Faith Westerman
Brookings,SD
Summary
Compassionate home healthcare professional offering demonstrated success in aligning daily activities with care plans and expediently reporting any client status changes. Willing to learn new things and take on new challenges. Experienced in supporting residents with daily living and personal care needs. Focused on improving client outcomes through dedicated advocacy and support.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
ADVANCE
Brookings
09.2021 - Current
- Supported individuals with daily living activities and personal care needs.
- Assisted clients in developing social skills through engaging activities.
- Assisted 11+ residents with daily hygiene routines, ensuring comfort and dignity during personal care activities.
- Managing time and making sure residents are ready for being picked up for appointments and/or family.
- Advocated for clients' rights and ensured their voices were heard.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and incidents as required.
- Observing and reporting physical and emotional changes, and behaviors, falls, minimizing, rashes, sores, and swelling.
- Communicating between clients and their families or guardians.
- Used gait belt, Hoyer lift, and easy stands to transfer patients, maintaining their safety and comfort.
- Administering medication orally and via G-tube. (not certified through the state)
- Transported 5+ residents daily to day services programs and medical appointments, facilitating community engagement and access to necessary care.
- Assisted individuals in learning and developing new skills.
- Assisted with planning and coordination of activities and outings based on individual needs.
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits.
- CPR and first aid certified
- Making sure that individuals are working on their occupational and physical therapy daily; whether it is using stand
- Using lifts, braces and safely transferring them into their wheelchairs
- Ensuring that all their supplies are stocked; including medical supplies, meds, food, and or briefs, along with their groceries
- Monitored and managed resident finances, promoting responsible budgeting and spending practices.
- Prepared to handle all situations whether it’s behavioral or medical assistance
Certified Nursing Assistant
Neighborhoods of Brookview
Brookings, South Dakota
10.2019 - 09.2021
- Assisted residents with daily living activities and personal care.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Monitored vital signs including blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate.
- Collected specimens, monitored vitals, and maximized patient comfort to maintain optimal environment.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
- Assisted in mobility and transportation of residents within the facility.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving sudden illness or injury.
- Provided companionship and emotional support to residents daily.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of resident living areas.
- Cleaned and sanitized patient rooms according to established protocols.
- Documented resident care activities accurately in electronic health records.
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
- Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
- Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
- Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
Education
Great Plains Lutheran
Watertown, SDSkills
- Daily living assistance
- Medication management
- Patient transportation
- Care documentation
- Health record management
- Emergency response
- Activity coordination
- Client advocacy
- Client relationship management
- First aid and CPR
- First aid and safety
- Compassionate care
- Compassionate assistance
- Behavioral intervention
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Problem solving
- Empathy and patience
- Record keeping
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
ADVANCE
09.2021 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Neighborhoods of Brookview
10.2019 - 09.2021
Great Plains Lutheran