Glaiza Salao Cruz
Summary
Dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse with over 19 years of diverse clinical and academic experience across the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Began career as a Clinical Instructor in a nursing school in the Philippines (2006–2011), providing foundational education and practical training to future caregivers. Transitioned into clinical practice as an Ambulatory General Surgery and Wound Care Nurse in Saudi Arabia (2011–2016), gaining in-depth experience in outpatient surgical procedures and wound management. Continued specialization as a Wound Care Nurse in the UAE (2016–2019), delivering personalized care in community and home settings dealing with Epidermolysis Bullosa cases, acute and chronic wound care. Since 2019, serving as an Ambulatory Nurse in the Vascular Surgery Clinic at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, with a focus on vascular assessments, pre- and post-operative care, and chronic wound management. Recognized for clinical competence, patient-centered care, and strong multidisciplinary collaboration.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Heart , Vascular, Thoracic Institute
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
09.2019 - 07.2025
- Performed comprehensive assessments of patients with vascular conditions including peripheral artery disease (PAD), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, and chronic wounds.
- Monitored vital signs, circulatory status, and wound healing progress; identified and escalated signs of complications (e.g., ischemia, infection).
- Reviewed and interpreted diagnostic imaging and lab results to assist in patient evaluation and care planning.
- Educated patients and families on upcoming procedures, expected outcomes, and post-procedural care instructions.
- Coordinated pre-op testing, obtained consents, and ensured readiness for vascular interventions (e.g., angioplasty, stenting, ablation).
- Provided post-procedure follow-up, including dressing changes, wound care, pain management, and vascular assessments.
- Assisted physicians with in-clinic procedures such as sclerotherapy, vein ablation follow-ups, and wound debridement.
- Administered medications, injections, and IV therapy in accordance with physician orders and scope of practice.
- Maintained sterile technique and ensured patient safety during all procedures.
- Collaborated with vascular surgeons, wound care teams, podiatrists, and primary care providers to coordinate patient care.
- Scheduled imaging studies, specialist referrals, and follow-up visits; communicated test results and physician instructions to patients.
- Documented all assessments, interventions, and patient communications accurately in the Epic.
- Educated patients on vascular health, medication adherence, smoking cessation, exercise, and proper use of compression therapy.
- Acted as a primary point of contact for patients, addressing questions and providing guidance throughout the treatment process.
- Promoted lifestyle changes to support vascular health and reduce the risk of disease progression.
- Adhered to clinic policies, infection control standards, and nursing best practices.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and clinical efficiency.
- Completed ongoing continuing education to stay current in vascular nursing practices.
- Key Responsibilities:
- Patient Assessment & Clinical Care
- Pre- and Post-Procedure Support
- Clinical Procedures & Treatment
- Care Coordination & Documentation
- Patient Education & Advocacy
- Compliance & Quality Assurance
Wound Care Nurse, Home Care Setting
British American Health Care (CARF Accredited)
10.2016 - 08.2019
- Wound Assessment & Management
Delivered skilled nursing care in home settings, specializing in advanced wound care.
Conducted comprehensive wound assessments for pressure injuries, diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds, and trauma-related wounds.
Utilized standardized tools such as the Braden Scale and EB Disease Activity Scarring Index to monitor healing progress. - Specialized Care for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB)
Provided gentle, non-traumatic wound care for patients with EB using non-adherent dressings.
Employed techniques to minimize pain, friction, and further skin damage. - Care Planning & Coordination
Developed and implemented individualized, evidence-based wound care plans in collaboration with physicians and interdisciplinary teams.
Coordinated referrals to wound care clinics, dermatologists, and specialty services for complex cases. - Patient & Caregiver Education
Educated patients and caregivers on wound care techniques, dressing changes, infection prevention, and strategies to maintain skin integrity. - Clinical Practice & Documentation
Administered medications including topical agents, analgesics, and antibiotics, monitoring for efficacy and side effects.
Maintained accurate and timely documentation in compliance with home health policies and HIPAA standards. - Professional Leadership
Served as a resource and mentor for home health staff on best practices in wound and skin care.
Kept current with WOCN, NPUAP/EPUAP, and EB-specific guidelines.
Wound Care Nurse/ General Surgery Nurse/Day Procedure Unit
Saad Specialist Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: JCI Accredited
- Perform comprehensive wound assessments, develop individualized care plans, and document progress using EMR.
- Apply and manage Unna boots for venous leg ulcers and monitor for signs of arterial compromise or skin breakdown.
- Administer and maintain VAC dressings (NPWT), ensuring seal integrity, pressure settings, and proper drainage output.
- Collaborate with wound care teams, surgeons, and physical therapists to optimize healing outcomes.
- Manage post-operative patients, including surgical site care, drain management, pain control, and early mobility support.
- Educate patients and families on at-home wound care techniques, signs of infection, and follow-up requirements.
- Monitor for signs of wound complications such as infection, delayed healing, or pressure injuries.
- General Surgery Nurse Responsibilities
- Pre-operative Care
- Post-operative Monitoring
- Drain and Dressing Management
- Discharge Planning and Education
Clinical Instructor
Eastwoods Professional College of Science and Technology
2006 - 2011
- Supervised students during clinical duties in caregiving and nursing settings, ensuring adherence to patient safety and proper care standards.
- Facilitated classroom instruction on theoretical concepts including patient care, anatomy & physiology, basic pharmacology, and first aid.
- Conducted skills demonstrations and supervised hands-on return demonstrations (e.g., bed bathing, vital signs taking, mobility assistance, wound care).
- Assessed student competencies through performance evaluations, written exams, and practical tests aligned with TESDA or CHED competency standards.
- Coordinated with hospital staff, elderly homes, and community health centers to facilitate students' clinical immersion and training.
- Prepared and submitted student evaluation reports, attendance, and other documentation required by TESDA or the institution.
- Maintained an environment conducive to learning and encouraged students to uphold ethical caregiving and nursing practices.
- Participated in curriculum development, syllabus updating, and teaching material preparation to align with current healthcare trends and standards.
- Provided mentoring and academic support to students struggling with theoretical or clinical performance.
- Ensured compliance with institutional policies, TESDA regulations (for caregiving), and CHED guidelines (for practical nursing instruction).
- Key Responsibilities:
- Trained and supervised the practical nurse and caregivers in different institutions.
- Psychiatric Nursing Mariveles Mental ward, Philippines
- Bataan General Hospital Philippines
- Orani District Hospital Philippines
- Bahay puso Home for the Aged Philippines
- Bagac district Hospital, Philippines
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Bataan Polytechnic State University
03-2006
Skills
- Patient Assessment & Care Planning
- Wound assessment and treatment
- Infection safety protocols
- Experienced with EPIC electronic medical records
- IV Therapy & Phlebotomy
- Wound Vac Therapy
- Unna Boot
- Effective communication within teams
- Cultural Sensitivity & Patient Advocacy
- Computer skills
- Calm under pressure
- Time management
- Optimistic communication style
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Service excellence
- Strategic issue analysis
Accomplishments
- Registered Nurse– California State License # 95433686 (Current)
- Registered Nurse – New York State License # 850865 (Current)
- Registered Nurse– United Arab Emirates License #31060
- Registered Nurse– Kingdom of Saudi Arabia License #11-K-N-003059
- Registered Nurse– Philippines License # 0403995
· Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association, up to March 2027 Abu Dhabi UAE
· New York Infection control and Barrier Precautions
· Identification and reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment
· Abu dhabi International Vascular Conference Abu Dhabi UAE
· Annual Abu Dhabi International Interprofessional Wound Care Conference. Abu Dhabi UAE
· Ostomy Care Management Course, IIWCC, Abu Dhabi UAE
· Pain managementAbu Dhabi UAE
· Management of Chronic wounds Abu Dhabi UAE
· Southern Indiana University USA, Wound Management Certificate program, United States.
· KCI (VAC) Nursing Workshop Vacuum Assisted Closure Negative pressure wound therapy. SAAD Specialist Hospital KSA
· Basic Training in Wound Care Specialty at Armed Forces Hospital-Dharan KSA
· Patient Centered Care at John Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, KSA
· Wound Care Workshop at SAAD Specialist Hospital KSA
· Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer SAAD Specialist Hospital KSA.
· Preceptor Workshops at SAAD Specialist Hospital KSA
· Charged Nurse Workshop at SAAD Specialist Hospital KS
· Preceptorship Training-Out Patient Department, Bataan General Hospital Philippines
· National Certificate II in Caregiving Skills, TESDA Philippines
· Competency of Assessors Course, TESDA Philippines
· Trainers Methodology Training Program TM1, TESDA Philippines
· Mariveles Mental Ward Training. Mariveles Bataan Philippines
· National Certificate, Healthcare Services NC II, TESDA Philippines
Spoken Languages
Filipino and English
Timeline
Heart , Vascular, Thoracic Institute
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
09.2019 - 07.2025
Wound Care Nurse, Home Care Setting
British American Health Care (CARF Accredited)
10.2016 - 08.2019
Wound Care Nurse/ General Surgery Nurse/Day Procedure Unit
Saad Specialist Hospital
01.2011 - 01.2016
Clinical Instructor
Eastwoods Professional College of Science and Technology
2006 - 2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Bataan Polytechnic State University
PERSONAL INFORMATION
- Date of Birth: November 18, 1984
- Nationality: Filipino
- Sex: Female
- Civil Status: Married
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