Cristina Pilar
Woodridge,IL
Summary
Dynamic nursing leader with extensive experience at Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital, excelling in patient care management and staff mentoring. Proven ability to enhance team performance and compliance with HIPAA regulations, while optimizing staffing levels to improve patient outcomes. Strong clinical judgment and effective communication skills drive exceptional care delivery.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospital Nursing Supervisor
Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital
01.2003 - 11.2021
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to facilitate effective communication and patient management
- Promoted interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering strong relationships with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Followed all HIPAA rules and regulations regarding patient confidentiality.
- Delegated tasks and provided leadership for Number nurses and support personnel.
- Contributed to positive team dynamics as an approachable supervisor who actively listened to concerns from both patients and nurses.
- Managed staffing needs efficiently by creating flexible schedules that maximized coverage during peak times without exceeding budget constraints.
- Coordinated department activities to ensure compliance with administrative guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory standards through regular audits of documentation, policies, and procedures.
- Increased staff retention through effective communication, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Maintained proper staff levels within budget parameters to deliver high levels of care to every patient.
- Interviewed, hired, instructed and mentored employees and promoted high level of care quality to patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for patients, visitors, and staff by enforcing infection control measures and risk management strategies consistently across the unit.
- Supervised staff of Number registered nurses, Number licensed practical nurses and Number certified nursing assistants.
- Upheld high standards of nursing practice through ongoing education offerings for staff members on topics such as pain management or wound care techniques.
- Optimized resource utilization with careful allocation of equipment, supplies, and personnel based on patient acuity levels.
- Prevented burnout among nursing staff by promoting a healthy work-life balance and recognizing outstanding performances regularly.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses earned time off.
- Managed Number nurses and nursing activities in Number-bed hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
Assistant Director of Nursing
GlenOaks Hospital
01.1993 - 01.2003
- Coordinated nursing staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and optimize patient care.
- Assisted in developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
- Evaluated nursing staff performance through regular feedback sessions, fostering professional development opportunities.
- Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents, and families.
- Managed nursing schedules and budgets, streamlining processes for cost savings while maintaining high-quality patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop efficient care strategies tailored to individual patient needs.
- Contributed to the accreditation process by maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations for nursing standards.
- Mentored new nurses in clinical practice and procedures, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Served as a role model for nursing staff by demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, ethical behavior, and commitment to continuous learning.
- Coordinated with physicians on complex cases, ensuring seamless communication among healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork by encouraging open communication among staff members and facilitating collaboration across departments.
- Optimized staffing levels to maintain an appropriate nurse-to-patient ratio, promoting quality of care without exceeding budget constraints.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing feedback and guidance for improvement when necessary.
- Played a key role in attaining high patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering compassionate care and addressing concerns promptly.
- Ensured adherence to safety guidelines for both patients and staff members during all aspects of clinical operations.
- Planned and assigned workload to Number-person nursing staff to direct patient care.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Evaluated work performance of Number nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Oak Park Hospital
05.1985 - 01.1993
- Administered critical care interventions to stabilize patients in life-threatening conditions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement comprehensive patient care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and responded swiftly to changes in patient status, ensuring immediate action when necessary.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, fostering understanding and adherence to medical protocols.
- Streamlined documentation processes using electronic health record systems, improving accuracy and efficiency.
- Conducted regular assessments of ICU protocols, identifying areas for improvement in patient outcomes.
- Mentored junior nurses in advanced critical care techniques, promoting professional development within the team.
- Handled ventilator support, feeding tubes and central lines.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures, ensuring accurate treatment administration and timely patient recovery.
- Demonstrated advanced critical thinking skills while managing complex clinical situations involving multiple organ systems failures in critically ill patients.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Improved patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized care plans for critically ill patients.
- Reduced patient complications by promptly identifying changes in condition and initiating appropriate interventions.
- 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.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from the ICU to other units by providing detailed reports and recommendations for ongoing care.
- Administered medications accurately and effectively, preventing adverse reactions through careful monitoring of drug interactions.
- Effectively managed stressors associated with working in an intensive care setting while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Cared for wounds such as surgical sites and pressure sores to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Fostered caring, compassionate and respectful care environment by treating every patient with professionalism.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations while fostering trust between medical staff and patients'' families.
- Served as an effective liaison between patients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure clear communication of relevant information.
- Managed patient flow effectively through timely placements upon admission as well as coordinating smooth transfers and discharges.
- Delegated work to nursing support staff and monitored performance to protect patients and maintain optimal care standards.
- Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
- Conducted patient assessments, recorded vitals, and analyzed records and charts to define care requirements.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Walter Memorial Hospital
09.1983 - 02.1985
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Monitored vital signs, assessed patient conditions, and promptly reported changes to the healthcare team.
- Streamlined workflows by implementing evidence-based practices resulting in improved patient outcomes and reduced wait times.
- Consistently maintained accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with regulatory requirements.
- Skillfully performed venipuncture, IV insertion, and catheterizations, ensuring proper technique and adherence to infection control standards.
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding discharge instructions and plans of care.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families through active listening, empathy, and clear communication during challenging situations.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction with compassionate, personalized nursing care tailored to each individual''s needs.
- Educated patients and families on medical-surgical procedures, therapeutic regimens, and pain management techniques.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Implemented fall prevention strategies to minimize patient injuries and promote a safe environment within the medical-surgical unit.
- Started intravenous fluids, administered medications, and documented patient charts by recording food and fluid output and intake.
- Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of medical-surgical nursing.
- Reduced hospital readmissions by implementing evidence-based discharge planning and coordinating follow-up appointments.
- Contributed to successful Joint Commission accreditation through strict adherence to policies and procedures.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Walter Memorial Hospital
05.1980 - 06.1983
- Demonstrated excellent technical skills in wound dressing changes, IV therapy administration, catheter insertion, and other routine nursing procedures.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Maintained a safe and therapeutic environment for patients through effective risk assessment and crisis intervention strategies.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic testing and procedural support for optimal treatment decisions.
- Enhanced patient care by performing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Contributed to organizational success by participating in accreditation surveys, quality assurance programs, and ongoing staff education activities.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare providers, fostering patient-centered care.
- Administered medications to ensure adherence to treatment plans, improving health outcomes.
- Maintained meticulous records of patient care, treatments, and progress, ensuring continuity of care.
- Conducted regular patient assessments to identify changes in health status, enabling timely interventions.
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Westmont Healthcare Facility
02.1979 - 05.1980
- Administered medications and monitored patient vital signs with precision and care.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Assisted in developing individualized care plans based on patient assessments.
- Implemented infection control protocols, ensuring compliance with health standards.
- Evaluated patient progress, adjusting care strategies as necessary for optimal recovery.
- Improved patient outcomes by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and documenting relevant information.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure continuous quality improvement in patient care delivery.
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Provided compassionate palliative care for terminally ill patients while supporting their emotional needs during end-of-life stages.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining accurate documentation of patient data.
- Increased patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering high-quality nursing care tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Promoted a culture of teamwork through active participation in unit meetings, performance improvement initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts.
- Delivered emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
GSIS Hospital
06.1976 - 02.1979
- Managed caseload of Number patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring seamless communication between healthcare providers.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses.
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Managed patients' pain by implementing pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions.
- Performed intravenous therapy procedures and monitored chest tubes.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols, ensuring patient safety and compliance.
Education
Master’s Degree In Nursing - Nursing
University of Sto. Thomas
Manila, Philippines 05.1978
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Far Eastern University
Manila, Philippines 05.1975
Skills
- Clinical leadership
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient treatment planning
- HIPAA requirements
- Staff scheduling
- Regulatory compliance
- Patient care management
- Staff mentoring and coaching
- Job performance evaluations
- Multitasking and organization
- Staff coaching and mentoring
- Critical thinking
- Strong clinical judgment
- Staff assignments
- Staff leadership
- Staff supervision
Timeline
Hospital Nursing Supervisor
Northwestern Medicine Central Dupage Hospital
01.2003 - 11.2021
Assistant Director of Nursing
GlenOaks Hospital
01.1993 - 01.2003
Registered Nurse, Intensive Care Unit
Oak Park Hospital
05.1985 - 01.1993
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Walter Memorial Hospital
09.1983 - 02.1985
Licensed Practical Nurse
Walter Memorial Hospital
05.1980 - 06.1983
Licensed Practical Nurse
Westmont Healthcare Facility
02.1979 - 05.1980
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
GSIS Hospital
06.1976 - 02.1979
Master’s Degree In Nursing - Nursing
University of Sto. Thomas
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Far Eastern University
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