Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Cathleen Retka

Summary

Dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse with extensive experience at Veterans Affairs Medical Center, excelling in medication administration and compassionate patient care. Proven ability to enhance patient outcomes through effective vital signs monitoring and clinical documentation. Committed to infection control and fostering communication among healthcare teams to ensure quality care delivery.


Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
03.2012 - Current

Primary Care Clinical Support

  • Checked in patients for appointments, ensuring accurate documentation before provider evaluations.
  • Performed vital sign assessments and conducted medication reconciliation to maintain updated patient records.
  • Administered allergy injections, immunizations, and ZIO patch cardiac placements.
  • Conducted screenings for Depression, PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, Toxic Exposure, and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
  • Managed blood sugar readings, EKGs, and post-void residual assessments.
  • Oversaw clinic medication orders to ensure adequate stock and timely availability for patient care.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.
  • Educated patients and families on health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care management strategies.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
02.2009 - 03.2012

Spinal Cord Injury Unit-Inpatient Care

  • Delivered safe and compassionate care to veterans in a specialized spinal cord injury unit.
  • Provided comprehensive personal hygiene assistance, repositioned patients to prevent pressure injuries, and ensured proper nutrition.
  • Administered bowel and bladder programs, including Foley, suprapubic, and colostomy care.
  • Performed skin and wound care, assessing and monitoring changes in patient conditions, including medications, behavior, and mental status.
  • Managed IV treatments, vital sign monitoring, and blood sugar readings to support patient well-being.
  • Conducted tracheostomy care, including suctioning and respiratory support. Assisted with tube feeding and accurate medication administration.
  • Communicated with RNs and medical providers to seek guidance and ensure high-quality patient care.
  • Responded promptly to emergencies, ensuring patient safety and well-being.
  • Documented patient status and recorded any changes in condition, treatment, and interventions.
  • Provided patient and family education on medical care, procedures, and overall health management.
  • Acted as a patient advocate, supporting individuals and family members through the healthcare process.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
03.2007 - 02.2009

Specialty Care Clinic

  • Conducted clinical reminders to ensure timely patient care and follow-ups.
  • Provided patient education on various procedures, disease management, and preventive care.
  • Performed vital sign assessments, TB testing, and diabetic education to support comprehensive health monitoring.
  • Co-management of patient medications, including verification of prescriptions and over-the-counter treatments.
  • Administered immunization while maintaining accurate documentation in electronic health records.
  • Downloaded and analyzed the glucometer readings to assist in diabetes management.
  • Conducted Holter monitor placements for cardiac evaluations.
  • Verified and updated patient medication records to ensure accuracy in treatment plans.
  • Performed bladder scanning and EKGs for diagnostic support.
  • Entered collected patient data into medical systems for provider review and clinical decision-making.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
04.1998 - 03.2007

Inpatient Staff Nurse Long-term Care

  • Provided comprehensive hygiene assistance, including bathing, grooming, and personal care.
  • Implemented repositioning techniques to prevent pressure sores and promote patient comfort.
  • Managed nutritional needs, ensuring balanced diets, specialized feeding plans, and tube feedings.
  • Administered bowel and bladder programs, including catheter care and urostomy/colostomy maintenance.
  • Delivered skin and wound care, wound vac placement and management, assessed healing progress, and prevented complications.
  • Monitored patient conditions, including medication effectiveness, behavioral changes, and mental status.
  • Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
  • Performed IV treatments and blood sugar monitoring.
  • Conducted Foley and suprapubic catheter care.
  • Oversaw JP drains management to promote healing and reduce infections.
  • Provided tracheostomy care, including suctioning and respiratory support.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
  • Facilitated efficient communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to promote continuity of care across settings.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN
12-2025

Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma - Nursing

Saint Cloud Community And Technical College
Saint Cloud, MN
05-1997

Skills

  • Medication administration
  • Direct patient care
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Wound care
  • Compassionate care
  • Clinical documentation
  • Patient care
  • Vital signs
  • Documentation accuracy
  • Medication dispensing
  • Diabetes management
  • Infection control

Languages

English
Full Professional

Timeline

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
03.2012 - Current

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
02.2009 - 03.2012

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
03.2007 - 02.2009

Licensed Practical Nurse

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
04.1998 - 03.2007

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

St. Catherine University

Licensed Practical Nurse Diploma - Nursing

Saint Cloud Community And Technical College