Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Diana Backus

New Cumberland

Summary

Dedicated Certified Nurse Assistant with extensive experience at Kadima Rehabilitation and Health Center, excelling in compassionate patient care and vital signs monitoring. Proven ability to enhance patient satisfaction through empathetic communication and effective transfer techniques, ensuring safety and comfort. Committed to continuous professional development and delivering high-quality support in diverse healthcare settings.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Nurse Assistant

Kadima Rehabilitation and Health Center
06.2023 - Current
  • Assisted patients during meal times, ensuring they received proper nutrition according to specific dietary requirements.
  • Maintained accurate records of vital signs, fluid intake, and output for effective patient monitoring.
  • Enhanced patient care by providing daily assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Improved patient comfort by repositioning and transferring them on a regular basis.
  • Demonstrated proficient use of medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors and oxygen concentrators for efficient patient care delivery.
  • Strengthened continuity of care by meticulously updating electronic health records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
  • Collaborated with nursing staff to promptly address any concerns or emergencies, prioritizing patient safety and well-being at all times.
  • Served as a mentor to new staff members, providing guidance and support during their onboarding process.
  • Contributed to a sanitary environment by adhering to strict infection control protocols when cleaning rooms and equipment.
  • Supported patients'' emotional well-being by actively listening to their concerns and offering compassionate companionship.
  • Boosted overall patient satisfaction through genuine empathy, active listening skills, and consistent professionalism in all interactions.
  • Facilitated safe transportation within the facility using wheelchairs or gurneys when necessary for appointments or treatments.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Assisted nursing staff in wound care procedures, effectively preventing infections and promoting healing.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices in the field of Certified Nurse Assistance.
  • Provided skilled post-operative care to patients, closely monitoring their recovery progress and reporting any changes to nursing staff promptly.
  • Streamlined communication between patients and healthcare providers by serving as an attentive liaison during shift handovers and interdisciplinary meetings.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
  • Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.

Patient Care Technician (Clinical Assistant)

UPMC West Shore Hospital
01.2021 - 06.2023
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
  • Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
  • Performed blood draws, EKGs, and other diagnostic tests accurately and efficiently for prompt analysis by healthcare professionals.
  • Provided high-quality personal care to patients, promoting comfort and dignity during their hospital stay.
  • Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
  • Contributed to a positive patient experience by keeping rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.
  • Fostered strong relationships with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative work environment that prioritized teamwork among staff members.
  • Promoted a safe and inclusive healthcare environment, adhering to policies and procedures while advocating for the well-being of all patients.
  • Assisted in transferring patients, beds and patient care equipment to other rooms adhering to necessary safety precautions.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by maintaining thorough documentation of patient care activities and observations.
  • Recognized potential emergencies promptly, initiating appropriate action to stabilize patients until further assistance arrived.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by working effectively with patients of diverse backgrounds and medical conditions, providing personalized care for each individual.
  • Enabled increased mobility for patients by assisting with ambulation exercises and transfers using proper body mechanics techniques.
  • Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, minimizing risk of disease transmission within the clinical environment.
  • Served as a reliable resource for patients'' families, addressing questions or concerns with patience and understanding while maintaining patient confidentiality.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in patient care technology advancements.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that addressed each patient''s unique needs.
  • Supported optimal wound healing by skillfully changing dressings and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
  • Educated patients on self-care techniques and post-discharge instructions, empowering them to take control of their own health maintenance.
  • Monitored vital signs for early detection of medical issues, ensuring timely intervention.
  • Supported patients' daily living activities, improving their hospital stay experience.
  • Fostered clean and hygienic environment, reducing risk of infections.
  • Collected and documented patient information to aid in accurate medical record keeping.
  • Streamlined patient check-in process, enhancing efficiency of care delivery.
  • Enhanced patient recovery by applying therapeutic techniques as instructed by physical therapists.

Travel CNA

Planet Home Health Care LLC
01.2014 - 01.2023
  • Developed strong rapport with patients through empathetic listening skills and effective communication techniques that eased anxiety during transitions between facilities.
  • Exhibited strong organizational skills by efficiently managing workloads in fast-paced environments with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrated strong clinical skills in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and private homes.
  • Responded quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
  • Maintained accurate and detailed documentation of patient information, ensuring compliance with facility policies and regulations.
  • Anticipated potential issues related to specific diagnoses or treatments based on knowledge gained from prior travel CNA experiences.
  • Expanded professional knowledge by attending continuing education courses, seminars, and workshops relevant to the travel CNA role.
  • Provided high-quality nursing care to diverse patient populations, adapting to the unique needs of each assignment.

Clinical Assistant

Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2016
  • Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
  • Improved patient satisfaction by handling queries and concerns with empathy and professionalism.
  • Assisted patients with basic care needs.
  • Ensured accurate documentation of vital signs, symptoms, and medical histories for informed decision-making by healthcare providers.
  • Provided compassionate support to patients undergoing challenging treatments or experiencing emotional distress related to their condition.
  • Comforted anxious patients before procedures and listened to concerns, offering support, and compassion.
  • Followed comprehensive clinical protocols to safeguard patient safety.

Volunteer Clerical Assistant

American Red Cross (Harrisburg)
01.2009 - 01.2010
  • Cultivated a welcoming atmosphere for new volunteers through mentorship and guidance, fostering a sense of belonging within the organization.
  • Ensured timely completion of assigned tasks by coordinating schedules and deadlines with team members.
  • Improved workflow processes through regular review and updating of procedural documentation.
  • Contributed to a positive work environment by collaborating effectively with colleagues on various projects.
  • Enhanced office efficiency by organizing and maintaining accurate filing systems.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to visitors, addressing concerns and providing necessary information with professionalism.
  • Optimized workspace functionality by assisting in office layout planning and furniture arrangement decisions.
  • Elevated team productivity through effective delegation of tasks based on individual strengths within the volunteer pool.

Volunteer Disaster Response/Relief Worker

Canadian Red Cross
01.1999 - 07.2002
  • Mobilized resources quickly in response to sudden crises, minimizing negative impacts on affected populations.
  • Educated the public on disaster preparedness measures, increasing community self-sufficiency during emergencies.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through regular monitoring and reporting activities, leading to continuous improvements.
  • Organized fundraising events to raise awareness and financial support for relief programs.
  • Provided immediate aid to affected individuals, ensuring their basic needs were met during crises.
  • Trained volunteers in emergency preparedness techniques, enhancing overall community readiness.
  • Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
  • Learned all required tasks quickly to maximize performance.

Volunteer

Kenya Red Cross
01.1998 - 01.2002
  • Assisted with special events and programs.
  • Maintained clean, neat, and operational facilities to serve program needs.
  • Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
  • Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Public Health

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
10-2025

Skills

  • Patient care
  • Bathing assistance
  • Basic life support
  • Transfer techniques
  • Compassionate care
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Direct patient care
  • Responding to emergencies
  • Recording vital signs

Timeline

Certified Nurse Assistant

Kadima Rehabilitation and Health Center
06.2023 - Current

Patient Care Technician (Clinical Assistant)

UPMC West Shore Hospital
01.2021 - 06.2023

Travel CNA

Planet Home Health Care LLC
01.2014 - 01.2023

Clinical Assistant

Penn State Health Rehabilitation Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2016

Volunteer Clerical Assistant

American Red Cross (Harrisburg)
01.2009 - 01.2010

Volunteer Disaster Response/Relief Worker

Canadian Red Cross
01.1999 - 07.2002

Volunteer

Kenya Red Cross
01.1998 - 01.2002

Bachelor of Science - Public Health

Grand Canyon University