Astra J. Garcia
Buckeye
Summary
Results-driven Immunization Registered Nurse adept at critical thinking and effective patient education. Proficient in managing vaccination schedules, training new staff, and maintaining accurate health records, ensuring high standards of care and safety in immunization practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Immunization RN
Goodyear Immunization Clinic
Goodyear
11.2021 - Current
- Administered vaccines to children and adults according to CDC and ACIP guidelines.
- Educated patients on vaccine benefits and potential side effects.
- Administered vaccinations and immunizations to diverse patient populations.
- Ensured all vaccinations for children and adults met up-to-date standards per guidelines.
- Implemented catch-up schedules for patients lacking vaccination records or overdue immunizations.
- Educated patients and parents about vaccines and vaccination schedules.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure quality patient care.
- Monitored patients for adverse reactions post-vaccination.
- Participated in community outreach programs to promote immunization awareness.
- Managed inventory of vaccines and medical supplies efficiently.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Recorded patient information accurately in electronic health systems.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Provided training and guidance to new nursing staff on procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Accessed ASIIS to retrieve vaccination records and update historical data accordingly.
Immunization Nurse
ACRO
Phoenix
06.2021 - 11.2021
- Administered vaccines to children and adults according to CDC and ACIP guidelines.
- Ensured accuracy of vaccination records, verifying up-to-date status for all patients.
- Executed catch-up vaccinations for patients missing records or overdue on immunizations.
- Educated patients and parents on vaccination schedules and importance of immunization.
- Utilized ASIIS to retrieve vaccination records and updated historical data as needed.
- Applied shared clinical decision-making principles while administering vaccines to patients.
Registered Nurse in Labor & Delivery/ Mother Baby Unit
Yuma Regional Medical Center
Yuma
02.2017 - 05.2021
- Trained in postpartum, antepartum, and labor and delivery care protocols.
- Monitored maternal and fetal vital signs during labor and delivery.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to provide patient-centered care.
- Supported newborn care immediately after delivery, ensuring safety and health.
- Documented patient information using electronic medical records system effectively.
- Conducted physical assessments to evaluate labor progression accurately.
- Consulted with physicians and other members of care team to identify and assist with complications.
- Maintained a safe environment for both mother, baby before, during and after labor, delivery.
- Provided postpartum care for new mothers, including assessments, education and counseling.
- Educated patients on labor process expectations and provided emotional support throughout labor.
- Monitored fetal heart rate patterns using electronic fetal monitoring equipment.
- Provided assessment of high-risk obstetric patients on admission to Labor and Delivery Unit.
- Assisted in the delivery of newborns, providing guidance and support to mothers during labor and delivery.
- Performed emergency resuscitation measures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Assessed and documented physical condition of mothers and babies and assisted doctors in identifying and treating preeclampsia.
- Cared for pregnant women expecting imminent birth and for babies immediately after birth in hospitals and health clinics.
- Leveraged equipment and administered medications, supporting labor, delivery and care of newborns.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members regarding patient care plans.
- Instructed patients on proper nutrition requirements while pregnant or lactating.
- Documented patient progress notes according to hospital policy and procedures.
- Reviewed and tracked progress of mothers in labor, interpreted fetal heart monitor and informed delivering physician of status.
- Circulated during cesarean sections to assist surgical teams.
- Rotated between women and children's departments after training completion.
- Accumulated over four years of experience in postpartum care.
- Managed up to four couplets, ensuring comprehensive newborn screenings at 24 hours.
- Monitored antepartum patients continuously with external fetal monitoring.
- Provided care for patients during labor induction and active labor stages.
- Assisted mothers and newborns for one to two hours postpartum to ensure safety.
- Trained and mentored staff members in obstetrics nursing and care.
- Briefed next-shift nurses thoroughly on condition, status, and needs of mother and newborn.
- Prepared and sanitized delivery rooms and instruments and prepared patients physically and emotionally for delivery.
- Complied with OSHA standards for healthcare professionals to minimize or eliminate risk of infection.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current with best practices in maternal and newborn care.
- Took vital signs of patients including temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels.
- Conducted postpartum evaluations to ensure health and well-being of mother and baby.
- Administered medications as ordered by physicians according to established policies and procedures.
- Coordinated discharge planning, including follow-up appointments and home care instructions.
- Evaluated patient's response to treatments administered by adjusting dosages accordingly.
- Performed regular checkups on expectant mothers in order to monitor their health status.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
RN Manager of an Ambulatory Infusion Center
Yuma Ambulatory Infusion Center
Yuma
02.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed six per diem infusion RNs to ensure optimal staffing and patient care.
- Opened clinic, overseeing supply management and infusion preparations.
- Scheduled RNs monthly, guaranteeing full shift coverage.
- Collaborated with receptionist for daily patient scheduling.
- Assumed responsibility for covering all unfilled shifts as manager.
- Reported issues related to patients to Dr. Clearance Clark, owner of infusion center.
- Started peripheral IVs and initiated infusions for most patients during weekdays.
- Maintained PICC lines and peripheral IV lines to support patient treatment.
Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital
Horizon Health and Wellness
Yuma
05.2015 - 02.2016
- Supervised staff during shifts to ensure strict protocol compliance.
- Monitored medication effectiveness to enhance patient outcomes.
- Communicated observed behavioral changes to providers for prompt intervention.
- Maintained secure environment to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Infusion RN (PRN)
Yuma Ambulatory Infusion Center
Yuma
05.2013 - 02.2016
- Initiated peripheral IVs and started patient infusions as an infusion RN.
- Maintained PICC lines and peripheral IV lines to ensure optimal function.
- Administered IV antibiotics, hydration, and SVN breathing treatments per MD orders.
Psychiatric RN Case Manager
Amedisys Home Healthcare
Yuma
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Facilitated admission intakes and coordinated patient care plans for optimal health outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans.
- Conducted psychosocial assessments to identify and implement appropriate interventions.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during acute psychiatric episodes.
- Documented patient progress and maintained accurate medical records consistently.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations and quality standards in home care settings.
- Advocated for patient needs within interdisciplinary teams to execute treatment plans.
- Offered emotional support to families of psychiatric patients during challenging situations.
Charge Nurse in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital
Mountain Health and Wellness
Yuma
10.2009 - 07.2014
- Managed patient care, coordinating nursing activities for diverse populations.
- Supervised nursing staff to ensure adherence to best practices in patient treatment.
- Trained new nurses on protocols, procedures, and safety standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Monitored patient progress, adjusting care plans based on observed changes.
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations and organizational policies consistently.
- Provided guidance and support to patients and families throughout treatment processes.
- Delegated tasks according to staff qualifications for efficient workflow.
Registered Nurse in a Rehabilitation Hospital
Yuma Rehabilition Hospital
Yuma
10.2006 - 05.2013
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses effectively.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive treatment plans.
- Provided patient care and support in rehabilitation settings.
- Educated patients and families on recovery processes and health management.
- Assisted with mobility exercises to enhance patient rehabilitation efforts.
- Maintained accurate patient records and documentation per hospital standards.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Trained junior nurses on best practices for patient care delivery.
Education
Associate Degree - Nursing
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Imperial, CA12-2004
Associate Degree - General Education/Art
Arizona Western College (AWC)
Yuma, AZ05-2003
Certified Nursing Assistant Program -
AWC
Yuma, AZHigh School Diploma -
Yuma Union High School
Yuma, AZSkills
- Vaccine administration
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Patient-centered care
- Vaccination schedules
- Inventory management
- Critical thinking
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Clinical immunization techniques
- Direct nursing care
- Maternal health education
- Patient counseling
- Supply restocking
- Intake and discharge processes
- Case management
- IV management
- Clinical judgment
- Team coordination
- Injection techniques
- Pediatric emergency response
- ACIP and CDC recommendations
- Epic charting system proficiency
- Dependability and friendliness
- Effective communication
- Fast-paced adaptability
- Quick learning ability
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Volunteer Experience
- Helping the Marine Corps Reserves with Toys for Tots
- Various work for Veterans Hospitals in Arizona with MOCA of AZ
- Volunteered at Yuma Regional Medical, Yuma, AZ
Licensure Certification
- NCLEX RN Licensure, RN142202, 04/01/30
- Certified Nursing Assistant Registration, CNA999997204
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Card, 08/01/26
- Intermediate Fetal Heart Monitoring
Timeline
Immunization RN
Goodyear Immunization Clinic
11.2021 - Current
Immunization Nurse
ACRO
06.2021 - 11.2021
Registered Nurse in Labor & Delivery/ Mother Baby Unit
Yuma Regional Medical Center
02.2017 - 05.2021
RN Manager of an Ambulatory Infusion Center
Yuma Ambulatory Infusion Center
02.2016 - 01.2017
Registered Nurse/Charge Nurse in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital
Horizon Health and Wellness
05.2015 - 02.2016
Psychiatric RN Case Manager
Amedisys Home Healthcare
07.2014 - 05.2015
Infusion RN (PRN)
Yuma Ambulatory Infusion Center
05.2013 - 02.2016
Charge Nurse in an Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital
Mountain Health and Wellness
10.2009 - 07.2014
Registered Nurse in a Rehabilitation Hospital
Yuma Rehabilition Hospital
10.2006 - 05.2013
Associate Degree - Nursing
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Associate Degree - General Education/Art
Arizona Western College (AWC)
Certified Nursing Assistant Program -
AWC
High School Diploma -
Yuma Union High School