Danita Nelson
Houston,TX
Summary
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure Chaplain position. Committed to extending supportive spiritual care to patients, family, and staff of various faith traditions. Ready to help team achieve organizational goals. Skills supported by professional public information, program administration, and curriculum design experience. I am an Air Force veteran and Hospice/Palliative Care specialty-trained chaplain. I am a compassionate and versatile spiritual counselor and leader who seeks to use my knowledge and skills in chaplaincy and my years of leadership to maximize the restoration, hope, and quality of life of patients, their families, and staff by utilizing my lead-from-the-front beliefs.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Pastoral Fellow
Oklahoma VA Healthcare System
10.2023 - Current
- Networked and built strong presence with peers to facilitate professional relationships.
- Contributed to Interdisciplinary Team meetings
- Collaborated with team to optimize workflow and achieve objectives.
- Demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities while managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines without sacrificing quality or accuracy.
- Advocate for patients, family, and friends, supporting navigation through health care opportunities.
- Applied research technique to determine effectiveness of trauma-informed interventions.
- Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts in therapeutic group and individual counsel encounters.
Ordained Ruling Elder
New Covenant Fellowship of Austin
04.2012 - Current
- Facilitated worship services, encouraging participation from congregation.
- Educated members of congregation on religious beliefs and practices.
- Developed and implemented educational programs for youth.
- Volunteered in overseas locations and in various roles.
- Wrote and delivered sermons.
- Participated in various outreach programs.
- Attended meetings with religious leaders.
- Participated in religious ceremonies and events.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on theological education trends and best practices in pastoral care.
- Facilitated thought-provoking Bible study sessions that deepened participants'' understanding of scripture and its relevance to everyday life.
- Assisted with baptism preparation classes for candidates exploring full membership within the church body through this sacred sacrament.
Clinical Pastoral Resident
Oklahoma City Veterans Health Administration
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Provided pastoral care visits for hospitalized or home-bound parishioners – offering comfort during difficult times in their lives.
- Supported families during times of crisis by offering pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance.
- Participated in interfaith dialogue sessions to promote understanding amongst different religious communities.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Improved patient outcomes through the implementation of evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- Implemented innovative approaches to engage patients, staff, and family members with interfaith-based activities – resulting in increased participation levels among multi-generational.
- Facilitated small group sessions, encouraging open discussion and reflection on grief and loss-related matters.
- Led programs such as worship, study, fellowship, and service opportunities.
Graduate Clinical Pastoral Intern
Central Texas Veterans Administration
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in providing spiritual and pastoral support in a health care system.
- Adhered to ethical guidelines set forth by professional organizations, maintaining confidentiality and respecting client autonomy throughout treatment delivery.
- Served as an advocate for patients and their families, ensuring access to appropriate resources and supports within the community.
- Developed strong rapport with patients through empathetic listening and effective communication techniques.
- Maintained detailed and accurate documentation of patient progress, ensuring continuity of care across treatment providers.
- Promoted a culture of self-reflection among peers through participation in regular supervision sessions focused on clinical growth and improvement.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Demonstrated a commitment to ongoing personal spiritual growth through regular prayer, scripture study, and participation in worship services and fellowship opportunities.
Education
Master of Arts - Ministry Practice
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Austin, TX06.2021
Certificate in Ministry
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Austin, TX12.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, TX08.1979
Skills
Strategic and Analytical Thinking
Cross-cultural competency
Classroom leadership
Written and oral report creation
Exceptional Verbal Skills to include public speaking
Conversational Spanish
Familiarity with Medical Terminology
Timeline
Clinical Pastoral Fellow
Oklahoma VA Healthcare System
10.2023 - Current
Clinical Pastoral Resident
Oklahoma City Veterans Health Administration
09.2022 - 09.2023
Graduate Clinical Pastoral Intern
Central Texas Veterans Administration
09.2021 - 04.2022
Ordained Ruling Elder
New Covenant Fellowship of Austin
04.2012 - Current
Master of Arts - Ministry Practice
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Certificate in Ministry
Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Texas At Austin
Similar Profiles
Steffanie WardSteffanie Ward
Mental Health Service Chief at Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare System (EOVAHCS)Mental Health Service Chief at Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare System (EOVAHCS)
Guarionex Perez-MedinaGuarionex Perez-Medina
Perioperative Registered Nurse - PACU I at VA Caribbean Healthcare SystemPerioperative Registered Nurse - PACU I at VA Caribbean Healthcare System
KRISTINE ANNE ARCADIKRISTINE ANNE ARCADI
ASSOCIATE CHIEF NURSE at VA WESTERN NY HEALTHCARE SYSTEMASSOCIATE CHIEF NURSE at VA WESTERN NY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM