Cecilia Barrera
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Experienced Bilingual Registered Nurse with over 7 years in cardiovascular care across inpatient and outpatient settings. Skilled in telemetry monitoring, ECG interpretation, and hemodynamic assessment for high risk cardiac patients. Thrives in fast paced, high acuity environments, prioritizing care and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes. Seeking a Critical Care or Progressive Care Nursing position.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
1
1
Language
Work History
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Aviary Cardiac Rehabilitation
Remote
08.2023 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive cardiovascular assessments and review medical histories, medication, and comorbidities prior to initiating therapy.
- Develop individualized exercise prescriptions based on ACSM guidelines and functional capacity testing.
- Monitor patients for contraindications to exercise and identify signs of cardiac instability.
- Educate patients on CAD risk reduction strategies, medication adherence, and symptom recognition to empower self-management.
- Collaborate with RNs and providers to escalate abnormal findings appropriately.
- Conduct thorough pre-screening evaluations, identifying any potential risks or contraindications for participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Methodist Rehealth Staffing
San Antonio
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Performed cardiovascular and functional capacity assessments for post MI, CABG, heart failure, TAVR and PCI patients.
- Monitored heart rate, blood pressure, and telemetry during supervised exercise sessions; identified abnormal hemodynamic responses and promptly escalated concerns to supervising RN to ensure timely interventions.
- Conducted submaximal treadmill and 6 minute walk testing to evaluate patient tolerance and function progression.
- Collaborated with cardiology and nursing staff to implement individualized care plans, enhancing patient recovery and engagement in their treatment.
- Maintained patient safety through continuous monitoring and strict adherence to emergency response protocols, reducing risk during exercise sessions.
Medical Assistant
Fast Aid Urgent Care
San Antonio
07.2020 - 01.2023
- Performed patient care activities including vital sign assessment, 12 lead EKG acquisition, IV therapy, injections, and point of care testing to support efficient patient management.
- Assisted providers with patient examinations and minor procedures, contributing to streamlined operations in high-volume urgent care setting.
- Documented assessments, procedures and patient data accurately in EMR.
- Documented assessments, procedures, and patient data in EMR, ensuring accuracy for improved patient care continuity.
- Escalated concerns regarding patient condition to supervising providers for further evaluation.
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
HCA Healthcare: Methodist Hospital
Corpus Christi
01.2018 - 12.2020
- Delivered cardiovascular rehabilitation in both inpatient (ICU) and outpatient settings.
- Initiated early mobilization for postoperative cardiac patients, including CABG and valve replacement, in ICU on POD #1/POD #2, facilitating bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation.
- Monitored and documented hemodynamic responses to activity, ensuring patient stability during progressive exercise regimens.
- Assisted in management and monitoring of patients with cardiac devices including PPM and ICD during rehabilitation and activity progression.
- Collaborated closely with ICU and cardiopulmonary RNs to ensure safe progression of mobility based on clinical status and post surgical protocols.
- Recognized and reported abnormal ECG rhythms and hemodynamic instability, including arrhythmias and symptomatic responses during exercise.
- Educated patients on activity tolerance and sternal precautions, promoting safe progression after cardiac surgery.
- Mentored exercise physiology interns on clinical workflow and patient safety protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Texas A&M University
01-2017
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
San Antonio Community College
05-2026
Skills
- Central line care
- Peripheral IV management
- Functional Capacity Testing
- Chronic disease management
- EKG interpretation
- Vital sign monitoring
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Wound Care and Dressing Changes
- Tracheostomy Care
- Foley Catheter Care
- Nasogastric Care
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- IV Medication Administration
- Neurological Assessment
- Cardiovascular Assessment
- Pulmonary Assessment
Websites
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Texas Multistate License
- BLS, American Heart Association
- ACLS, American Heart Association
- ACSM-EP
- Rapid STEMI Acute Myocardial Infarction Recognition
Rhythm Management and Implications in Clinical Care - Texas Real Estate Salesperson License
Clinical Experience
- Neuroscience ICU
- Cardiac ICU
- Emergency Department
- Trauma
- Transplant
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Aviary Cardiac Rehabilitation
08.2023 - Current
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Methodist Rehealth Staffing
11.2022 - 05.2023
Medical Assistant
Fast Aid Urgent Care
07.2020 - 01.2023
Clinical Exercise Physiologist
HCA Healthcare: Methodist Hospital
01.2018 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
Texas A&M University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
San Antonio Community College