Eric Berger
Beaver Dam,Wisconsin
Summary
Dedicated 2025 Occupational Therapy Assistant graduate with a strong foundation as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Certified Medication Administration Aide. Extensive experience working with geriatric residents across diverse conditions fosters a deep understanding of their unique needs. A self-motivated team player committed to excellence and proactive in taking initiative, utilizing effective communication skills to build rapport and enhance patient recovery. Proficient in implementing therapeutic activities, providing patient care, and applying rehabilitation techniques, with a proven track record of collaborating seamlessly with healthcare teams to achieve optimal outcomes in dynamic clinical environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Nursing Assistant
Columbus Health and Rehab
Columbus, WI
09.2021 - Current
- Worked alongside LPN’s, RN’s, Therapy, and other department to ensure each resident's care plans are followed.
- Advocated for patient needs, effectively communicating concerns to healthcare providers.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to create individualized care plans tailored to each patient's needs.
- Served as an advocate for each patient's needs during shift handoffs or interdisciplinary conferences with other healthcare professionals.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
OTAS
Oak Park Place
Madison, WI
03.2025 - 05.2025
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Participated in training sessions to acquire knowledge of therapeutic techniques and tools utilized in practice.
- Conducted therapeutic activities under supervision, fostering engagement and motivation in patients.
- Assisted supervising Occupational Therapists in developing achievable short-and long-term goals for patients based on their unique circumstances.
- Observed and documented patient progress, adjusting approaches as necessary to meet individual needs.
- Administered tests to assess nature of disabilities and limits of function and personal capacities.
- Provided support to help patients adjust to new physical or cognitive limitations.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in assisted living, memory care, and skilled/long term care settings.
- Maintained and promoted positive attitude toward clients and treatment programs.
- Helped determine realistic treatment goals and adjusted steps based on patient progress.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Maintained open lines of communication with patients, families, and caregivers to address concerns or questions about the therapy process.
- Assisted patients with completing basic daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and self-feeding.
OTAS
Interim Home Healthcare
Janesville, WI
01.2025 - 03.2025
- Assisted occupational therapists in implementing treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to enhance patient care and facilitate communication among providers.
- Observed and documented patient progress, adjusting approaches as necessary to meet individual needs.
- Educated clients and their families on strategies for daily living activities, promoting independence and self sufficiency.
- Assisted supervising Occupational Therapists in developing achievable short-and long-term goals for patients based on their unique circumstances.
- Educated patients and families on conditions, treatments and home exercises.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in home settings.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Engaged in reflective practice to continually improve skills and adapt interventions based on feedback received.
- Regularly communicated with supervising Occupational Therapists regarding patient updates, challenges faced during sessions, or changes needed in treatment plans.
- Supported patient's goals by providing guidance on adaptive equipment use and home modifications.
- Demonstrated flexibility in adapting treatment approaches based on individual patient needs, preferences, and goals.
- Helped improve fine motor, visual perception and sensory processing skills.
- Helped determine realistic treatment goals and adjusted steps based on patient progress.
Resident Assistant
Heritage Homes
Watertown, Wisconsin
04.2014 - 09.2021
- Maintained accurate patient records, contributing to coordinated care efforts.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care outcomes.
- Passed medications to 14 residents in an efficient and timely manner within the allowed 3-hour window.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Assisted residents with daily living tasks, promoting independence and well-being.
- Coordinated activities and events to create safe, positive and inclusive environment.
- Coordinated resident activities to enhance community engagement and foster social interaction.
- Set up and organized activities at 5 different tables for 28 residents to do at their leisure.
- Voted employee of the month multiple times by staff, residents, and family members for always being a positive and friendly staff member who went beyond helping others.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation
Columbus, Wisconsin
08.2008 - 04.2014
- Used mechanical lifts to help assist residents who could not stand on their own to transfer.
- Worked alongside RNs, LPNs, Therapy, and other departments to provide quality care to all residents in the facility.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff for timely intervention.
- Implemented infection control measures to promote health and safety standards.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
Education
Certified Nursing Assistant -
Moraine Park Technical College
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin06.2008
Certified Medication Passer - undefined
UW Green Bay
Green Bay, Wisconsin04.2014
Seminar on Alzheimer’s and Dementia - undefined
Columbus Hospital
Columbus, Wisconsin06.2014
No Degree - Certified Medication Administration Aide
Med Quest
Madison, WI11-2023
Associate of Arts - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI05-2025
Skills
- Skilled in managing cognitive decline
- Attention to detail and documentation
- Clinical reasoning
- Self-motivated multitasker
- Strength training to enhance self-sufficiency
- Enhancing motor skills proficiency
- Empowering clients through education
- Adaptability to changing situations
- Awareness of injury prevention strategies
- Professional ethics
- Use and education of adaptive equipment
- Core stability and balance training
Hobbies and Interests
Going to the gym, Ice skating, Hockey, Attending concerts, Going on road trips, Attending local rodeos, Exploring nature
Timeline
OTAS
Oak Park Place
03.2025 - 05.2025
OTAS
Interim Home Healthcare
01.2025 - 03.2025
Certified Nursing Assistant
Columbus Health and Rehab
09.2021 - Current
Resident Assistant
Heritage Homes
04.2014 - 09.2021
Certified Nursing Assistant
Columbus Nursing and Rehabilitation
08.2008 - 04.2014
Certified Medication Passer - undefined
UW Green Bay
Seminar on Alzheimer’s and Dementia - undefined
Columbus Hospital
Certified Nursing Assistant -
Moraine Park Technical College
No Degree - Certified Medication Administration Aide
Med Quest
Associate of Arts - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Madison Area Technical College