Connie Diaz

Direct patient care and management of pediatric population, suffering from chronic conditions that require ongoing skilled nursing care and sound clinical judgement. Working independently and autonomously, in the home setting with a signed Plan of Treatment by MD to meet the medical needs of patients with gastrostomy tubes, tracheostomy tubes, ventilator dependency, central lines, TPN dependency, ostomy care, urinary catheterizations due to neurogenic bladder and bowel irrigations due to neurogenic bowel, as well as orthopedic anomalies. Monitor the effectiveness of medication prescribed for psychiatric disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and apply learned behavior modification for those disorders and for Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism. Managing care of Epilepsy and recording seizures and managing benzodiazepine's and other anti-epileptic medications.

Exceptional ability to adapt quickly to different unit environments, mastering unit-specific protocols and procedures to ensure seamless patient care, while maintaining thorough infection control and aseptic techniques. Demonstrated expertise in providing specialized nursing care and explain procedures and treatments to patients and their family in order to gain cooperation, understanding and ally apprehension across multiple departments, including Chemotherapy Infusion Suite, Gastroenterology Procedure Suite, Cardiac Testing and Urgent Care.

Managed the wound care program including standards of care and practice related to wound, ostomy, and continence patient care needs. Also provided direct patient care and assistance to staff nurses. Developed and implemented the facility wound care program in conjunction with the national standardization process, which included patient care protocols, documentation tools, wound care formulary and WCC referral criteria. Evaluated all wounds upon admission and ongoing to determine treatment plan and provide early problem identification. Made recommendations to the physician for changes to wound care orders and provide evidence based research to support the need. Reviewed charts of patients with wounds to ensure that wound assessments, care plans, and treatments are clearly and correctly documented and that appropriate wound related treatments were being provided. Investigated all cases with adverse events related to wounds. Educated staff on products available for use in hospital, by means of staff inservice.

Provided quality patient care to critically ill patients, through the nursing process of Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Evaluation, while serving as a patient advocate at all times. Assessed patient on admission and developed a nursing care plan and updated the plan of care as needed. Received physician orders and ensured transcription was accurate and order entry was accurate, then followed through to ensure order was carried out.

Was able to identify and respond appropriately to patient change in condition such as cardiac rhythm, respiratory distress, GI bleeds, pulmonary embolism or edema, diabetic ketoacidosis, adverse drug reaction and blood transfusion reaction, and sepsis. Demonstrated effective use of defibrillator, suction machine, IV pump, feeding pump, PCA pump, and blood glucose monitoring machine.

Able to assist physician in special testsand procedures such as thoracentesis, paracentesis, arterial line placement and bronchoscopy.

Planned, organized and directed all patient care services in my assigned caseload, ensuring optimal quality care. Responsible for coordinating the interdisciplinary team to implement the established plan of patient care and ensuring effective management of visit utilization and control expenses. Assisted in direct patient care including TPN pump setup and IV antibiotic administration and wound care. Informed physician of changes in patient level of care at home and received orders as needed to keep patient safely at home. Supervised care of LVN. Communicated with scheduler to ensure patients needs were met per the case plan with visits ordered.

Provided comprehensive care for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) while adhering to hospital policies, protocols, and standards of practice. Monitored and assessed patients' conditions, including vital signs, laboratory results, and diagnostic tests, to identify changes or complications in their health status. Administered medications and titrated intravenous drips, such as vasopressors and sedatives, to ensure patients were comfortable and stable.Worked with second day open heart patients and began training to receive first day open heart patients. Gained a wealth of knowledge and experience with patients having cardiac and vascular diagnosis and neurovascular diagnosis. Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members, including physicians, respiratory therapists, and pharmacists, to develop and implement individualized treatment plans for patients. Educated patients and their families about diagnosis, treatment options, and post-discharge care to promote successful recovery and prevent readmissions. Worked as a preceptor to new graduates who were coming onto the ICU floor.

Provided skilled nursing care and related services to residents who required medical nursing care and rehabilitative services, and developmental disabilities services. Worked with RN to educate staff on care of patients with ostomies, wounds and gastric feeds.