Debra Nichols
Amite,LA
Summary
Compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in patient care, vital signs monitoring, and medical terminology. Excel in communication, empathy, and time management to enhance patient comfort and trust. Dedicated professional committed to optimal patient care and assisting medical staff with critical support. Expert in collecting specimens, cleaning rooms, and managing dietary needs. Service-focused professional possessing exceptional organizational abilities.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Certificate Nurse Assistant
Ponchatoula Community Care
Ponchatoula , Louisiana
10.2021 - Current
- Organized games and other activities to engage clients and offer mental stimulation.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
- Conducted patient education on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Certified Nursing Assistant
AMG Rehab Hospital
Covington, LA
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Engaged with patients to assess emotions, needs for help, and social support.
- Monitored and attended to patient needs signaled through call systems efficiently.
- Optimized information flow through comprehensive record management.
- Delivered snacks and meals aligned with specific patient diet instructions.
- Monitored and documented consumption levels.
- Executed housekeeping tasks like changing linens and cleaning bathrooms as required.
- Ensured safe patient mobility with appropriate devices.
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
- Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Kept medical supply room and patient rooms stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
CNA Supervisor & Activity Coordinator
Oak Park Senior Living
Hammond, LA
01.2017 - 12.2022
- Participated in recruitment activities such as interviewing prospective candidates for open positions within the department.
- Maintained accurate records of all CNA staff including personnel files, timesheets, and certifications.
- Performed regular evaluations of CNAs to assess their competency level in providing patient care.
- Recruited, hired and trained new medical and facility staff.
- Evaluated job descriptions for accuracy of duties assigned to each position within the department.
- Provided one-on-one mentoring sessions with CNAs to help them develop necessary skills.
- Communicated with patients with compassion while keeping medical information private.
- Ensured that all CNA personnel were compliant with state regulations regarding certification requirements.
- Interacted with patients, families, physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists as needed.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Private Elderly Caregiver
Home Care Assistance - HCA
Hammond, LA
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Coordinated with healthcare professionals regarding medication administration schedules.
- Assessed changes in physical or mental condition of elderly clients and reported any concerns to supervisor immediately.
- Engaged with patients and families to provide emotional support and daily living instruction.
- Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Laundered clothing and bedding to prevent infection.
- Planned and prepared nutritious meals and snacks to meet diabetic, low sodium and high protein diets.
- Maintained detailed records of client care services provided on a daily basis.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Performed light housekeeping tasks including laundry, vacuuming, dusting and preparing meals.
- Coordinated doctor appointments, exercise, recreation, and family visits to maintain schedule.
CNA/Supervisor
Summerfiedld
Hammond, LA
01.2016 - 12.2021
- Developed and maintained a system to track employee performance, attendance, and training.
- Evaluated job descriptions for accuracy of duties assigned to each position within the department.
- Conducted weekly in-service trainings for CNA staff on new policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with nursing leadership team to provide feedback on staffing needs and performance issues related to CNA staff.
- Built work schedules and staff assignments, taking workload, space and equipment availability into consideration.
- Ensured that all CNA personnel were compliant with state regulations regarding certification requirements.
CNA
Ace Care Giving Services
Hammond, LA
12.2014 - 12.2020
- Reported changes in patient conditions to registered nurse or physician.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Administered medications under supervision of a licensed nurse.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
CNA
Brooksdale Senior Living
Mandeville, LA
02.2012 - 12.2016
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Answered patient call lights promptly and responded to requests appropriately.
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Recognized signs, symptoms of abuse, neglect and reported them per policy.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment for the patient by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Documented patient care services by charting in designated areas.
CNA
Forest Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Covington, LA
04.2004 - 12.2016
- Educated on-site clients in therapeutic exercise equipment use and operation.
- Maintained patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Communicated with other physical therapy staff to discuss patient progress and potentially modify treatment.
- Conducted patient intake interviews, gathering medical history and treatment goals.
- Assisted physical therapists with patient treatments and exercises.
- Performed clerical duties, such as answering phones and ordering supplies.
- Inspected treatment rooms and equipment to verify safety and functionality prior to each appointment.
- Took calls and scheduled appointments for patients.
- Inspected physical therapy equipment for damage and arranged for repair.
- Reported any changes in the condition of the patient to the supervising therapist immediately.
- Provided support to patients during their therapy sessions.
Patient Care Technician
Alliance HealthCare Services
Hammond, Loui
01.2003 - 12.2011
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Notified senior staff of patient emergencies to optimize outcomes.
- Identified and reported observations and clinical symptoms to appropriate healthcare professionals, driving timely intervention.
- Assisted in preparing patients for examinations and treatments, including vital signs monitoring.
- Performed variety of delegated basic patient care services to support nursing functions and activities of daily living.
Medical Assistant
Multipractice health clinic
Independence, LA
03.2003 - 11.2009
- Organized charts, documents and supplies to maintain team productivity.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Registered new patients into practice management software program accurately entering demographic information.
- Handled general office duties to support administrative staff during peak hours.
- Collected samples from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Kept facility stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Administered injections, medications and treatments as directed by the physician.
- Organized patient charts before each day's clinic sessions began.
- Answered phones, scheduled appointments and managed patient flow while greeting visitors in a professional manner.
- Communicated with pharmacies for prescription refills on behalf of supervising physician.
- Ordered medical supplies, maintained inventory logs and restocked exam rooms when needed.
- Processed orders for medical supplies and lab equipment.
- Verified appointment times with patients, preparing charts, pre-admission and consent forms.
- Operated x-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG) to administer diagnostic tests.
Phlebotomist Lab Assistant
ST Tammany Hospital
Covington, LA
03.1996 - 12.2003
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergency situations.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to enhance patient care and improve specimen collection processes.
- Conducted quality control checks to ensure the accuracy of test results.
- Maintained accurate records of collected specimens and test results.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using a variety of collection techniques and equipment.
- Collaborated with laboratory personnel to resolve specimen issues.
- Verified patient information prior to specimen collection.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Participated in continuing education to stay current with phlebotomy practices.
- Followed all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.
- Assisted in the preparation of laboratory specimens for analysis and testing.
- Used heel and finger stick methods to obtain blood from capillaries.
Phlebotomist
Lallie Kemp Hospital
Independence, LA
06.1995 - 06.2000
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Identified best veins for intravenous lines and blood draws, avoiding unnecessary pokes.
- Performed venipuncture and capillary draws with precision on patients of varying ages and health statuses.
- Followed all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.
- Assessed plasma collection machines for proper functionality.
- Interacted with patients to gather and record data prior to blood draws.
- Utilized aseptic techniques to prevent infection and cross-contamination during blood collection.
- Demonstrated proficiency in using a variety of collection techniques and equipment.
- Collected specimens from pediatric, adult, geriatric, and special needs patients.
CNA
ST Helena Parish Hospital
Greensburg, LA
02.1993 - 12.1996
- Reported changes in patient conditions to registered nurse or physician.
- Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
- Assisted in preparing meals according to prescribed diets while monitoring food consumption levels.
- Utilized appropriate safety measures when handling hazardous materials or waste products.
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques that would help them maintain their independence.
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
CNA
Audubon Living Center
Hammond, LA
12.1990 - 12.1995
- Assisted in preparing meals according to prescribed diets while monitoring food consumption levels.
- Utilized appropriate safety measures when handling hazardous materials or waste products.
- Examined and treated patient lacerations, contusions, and physical symptoms and referred patients to other medical professionals.
- Answered patient call lights promptly and responded to requests appropriately.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
- Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
Education
Medical Assistant
Delta College
Covington, LA05-2004
Phlebotomy Tech
Metropolitan Health Careers
05-1995
Certified Nurse Assistant
Rutledge College
New Orleans, LA12-1990
Skills
- Transporting patients
- Conducting intakes
- Monitoring fluids
- Observing responses
- Collecting specimens
- Vital sign recording
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Certificate Nurse Assistant
Ponchatoula Community Care
10.2021 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
AMG Rehab Hospital
01.2021 - 12.2023
CNA Supervisor & Activity Coordinator
Oak Park Senior Living
01.2017 - 12.2022
Private Elderly Caregiver
Home Care Assistance - HCA
01.2017 - 01.2022
CNA/Supervisor
Summerfiedld
01.2016 - 12.2021
CNA
Ace Care Giving Services
12.2014 - 12.2020
CNA
Brooksdale Senior Living
02.2012 - 12.2016
CNA
Forest Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
04.2004 - 12.2016
Medical Assistant
Multipractice health clinic
03.2003 - 11.2009
Patient Care Technician
Alliance HealthCare Services
01.2003 - 12.2011
Phlebotomist Lab Assistant
ST Tammany Hospital
03.1996 - 12.2003
Phlebotomist
Lallie Kemp Hospital
06.1995 - 06.2000
CNA
ST Helena Parish Hospital
02.1993 - 12.1996
CNA
Audubon Living Center
12.1990 - 12.1995
Medical Assistant
Delta College
Phlebotomy Tech
Metropolitan Health Careers
Certified Nurse Assistant
Rutledge College