Registered Nurse, MSN
Open To Work
Celestine Torres
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
San Antonio,TX
Work Preference
Desired Job Title
Hematology/Oncology Clinical CoordinatorCase ManagerUtilization Review Nurse
Location Preference
Remote
Important To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceWork from home optionHealthcare benefitsPaid time offPaid sick leave4-day work weekStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing
19
Years of experience
Compassionate and highly accomplished Registered Nurse with more than 19 years of progressive healthcare experience, including extensive expertise in oncology, hematology, bone marrow transplantation, chemotherapy administration, care coordination, and patient advocacy within the Veterans Health Administration. Proven ability to manage complex patient populations, coordinate multidisciplinary care, facilitate transitions across the continuum of care, and address medical, psychosocial, financial, and educational needs to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction. Demonstrated success in collaborating with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, rehabilitation services, palliative care teams, and community resources to develop and implement comprehensive, patient-centered care plans. Skilled in case management principles, utilization of healthcare resources, discharge planning, chronic disease management, patient education, and navigating patients through complex healthcare systems. Recognized for strong clinical judgment, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to build trusting relationships with patients, families, providers, and community partners. Dedicated to improving quality of care, reducing barriers to treatment, promoting continuity of care, and achieving optimal health outcomes for diverse patient populations. Experienced in coordinating care for medically complex, high-risk, and vulnerable patients while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and evidence-based practice.
Work History
Critical Care Oncology Nurse
6 Years 3 Months- Administered chemotherapy and other oncology treatments in accordance with established protocols.
- Developed individualized care plans based on comprehensive assessments of patient needs.
- Mentored new nurses, providing guidance on clinical procedures and patient care standards.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems for improved accuracy.
- Collaborated with oncologists to adjust treatment plans based on patient progress and feedback.
- Coordinated complex care plans, working closely with case managers, social workers, and financial counselors to optimize patient outcomes.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based oncology nursing practices.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
Critical Care Bone Marrow Transplant Nurse
9 Years 9 Months- Managed highly complex patients throughout pre-transplant, transplant, and post-transplant phases of care.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary care with physicians, social workers, nutritionists, rehabilitation services, chaplain services, palliative care, and infectious disease specialists.
- Developed individualized plans of care and monitored progress toward treatment goals.
- Identified psychosocial, educational, and discharge planning needs to support safe transitions across care settings.
- Educated patients and caregivers regarding treatment plans, symptom management, medications, infection prevention, and follow-up care.
- Monitored for complications and facilitated rapid intervention to improve patient outcomes.
- Served as preceptor and mentor to nursing staff and participated in process improvement initiatives.
- Developed communication and handoff tools that improved coordination among healthcare team members.
- Administered medications and treatments, ensuring adherence to protocols and patient safety standards.
Radiation Oncology Nurse
2 Years 10 Months- Administered radiation treatment plans for diverse patient populations, ensuring optimal care and safety protocols.
- Monitored patient responses to treatment, adjusting care plans based on clinical observations and feedback.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives to streamline workflow and enhance patient satisfaction within the oncology department.
- Participated in ongoing professional education opportunities to stay current on advances in radiation oncology nursing practices.
- Streamlined workflow processes within the department by identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions.
- Improved communication between healthcare providers by acting as a liaison between physicians, nursing staff, and other medical professionals involved in the patients'' care.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Educated patients on radiation therapy processes, side effects, and coping mechanisms to enhance treatment adherence.
Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse
4 Years 10 Months- Coordinated outpatient oncology treatment plans and monitored patient response to therapy.
- Educated patients and caregivers regarding medications, treatment expectations, side effect management, and follow-up care.
- Collaborated with providers and multidisciplinary team members to address treatment-related concerns and patient needs.
- Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
- Administered chemotherapy infusions, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout treatment sessions.
- Developed educational materials for patients and families, promoting understanding of chemotherapy processes and expectations.
- Participated in ongoing education opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in oncology nursing and chemotherapy administration.
- Coordinated with pharmacists to ensure accurate medication orders and timely delivery, minimizing wait times for patients.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Hematology/Oncology Clinical Coordinator
6 Months- Coordinated complex oncology care during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure timely treatment and continuity of services.
- Served as liaison among patients, providers, pharmacists, oncology navigators, and ancillary services.
- Scheduled and coordinated diagnostic testing, procedures, and treatment appointments, including CT scans, PET scans, simulations, central line placements, and PEG tube placements.
- Conducted patient outreach, education, and follow-up through telephone and virtual visits.
- Assessed patient needs, addressed barriers to care, and facilitated access to appropriate services and resources.
- Supported patients and families coping with new cancer diagnoses, terminal illness, and treatment-related challenges.
- Reduced missed appointments and treatment interruptions through proactive care coordination and patient engagement.
- Scheduled surgeries, managed pre-certifications and verified insurance coverage.
Telemetry/Medical-Surgical Nurse
2 Years 4 Months- Managed care for medically complex patients with acute and chronic conditions.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care and facilitated communication among providers and support services.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized interventions, and supported safe discharge planning.
- Educated patients and families regarding disease management, medications, and follow-up care.
- Delegated and supervised care while ensuring quality and patient safety standards.
Telemetry/Medical-Surgical Nurse
7 Years 3 Months- Coordinated care for cardiac and medical-surgical patients across the continuum of care.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives focused on patient safety and outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Provided patient and caregiver education to support self-management and reduce readmissions.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through thorough discharge planning and patient education.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments for falls prevention measures, reducing fall-related injuries among patients in the medical-surgical unit.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Education
MSN - Master of Science in Nursing
- Credits Earned: Quarter Hours
- Major: MSN Honors: Cum Laude
- Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications:
- GPA: 3.6 of a maximum 4.0
BSN
- Credits Earned: Semester Hours
- Major: BSN Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications: Received BSN
- GPA: 3.6 of a maximum 4.0
ADN
- Credits Earned: Semester Hours
- Major: ADN Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Relevant Coursework, Licenses and Certifications: Received ADN degree
- GPA: 3.8 of a maximum 4.0
LVN
GPA: 3.8
Skills
BMT/Oncology & Hematology Case Management
Patient & Family Education
Treatment Planning & Navigation
Crisis Intervention
Electronic Health Records Documentation
Care Coordination and Continuity of Care
Discharge Planning and Transitional Care
Patient and Family Education
Chronic Disease and Complex Care Management
Crisis Intervention and Problem Resolution
Documentation and Regulatory Compliance
Chemotherapy/Immunotherapy Nurse
Timeline
Hematology/Oncology Clinical Coordinator
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
07.2020 - 01.2021Read More
Critical Care Oncology Nurse
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
03.2020 - CurrentRead More
Radiation Oncology Nurse
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
09.2018 - 07.2021Read More
Critical Care Bone Marrow Transplant Nurse
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
09.2016 - CurrentRead More
Chemotherapy Infusion Nurse
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
09.2016 - 07.2021Read More
Telemetry/Medical-Surgical Nurse
Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital
05.2014 - 09.2016Read More
Telemetry/Medical-Surgical Nurse
G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center
02.2007 - 05.2014Read More
Cameron College
LVN
Read More
Hinds Community College
ADN
Read More
Mississippi University for Women
BSN
Read More
Walden University
MSN from Master of Science in Nursing
Read More