Cheryl Vajdos
Registered Nurse
Saint Hedwig,TX
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive ICU experience at Brooke Army Medical Center, recognized for developing a Pressure Injury Prevention program and earning multiple patient safety awards. Proficient in ventilator management and skilled in healthcare team collaboration, I excel in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care while mentoring nursing staff to enhance their professional growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Brooke Army Medical Center
10.2021 - Current
- Administered medications and monitored vital signs to ensure patient stability in critical care settings.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Assisted in performing diagnostic tests and interpreting results to inform treatment decisions.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care and available support resources.
- Utilized electronic health record systems for accurate documentation of patient interactions and interventions.
- Adapted quickly to changing patient conditions, providing timely interventions as needed.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- Developed a Pressure Injury Prevention program that included daily 1-2 minute training at each change of shift by a member of the Skin Team, monthly physical display model on the target skin issue for the month (dressings, medical devices etc.), a skin challenge sent out monthly to all staff, weekly leadership skin audits of each and every patient on the unit and detailed audits of patient charts by the Skin Team.
- RN of the year 2025, RN of the 2nd quarter 2025, multiple patient safety awards and the Meritorious Service Award from DHA for my work identifying patients that are victims of human trafficking.
- SANE-A
- Charge Nurse managing approximately 6-12 RN's, Air Force Medics and CNA's daily.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
GiaMed for Brooke Army Medical Center
10.2019 - 10.2021
- Delivered patient-centered care in high-pressure environments, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Assisted in developing and implementing individualized care plans to meet diverse patient needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Coordinated with healthcare staff from various disciplines to devise, carry out, and manage personalized care plans to benefit patient health and recovery.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
WiseStaff LLC for Brooke Army Medical Center
01.2015 - 10.2019
- Maintained a sterile environment during procedures, adhering to hospital safety protocols and guidelines.
- Participated in continuous learning opportunities to enhance clinical skills and knowledge of ICU practices.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
- Managed ventilator settings according to physician orders, significantly reducing instances of respiratory distress among critically ill patients.
- Increased family involvement in patient care by providing timely updates on their loved one''s progress and addressing any concerns or questions they may have had.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Managed patient flow effectively through timely placements upon admission as well as coordinating smooth transfers and discharges.
Education
No Degree - Forensic Nursing, SANE-A
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX08-2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of The Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX05-2013
Skills
- Coaching and mentoring
- Neurological monitoring
- Endotracheal intubation
- Advanced cardiac life support
- Healthcare team collaboration
- Analytical thinking
- Nursing staff supervision
- Employee guidance
- Organ donor procedures
Certification
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy - 2019 - present
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Brooke Army Medical Center
10.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
GiaMed for Brooke Army Medical Center
10.2019 - 10.2021
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
WiseStaff LLC for Brooke Army Medical Center
01.2015 - 10.2019
No Degree - Forensic Nursing, SANE-A
Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of The Incarnate Word