Emilia Zuazo
Spring Valley
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Compassionate professional in mental health care, known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Skilled in patient observation, behavior modification techniques, and crisis intervention. Excel in communication, empathy, and teamwork to provide exceptional care and support. Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals. Adaptable professional with a quick-learning ability and a talent for adjusting to new environments. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Mental Health Technician
Healthcare Staffing Professionals
San Diego
10.2025 - Current
- Administered daily living assistance to promote patient independence and dignity in care.
- Implemented individualized care plans to address specific patient needs through tailored interventions.
- Conducted regular safety checks to ensure secure environments for all patients.
- Educated patients on mental health management strategies and effective coping techniques.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate holistic patient care.
- Assisted in crisis situations by employing de-escalation strategies to manage challenging behaviors.
- Promoted patient participation in recreational activities to enhance social skills and well-being.
- Provided emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families during treatment processes.
- Participated in staff training sessions to enhance skills in behavioral observation and intervention.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to help manage patient behavior.
- Observed and documented changes in patient behavior and reported any significant changes to the clinical team.
- Established trusting relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy and understanding towards them.
- Provided excellent service to patients through personable communication.
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in patient charts and electronic systems, sustaining continuum of care from admission through to discharge.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals such as social workers, psychiatrists, counselors and nurses to coordinate quality care for each client.
- Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Encouraged positive behaviors through rewards systems when appropriate.
- Participated in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and plan further interventions.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress and treatment plans.
- Monitored patient behaviors and reported significant changes to supervising mental health professionals.
- Cultivated relationships with patients, discussing ways to help improve overall health while alleviating self-harm practices.
- Influenced patients' behavior with interaction, counseling or instruction.
- Provided psychiatric or personal care to emotionally disturbed or cognitively impaired patients.
- Assisted psychiatrists in working with patients to rehabilitate for community reintegration.
Clinical Care Partner
UCSD Medical Center
San Diego
07.2018 - Current
- Assisted in patient assessments by collecting vital signs and reporting changes to healthcare team.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients and medical staff to enhance care delivery.
- Monitored patient conditions and documented observations in health records to support clinical decision-making.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during hospital stays, fostering a compassionate environment.
- Implemented infection control measures to maintain safety standards within clinical settings.
- Responded to emergencies by executing crisis intervention protocols and ensuring patient safety.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to streamline patient admission and discharge processes.
- Responded promptly to patient call lights or requests for assistance.
- Supported physicians by providing supplies needed during exams or treatments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of infection control protocols within the healthcare environment.
- Utilized critical thinking skills when responding to emergency situations.
- Monitored vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate and heart rate.
- Ensured all equipment was properly maintained and cleaned after each use.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities in the electronic health record system.
- Collected specimens such as urine, sputum, or blood samples for laboratory tests.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure quality outcomes for patients.
- Provided compassionate care to patients in a clinical setting.
- Assisted with wound dressing changes and other basic nursing duties.
- Observed patients' conditions and reported any changes to the registered nurse on duty.
- Assisted with transferring patients from bed to wheelchair or stretcher using appropriate transfer techniques.
- Provided emotional support to family members during stressful times.
- Relayed messages from patients to physicians about concerns, condition updates or refill requests to facilitate treatment.
- Prepared treatment rooms for patients by cleaning surfaces and restocking supplies.
- Secured patient information and maintained patient confidence by completing and safeguarding medical records.
- Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
- Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Transported specimens, laboratory items or pharmacy items, verifying proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
- Exercised comatose and paralyzed patients to reduce delirium and improve physical function.
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility
San Diego
03.2022 - 08.2025
- Documented patient observations and behaviors accurately for treatment team evaluations.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Actively listened to clients without judgement while providing a safe space for them to express themselves freely.
- Coordinated with other healthcare providers such as psychiatrists or psychologists to ensure continuity of care for clients.
- Maintained accurate records of all client interactions and activities in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Observed client behavior and interactions to identify any changes in mood or attitude.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to individuals struggling with mental health issues.
- Monitored patients' medication compliance through regular check-ins and provided education about potential side effects or drug interactions.
- Maintained client records according to agency standards and regulations.
- Developed a trusting relationship with clients by demonstrating empathy and understanding while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Assisted in creating individualized treatment plans for clients based on their needs and goals.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed to help stabilize the client's mental state.
- Attended meetings with other healthcare professionals to discuss patient progress towards recovery goals.
- Modeled appropriate communication and problem-solving skills in crisis situations involving patients, family or staff.
- Provided excellent service to patients through personable communication.
- Documented patient interactions in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
- Implemented stress-reduction techniques to promote patient relaxation and well-being.
- Advocated for patient rights and provided guidance on navigating mental health systems.
- Ensured a safe and secure environment for patients, adhering to facility safety protocols.
- Monitored patient behaviors and reported significant changes to supervising mental health professionals.
- Assisted in developing and implementing treatment plans for patients with various mental health disorders.
- Developed basic strategies to promote patient safety, wellness and independence.
- Influenced patients' behavior with interaction, counseling or instruction.
- Accompanied patients to medical and counseling appointments.
- Assisted psychiatrists in working with patients to rehabilitate for community reintegration.
Rehabilitation Technician
Dignity Health
Phoenix
11.2016 - 06.2017
- Assisted patients in performing daily living activities to promote independence and recovery.
- Maintained therapeutic equipment to ensure optimal functioning and safety for patient use.
- Supported rehabilitation programs by preparing treatment areas and organizing materials.
- Monitored patient vital signs during therapy sessions to ensure safety and compliance.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance patient care and outcomes.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize risks during patient transport and treatment.
- Facilitated communication between patients and healthcare providers to address concerns.
- Assisted in developing individualized rehabilitation plans tailored to patient needs.
- Reported any changes in the condition of the patient to the supervising therapist immediately.
- Assisted physical therapists with patient treatments and exercises.
- Helped patients follow through on physician-prescribed exercise routines at home or in a facility setting.
- Collaborated with the healthcare team to ensure that all rehabilitation goals were met.
- Performed cleaning duties for the treatment area including disinfecting equipment after each use.
- Prepared treatment area, mobility equipment and ambulatory aids for patient sessions.
- Answered phones, copied documents and updated schedule boards.
- Monitored vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation levels.
- Frequently checked up on patients and offered assistance on using equipment.
- Inspected treatment rooms and equipment to verify safety and functionality prior to each appointment.
- Instructed patients on how to use assistive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and canes.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive patient data in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Supported patients with neurological conditions, enhancing motor skills and balance.
- Adapted exercises to meet the specific needs and limitations of patients.
- Provided support in the use of mobility aids, such as walkers and wheelchairs.
Rehabilitation Assistant
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
Phoenix
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Assisted patients with their activities of daily living, including eating, grooming, toileting, ambulation, and hygiene.
- Assisted nurses and physicians with patient care, including bathing, dressing, transferring to beds and wheelchairs, and taking vital signs.
- Demonstrated respect and regard for dignity of patients, families and fellow employees to promote professional, responsible and courteous environment.
- Assessed vitals and noted medical information to report changes to nursing staff and physicians.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Protected patient, self and others from injury during transfers, lifts and transports by using proper equipment and body mechanics.
- Answered signal lights, bells and requests-for-service to assist patient services fulfillment.
- Implemented fall prevention techniques as specified in plan of care.
- Reported environmental risks or equipment malfunctions to supervisor.
- Maintained confidentiality of all patient information according to HIPAA guidelines.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
- Assisted patients in performing daily living activities to promote independence and recovery.
- Reported any changes in the condition of the patient to the supervising therapist immediately.
- Helped patients follow through on physician-prescribed exercise routines at home or in a facility setting.
Care Companion
InTouch At Home
Phoenix
08.2013 - 12.2014
- Assisted clients with daily living activities to promote independence and enhance quality of life.
- Coordinated family communication to ensure all caregivers were informed of client needs and preferences.
- Provided companionship and emotional support to clients, fostering positive mental well-being.
- Facilitated mobility for clients through assistance with walking and transferring to different locations.
- Supported clients in meal preparation, ensuring nutritional needs were met according to dietary restrictions.
- Encouraged participation in social activities to enhance client engagement and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain a safe and clean environment for clients.
- Responded to client inquiries and concerns with empathy and professionalism to build trust.
- Responded quickly and appropriately to emergency situations involving the safety of the client or others.
- Provided transportation services for clients when necessary, including wheelchair transfers if applicable.
- Managed medication reminders for clients according to prescribed schedules.
- Performed range-of-motion exercises with patients as directed by healthcare professionals.
- Researched available resources within the community that could benefit the patient's overall wellbeing.
- Provided companionship to elderly patients by engaging in conversation and recreational activities.
- Organized fun activities that promoted physical fitness and mental stimulation appropriate for each individual client's needs.
Education
CNA, PCT
Providence Training Institute
Glendale, AZ12-2014
GED -
Mount Miguel High School
San Diego, CA06-2010
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Patient observation
- Care plan development
- Mental health education
- Safety protocols
- Patient assessment
- Vital signs monitoring
- Infection control
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Healthcare documentation
- Effective communication
- Behavioral observation
- Emotional support
- Active listening
- Relationship building
- Positioning patients
- Urinary catheter care
- Activity coordination
- Transporting patients
- Patient care
- Maintaining privacy
- Observing responses
- Documenting behaviors
- Restraint application
- Collecting specimens
- Quality assurance
- Condition monitoring
- End-of-life care
- Toileting assistance
- Feeding assistance
- Calm and level-headed under duress
- Compassionate caregiver
- Quick problem solver
- Inpatient care
- Bedside manner
Certification
Certified Nursing Assistant
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Mental Health Technician
Healthcare Staffing Professionals
10.2025 - Current
Psychiatric Nursing Assistant
Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility
03.2022 - 08.2025
Clinical Care Partner
UCSD Medical Center
07.2018 - Current
Rehabilitation Technician
Dignity Health
11.2016 - 06.2017
Rehabilitation Assistant
Banner University Medical Center Phoenix
01.2015 - 12.2016
Care Companion
InTouch At Home
08.2013 - 12.2014
CNA, PCT
Providence Training Institute
GED -
Mount Miguel High School