Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
OfficeManager

Dawn VanDerStad

Newville,PA

Summary

Diligent CMA with solid background in patient care. Known for providing compassionate support. Utilizes compassionate communication to support patients emotionally and physically. Strong understanding of medical equipment operation and patient monitoring techniques. Skilled in assisting medical staff, managing patient needs, and maintaining healthcare standards. Known for effective teamwork, adaptability, and reliability in fast-paced environments. Proficient in vital signs monitoring, patient mobility assistance, phlebotomy, and medical documentation.

I am a healthcare professional ready to contribute to patient care excellence. Expertise in providing compassionate care and supporting medical staff in fast-paced environments. Reliable team player focused on adapting to evolving patient needs and delivering quality outcomes.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Home Health Aide

Guiding Hands Elder Care Services LLC
07.2025 - Current
  • Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing their independence and quality of life.
  • Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate and attentive personal care.
  • Completed entries in log books, journals, and care plans to accurately document and report patient progress.
  • Traveled to clients' homes to complete healthcare services and promote continuity of care.
  • Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
  • Monitored client health by performing routine pulse, temperature and blood pressure checks.

Office Manager

VanDerStad Drain Cleaning & Plumbing Repairs
11.2017 - Current
  • Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
  • Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
  • Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
  • Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
  • Contributed to workplace safety by ensuring compliance with established emergency protocols and conducting regular equipment inspections.
  • Streamlined document handling and processing, reducing turnaround time for client inquiries and requests.

Certified Medical Assistant

UPMC
02.2024 - 02.2025
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
  • Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
  • Provided compassionate care for patients, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive experience.
  • Assisted physicians with various procedures, ensuring comfort and accuracy for optimal patient outcomes.
  • Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
  • Reduced wait times for patients by maintaining an organized schedule and swiftly preparing examination rooms.
  • Assisted with routine checks and diagnostic testing by collecting and processing specimens.
  • Contributed to a welcoming atmosphere at the practice by greeting patients warmly upon arrival, checking them in efficiently, and answering any questions they had about their visit or overall healthcare needs.
  • Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
  • Communicated clearly and effectively with patients to verify information, determine purpose of visit and record medical history.
  • Coordinated with other healthcare professionals for patient referrals, ensuring a seamless transition and continuation of care.
  • Promoted office efficiency, coordinating charts, completing insurance forms, and helping patients with diverse needs.

Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide

Self-employeed
02.2006 - 07.2020
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
  • Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
  • Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
  • Reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
  • Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
  • Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
  • Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.

Education

Associates Degree - Medical Assisting

Central Pennsylvania College
Enola, PA
06-1998

High School Diploma -

Forest City Regional High School
Forest City, PA
06-1996

Skills

  • HIPAA compliance
  • Medical terminology
  • Specimens collection and processing
  • Sterilization techniques
  • Wound care
  • Patient assessments
  • Medical billing and coding
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Phlebotomy techniques
  • Infection control
  • Blood pressure measurement
  • Injection administration
  • HIPAA protocols
  • Healthcare procedures
  • Treatment setup

Certification

CMA - Certified Medical Assistant

Timeline

Home Health Aide

Guiding Hands Elder Care Services LLC
07.2025 - Current

Certified Medical Assistant

UPMC
02.2024 - 02.2025

Office Manager

VanDerStad Drain Cleaning & Plumbing Repairs
11.2017 - Current

Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide

Self-employeed
02.2006 - 07.2020

Associates Degree - Medical Assisting

Central Pennsylvania College

High School Diploma -

Forest City Regional High School