Connie Rojas
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse known for strong patient advocacy and emergency response skills. Experienced in developing individualized care plans and mentoring junior staff to elevate team performance and patient outcomes. Compassionate Registered Nurse with expertise in electronic health records, patient assessment, and medication administration. Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and advocate for patients' needs.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Metropolitan State Hospital
Norwalk, California
05.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
- Developed educational materials for use in teaching sessions with patients or their families.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Instructed clinical skills to ensure competence in patient care.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and practical exams.
- Evaluated student performance in both theoretical and practical components of the program.
- Conducted lectures on various topics related to nursing and health care.
- Assisted with the development of course materials such as handouts, presentations, tests, and quizzes.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge about current trends in nursing education through workshops, conferences, and seminars.
- Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
- Assisted with curriculum design and implementation according to the standards set by accrediting bodies.
- Contributed subject matter expertise toward improving overall training program and skills displayed by student nurses.
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Los Angeles, California
06.2006 - Current
- Delivered patient care using evidence-based practices and Kaiser Permanente protocols.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to treatment regimens.
- Educated patients and families on health management and disease prevention strategies.
- Conducted health assessments and documented findings in electronic health records systems.
- Mentored junior nurses in clinical skills and patient interaction techniques.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and care standards.
- Responded promptly to emergencies, coordinating with medical staff for effective intervention.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviors, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
LAC+USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
01.2014 - 05.2016
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses and outcomes.
- Assisted with end-of-life decisions by providing guidance and education regarding available options.
- Prioritized multiple tasks while maintaining excellent standards of care delivery.
- Provided care to critically ill patients in a fast-paced environment.
- Responded quickly and effectively to code blue situations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, treatments, and medications administered in electronic medical record system.
- Performed bedside procedures such as wound dressing changes, catheterizations, IV starts and changes, tracheostomy care.
- Maintained infection control standards in the intensive care unit setting.
- Assisted in emergency procedures and provided immediate interventions as needed.
- Kept track of patients' changing pain levels and proactively worked to minimize excess pain or discomfort.
- Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
- Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Operated and maintained life support systems and other medical equipment with precision and care.
- Led initiatives to improve patient safety and quality of care, staying updated with the latest ICU practices and technologies.
Psychiatric Technician
Metropolitan State Hospital
Norwalk, California
01.1992 - 06.2006
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported significant changes to nursing staff.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Documented patient interactions and care provided in electronic records system.
- Conducted hypodermic injections following hospital procedures.
- Contacted patients' relatives to coordinate family visits and conferences.
- Issued medications from clinic dispensary and kept records using specified procedures.
- Influenced patients' behavior with interaction, counseling or instruction.
- Provided psychiatric or personal care to emotionally disturbed or cognitively impaired patients.
- Assisted psychiatrists in working with patients to rehabilitate for community reintegration.
- Assisted patients improve social relationships and engagement.
- Developed basic strategies to promote patient safety, wellness and independence.
- Encouraged patients to develop interpersonal skills and engage in social interactions or other therapeutic activities.
- Accompanied patients to medical and counseling appointments.
Psychiatric Technician
Patton State Hospital
Patton, CA
06.1989 - 12.1992
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported significant changes to nursing staff.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment in patient living areas.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Documented patient interactions and care provided in electronic records system.
- Implemented therapeutic activities to promote socialization and engagement.
- Provided emotional support and active listening to patients in distress.
- Followed safety protocols during crisis intervention situations effectively.
- Observed patient behaviors and reported any changes or concerning issues to the psychiatrist or nurse practitioner.
- Provided direct patient care and monitored patients' physical, mental, and emotional status.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress including daily notes on individuals' moods, activities, interactions with others.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed at all times while caring for patients in a residential setting.
- Created therapeutic environments through activities designed to reduce stress levels among residents.
- Assisted psychiatrists in the assessment of patient behavior and provided feedback to the treatment team.
- Utilized therapeutic techniques such as positive reinforcement or distraction methods when working with agitated patients.
- Developed therapeutic relationships with clients while providing a safe environment for them to express themselves openly.
- Taught clients how to manage their emotions, cope with stress, and develop healthy habits.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians and monitored patient reactions to treatments.
- Handled vital sign monitoring, medication administration and patient behavior assessments.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing Education
Cypress College
Cypress, CA12-2000
Skills
- Electronic health records
- Patient assessment
- Medication administration
- Treatment planning
- Quality improvement
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Emergency response
- Health education
- Infection control
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking
- Team leadership
- Patient advocacy
- Ventilator support
- Team coordination
- Emotional intelligence
- Direct and indirect patient care
- Patient counseling
- Psychiatric and mental health care
- FLUENT IN Spanish
- Infection control measures
- Electronic health records management
- Chest pain management
- Patient education and counseling
- Emergency care
- Immunization skills
- Culturally sensitive
- BAC screening/drug screen collection
- Documenting vitals
- Acute care expertise
- Strong clinical judgment
- Clinical judgment
- IV management
- Bi-lingual in English and Spanish
- Medication distribution
- G-tube care
- Vascular care
- IV setup
- Sterilization techniques mastery
- Physical assessments
- Patient care
- Evaluations
- Ventilator care
- Emergency procedures
Accomplishments
Daisy Award, August 2010 Extraordinary compassion and courage
Certification
Registered Nurse
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Metropolitan State Hospital
05.2022 - Current
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
LAC+USC Medical Center
01.2014 - 05.2016
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
06.2006 - Current
Psychiatric Technician
Metropolitan State Hospital
01.1992 - 06.2006
Psychiatric Technician
Patton State Hospital
06.1989 - 12.1992
Associate of Science - Nursing Education
Cypress College