Deidra Padilla
Albuquerque
Summary
Registered Nurse with over 10 years of extensive experience in patient care and clinical operations, specializing in neurology, telemetry, and perioperative services. Proficient in medication administration, vital signs monitoring, and utilizing EMR systems, with a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Known for fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and providing compassionate support to patients and their families, aiming to enhance healthcare outcomes through effective communication and collaboration.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
VA Medical Center
Albuquerque, NM
05.2025 - Current
- Administered patient medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions to ensure timely interventions.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care and medication management.
- Mentored new nurses in clinical procedures and hospital policies for efficient integration.
- Educated patients and families on health management, medication usage, and discharge instructions.
- Served as an advocate for patients' rights by addressing their concerns regarding treatment plans effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
- Provided comprehensive education on medications, treatments, and self-care techniques to patients and their families.
- Conducted thorough physical assessments to establish baseline data for each patient upon admission to the unit.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while prioritizing tasks based on urgency and acuity levels of patients' needs.
- Utilized strong critical thinking skills to quickly assess and respond to changes in patient conditions, preventing complications or further decline.
- Managed complex wound care, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and collaborating with wound care specialists as needed.
- Demonstrated flexibility in managing multiple priorities concurrently during high-stress periods while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Registered Nurse (RN)
Ascension at Home - Together with Compassus
Albuquerque, NM
06.2023 - 11.2024
- Plans and implements patient health teaching and health counseling regarding the disease process(es), self-care techniques and prevention and involves the patient’s significant others in accomplishing health goals while promoting patient / family independence.
- Expresses verbal and written communication in a clear, positive and cooperative manner.
- Working knowledge of computer systems.
- Performs patient admission assessment, recertification, subsequent visits, and discharge visits.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care, including physicians, therapists, and specialists for optimal treatment outcomes.
- Perform sterile procedures, including: foley catheter insertions, PICC line maintenance, implanted port access, and wound care, adhering to strict infection control protocols.
- Monitor vital signs, manage chronic conditions, and promptly report changes to physicians, ensuring timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.
- Supervise LPNs and Home Health Aides, providing guidance and mentorship to enhance team performance and deliver high-quality patient care.
- Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments, develop tailored care plans, and implement patient-centered health education strategies to enhance self-care abilities.
Registered Nurse
New Mexico Surgery Center
Rio Rancho, NM
12.2022 - 06.2023
- Recovered patients immediately after general anesthesia or conscious sedation from general surgery, gynecological and breast procedures, orthopedics, podiatry and ENT procedures in an ambulatory setting.
- Closely observed patients for signs of side effects of anesthesia medications.
- Treated pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms of anesthesia.
- Educated patients and their families on post-surgery care, as well as answering questions. Led perioperative care for diverse surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and comfort through meticulous monitoring and symptom management.
- Partnered with medical teams to optimize post-operative care, facilitating timely interventions and fostering a supportive environment for patients and families.
- Streamlined recovery processes, improving patient turnover and satisfaction while maintaining high-quality care standards in an ambulatory setting.
- Provided compassionate care and reassurance to post-operative patients and families, addressing concerns and ensuring smooth transitions to home care.
Registered Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
07.2014 - 08.2022
- Provided direct patient care while managing clinical and operational shift supervision including: changes in patients condition, patient flow, patient care experiences, quality processes, patient safety, and direction of unit staff in designated service areas.
- Worked as a charge nurse on neurology and telemetry unit.
- Admitted and discharged patients.
- Utilized the nursing process to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care.
- Consulted and coordinated with healthcare team members.
- Monitored, recorded and communicated patient condition.
- Provided daily medication administration and administration of all medications.
- Treated life-threatening emergencies.
- Managed clinical operations and patient care, overseeing unit staff, patient flow, and quality processes in neurology and telemetry units.
- Fostered interdisciplinary teamwork, consulting with healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care and treatment strategies.
Registered Nurse
Ambercare Hospice
Albuquerque, NM
03.2013 - 05.2014
- Provided skilled nursing assessment and implemented patient care as directed by the attending physician.
- Obtain data on physical, psychological, social and spiritual factors that may impact patient and families needs and initiate intervention by other members of the interdisciplinary team.
- Initiate communication with the attending physician, other interdisciplinary staff members and other agencies for the purpose of coordinating optimal care.
- Perform initial assessment of individuals referred for care, determine eligibility under organizations criteria, and perform admission of the patient.
- Maintain an accurate clinical record through the timely preparation of clinical notes.
- Provide effective teaching to family, caregivers and interdisciplinary team members to ensure continuity of care for the patient.
- Supervise and assess the delivery of care by the Home Health Aide and the Licensed Practical Nurse as needed.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing -
Western Governors University
Millcreek, UT08-2020
Associate's Degree in Nursing - undefined
Santa Fe Community College
Santa Fe, NM12-2012
Skills
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Infection control measures
- Wound care
- Patient monitoring
- Intravenous therapy
- Telemetry monitoring
- EMR / EHR
- Chronic disease management
- Procedure preparations
Certification
- BLS Certification
- ACLS Certification
- NIHSS Certification
- RN License: February 2013 to December 2026
LANGUAGES
English (Native).
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
VA Medical Center
05.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse (RN)
Ascension at Home - Together with Compassus
06.2023 - 11.2024
Registered Nurse
New Mexico Surgery Center
12.2022 - 06.2023
Registered Nurse
Presbyterian Hospital
07.2014 - 08.2022
Registered Nurse
Ambercare Hospice
03.2013 - 05.2014
Associate's Degree in Nursing - undefined
Santa Fe Community College
Bachelor's Degree in Nursing -
Western Governors University