Denise Guajardo

Semester included clinical hours—often once or twice weekly, 5–11 hour shifts over 13 weeks.

Med -Surg I(Core Clinical Rotations, 56 hours) & II (Capstone Clinicals, 56 hours, (Total: 112 hours):

Med-Surg II ( Capstone Clinicals, 56 hours)

• Supported my preceptor nurse in caring for patients by conducting assessments, including skin assessments, monitoring for pressure ulcers, and recording vital signs.
• Assessed capillary blood glucose using glucometer.
• Provided hygiene care such as assisting with oral care, including brushing teeth or cleaning dentures.
• I assisted with IV infusions, including initiating, changing, or removing IVs due to infiltration.
• Participated in wound care for pressure ulcers and assisted with medication administration (oral and injections) under the supervision of my assigned preceptor nurse.
• Collaborated with team to support project planning and execution.
• Assisted in data collection and analysis for strategic decision-making.

Cath Lab:

• Accompanied patients from the waiting or recovery room to the Cath Lab for their procedures and returned them to the recovery room afterward.
• Assisted my preceptor nurse in reapplying the cardiac monitoring device to the patient post-procedure.
• Observed my preceptor administering sedation, contrast dyes, and analgesics, and documenting each medication given.
• Learned how to monitor hemodynamic parameters and recognize key changes such as vessel perfusion and cardiac rhythm irregularities, and how to report them appropriately.
• Observed my preceptor prepare and hand instruments to the physicians, assist them with donning gowns and gloves, support the techs when needed, and provide patient education both before and after procedures.

Pediatrics:

• Performed vital signs and assisted in administering oral, intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) medications, including bronchodilators such as albuterol for asthmatic children.
• Assisted the nurse with IV insertion and heel sticks for blood draws in infants.
• Provided hygiene care, including bathing babies, feeding, diapering, and offering therapeutic play or comforting infants by rocking them to sleep.
• Observed my preceptor nurse communicating with parents to educate them on interventions, medications, and discharge instructions.
• Observed the development of care plans and documentation of appropriate interventions and clinical rationale.
• Cared for children with a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including asthma , appendicitis , HIV/AIDS , traumatic injuries (e.g., fall from a window), and Kawasaki disease .

NICU:

• Assisted my preceptor nurse with obtaining vital signs and performing assessments, as well as providing hygiene care such as bathing, swaddling, diapering, and weighing diapers after use to monitor input and output.
• Helped document feedings and line care, administered medications under supervision, and began learning documentation practices.
• Assisted in preparing incubators and phototherapy lights for jaundiced infants.
• Supported with procedures such as heel sticks, therapeutic holding, and comforting or rocking infants.
• Provided support to families and helped reinforce strict infection control practices to ensure the safety of all infants in the NICU.

PACU:

• Monitored vital signs and performed assessments both pre-procedure and post-procedure, escalating any concerns as needed.
• Supported patient comfort and monitored gradual intake of crackers and juice following the procedure.
• Observed my preceptor nurse's documentation and patient education regarding discharge instructions.
• Observed endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures and assisted my preceptor in preparing procedure trays, setting up endoscopy and colonoscopy tubing, and managing IV supplies.

MICU:

• Obtained and interpreted vital signs (BP, HR, RR, SpO₂, temperature) and performed capillary blood glucose testing.
• Identified abnormal values on a cardiac monitor in a patient experiencing tachycardia and assisted my preceptor in initiating a rapid response for timely intervention.
• Helped manage a patient who was hemorrhaging from an open wound by assisting with wound care and cleanup.
• Monitored and reported changes in patients' physical and emotional status.
• Provided direct care including hygiene assistance, tracheal suctioning, repositioning, administering medications, applying eye drops for infections, and ambulating patients.
• Frequently checked and monitored various devices for accuracy and function.
• Assisted with IV starts, line maintenance, and discontinuation of peripheral IV lines and Foley catheters.
• Documented vital signs, glucose levels, intake and output, medication administration, and patient responses accurately.
• Supported my preceptor nurse during interdisciplinary bedside rounds, contributing observations and participating in patient care planning.
• Gained knowledge of early signs of deterioration in sepsis, respiratory failure, and cardiac conditions.
• Learned foundational skills in ventilator care, line management, and the use of non-invasive monitoring devices.
• Developed strong communication skills by collaborating with nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and support staff.
• Maintained confidentiality, professionalism, and showed compassion and respect in all patient interactions.

Medical/ Surgical I and II Clinical Rotations ( 112 hours): Wyckoff Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

• Completed hands-on patient care under RN supervision, including vital signs, physical assessments, medication administration, and wound care.
• Assisted my preceptor with vitals, ADLs, glucose monitoring, mobility support, and discharge preparation.
• Observed interdisciplinary team collaboration and developed effective communication and documentation skills, including the use of EMR systems and automated dispensing systems, as well as preparing and setting up the medication cart.
• Gained experience in managing diverse adult patients with chronic and acute medical.

Labor & Delivery Clinical Rotations (96 hours):
Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY

• Assisted with patient admissions by obtaining vital signs, reviewing prenatal histories, and applying external fetal monitors under RN preceptor supervision.
• Observed and supported vaginal deliveries by assisting with patient positioning and holding the patient's legs during delivery.
• Gained knowledge on various types of urinary catheters, sterile technique, and interpretation of fetal heart rate monitoring and strip readings through preceptor instruction.
• Observed preparation of labor and delivery rooms, including sterile instrument setup, infant warmers, and emergency delivery kits.
• Assisted in patient care, including hygiene support, perineal care, ambulation, and pain management; observed early postpartum education provided by RN preceptor.
• Observed the administration of medications such as Pitocin, magnesium sulfate, and IV fluids, and learned fundamentals of IV line care and postpartum hemorrhage monitoring.
• Participated in newborn care by observing Apgar scoring, supporting skin-to-skin bonding, and monitoring neonatal vital signs.
• Engaged in interdisciplinary team communication, including during high-risk cases such as preeclampsia, and contributed to accurate EMR documentation.
• Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols while demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and respect in all patient interactions.
• Visited the NICU unit and assisted with feeding, burping, diaper changes, and comforting infants by rocking them. Also helped safely transfer babies to parents upon their arrival to the room.

Pediatrics Clinical Rotations (96 hours):
Bellevue Hospitals , New York, NY

• Assisted in providing direct, compassionate care to infants and pediatric patients under RN supervision, focusing on safety, comfort, and emotional support.
• Performed pediatric vital signs, monitored intake and output, and assisted with feeding, bathing, diapering, and hygiene routines.
• Observed administration of oral, subcutaneous, and inhaled medications, including bronchodilators for asthmatic children.
• Supported therapeutic play activities and comfort measures to reduce anxiety and promote trust during procedures.
• Shadowed and learned from pediatric nurses during assessments, treatment planning, and parent education sessions.
• Developed communication skills while engaging with families, addressing concerns, and reinforcing discharge instructions under supervision.
• Gained exposure to a variety of pediatric conditions in a fast-paced hospital setting, emphasizing family-centered, developmentally appropriate care.
• Cared for pediatric patients with conditions such as asthma and appendicitis , supporting respiratory treatments, pain management, drainage removal, and post-operative care.

Psychiatric Clinical Rotations (40 hours):
Bellevue Hospital Center – New York, NY

• Provided patient-centered interviews to individuals with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions under the supervision of an RN preceptor.
• Observed and participated in mental status assessments, safety checks, therapeutic communication, and medication administration.
• Cared for patients with various psychiatric diagnoses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.
• Maintained a calm, empathetic presence to help promote a safe, therapeutic environment for all patients.
• Assisted with group therapy sessions and observed patient participation and behavioral responses.
• Maintained strict adherence to patient confidentiality, safety protocols, and ethical standards in accordance with hospital policies and HIPAA regulations.
• Developed a strong understanding of psychiatric medications, side effect monitoring, and how mental health impacts overall patient well-being.
• Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions.

• Conducted detailed interviews with confirmed/probable COVID-19 clients using motivational interviewing and cultural competency.
• Identified close contacts by discussing clients’ employment, social, and community activities.
• Assessed symptoms, underlying health conditions, and determined exposure risk based on symptom onset.
• Referred clients to resources for testing, healthcare, food access, and temporary housing during isolation.
• Maintained accurate case records in Salesforce and REDCap databases.

Contact Tracer
NYC Department of Health – July 2020 to April 2022

• Communicated professionally and empathetically with individuals exposed to COVID-19, ensuring confidentiality.
• Accessed and updated patient records using Salesforce for efficient tracing and follow-up.
• Educated individuals on virus transmission, symptoms, treatment, and self-quarantine protocols.
• Monitored contacts for signs/symptoms and referred symptomatic individuals to testing and care.
• Collected demographic and health data to identify high-risk settings and living arrangements.
• Connected individuals with resources to support quarantine and isolation efforts.

• Sanitized and stocked exam rooms and medical equipment to maintain clinical readiness.
• Triaged patients and supported laboratory functions including specimen collection and processing.
• Measured vital signs and performed EKGs and venipuncture.
• Assisted with physical and eye examinations, administered injections, and provided basic first aid and wound care.
• Collected cultures and ensured proper handling for lab analysis.
• Maintained accurate patient records and managed billing for medical services rendered.
• Communicated effectively with physicians and support staff, interpreting and recording instructions in a timely manner.
• NYU Advanced Urgent Care, New York, NY Medical Assistant / Phlebotomist / Medical Transcriptionist
• Communicated with patients in an ethical, empathetic, and culturally competent manner.
• Conducted triage assessments, including patient interviews and obtaining vital signs.
• Followed up with diagnostic tests and ensured timely coordination of care.
• Prepared patients and exam rooms for procedures by stocking supplies and ensuring cleanliness.
• Collaborated with medical and support staff to ensure smooth clinical operations.
• Transcribed and accurately interpreted physician and supervisor orders.
• Ordered, tracked, and documented in-house medications and maintained appropriate inventory levels.

• Delivered high-level administrative and reception support across multiple departments, including the Ambulatory Eye Clinic, ENT Clinic, Urgent Care, and Call Center.
• Addressed patient inquiries and concerns with professionalism and efficiency in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Provided Spanish interpretation services to enhance communication and care for Spanish-speaking patients.
• Ensured smooth front-desk operations, appointment scheduling, and coordination between departments.

Case Management Coordinator, HIP (Health Insurance Plan) New York, NY | July 2003- January 2008

• Managed member caseloads, ensuring accurate tracking and follow-up on care coordination.
• Obtained and organized medical records and documentation for case management review.
• Maintained and updated member lists and eligibility status in internal databases.
• Oversaw data entry and upkeep from vendors, providers, and members to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Assisted with member relations, addressing inquiries and supporting case management processes.

Senior Medical Clerk (2003-2004)

• Processing and reviewing medical records and applying problem-solving with accuracy and integrity of all records and documentation.