Catherine Cortez
El Paso
Summary
Accomplished nurse skilled in emergency response and patient education, with a strong focus on infection prevention and documentation accuracy. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with healthcare teams, ensuring superior patient outcomes in both operating room and labor and delivery environments.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Circulating Nurse, Operating Room
HCA
El Paso
05.2025 - Current
- Performed effective circulation duties such as anticipating surgeon's needs during cases and managing instrumentation counts throughout the procedure.
- Showed excellence in preparing OR rooms for incoming cases by stocking supplies and instrumentation needed for the procedure.
- Exercised excellent time management techniques when coordinating multiple activities within the OR suite simultaneously.
- Assessed patient's physical and psychosocial status to determine readiness for discharge.
- Determined learning needs of patients and families to develop appropriate teaching strategies.
- Consulted and coordinated with healthcare team members to plan, implement, or evaluate patient care plans.
- Administered medications to patients and monitored for reactions or side effects.
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Tenet Health
El Paso
06.2023 - 05.2025
- Provided emotional support and guidance to new mothers and families during labor, delivery and postpartum.
- Assisted physician during delivery, examination and surgical procedures by anticipating needs, encouraging patient, and attending to baby after birth.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments and assisted with pain management.
- Reduced complications during childbirth by closely monitoring patients and providing timely interventions.
- Assisted physicians in performing complex medical procedures, including cesarean sections and forceps deliveries.
- Maintained a safe and sterile environment, ensuring optimal conditions for successful deliveries.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Performed vital signs checks and administered vaccinations to infants following birth.
Nurse Extern
Tenet Health
El Paso
10.2022 - 06.2023
- Monitored and recorded patient vital signs, promptly reporting changes to nursing staff to ensure timely interventions.
- Practiced patient care by taking vital signs and providing wound care for patients.
- Facilitated activities of daily living by supporting patients with bathing, dressing, eating, and hygiene tasks to promote comfort and dignity.
- Assisted with patient ambulation and use of mobility assistance aids to reduce risks.
- Monitored and documented patient intake and output levels and reported concerns to care team.
- Collaborated with supervising nurses to ensure quality care for all patients on the unit.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable environment for patients by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining cleanliness within the facility.
- Documented and communicated patient information in EMR system to maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX05-2023
Associate of Science - Biological Sciences
EL Paso Community Collage
El Paso, TX05-2017
High School Diploma -
Montwood High School
El Paso, TX05-2008
Skills
- Circulating duties
- Operating room preparation
- Surgical instrumentation
- Anesthesia support
- Emergency triage
- Patient assessment
- Surgical site management
- Infection prevention strategies
- Documentation accuracy
- Team collaboration
- Patient education
- ACLS certification
Certification
- PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- BLS
- ACLS
Timeline
Circulating Nurse, Operating Room
HCA
05.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse, Labor and Delivery
Tenet Health
06.2023 - 05.2025
Nurse Extern
Tenet Health
10.2022 - 06.2023
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At El Paso
Associate of Science - Biological Sciences
EL Paso Community Collage
High School Diploma -
Montwood High School