Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Faith Marie Bernat

Hartford,CT

Summary

Dedicated PCA with a proven track record, excelling in patient-focused care and vital signs monitoring. Skilled in providing compassionate support and managing behavioral challenges, I've significantly enhanced patient well-being and safety. My adaptability and effective communication foster strong patient relationships, showcasing my commitment to healthcare excellence.


Overview

35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

PCA

Gt Independence
10.2024 - Current
  • Female, 58, Cerebral Palsy and DVT's
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and wellbeing.
  • Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing tasks.
  • Assisted client in answering calls (Handing the client their phone)
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients, reducing the risk of infections and accidents.
  • Facilitate meal planning, preparation, serving meals adhering to specific dietary restrictions.
  • Monitored changes in client condition.
  • Enhanced patient mobility by assisting with transfers.
  • Assisted with medication
  • Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
  • Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
  • Client wanted to go to a store, I walked beside. Selected items from shelves and assisted with paying.
  • Grocery shopping.
  • Took recyclables to the redemption center on my personal time.
  • Prepared meals under the client's instructions.
  • Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
  • Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
  • Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
  • Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
  • Assisted with activities conducive to the client's lifestyle. The client engages in community activities helping people with disabilities. Example, we created a fundraiser to help with security deposits so people with disabilities may live independently.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate, loving and attentive care with patience.

PCA

Quality Homemakers
10.2024 - Current
  • Don't have any patients at this time. I'll pick up per diem cases until they have a patient requiring long term care within my area.
  • Female, 84, elderly care, dementia, migraines, seizures.
  • Comprehension of elderly care. Example, their skin is more thin, their blood circulation may not be strong (Especially to extremities) and they may be cold when you're hot. Cater to the comfortable temperature of the patient.
  • Dementia may forget a task you performed, if repeating a task appeases the patient then repeat it. I, personally, won't argue with a patient.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and wellbeing.
  • Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming tasks.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients, reducing the risk of infections and accidents.
  • Developed strong relationships with patients families to provide updates on progress and address concerns collaboratively. I learned the hard way, articulate all of the client's concerns to my supervisor. They will confer with the family. Too many people is a recipe for disaster.
  • Helped patient maintain healthy skin by providing hydrating products.
  • Coordinated transportation services for necessary outings for patient who required assistance outside of the home setting. Took the client shopping.
  • Provided respite care for family caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge while ensuring the continued well-being of their loved one.
  • Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
  • Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
  • Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
  • Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
  • Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
  • Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
  • Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
  • Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
  • Managed challenging behaviors in dementia patients using de-escalation techniques, creating a calm atmosphere within the care setting. Example, we went to Walmart. My navigation gave options, I selected one. It wasn't the Walmart the client was acquainted with. On the way home, the client was nervous being in foreign territory. I drove slow, spoke calmly, diverted their attention to viewing and appreciating the fall foliage surrounding us. Both of us are from the South, we discussed how people travel to see annual foliage. We laughed when my navigation directions were several right turns. I, immediately, reported the incident to my supervisor.
  • Facilitated meal planning as needed while adhering to specific dietary restrictions or requirements.
  • Monitored meal preparation.
  • Assisted patient with daily living activities, promoting independence and wellbeing.
  • It's important to be mindful of how dementia, progression through stages are different for everybody. Everything from how quick, calming mechanisms, de-escalating methods over conflicts vary by the person. Dementia can be deceiving on so many levels. We can't predict behaviors. Upset can occur suddenly, we need to be swift in resolving. A resolution can be as easy as a distraction such as diverting attention to something familiar or as difficult as requiring assistance. Sometimes, requiring assistance may mean ambulance transportation to the hospital. The patient's safety is always the priority.
  • Being a compassionate, loving caregiver with an abundance of patience.

PCA

Peter Minta
04.2019 - Current

Peter Minta is my 88 year old stepfather. My siblings and I have been helping my mother care for him since 2019. His illness began with difficulty breathing, fluid retention, weight loss. We don't know what his illness is. His physicians call him the mystery man, no diagnosis despite years of tests (2019-Present). In early 2023 he was discharged from the hospital in palliative care. In December 2023, he was hospitalized for 3 months. He was discharged into hospice care in March 2024. He requires, extensive, around the clock care. Checking and recording vital signs, monitoring any abnormalities from skin to behavior. Reporting changes to his medical team. Inserting his hearing aids. Chest tube and colostomy bag draining. Catheter care. Administration of medication and oxygen. Inhalers and nebulizer. CPAP at night. Safe transfers and positioning using a gait belt. Leg exercises and compressions for blood circulation. Pureeing foods, feeding, Remaining calm when he gets excited. Transportation. All personal hygiene and oral care (Dentures). An, extremely, clean environment. Proper disposal of biological hazards. Adhering to treatment plans. Being consoling, supportive as a family during his end of life stages.

  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and wellbeing.
  • Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming tasks.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients, reducing the risk of infections and accidents.
  • Facilitated meal planning, preparation, feeding assistance as needed while adhering to specific dietary restrictions or requirements.
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes in patient condition to medical professionals promptly.
  • Prevented bedsores through regular repositioning and skin assessments of at-risk patients.
  • Helped patients maintain healthy skin by checking wounds, assessing integrity, and bathing bedbound individuals.
  • Enhanced patient mobility by assisting with transfers, ambulation, and range of motion exercises.
  • Administered medications as prescribed, preventing adverse reactions or complications.
  • Provided respite care for family caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge while ensuring the continued well-being of their loved one.
  • Performed wound care and dressing changes, facilitating timely healing and recovery.
  • Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
  • Assisted in transferring patients, beds and patient care equipment to other rooms adhering to necessary safety precautions.
  • Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
  • Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
  • Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
  • Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
  • Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
  • Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
  • Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
  • Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
  • Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
  • Followed directions of licensed nurses to administer medications and treatments.

PCA

Arlene Walsh
04.1991 - 02.2016
  • Arlene Walsh had dementia. She was a rare case of succumbing to the disease in the seventh stage, inability of swallowing. Arlene holds a special place in my heart as the grandmother to my boys and a best friend. She demonstrated mental and behavioral abnormalities in 1990. She was diagnosed in 1991 at the age of 50. She was my inspiration in educating myself on dementia to obtaining my EMT and Paramedic Certifications. I was pregnant with my first son and her first grandchild in 1992. Arlene visited me almost every day. Her husband was terminal and passed when my son was 6 weeks, she retrogressed quick. In 1993, we were expecting my second child. The family requested her presence for his birth, maybe it'd help her remember she was a grandmother. Absolutely! On January 14, 1994, she witnessed her second grandsons birth. The nurse placed my son in my arms. She stood next to me, her son wasn't the second to hold her grandson, he helped place our son in her arms. By the end of 1994, she didn't recognize her grandsons. She had 4 children. Each of us took care of her 1 week out of the month until late 1997. Visual and audible hallucinations were endangering her life. The most valuable lesson learned was how effective calmness is. A calm voice, gentle actions, slow movement and try staying in their view. Explaining what you're doing helps ease fear (Bathing, describe the soap, wash cloth and their purpose. Ask about the water temperature. Explain body parts you're going to wash, ask if they'd like to help. Let them see water coming out of the shower head, running water over the body can scare them) It's important to always remember, dementia can be very intimidating and deceptive. Dementia does not have a profile. I found Arlene did much better when you gave her a sense of independence and purpose. It's not always necessary to correct them if they're doing something wrong (As long as it's harmless. Example, folding clothes. She's roll them, put them aside. My approach was, "Would you like to see how I fold clothes?" She was interested and attempted to mimic) As simple as these incidents seem, it's not because dementia causes confusion, frustration, anger, fear and insecurity. Dementia intrigues me. On February 13, 2015, her son (Father of my boys) passed unexpectedly. Her oldest son and I visited her. Tears rolled down her cheeks when we informed her. I realized, she may be catatonic but understood. On February 13, 2016, one year to the date, she reunited with her son.
  • Managed challenging behaviors in dementia patients using de-escalation techniques, creating a calm atmosphere within the care setting.
  • Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming tasks.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Maintained a clean and safe environment for patients, reducing the risk of infections and accidents.
  • Facilitated meal planning, preparation, feeding assistance as needed while adhering to specific dietary restrictions or requirements.
  • Enhanced patient mobility by assisting with transfers, ambulation, and range of motion exercises.
  • Responded to patient emergencies with immediate care and notified clinicians to provide comprehensive assistance.
  • Provided respite care for family caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge while ensuring the continued well-being of their loved one.
  • Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
  • Assisted in transferring patients, beds and patient care equipment to other rooms adhering to necessary safety precautions.
  • Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
  • Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
  • Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
  • Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
  • Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
  • Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.

EMT-I Volunteer

Lisbon Fire Department (Volunteer)
02.1995 - 11.1997
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of medical protocols and procedures to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatments.
  • Minimized complications from traumatic injuries by performing rapid assessments, applying splints or bandages as required.
  • Collaborated with other first responders for successful on-scene management and patient stabilization.
  • Implemented and maintained infection control standards to reduce risks of disease transmission among patients, colleagues, and the public.
  • Increased patient satisfaction with compassionate care, clear explanations, and active listening.
  • Delivered comprehensive patient reports to hospital staff upon arrival to facilitate seamless transitions of care.
  • Improved patient care by efficiently assessing and treating emergency medical situations.
  • Ensured proper equipment maintenance for optimal functionality in the field.
  • Provided high-quality pre-hospital care, including vital sign monitoring, wound care, and administering medications as needed.
  • Demonstrated adaptability under pressure when facing unexpected challenges or limited resources during critical incidents.
  • Safely transported patients between facilities while monitoring their condition en route to support continuity of care.
  • Streamlined record-keeping by accurately documenting all aspects of each call in a timely manner.
  • Maintained levelheadedness and efficiency in high-pressure situations, effectively prioritizing tasks to save lives and provide medical care.
  • Evaluated patient vital signs and status to determine care needs using pulse oximeters and electronic vital sign machines.
  • Controlled wounds and injuries en-route to hospitals, prepping patients for advanced treatments or maintaining conditions pre-arrival.
  • Communicated with patients about pain, comfort, and needs during transportation and preliminary medical care.
  • Developed and maintained rapport with coworkers and local hospital staff to facilitate efficient patient care.
  • Utilized oxygen tanks, EKG and IVs to perform various medical procedures.
  • Collaborated with medical professionals to communicate patient needs with accuracy and speed using hospital and medical codes.
  • Administered CPR, oxygen and other life-saving medical treatments.
  • Assisted with lifting and moving patients.
  • Followed all safety protocols and took necessary precautions while providing care.
  • Responded to 911 calls for medical emergencies.
  • Assessed medical conditions of patients in pre-hospital settings.
  • Immobilized patient for placement on stretcher and ambulance transport.
  • Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
  • Continuously refined skills through ongoing education and training opportunities relevant to emergency medical services.
  • Upheld strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing emergency medical services operations at all times.

Private Babysitter

Shiela Burelle
08.1989 - 05.1994
  • Collaborated with parents to ensure consistency in childcare approach between home and babysitter settings.
  • Maintained a clean, organized, and safe home environment for children under care.
  • Prepared nutritious meals and snacks to meet dietary needs of the children.
  • Established a consistent daily routine for the children, promoting healthy habits and time management skills.
  • Promoted educational development by assisting with homework and school projects.
  • Facilitated independence among the children by teaching them self-care tasks such as dressing themselves or brushing their teeth.
  • Administered first aid or medication as needed, following parent instructions and medical guidelines.
  • Provided overnight care when required, attending to nighttime routines and any issues that arose during the night.
  • Prioritized safety while transporting the children to various locations using car seats/boosters according to state regulations.
  • Assisted with meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry to support family with additional chores.
  • Communicated positively with children and guardians.
  • Communicated with parents regarding children's progress and development, raising any issues.
  • Bathed, dressed, and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
  • Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
  • Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
  • Reassured children when upset providing emotional support and stability.
  • Administered medications by following strict instructions from parents.
  • Taught children basic life skills, manners and personal hygiene.
  • Monitored children's play activities to verify safety.
  • Helped children complete homework assignments and school projects.
  • Identified warning signs of emotional and developmental problems in children.

Education

No Degree - Water Rescue

Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu, HI
05-1998

No Degree - Paramedic Certification

Three Rivers Community College
Norwich
05-1996

No Degree - EMT Certification

Quinebaug Valley Community College
Danielson, CT
06-1995

High School Diploma -

Montville High School
Oakdale
06-1989

Skills

  • Behavioral management
  • Vital signs monitoring
  • End of life care
  • Continuing education
  • Diabetes management
  • Seizure precautions
  • Mobility support
  • Range of motion exercises
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Adaptable
  • ADL support
  • Patient positioning
  • Infection control standards
  • Infection prevention
  • Sterilization techniques
  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Healthy meal preparation
  • Hospice and palliative care
  • Medical equipment operation
  • Information protection
  • Safety protocols
  • Bed preparation
  • Monitoring patient conditions
  • Patient-focused care
  • Dementia Care

  • Direct patient care
  • Patient safety management
  • Patient relationship building
  • Companionship and emotional support
  • Behavior redirection
  • Documenting behaviors
  • Patient assessments
  • Transporting patients
  • Preparing meals
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Personal care aide
  • Observing responses
  • Client documentation
  • Vital signs
  • Supporting personal needs
  • Responding to emergencies
  • Medical terminology knowledge
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Reliability
  • Effective communication
  • Bedside manner

Accomplishments

  • Achieved calmness through effectively helping with deescalating techniques.
  • Achieved productivity through effectively helping with instructions.
  • Achieved trust through effectively with honesty, transparency, responsibility, reliability, compassion and patience. Be mindful of the possibility of previous caretakers letting client's down. You have to prove yourself by remaining committed. In time, with consistency, they'll trust you.
  • Achieved a sense of independence. security and confidence by having a client engage in tasks such as personal hygiene, oral care, preparing a meal together, eating together. Never telling them they're wrong, instead offer suggestions, "Would you like to see my method?"
  • Achieved sense of adventure by getting out for a walk, shopping, enjoying a meal or beverage at an establishment outside of the home or taking a ride. Staying within the client's comfort zone. Caring for elderly or disabilities shouldn't be just a paycheck, developing a bond is rewarding. It doesn't hurt to clock out, stay with the client until a task is complete.
  • Documented and resolved transportation which led to fear.
  • Comprehension and lack of fear has been established in a soft tone with easy and clear instructions. Telling the person what you're doing, even asking if they'd like to help.

Affiliations

  • GT Independence
  • Quality Homemakers Inc
  • My Family
  • Walsh Family

Certification

  • National Caregiver Certification Program
  • Connecticut Dept. of Social Services: Standardized Training for Personal Care Assistants for Agency Based PCA's
  • Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
  • Universal Precautions/Blood Borne Pathogens/Infection Control
  • Essentials of Safe Care and Transfers for New Employees
  • CHRO's TWO-HOUR Online Sexual Harassment Prevention
  • Connecticut Driver's License
  • First Aid Certification

Languages

English
Full Professional

Interests

  • Reading
  • I enjoy sketching and drawing, which helps improve my creativity and attention to detail
  • Meditation to relax, reduce stress, clear my mind
  • Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
  • Team Sports
  • Historical Exploration
  • Mindfulness Practices
  • Animal Care
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Interior Design
  • Drawing and Painting
  • I participate in various sports activities for physical activity, camaraderie, and personal growth
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
  • I have a passion for photography and editing photos
  • Strategy Games
  • Learning new cooking techniques and expanding my culinary skills
  • Avid Reader
  • I enjoy helping others and giving back to the community
  • I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles
  • Watching Movies and TV Shows
  • Music
  • Backpacking and Hiking
  • Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Regularly practice mindfulness and meditation for overall wellness
  • Passionate about balancing physical health with mental and emotional wellness
  • Photography
  • Road Trips
  • Personal Development and Self-Improvement

Timeline

PCA

Gt Independence
10.2024 - Current

PCA

Quality Homemakers
10.2024 - Current

PCA

Peter Minta
04.2019 - Current

EMT-I Volunteer

Lisbon Fire Department (Volunteer)
02.1995 - 11.1997

PCA

Arlene Walsh
04.1991 - 02.2016

Private Babysitter

Shiela Burelle
08.1989 - 05.1994

No Degree - Water Rescue

Hawaii Pacific University

No Degree - Paramedic Certification

Three Rivers Community College

No Degree - EMT Certification

Quinebaug Valley Community College

High School Diploma -

Montville High School
Faith Marie Bernat