Ericka Vega Tovar
Brownsville,TX
Summary
I am a competent and caring Registered Nurse offering 21 years of experience coordinating and carrying out patient care in a hospital environment. Demonstrated by performing with speed and accuracy to assess patients, deliver treatments and delegate tasks. Proven history of advocating for patient needs and fostering top-quality care. Experience caring for patients and working closely with other healthcare staff. Well-rounded and skillful in providing emotional support to patients and families, performing various diagnostic tests and administering medications. Experience in Meditech/CPN/Cerner on health care worker side of programs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville
Brownsville, TX
10.2023 - Current
- Provided direct patient care in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols.
- Conducted comprehensive physical assessments of assigned patients.
- Developed individualized nursing care plans for each patient.
- Assisted physicians during examinations and treatments.
- Monitored vital signs, laboratory results and other health data to identify changes in patient conditions.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians and documented all medication administration accurately.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions and modified treatment plans accordingly.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient care delivery.
- Ensured a safe environment for all patients through adherence to safety protocols including infection control practices.
- Educated family members about disease processes, medications, treatments and expected outcomes.
- Maintained current knowledge of advances in medical technology through continuing education courses.
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills by providing guidance to other nurses on the unit.
- Served as a preceptor for newly hired staff nurses orienting them to departmental expectations.
- Read physician orders and administered therapies, treatments and medications.
- Administered medications, tracked dosages and documented patient conditions.
- Explained treatment procedures, medication side effects, special diets and physician instructions to patients parents.
- Prioritized patient care assignments based on patient conditions to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Reviewed physician orders and participated in medication management to optimize patient safety.
- Recorded patient condition, vital signs, recovery progress and medication side effects.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare professionals to create, implement and adapt individualized care plans.
- Maintained reports to provide oncoming shift with full patient status.
- Answered patient questions and provided take-home materials for further information.
- Instructed patients, families and caregivers on diagnoses, chronic disease management and medication self-management.
- Trained other nurses on patient care and daily tasks, supporting growth and professional development.
- Observed nurse administration of oral, intramuscular and IV medications to patients as prescribed, monitoring responses for adverse reactions.
- Facilitated strategic goals aimed at increasing satisfaction and improving outcomes through compassionate, precise and high-quality nursing care.
- Coordinated care with physicians and other clinical staff to prepare for treatment, carry out interventions and enhance continuum of care.
- Monitored patient vitals, managed medical equipment and administered medications and IVs.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Administered oral, IV and intra-muscular medications and monitored patient reactions.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Delivered information regarding care and medications to patients and caregivers in comprehendible terminology.
- Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
Valley Regional Medical Center
Brownsville, TX
06.2003 - 11.2023
- Instructed nursing staff in providing quality care for neonates according to established standards of practice.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress using electronic health record systems.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Assisted Physicians and Neonatal Nurse Practitioners with bedside procedures such as intubation, chest tube insertion, lumbar puncture.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Provided education and support to families with newborns requiring intensive care.
- Observed and documented changes in patient's conditions including vital signs, behavior, and physical assessments.
- Assessed and monitored the development of premature infants in NICU.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Similar responsibilities as Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville.
Education
Associate Degree in Nursing -
The University of Texas At Brownsville And Texas Southmost College
Brownsville, TX05.2003
Associate of Arts - English Literature
The University of Texas At Brownsville And Texas Southmost College
Brownsville, TX05.1999
Skills
- Work as charge nurse in NICU
- Able to make quick decisions for staffing and critical care patient assignments
- Assist doctors with procedures such as central line insertions, intubations, chest tube insertions, lumbar punctures, thoracentesis etc
- Attend deliveries: vaginal, c-sections, term, preterm and high risk
- Coordinate care for new admissions
- Comfortable with central lines, PIV's, IV infusions, IV drips, high risk patients, preterm patients from 23weeks-term, Intubated patients, oscillators, ventilators, NIPPV, sipaps, nitric, chest tubes, urine catheterizations, suctioning, specimen collections, blood transfusions, etc
- Prioritize patient care based on severity of condition and patient needs
- Precept new hires and floating nurses
- Healthcare Team Collaboration: Cardiology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, ST/PT/OT, Respiratory, etc
- Reliable and Responsible
- Detail-Oriented, Hard worker and fast learner
- Patient Advocacy and Patient Safety
- Able to work with a team as well as self motivated to work independently
- Knowledge of Meditech/CPN/ Cerner
Affiliations
- Love biking, running and spending time with my family.
Certification
- NRP, STABLE and BLS.
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Refernces:
- Jackie Chavez ph#(956)459-1652
- Marichu Mantiles ph#(956)459-0268
- Roel Lopez ph#(956) 793-2669
Timeline
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
Valley Baptist Medical Center-Brownsville
10.2023 - Current
Staff Registered Nurse, NICU
Valley Regional Medical Center
06.2003 - 11.2023
Associate Degree in Nursing -
The University of Texas At Brownsville And Texas Southmost College
Associate of Arts - English Literature
The University of Texas At Brownsville And Texas Southmost College
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