Itzel A Cortes-Perez
El Paso,USA
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing and over 10 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, specializing in family medicine, pediatrics, women's health, and ENT. Proven expertise in strategic planning, team leadership, and creative problem-solving to enhance patient health outcomes and satisfaction. Committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care while fostering strong patient relationships within a collaborative healthcare team. Fast learner with a friendly demeanor, adept at building rapport with colleagues and patients, ensuring that the best care is provided in alignment with hospital SOPs and professional standards. Prepared to start career and make meaningful contributions with commitment and drive.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, PACU
WBAMC
10.2023 - Current
- Administered post-anesthesia care to patients, ensuring safety and comfort during recovery.
- Monitored vital signs and assessed patient conditions to identify potential complications.
- Collaborated with surgical teams to facilitate smooth transitions from surgery to recovery room.
- Educated patients and families on post-operative care instructions for effective recovery at home.
- Mentored new nursing staff in PACU protocols, fostering a culture of continuous learning and support.
- Provided timely interventions to address airway management complications such as respiratory depression or obstruction in post-operative patients.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during the recovery process, easing anxiety related to surgery outcomes.
- Assisted physicians with bedside procedures in the PACU setting, such as wound care, dressing changes, and insertion of invasive monitoring devices.
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues through active participation in huddles, meetings, initiatives, and collaborative projects within the department.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
ENT Family Nurse Practitioner Student
El Paso Head and Neck Surgery
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to determine health status and care needs.
- Develop individualized care plans in collaboration with healthcare team members.
- Perform diagnostic procedures and interpret results for effective treatment planning.
- Educate patients on health management, preventive care, and medication adherence.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Assessed patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Performed minor surgical procedures, handling suturing and wound care.
- Informed patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Coordinated care with other healthcare professionals, promoting optimal patient outcomes.
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Facilitated patient referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication that facilitated better understanding of medical conditions and treatments.
- Helped patients manage acute and chronic pain.
- Performed diagnostic tests and interpreted results to inform clinical decision-making processes.
- Assisted in the implementation of evidence-based protocols to enhance patient outcomes and safety standards.
- Liaised with healthcare teams to determine best course of action for patients.
- Participated in hospital committees or working groups to promote best course of action on a case by case scenario with CA patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing individualized care plans.
Family Nurse Practitioner Student
Village Medical Centers
09.2024 - 04.2025
- Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to determine health status and care needs.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans for diverse patient populations.
- Performed diagnostic tests and interpreted results to guide treatment decisions.
- Educated patients and families on disease prevention, management, healthy lifestyle choices and health promotion.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Assessed patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
- Facilitated patient referrals to specialists and other healthcare providers.
- Monitored patient condition and progress, ordering appropriate laboratory tests.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication that facilitated better understanding of medical conditions and treatments.
- Utilized telemedicine technology to provide remote consultations, increasing access to healthcare services for rural patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal patient care, ensuring timely interventions and treatment plans.
- Documented patient encounters accurately in electronic health records for compliance and continuity of care.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities, coordinating care among various specialists to ensure comprehensive treatment plans.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and empathetic care to diverse populations.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
Family Nurse Practitioner Student
OBGYN WBAMC
01.2025 - 02.2025
- Educated patients and families on disease prevention, management, and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and streamline care processes.
- Assisted in quality improvement initiatives to enhance clinical practices and patient satisfaction.
- Improved patient outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing individualized care plans.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted treatments accordingly.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Monitored patient condition and progress, ordering appropriate laboratory tests.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Provided patient-centered care in variety of clinical settings.
- Educated patients about reproductive health issues and dispensed contraceptives.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Administered immunizations and performed other preventive health measures.
- Informed patients and families on disease prevention and health promotion.
- Performed minor surgical procedures, handling suturing and wound care.
- Utilized customized patient teaching tools to support patients.
- Assisted in prescribing medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Optimized patient care plans, incorporating patient feedback and preferences to increase treatment adherence.
- Improved efficiency in electronic health record management, ensuring accurate and up-to-date patient information.
- Improved patient understanding and compliance by developing and delivering clear educational materials on disease management.
- Achieved high levels of patient trust, utilizing excellent communication skills to establish rapport.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
Pediatrics Family Nurse Practitioner Student
Border Pediatrics
01.2025 - 02.2025
- Conduct comprehensive health assessments to diagnose and manage acute and chronic conditions.
- Develop individualized treatment plans in collaboration with patients and healthcare teams.
- Educate patients on preventive care, health promotion, and lifestyle modifications.
- Utilize electronic health records to document patient interactions and treatment outcomes efficiently.
- Performed comprehensive physical assessments, accurately diagnosing conditions, and determining appropriate interventions.
- Managed acute and chronic illnesses, developing personalized treatment plans that addressed patients'' unique needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to concerns.
- Provided mental health support by assessing emotional well-being, offering counseling services, and referring patients to specialists when needed.
- Assisted in recommending prescribed medications or treatments based on patient medical assessments.
- Coordinated care with other healthcare professionals, promoting optimal patient outcomes.
- Conducted screenings, diagnostic treatment, and rehabilitative services on primary health care team.
- Assessed patient needs, clearly communicating diagnosis and treatment plans to patients and families.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
- Scheduled and followed up on patient appointments, maximizing continuity of care.
- Educated patients about reproductive health issues and dispensed contraceptives.
- Administered immunizations and performed other preventive health measures.
- Performed patient physicals for school sports clearance.
- Educated parents on child health, nutrition, and preventive measures during routine check-ups.
- Educated parents on preventive healthcare measures, promoting overall wellness within the pediatric population.
- Enhanced patient experience by providing comprehensive pediatric care and addressing individual needs.
- Coordinated referrals to specialists, ensuring timely appointments and continuity of care for patients.
- Contributed to creating a welcoming environment for young patients by designing an engaging waiting area equipped with age-appropriate activities and materials.
- Assisted physicians in conducting thorough physical examinations of pediatric patients, ensuring accurate diagnoses.
- Provided compassionate care to children with chronic illnesses, coordinating ongoing treatment plans and monitoring progress over time.
Gastroenterology/Endoscopy
William Beaumont Army Medical Center
01.2021 - 10.2023
- RN performs comprehensive telephone and clinical triaging, and screens walk-in patients to assess the severity of the patient’s condition and the need for provider intervention for patients in a clinical outpatient care setting. Follows-up care with patients on results of radiologic studies, laboratory, medical tests and additional treatment requirements. Establish the priorities for patient care and evaluates patients’ progress toward a high-level of wellness. Assess patient to include monitoring VS, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, nutritional status to include screening patients for substance abuse and verifies drug and food allergies. Screen patients charts to assess the H&P and determine health care needs and initiates and updates accurate patient records which document the quality of nursing care; reflects achievement of predetermined patient goals, using the appropriate electronic charting and/or manual documentation to perform patient charting. Provides plans, administers, oversees, and documents specialized, complex nursing care to patients with various acute or chronic GI diseases to include biliary and pancreatic disorders in accordance with the nursing standards of practice, licensed independent provider, and established policies and procedures. RN formulates patients care plans by using the nursing process. Assesses and identifies normal to abnormal patients’ conditions; identifies problems; implements and or develops nursing orders; conducts nursing intervention and planning of care given. Collaborates/Communicates with the physician for the administration of safe and effective moderate sedation. Prepares and administers oral and IV medications/analgesics in accordance with (IAW) WBAMC moderate sedation policy. Administers medication in a safe manner utilizing the 7 rights. Admits, transfers and discharges patients. Prepares patients for surgical and/or diagnostic procedures. Observes for any drug reactions and side effects; initiates appropriate action for adverse drug reactions and the protocol for correction of drug dysfunction. Documents and provides appropriate nursing care and works within the confines of the RN scope of practice IAW all applicable regulations and clinical guidelines as defined by section SOP’s, DHA, the American Nurses Association. Supports patients who are apprehensive about procedures by using the techniques of education and compassion. Performs and observes patients during a variety of complex diagnostic studies and procedures to include colonoscopies, EGDs, EUSs’, ERCPs, Hepatic Tissues Biopsies, Bravo Capsule application. By using critical nursing skills, continually monitors, assesses, and documents the patient’s condition, providing nursing intervention and documentation per protocol. Monitors all ongoing processes including moderate sedation, aseptic techniques, equipment functions, patient procedure response and initiates/intervenes with the correct action as needed. Recognizes, identifies, and interprets serious situations to independently determine and implement proper emergency/lifesaving measures by often identifying and interpreting life-threatening conditions. Applies clinical knowledge to solve both administrative and professional healthcare problems related to the endoscopy program and endoscopic services.
- 40hr/week
Same Day Surgery/PACU
William Beaumont Army Medical Center
05.2019 - 01.2021
- Perform independent, comprehensive telephone and clinical triaging. Admit, transfer, and discharge patients. Prepare patients for surgery and/or procedure on their day of surgery such as cardiac catheterization, radiology interventions, ocular procedures, gastroenterology procedures, etc. Develop comprehensive nursing care plan based on nursing assessments and diagnoses. Ensure history and physicals, consent(s), orders, and all assigned paperwork are correct. Prepare patient ready for surgery. Initiate PIV’s administer antibiotics and/or mix and administer prescribed routine and emergency oral, rectal, subcutaneous, intravenous and intramuscular medications. Performed as the unit’s Point-of-care site trainer. Trained, update, and audit Accucheck devices and HCG control testing. Set up, operate, and monitor specialized medical equipment. Observe, monitor, and assess patient's conditions. After recovery from surgery in Post-Anesthesia Care, patients return to SDS for recovery. Perform recovery duties for patients recovering from a wide variety of routine to highly complex surgical procedures. Accurately assess surgical site and instruct patient on care. Provide education to patients, families and/or care givers in terms of health care maintenance, self-care, discharge planning, treatment options, possible reactions to medications and follow-up appointments. Discontinue PIV. Track patient’s comprehensive assessment, vital signs, and patient condition to ensure a safe discharge. Perform administrative duties in the absence of the charge nurse. Rotate charge nurse for floor and distribute workload and tasks among personnel based on their competency level and experience. Make adjustments to assignments to accomplish work in accordance with priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of task and procedures. Recognize and identify critical patient safety/risk management issues. Interpret critical situations and call physician or take pre-planned emergency measures when physician is not immediately available. Initiate and chart accurate patient records.
- 40hr/week
Pediatric Diabetes Management RN
Maxim Healthcare Services
11.2017 - 05.2019
- RN applies professional knowledge and skill to support the health and well-being of the CYS children in accordance with the established CYS policies. Provide direct or consultative nursing care based on each child’s medical action plan and corresponding medical history provided by the child’s health care provider. Counsel family members in regards of health maintenance and illness prevention. Facilitate the CYS personnel, peers, and parents an understanding of the unique accommodations needed for each child by acquiring the necessary information regarding local, state, and national resources. Coordinate programs and services for the child who needs nursing services. Perform observations, accommodations, and diabetes management tasks per guidance of the COR and not limited to management of insulin pump or sliding scale and management of carbohydrate count. Perform case management duties to include tracking of timelines and review dates, at the direction of the COR. Always maintain accurate documentation of progress for the child and work with the COR, CYS management, CYS staff and the Army Public Health Nurse to ensure that information is properly documented. Input data in the Child’s Management System (CYMS) and program files when permitted.
- 40hr/week
Home Health Care
Master Care Services
12.2016 - 12.2018
- Allow geriatric or pediatric residents to continue with their routine life at the comfort of their home. Provide nursing care to residents by implementing assessment, diagnosis, planning, interventions and evaluating outcomes. Coordinating with patients’ medical providers to verify home care needs. Communicated with supervisor as needed. Provided patient and family education as needed regarding importance of health promotion and disease prevention. Proficient with the care of tracheostomies, gastrostomy tubes, TPN management, Foley catheters, PICC Lines, wound care, IV management, medication administration. Prepared updates on patient progress and maintained accurate and detailed charts per assessments and interventions.
- 24hrs/week
Care Consultant
Wilson Home Healthcare
03.2017 - 08.2017
- Providing care at the home of the client. Provide medical advice to the clients/ caregivers during or after office hours in the case of emergency situations. Assist the patient/ CNAs/Caregiver in regards of care for the client. Routinely client monthly or quarterly home visits. Communicate with VA nurses or physicians in regards for the plan of care for the client. Update plan of care for the client based on home visits and client's needs. Provided assessments of each patient’s home health care requirements. Routinely recorded patient vitals during home visits. Prepared updates on patient’s progress to determine extent of home health care needs. Assist with LTC insurance assessments as needed. Communicate with healthcare insurances and hospice agencies in regards for the care of the client.
- 40hrs/week
Long Term Care
Palolo Chinese Nursing Home
12.2016 - 03.2017
- Care and communicate with adult/geriatric residents, care of gastrostomy tubes, total parenteral nutrition, oral suctioning, glucose levels check, wound care, suture care, urinary catheterization, catheter care, IV insertion/IV therapy, antibiotic therapy, PICC line care, IM/SC injections, pain management, lab culture collection, medication administration, hospice care, assisting physicians and hospice nurses with plan of care, patient education and patient discharge; and assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of interventions and treatment.
- 40hrs/week
Honolulu Department of Health
Altres Medical Staffing
12.2016 - 03.2017
- Assist with the Department of Health by administering shots in different school areas during flu season. Assist as an RN in a clinic setting practicing assessments, interventions and evaluations on students. Administer medications according to appropriate plan of care. Provide first aid as needed. Work with administrative paperwork for the clinic such as archiving or filling out student's health forms and medical clearance.
- 24hrs/week
ER Registered Nurse Residency
University Medical Center
02.2016 - 07.2016
- Nursing level I trauma care for adult and pediatric patients, surgical drains care, nasogastric and orogastric tubes, Ostomy care, wound vac/wound care, ventilator care, urinary catheterization, properly chart vital signs, glucose levels and intake and output information, assisting physicians with pelvic exam and chest tube insertions, IV/IV drips management, pain management, PCA pump administration, culture collection, blood and medication administration, psychiatric evaluations; and assessment, planning, implementing and evaluation of interventions and treatment. Assists health care providers with examinations and procedures.
- 36hrs/week
- Transitioning Program for New Graduate RN to RN I.
- 8hrs/week
Education
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Simmons University
Boston, MA05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Texas At El Paso
El Paso, TX12.2015
High School Diploma -
Burges High School
El Paso, TX06.2011
Skills
- Strong clinical judgment
- Care coordination
- Compassionate care
- Assessment techniques
- Cardiac monitoring
- Test interpretations
- Post-anesthesia care and discharge planning
- Chronic disease management
- Women's health exams
- EMR / EHR
- Pediatric advanced life support (PALS)
- Pediatric basic trauma life support (PBTLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- IV Insertion, blood draw and sample collection
- Ethical practice
- Student precepting
Affiliations
American Nurses Association (ANA) Member
Certification
- ACLS Expires September 2026
- PALS Expires September 2026
- BCLS Expires January 2026
- Basic EKG Interpreter
- Discussing Hospice Care
- RN Expires: June 2026 State: TX
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
HONORS AND ORGANIZATIONS
- Honor Society of Nursing Sigma Theta Tau International Member since 2015
- Golden Key Honour Society Member since 2012
Timeline
ENT Family Nurse Practitioner Student
El Paso Head and Neck Surgery
01.2025 - 04.2025
Family Nurse Practitioner Student
OBGYN WBAMC
01.2025 - 02.2025
Pediatrics Family Nurse Practitioner Student
Border Pediatrics
01.2025 - 02.2025
Family Nurse Practitioner Student
Village Medical Centers
09.2024 - 04.2025
Registered Nurse, PACU
WBAMC
10.2023 - Current
Gastroenterology/Endoscopy
William Beaumont Army Medical Center
01.2021 - 10.2023
Same Day Surgery/PACU
William Beaumont Army Medical Center
05.2019 - 01.2021
Pediatric Diabetes Management RN
Maxim Healthcare Services
11.2017 - 05.2019
Care Consultant
Wilson Home Healthcare
03.2017 - 08.2017
Home Health Care
Master Care Services
12.2016 - 12.2018
Long Term Care
Palolo Chinese Nursing Home
12.2016 - 03.2017
Honolulu Department of Health
Altres Medical Staffing
12.2016 - 03.2017
ER Registered Nurse Residency
University Medical Center
02.2016 - 07.2016
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
Simmons University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Texas At El Paso
High School Diploma -
Burges High School