Donna Montano
Recreational Therapist Assistant
Las Vegas,NM
Summary
Patient-focused professional with many years of experience in developing therapeutic interventions and programs using recreational activities to drive participant health. Expert in creating wide variety of social and physical activities based on needs and capabilities of individuals. Diligent in monitoring and recording progress to evaluate success and adjust program to facilitate goal achievement. Professional professional with expertise in delivering programs with diverse recreational activities aligned with needs, capabilities and interests of individuals. Goal-oriented in creating programming targeted to improve health and wellbeing of participants. Flexible in adapting program activities to abilities and desires of individuals to encourage participation, progress, and healing.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Recreational Therapist Assistant
New Mexico Behavioral of Health Institute
Las Vegas, NM
02.2017 - Current
- Adhered to established protocols for incident reporting procedures.
- Facilitated team building activities designed to promote cooperation among participants.
- Educated participants about rules, regulations, and proper use of facilities.
- Supervised group outings and field trips to ensure safety standards were met.
- Interacted positively with participants regardless of age or ability level.
- Ensured compliance with local health codes, safety regulations, and organizational policies.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between participants or staff members.
- Administered first aid when needed according to protocol set forth by organization.
- Conducted orientations for new participants on facility use guidelines.
- Encouraged participation by providing positive reinforcement during activities.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday parties or end-of-year celebrations.
- Monitored equipment inventory levels and placed orders when necessary.
- Developed creative methods to engage participants in recreational activities.
- Maintained records of participant progress and completed paperwork as needed.
- Provided guidance to volunteers assisting with recreational activities.
- Responded promptly to inquiries from parents regarding their child's involvement in the program.
- Displayed enthusiasm while leading recreational activities or giving instructions.
- Carried out bookkeeping and processed payments.
- Led and instructed group sports, crafts and other activities.
- Prepared audio-visual equipment for special events.
- Created schedules to plan times and locations for sports and other events.
- Counted inventory stock to monitor levels and order items.
- Answered phones and responded to questions by providing information on programs and facilities.
- Monitored group safety and quickly intervened to end unsafe behaviors.
- Prepared class format and content appropriate for type of class and level of participants.
- Designed and implemented fitness programs tailored to participant needs and abilities.
- Trained and supervised volunteers and junior staff members in recreational activity facilitation.
- Monitored recreational areas to ensure safety and compliance with rules and regulations.
- Analyzed participation data to identify trends and adjust programming accordingly.
- Connected personally with residents to improve participation and enjoyment.
- Managed social media accounts and online platforms to advertise recreational programs.
- Conducted inventory checks on equipment and supplies, ensuring availability for all activities.
- Recorded attendance of classes in medical records to note precautions or clinically relevant outcomes.
- Supported residents by engaging each in fun, beneficial activities.
- Coordinated and implemented daily recreational activities for various age groups.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of recreational facilities and equipment.
- Set up facility areas with supplies, tables and chairs for planned activities.
- Led guided tours and educational programs for visitors, enhancing their recreational experience.
- Provided exceptional customer service to participants and addressed any concerns or inquiries.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety standards during all recreational activities.
- Conducted pre- and post-event evaluations to gather feedback and suggest improvements.
- Facilitated group games and activities to promote physical fitness and teamwork.
- Planned, organized, facilitated and promoted diverse recreational programs.
- Helped participants enjoy activities while ensuring adherence to protocol.
- Promoted fun, safe and inclusive environment by monitoring activity of campers to identify and address behavioral issues.
- Assisted with transporting and escorting program participants to, from and within program activity locations and on external trips.
- Assisted professionals with planning and organizing recreation activities.
- Adapted various treatment activities to meet specific needs of individual patients.
- Managed daily operations of recreational facilities.
- Met with staff to discuss rules, regulations and work-related problems.
- Administered first aid and notified emergency medical personnel.
- Evaluated recreation areas, facilities and services for results.
- Explained principles, techniques and safety procedures and demonstrated use of materials and equipment.
- Documented individual progress toward meeting treatment goals.
- Assessed needs and interests of individuals and groups and planned activities accordingly.
- Supervised and coordinated work activities of personnel.
- Conferred with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
- Introduced new arrivals to other participants, explained facility rules and encouraged participation.
Nurse Assistant
New Mexico Behavioral of Health Institute
Las Vegas, NM
02.1998 - 02.2017
- Provided emotional support to family members during difficult times.
- Recorded observations on patient charts regarding activities of daily living, intake and output levels, vital signs.
- Assisted with admission, discharge and transfer procedures of patients according to hospital policy and procedure guidelines.
- Cleaned up spills quickly using proper safety precautions while wearing protective gear when necessary.
- Utilized appropriate body mechanics when lifting or transferring patients from one area to another.
- Performed vital signs checks such as blood pressure and temperature readings for patients.
- Assisted nurses with daily patient care, including dressing wounds and providing hygiene assistance.
- Participated in team meetings with other healthcare professionals about individual patient plans of care.
- Collected specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.
- Helped maintain a safe environment by adhering to infection control protocols such as handwashing techniques before touching any patient or equipment.
- Changed bed linens, cleaned patient rooms and assisted with transfers of patients in wheelchairs or beds as needed.
- Reported any changes in patient condition immediately to the RN or physician on duty.
- Organized paperwork related to patient records such as lab results or physician orders prior to filing it away.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to requests from patients in a timely manner.
- Monitored all incoming supplies for expiration dates and restocked shelves when necessary.
- Provided companionship to patients by talking to them, listening to their concerns, and helping them stay positive.
- Provided emotional support for family members during difficult times in the hospital setting.
- Educated new hires on policies and procedures related to the nursing assistant role within the facility.
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar and heart rate.
- Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
- Delivered high level of care to every patient.
- Recorded patient conditions and vital signs before and after medical operations.
- Provided basic patient care by bathing and grooming patients, changing bedding, and assisting in feeding activities.
- Used mobility devices to transport patients.
- Organized games and other activities to engage clients and offer mental stimulation.
- Engaged with patient family and friends to provide courteous visit experience.
- Assisted residents with daily needs, personal hygiene, dressing, and facility transfers.
- Examined and treated patient lacerations, contusions, and physical symptoms and referred patients to other medical professionals.
- Performed light cleaning duties by emptying wastebaskets, sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing surfaces.
- Explained various warnings, side effects, and dosage requirements of medications.
- Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
- Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
- Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Assisted with lifting patients to move on or off beds, examination tables and surgical tables.
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
Student Nurse Technician
Family Members
Las Vegas, NM
11.1988 - 12.1990
- Provided emotional support to family members who were anxious about their loved ones' care plan.
- Provided direct patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
- Observed patient behavior to detect changes in condition or response to treatment.
- Reported any changes in patient status or concerns to the supervising RN immediately.
- Observed, recorded, and reported changes in patient condition.
- Set up and operated special medical equipment and instruments.
- Documented patient intake and dietary requirements and aided with feeding and monitoring.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Assisted with the execution of nursing care plans.
- Provided support with bathing, toileting, grooming and washing.
Education
Cosmetology Education
Vogue Beauty School
02-1997
High School Diploma -
West Las Vegas High School
05-1990
Business Management
Luna Community College
Skills
- Budgeting and finance
- Recreation therapy
- Age-Appropriate Activities
- First-aid and CPR
- Verbal Communication
- Networking and relationship building
- Progress Monitoring
- Activity Planning
- Individualized care
- Physical Fitness
- Disability Awareness
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Multitasking
- Active Listening
- Reliability
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Chart updating
- Attention to Detail
- Interpersonal Skills
- Interpersonal Communication
- Treatment management
- Documentation skills
- Patient assessment protocols
- Therapy planning
- Professionalism
- Self Motivation
- Written Communication
- Patient Evaluation
- Reporting abilities
- Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Team building
- Therapy administration
- Problem-Solving
- Continuous Improvement
- Team Collaboration
- Organizational Skills
- Task Prioritization
- Activity Organization
- Goal Setting
- Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
- Safety Compliance
- Time Management
- Relationship Building
- Treatment coordination
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- CPR
- CPI
Timeline
Recreational Therapist Assistant
New Mexico Behavioral of Health Institute
02.2017 - Current
Nurse Assistant
New Mexico Behavioral of Health Institute
02.1998 - 02.2017
Student Nurse Technician
Family Members
11.1988 - 12.1990
Cosmetology Education
Vogue Beauty School
High School Diploma -
West Las Vegas High School
Business Management
Luna Community College