Donna Azarraga
Weslaco,TX
Summary
Seasoned Charge Nurse with comprehensive experience in acute patient care, staff supervision and healthcare administration. Strong background in nursing leadership, coupled with ability to manage high-stress situations and make critical decisions under pressure. Demonstrated success in fostering strong relationships with patients and team members, thereby improving overall unit efficiency and patient satisfaction.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Charge Nurse
Knapp Medical Center
Weslaco, TX
01.2010 - 03.2017
- Assisted in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
- Evaluated patient outcomes against established standards of care.
- Coordinated communication between physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Conducted daily rounds to assess patient conditions, evaluate progress towards goals, and document changes in status or plan of care as needed.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to ensure best practice standards were met within the unit setting.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress toward desired outcomes.
- Collaborated with other departments such as pharmacy, laboratory services, physical therapy, to ensure proper delivery of services.
- Delegated tasks appropriately among staff members according to their qualifications.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Ensured compliance with infection control protocols throughout the facility.
- Provided emotional support for families facing difficult decisions regarding end-of-life care.
- Supervised licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants.
- Coordinated and performed patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Organized and delegated tasks during rapid response and high-pressure code situations.
RN-Staff Nurse Medical/Oncology Unit
Knapp Medical
Weslaco, TX
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Assessed, monitored and documented patient vital signs, medical history and physical condition.
- Provided direct patient care, including administering medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Educated patients and families on disease prevention and management of chronic conditions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members to develop individualized care plans for each patient.
- Administered intravenous fluids and medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities for patients leaving the hospital setting.
- Maintained accurate records of patient health information and treatment plans in electronic health record systems.
- Responded quickly to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest or trauma cases.
- Assisted physicians with diagnostic tests such as X-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds,thoracentesis,lumbar tap,and irrigation and debridement of infectious wounds.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Baptist Medical Center East
Louisville, Kentucky
03.2005 - 12.2006
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
- Provided basic patient care by taking vital signs, measuring height and weight, and recording intake and output.
- Reported changes in patient condition to registered nurse or physician.
- Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients on a regular schedule to prevent bedsores.
- Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
- Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
Registered Nurse
Ministry of Health,Fujairah
Fujairah, UAE
03.1998 - 10.2003
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital
Iloilo City, Philippines
05.1995 - 01.1998
- Assessed, monitored and documented patient progress on a daily basis.
- Provided direct nursing care to medical-surgical patients including assessments, treatments, medications and documentation of care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop individualized patient plans of care.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing techniques.
- Adhered to hospital policies and procedures while providing quality patient centered care.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Central Philippine University
Iloilo City, Philippines 04-1994
Skills
- Licensed RN
- Process evaluation
- Patient Assessment
- Evidence-based nursing
- Team Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Ward Management
Timeline
Charge Nurse
Knapp Medical Center
01.2010 - 03.2017
RN-Staff Nurse Medical/Oncology Unit
Knapp Medical
01.2007 - 12.2009
Certified Nursing Assistant
Baptist Medical Center East
03.2005 - 12.2006
Registered Nurse
Ministry of Health,Fujairah
03.1998 - 10.2003
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Iloilo Doctor’s Hospital
05.1995 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Central Philippine University