Donna Jo Mendez BSN,RN
Floresville,TX
Summary
With a proven track record at Texas Health and Human Services, and 30 plus years total of nursing experience I excel in clinical judgment and emotional awareness, enhancing patient outcomes through innovative care plans and effective team leadership. Leveraging acute care expertise and a compassionate approach. Highly focused on team collaboration and achieving positive patient outcomes, adaptable to changing healthcare needs. Expertise in patient assessment, care planning, and medical documentation, coupled with compassionate approach, and time management. I am a leader and self starter and able to work with a great deal of autonomy.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
RN Utilization Review Field Nurse
Texas Health and Human Services
01.2017 - Current
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, and utilization review of services provided.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive individual plans of care, resulting in better outcomes while living in the community
- Ensuring all services provided are appropriate and cost effective.
- Educating those we serve and their families, caregivers/providers, case managers, providing technical assistance on documents in regards to the waiver services.
- Mentor new and current nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
- Streamlined documentation processes to ensure accurate record-keeping and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Participates in continuing education opportunities to stay current on industry trends and advancements in healthcare delivery systems.
- Conduct regular home safety assessments to minimize fall risks and ensure a secure environment.
- Utilize telehealth technology for remote visits
- Educated patients on preventative measures, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
- Served as a mentor to new nurses entering the field, sharing best practices and offering guidance when needed.
- Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to changing unit needs, and policy changes.
- Actively participated in staff meetings with other members of the unit, discussing policies, TAC rules, and case issues and outcomes.
Case Manager
San Antonio State Supported Living Center
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive care plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Provided crisis intervention support for clients experiencing emergencies, using appropriate techniques to de-escalate situations safely.
- Contributed to team discussions and case meeting actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Improved client satisfaction by efficiently addressing concerns or grievances in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address client needs and formulate tailored support strategies.
- Assisted clients in setting achievable goals while providing ongoing encouragement and support throughout the process of reaching those objectives.
- Coordinated essential services for clients, resulting in improved overall well-being and selfsufficiency.
- Participated in regular professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of case management.
- Partnered with physicians, social workers, activity therapists, nutritionists, and case managers to develop and implement individualized care plans and documented patient interactions and interventions in electronic charting systems.
- Facilitated individual and group sessions to promote positive behavior change for clients.
- Strengthened relationships with community organizations to increase access to supportive resources for clients in need.
- Facilitated successful transitions between levels of care by developing detailed discharge plans and coordinating resources.
- Promoted a safe environment for vulnerable populations by reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
- Trained new case managers, raising team's overall competency and service delivery standards.
- Managed crisis situations with empathy and professionalism, ensuring client safety and continuity of care.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to address psychological needs of clients, supporting their holistic recovery.
- Increased client satisfaction through diligent follow-up and personalized support.
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure clients had access to necessary medical services, enhancing their overall well-being.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs, laying groundwork for effective case management.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
- Monitored clients' progress and tracked client services to provide crisis interventions.
- Fostered open lines of communication with clients'' families and support networks, involving them in the case management process as appropriate.
RN Supervisor
San Antonio State Supported Living Center
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Served as the RN Supervisor for the campus.
- Cultivated an atmosphere of teamwork and open communication among staff members, resulting in a more cohesive work environment and greater job satisfaction for the nursing team.
- Established strong relationships with interdisciplinary teams for seamless coordination of patient care services.
- Ensured accurate documentation of patient information in electronic medical records system for optimal data integrity and accessibility across healthcare providers.
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development by attending relevant staff meeting, workshops, and training sessions to stay current on the latest trends and best practices within nursing supervision.
- Successfully managed resources within budget constraints while maintaining high-quality care standards for all patients served in the unit.
- Facilitated smooth transitions of care for patients between departments or facilities by maintaining clear communication channels with all stakeholders involved.
- Streamlined nurse scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage and minimizing overtime expenses.
- Maintained regulatory compliance by conducting regular audits, reviews, and updates on policies and procedures.
- Developed and distributed nursing assignments for unit employees that outlined individual and group tasks.
- Reviewed staffing patterns, quantities and nursing units' census to meet resident needs and budgetary controls.
- Evaluated and monitored care and services throughout shift to improve quality levels.
- Inventoried medications, supplies and equipment and distributed stock to patients.
- Enforced nursing practice standards and recommended unit and institution policies and procedures to boost medical care quality.
- Onboarded new employees through orientation meetings and training sessions before deployment to different departments.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Discussed medical histories with patients in effort to provide most effective medical advice.
- Monitored and inspected staff processes to eliminate hazards posed for both residents and staff while ensuring continuous compliance with regulations.
- Ordered all pharmacy supplies and kept check on inventory levels.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Managed critical situations calmly and efficiently, providing guidance to the nursing team during emergencies.
- Served as an approachable leader who consistently addressed concerns raised by both nursing staff and families regarding patient care issues or operational challenges within the unit effectively resolving them promptly whenever possible.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Consistently acted as a strong advocate for patients and their families, ensuring that their needs were met while navigating complex healthcare systems.
RN Staff Nurse
San Antonio Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication and coordination of care plans.
- Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management, promoting healthier lifestyles.
- Assisted physicians during medical procedures, ensuring accurate delivery of care as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Implemented effective time-management strategies to optimize productivity while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a more cohesive and efficient team environment.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments upon admission to determine appropriate level of care required based on individual needs.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans, improving patient outcomes.
- Devised customized interventions addressing physical, emotional, social, spiritual aspects of each patient''s well-being while adhering to professional ethics guidelines.
- Administered vaccinations and conducted health screenings for early detection of illnesses or diseases among patients.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Staff RN
Southwest General Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, prioritizing patient needs and addressing emergent issues promptly.
- Monitored vital signs, lab results, and other indicators to detect changes in patients'' conditions promptly.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses, sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices to improve their skills and confidence.
- Participated in unit-based quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing patient outcomes through process improvements.
- Enhanced patient care by implementing evidence-based practices and individualized care plans.
- Advocated for the needs of patients within the healthcare system while maintaining confidentiality and respecting patients'' rights.
- Delegated tasks to nursing assistants and support staff effectively, ensuring safe and efficient care delivery.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous charting and close collaboration with the healthcare team.
- Supported patients'' emotional well-being by building trust-based relationships and practicing active listening techniques.
- Coordinated discharge planning in collaboration with case managers, social workers, and other support staff for optimal continuity of care after hospitalization.
- Assisted physicians during procedures by preparing equipment, monitoring patient status, and ensuring sterile environments.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
- Implemented appropriate interventions based on assessment findings to maintain or improve patients'' health status.
- Provided education on disease management, self-care techniques, and preventive measures to patients and families.
- Promoted patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and conducting regular health assessments.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, ensuring proper dosages were given per physician orders.
- Streamlined nursing processes for increased efficiency and better time-management within the unit.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Collaborated with physicians, pharmacists and therapists to deliver quality, evidence-based care.
- Directed patient care by initiating and following through with plan of care, continuing care, and discharge instructions.
- Coordinated patient discharge planning to provide post-discharge patient care, promoting healing and recovery.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
Education
Bachelor of Science - BSN
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX12-2024
Associate Degree in Nursing - Registered Nurse
Galen College of Nursing
San Antonio, TX08-2011
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Nursing
Texas State Technical College
Breckenridge, TX02-1994
Associate in Business Machines - Computers
Howard College
San Angelo, TX01-1990
High School Diploma -
Edmond Memorial High School
Edmond, OK05-1989
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Research utilization
- Community health
- Acute care expertise
- Patient care planning
- Diabetes management
- Vaccine administration
- Taking vitals
- Telemetry monitoring
- Administering immunizations
- Medical evaluation
- Managing deadlines
- IV setup
- Family advocacy
- Evaluations
- Lab result interpretation
- Proper catheter insertion/removal
- Preventive health
- Maintaining privacy
- Medication and IV administration
- Patient education and counseling
- Precepting
- Physical assessments
- Nursing staff leadership
- Infection control measures
- Licensed RN
- High level of autonomy
- Patient and family advocacy
- Emotional awareness
- Health screening
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
RN Utilization Review Field Nurse
Texas Health and Human Services
01.2017 - Current
Case Manager
San Antonio State Supported Living Center
01.2014 - 01.2017
RN Supervisor
San Antonio State Supported Living Center
01.2013 - 01.2014
RN Staff Nurse
San Antonio Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2013
Staff RN
Southwest General Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Science - BSN
The University of Texas At Arlington
Associate Degree in Nursing - Registered Nurse
Galen College of Nursing
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Nursing
Texas State Technical College
Associate in Business Machines - Computers
Howard College
High School Diploma -
Edmond Memorial High School
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