enhancing patient outcomes through critical thinking and medication administration. Excelled in teamwork and collaboration, significantly improving patient satisfaction scores. Skilled in vital signs monitoring and adept at providing compassionate care, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and patient health.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

DSP-DAY

Liberty ARC
01.2023 - Current
  • Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
  • Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
  • Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
  • Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.
  • Monitored clients' overall health and well-being and noted significant changes.
  • Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
  • Administered medication and treatments reducing errors and enhancing clients safety

Licensed Practical Nurse

Wells House Nursing Home and Rehabilitation
12.2019 - 01.2023
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
  • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
  • Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs, and preferences.
  • Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
  • Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
  • Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
  • Educated patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care management strategies.
  • Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
  • Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
  • Mentored new nursing staff to enhance professional development opportunities within the team dynamic.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
07.2017 - 12.2019
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
  • Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
  • Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
  • Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
  • Mentored new nursing staff to enhance professional development opportunities within the team dynamic.
  • Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
  • Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
  • Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
  • Adapted quickly to changing patient needs, adjusting care plans accordingly to ensure optimal outcomes in diverse clinical scenarios.
  • Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
  • Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
  • Maintained a safe and therapeutic environment for patients through effective risk assessment and crisis intervention strategies.
  • Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
  • Delivered culturally competent care that respected diverse patient populations'' unique values, beliefs, and traditions.
  • Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining accurate documentation of patient data.
  • Increased patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering high-quality nursing care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
  • Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions by providing thorough discharge planning and follow-up care coordination.

Licensed Practical Nurse, School Nurse

Amsterdam Greater School District
09.2011 - 12.2012
  • Promoted a positive school culture by fostering open communication between students, parents, and staff regarding health-related matters.
  • Prioritized student mental health by offering counseling support services in collaboration with qualified professionals when needed.
  • Improved infection control measures within the school setting through regular hand hygiene education campaigns.
  • Successfully managed complex cases requiring multi-disciplinary intervention, ensuring optimal outcomes for students.
  • Collaborated with teachers and staff to accommodate students'' special needs and promote a healthy learning environment.
  • Established strong rapport with local healthcare providers to facilitate seamless student referrals when necessary.
  • Reduced absenteeism rates by addressing underlying health issues through early intervention strategies.
  • Enhanced school-wide awareness of allergy management by conducting informative workshops and providing comprehensive educational materials.
  • Improved student health outcomes by implementing preventive care measures and health education programs.
  • Enhanced the efficiency of school health services by streamlining documentation and record-keeping processes.
  • Conducted comprehensive health assessments for new students, identifying potential concerns and developing individualized care plans.
  • Maintained accurate medical records for all students, ensuring compliance with state regulations and confidentiality requirements.
  • Streamlined medication administration processes resulting in reduced errors.
  • Supported school-wide initiatives aimed at promoting physical fitness, nutrition awareness, and overall wellness among students.
  • Provided compassionate nursing care to students with acute and chronic medical conditions, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
  • Coordinated with community resources to enhance the quality of healthcare services available to students in need.

Medical-Surgical LPN

St. Marys Hospital
07.2006 - 12.2012
  • Communicated effectively with patients from diverse backgrounds while maintaining a compassionate and empathetic demeanor during difficult situations.
  • Prevented complications through vigilant observation of post-operative patients recovering from various surgical procedures.
  • Contributed to a positive work culture by maintaining a supportive attitude, resolving conflicts effectively, and demonstrating strong collaboration skills with colleagues.
  • Delivered quality end-of-life care with dignity while supporting grieving family members during the process.
  • Skillfully inserted intravenous lines, managed catheters, administered tube feedings, and performed other essential nursing tasks as required.
  • Provided comprehensive wound care management, including dressing changes, debridement, and infection prevention measures.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality medical-surgical care and closely monitoring vital signs.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on medical-surgical best practices and innovations.
  • Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring proper dosage and timely administration for optimal patient health.
  • Promoted a safe environment for both staff and patients by adhering to strict infection control protocols at all times.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical status, medical history, and psychosocial well-being upon admission to the unit.
  • Enhanced teamwork by coordinating closely with nurses, physicians, therapists, social workers, dietitians across departments to optimize overall patient experience.
  • Educated patients and their families on disease processes, treatments, and at-home care instructions to promote understanding and selfmanagement.
  • Maintained thorough documentation of patient progress and interventions to ensure continuity of care among healthcare providers.
  • Assisted physicians in conducting diagnostic tests, interpreting results, and developing appropriate treatment plans.
  • Efficiently prioritized clinical tasks in response to changing patient needs throughout each shift.
  • Assisted in the discharge planning process by coordinating home care services and providing detailed patient education materials.

Education

Dipolma - Nursing Practice

HFM Boces
Johnstown

Associate of Applied Science - Health Studies

Fulton Montgomery Community College
Johnstown
05-2015

Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Fast learner
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Clear communication
  • Critical thinking
  • CPR certification
  • Organizational skills
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Medication administration

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

DSP-DAY

Liberty ARC
01.2023 - Current

Licensed Practical Nurse

Wells House Nursing Home and Rehabilitation
12.2019 - 01.2023

Licensed Practical Nurse

Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
07.2017 - 12.2019

Licensed Practical Nurse, School Nurse

Amsterdam Greater School District
09.2011 - 12.2012

Medical-Surgical LPN

St. Marys Hospital
07.2006 - 12.2012

Dipolma - Nursing Practice

HFM Boces

Associate of Applied Science - Health Studies

Fulton Montgomery Community College
Andrea L. Castro