John Cerna
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with solid foundation in therapeutic practices and patient care. Skilled in developing individualized treatment plans, assisting with therapeutic activities, and maintaining accurate patient records. Strong focus on teamwork and achieving patient outcomes, and adaptable to changing clinical needs. Military background in healthcare with prior experience in direct patient care and team orientated approach. Reliable with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Motivated and devoted to the Occupation Therapy profession.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
COTA PRN
Kindred Hospital San Antonio (LTAC)
08.2024 - Current
- Monitored patients' performance in therapy activities and modifications made as needed to help patient engage in therapeutic tasks.
- Collaborated/communicated with supervising OTR to ensure maximum care and therapeutic interventions for patients.
- Collaborated with PT, SLP, nursing staff, patient caregivers and family to assist with discharge plans and discuss patient progress.
- Aided in improvement of sensory, cognitive and physical function for adults with various disabilities by implementing treatments consistent with the plan of care.
- Utilized creative problem-solving skills to address unique challenges faced by individuals during their rehabilitation process.
- Documented patient progress accurately and consistently, enabling efficient communication among healthcare team members.
- Improved overall functioning of patients by addressing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects in a holistic manner.
- Provided direct occupational therapy services in a Long term acute care setting.
COTA/L Full Time
Remington Transitional Care of San Antonio
08.2022 - Current
- Assist patients with functional mobility to increase quality of life and opportunities for interactions with ADLs/IADLs.
- Provide family/caregiver education to assist patient with transitioning outside of facility while also providing home exercise programs to continue to build skills necessary to maximize patient independence in daily tasks.
- Collaboration with the therapy team to address patient barriers and provide maximum quality of skilled intervention.
- Plans and implement treatment according to the OT evaluation and plan of care.
- Communication with nursing in regards to clinical issues that affect patient's functional abilities and treatment sessions.
- Educate patients regarding current diagnosis, safety, energy conservation techniques and adaptive equipment to promote independence with ADLs.
- Write daily notes, assist with progress and discharge notes in collaboration with the supervising Occupational Therapist.
- Implement interventions will focus on ADL training, safety with functional mobility, therapeutic exercises and neuro re-education.
- Provide patient support, minimize environmental barriers, implement adaptive/compensatory strategies to help patients engage and improve task performance with daily tasks.
- Daily case load (8-12) patients daily.
EMT-Basic
Apollo Ambulance
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Experience working under a stressful environment, patient interaction with various conditions.
- Building rapport with patients, nursing staff and excellent hand off communication/report of patient status.
- Monitor patient vitals, documentation and administering appropriate interventions as needed.
- Transferring Patients onto stretchers with a partner ensuring safety and fall prevention.
- Interaction with the patient, family, hospital staff and general public.
- Helping hospital staff with changing bed linen and positioning for proper stretcher to bed transfer with emphasis on safety.
- Working day/night shifts 10-12 hours.
Combat Medic (68W)
Army Reserve
03.2016 - 05.2022
- Assisted in the development and execution of realistic training scenarios simulating battlefield injuries, honing both individual proficiencies and collective teamwork capabilities within the unit.
- Ensured the proper handling of sensitive medical information by adhering to strict privacy regulations and maintaining detailed patient records.
- Contributed to the overall health of unit members through conducting routine medical evaluations, immunizations, and preventive healthcare measures.
- Experience with screening patients for chief complaint, obtaining vital signs and past medical history to assist physicians with carrying out treatment in a outpatient clinic environment.
- Spearheaded vaccination campaign within unit, significantly reducing incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases during deployment.
- Improved unit readiness and health by conducting regular health assessments and training sessions on battlefield first aid.
- Monitored patients' vital signs to assess condition and identify necessary medical interventions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Applied Arts And Science
University of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX12-2024
Associates of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
St Philip's College
San Antonio, TX05.2022
Skills
- Critical thinking
- Multitasking
- Motivated
- Written And Verbal Communication
- Team orientated
- Hospital Experience
- Critical Care Experience
- Outpatient Care Experience
- CPR/AED
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA)
- Creativity in treatment
Accomplishments
The Army Commendation Medal
May 2021
"For Exceptional service while serving as lead medic at area support group Kuwait Camp Arifjan troop medical clinic within the United States military hospital Kuwait. He was outstanding in support of the operation enduring freedom Spartan Shield. His Extraordinary achievements during this deployment were instrumental in the overall success of the unit's mission. Specialist Cerna's service reflects great credit upon himself, the 228th Combat support Hospital forward, and the United States Army."
Certification
- Occupational Therapy Assistant License (Texas)
- CPR Certification
- BLS Certification
Military Service
United States Army, SPC
Awards
The Army Commendation Medal, 05/01/21, For Exceptional service while serving as lead medic at area support group Kuwait Camp Arifjan troop medical clinic within the United States military hospital Kuwait. He was outstanding in support of the operation enduring freedom Spartan Shield. His Extraordinary achievements during this deployment were instrumental in the overall success of the unit's mission. Specialist Cerna's service reflects great credit upon himself, the 228th Combat support Hospital forward, and the United States Army.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
COTA PRN
Kindred Hospital San Antonio (LTAC)
08.2024 - Current
COTA/L Full Time
Remington Transitional Care of San Antonio
08.2022 - Current
EMT-Basic
Apollo Ambulance
07.2021 - 08.2022
Combat Medic (68W)
Army Reserve
03.2016 - 05.2022
Associates of Applied Science - Occupational Therapy Assistant
St Philip's College
- Occupational Therapy Assistant License (Texas)
- CPR Certification
- BLS Certification
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Applied Arts And Science
University of Texas At Tyler
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