Autumn Praska
Cedar Falls,IA
Summary
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
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Health Worker
Landmark Health
, Iowa
02.2023 - Current
- Conducted home visits to assess the health needs of patients and their families.
- Assisted with patient referrals to appropriate community resources.
- Maintained accurate records of patient data in a secure electronic database.
- Collaborated with other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Acted as an advocate for clients when interacting with insurance companies or government agencies.
- Served as a liaison between healthcare providers and community organizations.
- Provided assistance with completing forms related to public benefits programs.
- Offered emotional support during difficult times or stressful situations.
- Returned calls, emails and faxes according to departmental policy.
- Helped people enroll in programs, arrange transportation and coordinate paperwork.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Certified Nursing Assistant
GrapeTree Medical Staffing
, Iowa
09.2022 - Current
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Reported changes in patient condition to registered nurse or physician.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Observed patients for any changes in their physical or mental condition.
- Cleaned and sanitized patient rooms according to established protocols.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
Respite Care Provider
Iowa Family Services
, Iowa
08.2019 - Current
- Provided temporary relief and support to families of individuals with disabilities.
- Developed positive relationships with clients, their families, and other involved parties.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided to clients.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques according to established protocols.
- Coordinated communication between family members regarding schedule changes or needs of the client.
- Ensured safety of all clients at all times while providing respite care services.
- Facilitated recreational activities that promote socialization skills and independence.
- Adhered to agency policies and procedures related to confidentiality regulations.
- Administered prescribed medications
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
Activity Director
Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare
, Iowa
03.2022 - 10.2022
- Developed and implemented engaging activities for seniors in long-term care facilities.
- Organized events such as holiday parties, bingo nights, and movie screenings.
- Created monthly activity calendars with a variety of recreational options.
- Provided one-on-one support to those who required additional assistance.
- Facilitated group discussions on topics such as current events, health issues, and hobbies.
- Monitored the progress of participants in order to assess program effectiveness.
- Ensured compliance with all state regulations regarding safety protocols and infection control measures.
- Maintained accurate records of participant attendance and progress notes.
- Coordinated transportation services for offsite activities when needed.
- Conducted assessments of residents' cognitive functioning levels prior to enrollment in programs.
- Adapted existing activities or developed new ones to meet the changing needs of participants.
- Handled budgetary concerns, keeping activities affordable.
- Interacted with patients and families by addressing questions and concerns.
- Instructed residents in recreational activities to meet specific psychological and physical needs.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare
, Iowa
06.2021 - 10.2022
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Reported changes in patient condition to registered nurse or physician.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients on a regular schedule to prevent bedsores.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Country Winds Manor
, Iowa
01.2018 - 10.2020
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
- Documented and reported observations of patient behavior, complaints or physical symptoms to nurses.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Assisted patients in ambulation and transfers using proper body mechanics.
- Answered patient call lights promptly and responded to requests appropriately.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to ensure quality patient care was delivered at all times.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Evans Memorial Home
, Iowa
07.2016 - 03.2017
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Reported changes in patient condition to registered nurse or physician.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
Education
High School Diploma -
Crestwood High School
Cresco, IA05-2018
Skills
- Customer Relations
- Prioritization
- Problem-solving abilities
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Data Collection
- HIPAA Guidelines
- Direct Patient Care
- Electronic Charting
- Quality Assurance
- Medical terminology knowledge
- Calm and level-headed under duress
- Scheduling
- Inbound and Outbound Calling
Affiliations
- Reading
- Art
- Outdoor Recreation
Certification
- CNA July 2016 to present.
- CPR
Languages
English
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Community Health Worker
Landmark Health
02.2023 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
GrapeTree Medical Staffing
09.2022 - Current
Activity Director
Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare
03.2022 - 10.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant
Linn Haven Rehab and Healthcare
06.2021 - 10.2022
Respite Care Provider
Iowa Family Services
08.2019 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Country Winds Manor
01.2018 - 10.2020
Certified Nursing Assistant
Evans Memorial Home
07.2016 - 03.2017
High School Diploma -
Crestwood High School