Candy I Rojo
Imperial,USA
Summary
Highly skilled and experienced Registered Nurse with a comprehensive background in medical-surgical/Telemetry/Preoperative and Postoperative care, dedicated to delivering skilled and prompt patient care using nursing processes to effectively assess, plan, and evaluate patient care needed in different settings. Strong focus on professional growth and commitment to providing quality care to a diverse population. Demonstrated ability in patient assessment and education, demonstrating strong leadership and bilingual communication skills. Experienced professional adept at optimizing patient flow and satisfaction through efficient health records management using EPIC and CERNER.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre-Operative/Post-Operative Acute Care Unit Registered Nurse
Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District
Brawley, CA
02.2024 - Current
- Monitored patients for side effects of anesthesia, working independently with minimal supervision or direction.
- Assessed and monitored 5-6 patients per shift during the post-operative period to ensure a smooth transition from surgery to recovery.
- Monitored patient's level of consciousness throughout sedation recovery.
- Performed post-operative tasks, such as administering medication to treat post-operative symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, shriving, hypertension, and hypotension; prophylactic IV antibiotics post-surgical intervention; assessing dressings and reinforcing them or changing them as needed and as ordered.
- Reviewed and updated patients' charts and medical records upon admission during the pre-operative phase.
- Performed pre-operative RN duties when on-call to prepare patients before surgical procedure by completing the initial intake assessment, verifying lab work, providing education, inserting IV lines for surgery, verifying and preparing surgical site; completing the admission process and medication reconciliation, witnessing surgical, blood products, anesthesia, and pre-anesthesia consents.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, physicians, and other members of the patient's care team to address patients' needs.
- Educated patients and their families regarding post-surgery care at home.
- Prioritized, planned, and organized specific and comprehensive nursing care to post-operative patients according to anesthesia, physicians' orders, and the number of cases in the recovery phase.
- Collaborated with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and hospitalists to identify the medical management for patients in the recovery phase who experience reactions or side effects to anesthesia, or complications post-operatively by initiating emergency measures or protocols, if needed, which required independent judgment, teamwork, and action.
- Acted as an advocate for patient rights by initiating and maintaining confidentiality, privacy, safety, patient education, and active collaboration with the healthcare team during Pre-op and Post-op phases.
- Communicated effectively among other members of the healthcare team, assuming patient care using SBAR communication, to provide relevant information when a post-operative patient is admitted as an in-patient to any department within the hospital.
- Monitored and assessed the condition of post-anesthesia patients every day, ensuring effective pain management and recovery.
- Streamlined the discharge process for PACU patients by developing and standardizing written discharge instructions in both English and Spanish, tailored to different surgeons' procedures and preferences. This improvement enhanced nursing efficiency, expedited patient flow, and reduced waiting times for families, resulting in quicker discharge times for patients when they were stable.
- Performed follow-up post-operative phone calls to assess patients' satisfaction levels and answered post-operative questions after discharge, such as follow-up appointments, new medications ordered by surgeons, pain control medications, and dressing changes frequency.
Registered Nurse Med-Surg Department
El Centro Regional Medical Center
El Centro, CA
11.2019 - Current
- Demonstrated leadership/management skills as an Alternate Charge Nurse of the Med-Surgical Department, maintaining communication with House Supervisor, ER, and ICU departments to coordinate daily admissions and nursing resources, created nursing assignments, and administered the department’s flow accordingly
- Assisted and supported RNs as a CERNER Super User and facilitator throughout the implementation of the charting system
- Provided direct patient care, collaborated with patients, families, peers, physicians, and other members of the health care team in the delivery of health care services to Medical-Surgical and Telemetry patients
- Assessed patients, reviewed care plans, and implemented and evaluated patient’s care accordingly
- Demonstrated endurance, leadership, and management skills in the Med-Surgical Department during the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Performed initial assessments and completed required documentation within organizational standards
- Performed and documented ongoing assessments including observation, physical examination, laboratory/test results, and patient response to procedural intervention
- Completed patient care assignments in compliance with established hospital policies and procedures of the clinical area, and prioritized nursing interventions according to the patient's needs
- Utilized effective verbal and written communication skills by using pertinent information included in the SBAR format as appropriate
- Assisted CNAs, LVNs, and other members of the health care team in the delivery of patient care, as appropriate
- Incorporated patient teaching/discharge planning to promote optimal patient outcomes
- Provided, evaluated retention of, and documented education to the patient/family/significant other according to organizational standards
- Coordinated and documented patients’ admissions, discharge planning, and referrals to ensure continuity of care after discharge
Registered Nurse MS/Telemetry 2South
Eisenhower Medical Center through AYA Healthcare
Rancho Mirage, CA
02.2022 - 07.2024
- MS/Tele, Telemetry, Interpretation of dysrhythmias, Management of dysrhythmias, Telemetry - on-the-unit monitoring, Telemetry - remote monitoring, for Post Cardiac Angiogram, Post MI, Pre/Post Cardiac Cath patients
- Cautiously followed and started IV insulin and Heparin protocols, feeding tube care and management, and blood product administration
- Provided Central lines, peripheral lines, PICC lines, and TR-Bands care and management
- Managed Cardiac drips with titration following unit protocols (Heparin, Cardizem, Amiodarone, Nicardipine Drips)
- Managed PCA pumps, surgical drains, chest tubes-Emerson/Pleur-evac
- Management of external CPAP/BIPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, nasal cannula, non-invasive airway, oxygen face masks; and tracheostomy care
- Provided wound care to patients as ordered and managed wound vacs
- Comprehensively assessed the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual status utilizing age-specific data
- Performed admissions, initial assessment, and completed required documentation within organizational standards
- Performed and documented ongoing assessments including observation, physical examination, laboratory/test results, and patient response to procedural intervention
- Reviewed and revised plan of care according to changes in patient’s status
Registered Nurse III
Management and Training Corporation (MTC) - Medical Department at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility (IRDF)
Calexico, CA
06.2021 - 10.2022
- Conducted intake interviews upon arrival of detainees to the facility in their language utilizing a translation system in multiple languages
- Conducted daily physical, dental, and initial mental health evaluations of detainees within the facility and transfers from other facilities upon arrival, and made prompt referrals to the Dental Department, Mental Health Specialists, NP, or MD based on patient’s medical history and initial assessment findings
- Attended emergencies for detainees throughout the facility and prepared the appropriate patient documentation before transferring to local hospitals and mental health centers
- Triaged paper-based, and electronic medical requests from detainees and inmates based on the type of service or consult requested, and scheduled appointments for inmates and detainees with RNs, NPs, or MDs based on the patient acuity level
- Scheduled and performed medical treatments, and medication administration to detainees per Nursing Protocols and as ordered by NPs and MDs
- Assessed, evaluated, monitored, and provided medical services to inmates and detainees during sick call appointments, throughout the facility, and during their stay in the medical observation unit per shift according to Nursing Protocols and facility standards
- Maintained prompt and direct communication among departments, supervisors, officers, transporters, Lieutenants, x-ray and lab technicians, and facility Administrator to best coordinate the detainees’ medical care and scheduled outside facility medical appointments
- Monitored daily COVID-19 Logs and performed daily COVID-19 testing to release detainees from their quarantine based on facility policy, CDC guidelines, and COVID-19 test results
- Assisted with immunizations to detainees during the COVID-19 vaccination campaigns within the facility
Home Health Attendant (HHA)/ Personal Care Attendant (PCA). VA Independent Contractor
San Diego VA Healthcare System (La Jolla)
San Diego, CA
05.2010 - 03.2018
- Accurately performed healthcare-related duties for C-4/C-5 complete spinal cord injured quadriplegic patient as assigned by and under the supervision of the RN and MD
- Assisted patient with ADLs, ambulatory care, and paramedical services
- Assisted patient with bowel and bladder care performing insertion, exchange, removal, care, and management of urethral indwelling foley catheters and suprapubic catheters
- Performed patient wound care, and dressings changes as ordered
- Assisted patient with personal hygiene, feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, and transferring in and out of bed, power wheelchair, or vehicle
- Accompanied patient to medical appointments and alternative services
- Accurately documented patient I&O’s; reported observations of patient care, and condition changes to RN and MD promptly
- Performed other duties as assigned
Home Health / Caregiver
In-Home Supportive Services. Dept. of Social Services
El Centro, CA
06.2007 - 03.2018
- Assisted patients with ADLs and personal hygiene during AM and HS (grooming, bathing, feeding, bowel care, and bladder care (urethral catheterization)
- Accompanied patients to medical appointments and alternative services
- Accurately obtained and monitored the patient's vital signs: Temperature, Pulse, Respirations, Blood Pressure, Pain level; and blood glucose
- Appropriately assisted patient with re-positioning, ambulating, and transferring OOB to the power wheelchair, shower chair, and vice versa; transporting, and other care as directed
- Assisted patient in performing daily exercises to promote range of motion
- Inventoried, reordered, and restocked monthly medical supplies and equipment as needed
- Ensured a safe patient environment by verifying the optimal functioning of the equipment in use
- Prepared meals, assisted with patient set up and feedings, and planned grocery shopping based on patient preference and specific diet
- Assisted patient with medication administration, inventory management, and reordering prescriptions
- Performed light housekeeping duties in patient's living area maintaining general tidiness of the patient’s home
Home Health Aide
Heart and Hand Inc.
El Centro, CA
06.2014 - 11.2014
- Performed healthcare-related tasks for patients in different stages of dementia; provided companionship and support to patients
- Provided supervision, and assistance with administration of medication, and monitored vital signs
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living, ambulatory care, and paramedical services
- Assisted with personal hygiene, feeding, bathing, bed baths, toileting, repositioning, dressing, transferring in and out of bed, and wheelchair
- Provided written/oral activity reports at the end of the shift and reported observations to coworkers and the nurse in charge
Industrial Engineer I
Thompson Displays Mexicana
Mexicali, Mexico
09.2005 - 05.2006
- Analyzed statistical data and product specifications to determine standards and establish the quality and reliability of the finished product
- Developed improved manufacturing methods, procedures, and activities to promote efficient staff and facility utilization through constant reviewing of production schedules, engineering specifications, and orders
- Coordinated quality control objectives and activities to resolve production problems, maximize product reliability, and minimize cost
- Updated existing and created area-specific Process Control Plans for areas without them
- Analyzed and decreased quality defects by testing new materials in designated control areas
- Maximized manufacture and distribution of goods by continually studying raw materials, production processes, quality control, logistics, and other techniques
- Established and updated work procedures related to the cathode-ray tubes’ manufacturing process
- Provided written/oral production reports and presentations to Management (Statistical Process Control (SPC), Defect Control Charts, Scrap, Yield, and Sales Reports)
Industrial Engineer (Internship/Professional Residency)
Productos Urólogos de México S.A. de C.V. (Cardinal Health)
Mexicali, Mexico
03.2004 - 06.2005
- Learned SAP software and used it to receive stock, expedite parts, analyze costs, and optimize resources
- Utilized flowcharts and process mapping to standardize and improve the management of resources and materials utilized
- Implemented visual aid displays to improve critical operations
- Adjusted layouts in production lines to improve product assembly and increase the efficiency of operation times
- Took advantage of computer drafting tools to re-design the workspace, equipment, and material layout to maximize efficiency
- Established and updated work procedures related to the manufacturing process
- Assisted in designing and implementing the 5’S Program in a pilot area
- Cooperated with the training of 500 factory personnel before the implementation of the lean 5’S system (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) and continued to encourage personnel to maintain Japanese Philosophy at the workplace and home
Education
Bachelor’s Degree - Nursing
San Diego State University
Calexico, CA, U.S.A01.2021
Associate of Arts – AA - Social Sciences
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Imperial, CA, U.S.A01.2020
Associate degree - Registered Nursing
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Imperial, CA, U.S.A01.2019
Associate of Arts – AA - Behavioral Sciences
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Imperial, CA, U.S.A01.2020
B. S - Industrial Engineer
Instituto Tecnológico De Mexicali
Mexicali, B.C., México01.2004
Associates in General Science -
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Imperial, CA, U.S.A01.2016
Technical or Occupational Certificate - Technological Certificate in Economics, Accounting Technician
Centro De Estudios Tecnológicos Industrial Y De Servicios No. 18
Mexicali, México01.2000
Skills
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Multicultural background, culturally sensitive care
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Tools
- Skilled in Electronic Health Records Management: EPIC, CERNER, and SORIAN
- Interdisciplinary Knowledge
- Hospital and detention facility experience
- Preoperative and postoperative care experience
- Multi-tasking, fast learning, self-directed professional
- Patient's physical assessment
- Post-anesthetic and telemetry monitoring
- Vital signs and cardiac monitoring
- Collaboration with surgical teams and critical care nursing
- Airway and pain management
- Medication and IV administration
- Patient intake and post-operative patient education
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Teamwork, leadership skills, and nursing staff leadership
- Task-oriented, problem-solving, high performance
- Strong ethical standards, clinical judgment, and professionalism
- Time management and prioritization in patient care
- Patient and family advocacy
Certification
- Registered Nurse License, BRN of the State of California, 06/2025
- Basic Life Support (CPR and AED), American Heart Association (AHA), 03/2026
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association (AHA), 03/2026
- Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS), American Heart Association (AHA), 03/2026
- Essentials of ECG & Dysrhythmia Monitoring Continuing Nursing Education, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification
Volunteer Experience
- Accent Care Hospice Health Care Agency, El Centro, CA. 01/2017. 20hrs. Volunteered to learn and acquire direct experience from patients with terminal illnesses during the HHA Program’s training.
- Pioneers Memorial Hospital and Imperial Heights Brawley Convalescent, Brawley, CA. 12/2016. 100hrs. Volunteered to learn and acquire direct experience from patients with diverse needs in the different departments: ICU, Med/Surg, OB/GYN, ER, and DOU. Assisted CNAs in obtaining and recording patients’ vital signs, full baths, bed baths, repositioning patients, ambulating patients; assisted patients getting in and out of bed and with feedings; changed linens, updated room boards, stored medical supplies in the supply room, and performed other duties as needed by the nurses to obtain direct patient care experience from patients in the Medical-Surgical Department. Occasionally collaborated with the Patient Accounting Department to perform administrative tasks and assisted in the front lobby providing information and greeting people who came to the hospital seeking information.
- The ARC Imperial Valley, El Centro, CA. 10/2009. 80hrs. Provided supervision for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities during the Social Work class.
- Computer Lab Teacher's Aide at Robert F. Morales Adult Education Center, Calexico, CA. 02/2007. 100hrs. Provided teaching support in computer classes and usage of Microsoft Office basic entry level for a group of 30 people who were computer illiterate.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Foreign licenses
Industrial Engineer with Manufacturing Specialty, Attained US studies equivalency performed by INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. Transcripts Available upon request.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pre-Operative/Post-Operative Acute Care Unit Registered Nurse
Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District
02.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse MS/Telemetry 2South
Eisenhower Medical Center through AYA Healthcare
02.2022 - 07.2024
Registered Nurse III
Management and Training Corporation (MTC) - Medical Department at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility (IRDF)
06.2021 - 10.2022
Registered Nurse Med-Surg Department
El Centro Regional Medical Center
11.2019 - Current
Home Health Aide
Heart and Hand Inc.
06.2014 - 11.2014
Home Health Attendant (HHA)/ Personal Care Attendant (PCA). VA Independent Contractor
San Diego VA Healthcare System (La Jolla)
05.2010 - 03.2018
Home Health / Caregiver
In-Home Supportive Services. Dept. of Social Services
06.2007 - 03.2018
Industrial Engineer I
Thompson Displays Mexicana
09.2005 - 05.2006
Industrial Engineer (Internship/Professional Residency)
Productos Urólogos de México S.A. de C.V. (Cardinal Health)
03.2004 - 06.2005
- Registered Nurse License, BRN of the State of California, 06/2025
- Basic Life Support (CPR and AED), American Heart Association (AHA), 03/2026
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association (AHA), 03/2026
- Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS), American Heart Association (AHA), 03/2026
- Essentials of ECG & Dysrhythmia Monitoring Continuing Nursing Education, American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN)
- National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification
Bachelor’s Degree - Nursing
San Diego State University
Associate of Arts – AA - Social Sciences
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Associate degree - Registered Nursing
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Associate of Arts – AA - Behavioral Sciences
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
B. S - Industrial Engineer
Instituto Tecnológico De Mexicali
Associates in General Science -
Imperial Valley College (IVC)
Technical or Occupational Certificate - Technological Certificate in Economics, Accounting Technician
Centro De Estudios Tecnológicos Industrial Y De Servicios No. 18
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