Deja Caton
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse with experience providing developmentally appropriate care to pediatric patients with developmental disabilities, neurobehavioral disorders, and behavioral dysregulation at Kennedy Krieger Institute. Skilled in therapeutic communication, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based de-escalation strategies to safely manage behavioral crises and maintain a structured therapeutic environment. Experienced collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to support children with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, and emotional regulation challenges. Committed to delivering patient-centered care that promotes safety, emotional stability, and improved outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Registered Nurse
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Baltimore, Maryland
10.2024 - Current
- Provide nursing care for pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, behavioral dysregulation, and complex psychiatric needs.
- Implemented behavioral interventions and de-escalation strategies to effectively manage aggressive behaviors and emotional crises.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Maintained safe therapeutic environment by responding to behavioral outbreaks with evidence-based crisis intervention techniques.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and behavioral specialists to implement individualized treatment plans.
- Educated families on behavioral management strategies to enhance continuity of care.
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and behavioral specialists to implement individualized treatment plans.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to monitor changes in condition and promptly notified physicians.
Clinical Nursing Student
Johns Hopkins Bayview
Baltimore, MD
2024 - 2024
- Provided direct nursing care on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit for patients experiencing mood disorders, major depression, psychosis, and suicidal ideation.
- Conducted psychiatric assessments, suicide risk screenings, and continuous safety monitoring to support patient stabilization.
- Utilized therapeutic communication and evidence-based de-escalation techniques to effectively manage behavioral crises and enhance patient safety.
- Maintained a safe, structured therapeutic milieu, supporting patients through acute psychiatric episodes to facilitate stabilization and recovery.
- Administered psychiatric medications and monitored patients for therapeutic response and adverse effects.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists, social workers, and multidisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized treatment plans that addressed patient needs.
- Maintained a safe and structured therapeutic milieu while supporting patients through acute psychiatric episodes.
- Used verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening and written communication to make a personal connection and connect with patients.
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Davita & Fresenius Medical Center
Baltimore, MD
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Provided compassionate care and patient education in a high-volume clinical environment
- Assisted nursing staff with direct patient care including vital signs, monitoring patient status, and documenting clinical information.
- Supported interdisciplinary care teams while maintaining infection control and patient safety standards.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Baltimore, MD08-2024
Bachelor of Science - Biology & Chemistry
Morgan State University
Baltimore05-2022
Post Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
Baltimore, MD03-2026
Skills
- EPIC Electronic Medical Records
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation
- Therapeutic Communication
- Mood & Behavioral Disorders
- Developmental Disabilities & Autism
- Suicide Risk Assessment
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Milieu Management
- Patient & Family Education
- Interdisciplinary Care Collaboration
- Clinical documentation
- Acute and rehabilitative inpatient care
Certification
RN, State of Maryland License #R269345 Expires 10/28/2026
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Kennedy Krieger Institute
10.2024 - Current
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Davita & Fresenius Medical Center
10.2021 - 01.2023
Clinical Nursing Student
Johns Hopkins Bayview
2024 - 2024
Master of Science - Nursing
Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Biology & Chemistry
Morgan State University
Post Master's Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Walden University