Kara Chambers
Land O’Lakes
Summary
Detail-oriented healthcare professional with a strong focus on enhancing patient experiences through effective communication and care management. Skilled in managing multiple assignments in fast-paced healthcare environments while ensuring respect and dignity for patients and their families.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Medical Assistant
Florida Medical Clinic
Land O’Lakes
09.2022 - 02.2024
- Assisted provider during exams, treatments, and procedures to enhance patient care.
- Administered injections and documented in EHR to ensure accurate patient records.
- Recorded vital signs and updated EHR with allergies and medication history.
- Performed diagnostic studies and treatments as ordered by provider.
- Managed patient communications, returning calls and providing test results to keep patients informed.
- Processed medication refill requests efficiently.
- Prepared specimens and requisitions for lab courier services.
- Cleaned and sterilized medical instruments and equipment to maintain safety standards.
Restorative Nursing Assistant
James A. Haley VAHCS
Tampa
05.2019 - 05.2022
- As the Lead Restorative Nursing Assistant in the Restorative Care Program, I demonstrated communication skills daily with Veterans and fellow staff.
- Performed mobility programs including strengthening and endurance exercise and range of motion, including transfers, ambulation, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Applied splints and braces to residents with contractures to support their mobility.
- Implemented music therapy during restorative dining and activities to improve resident engagement and quality of life.
- Implemented hand hygiene and oral care program in restorative dining to decrease the spread of bacteria.
- Coordinated communication with multiple medical providers to ensure optimal resident progress in the restorative program.
- Participated in Interdisciplinary Committee meetings with residents and families to collaboratively discuss and refine their care plans.
- Conducted one on one sessions with residents regarding their individualized care plans.
- As the Activities of Daily Living & Caribou Champion I conducted training and individual education to all nursing staff on the unit. This also entailed conducting weekly Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS) chart checks and audits for compliance.
- Documented daily & weekly restorative care notes in CPRS.
- Participated in Caribou Huddle Board improvement project which increased accurate charting compliance on the unit from 25% to 95%.
- In the Restorative Care Program, I assisted with created and maintained guidelines as well as activities for residents.
- Created and organized a New Employee Orientation program for the Restorative Care Team.
- Aspiration Champion, I maintained guidelines pertaining to residents' swallowing precautions.
- Used Excel to help calculate the time Restorative staff interacted with residents during their therapy sessions.
- Utilized Microsoft Word & PowerPoint to create Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and training aids.
Certified Nursing Assistant Community Living Center
James A. Haley VAHCS
Tampa
02.2019 - 05.2019
- As a Nursing Assistant in the Community Living Center, provided direct patient care to residents.
- Provided direct patient care to residents including bathing/showering, shaving, oral care, incontinence care, feeding, turning and transferring patients.
- Performed vital signs, glucose finger sticks, bed linen changes, specimen collection, daily weights, bladder scans, and external urinary device application.
- Assisted nurses with procedures on the unit including wound care and dressing changes.
- Enhanced patient understanding by reinforcing teaching from nurses, doctors, therapists, and other healthcare team members.
- Facilitated communication among residents, families, and healthcare professionals to support patient care.
- Trained new nursing assistants during onboarding to ensure smooth integration into the unit.
Certified Nursing Assistant Med-Surg/Oncology
Bay Pines VAHCS
St. Petersburg
03.2016 - 01.2019
- Communicated effectively with patients, family, and other health professionals.
- Communicated effectively with Veterans, their families, and medical staff.
- Documented care given to patients into electronic medical record in a timely and accurate manner.
- Reinforced patient education from nurses, doctors, and therapists to enhance patient understanding and compliance.
- Oriented new nursing assistants on the unit to promote effective integration into the team.
- Conducted skills and competency training for nursing assistants in collaboration with Nurse Educator to ensure high standards of care.
- Updated bed board and monitored transponder phones to ensure accurate patient tracking.
- Participated as a committee member in Staffing Methodology and Unit Based Council to improve staffing practices.
- Acted as Super User for CP Flowsheets in CPRS and Get-Well Network to support effective data management.
- Utilized VetLink to check in Veterans to their appointments in the chemotherapy/oncology clinic.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Manor Care Skilled Nursing Facility
Dunedin
07.2013 - 11.2013
- Assisted residents with mobility, including turning, positioning, range of motion exercises, and transferring to and from wheelchair to enhance mobility and independence.
- Maintained residents' hygiene, dressed and undressed residents, and aided with restroom needs to ensure comfort and dignity.
- Took and recorded vital signs for patients and reported patient conditions to the nurse.
- Provided feeding assistance to residents in congregate and individual settings to ensure proper nutrition and support.
- Transferred patients using the Hoyer and Stand-Up lift.
- Answered patient calls for assistance and participated in daily activities.
- Provided training to new CNA employees on patient care protocols and best practices.
Aviation Maintenance Technician
United States Coast Guard
05.2004 - 03.2013
- Received honorable discharge from military service, completing all obligations.
- Executed aircraft maintenance and repairs on propellers and engines, ensuring airworthiness and operational readiness.
- Calculated weight and balance data for aircraft.
- Qualified C-130 Loadmaster, Drop Master, and Sensory Systems Operator.
- Trained and mentored new aircrew members, facilitating their integration and operational effectiveness.
- Certified Hazardous materials.
- Conducted law enforcement and search and rescue patrols, enhancing safety and security in assigned areas.
Education
Phlebotomy
Concorde Career Institue
Tampa, FL04-2026
Certified Nursing Assistant
Ultimate Medical Academy
Clearwater, FL05-2013
Skills
- Patient care
- Vital signs monitoring
- Colostomy care
- Electronic health records
- Basic life support and first aid
- Infection prevention
- Personal protective equipment use
- Mobility assistance
- ADL assistance
- Patient transport
- Catheter management
- Restraint application
- Tourniquet application and removal
- Collecting specimens
- Biohazard waste management
- Dementia and Alzheimer's care
- Healthcare ethics
- Quality assurance
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Reliable team player
- Medical terminology
- Compliance knowledge
- Safety precautions
- Personal Protection use
- HIPPA and OSHA compliance
- Venipuncture skills
Timeline
Medical Assistant
Florida Medical Clinic
09.2022 - 02.2024
Restorative Nursing Assistant
James A. Haley VAHCS
05.2019 - 05.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant Community Living Center
James A. Haley VAHCS
02.2019 - 05.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant Med-Surg/Oncology
Bay Pines VAHCS
03.2016 - 01.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant
Manor Care Skilled Nursing Facility
07.2013 - 11.2013
Aviation Maintenance Technician
United States Coast Guard
05.2004 - 03.2013
Phlebotomy
Concorde Career Institue
Certified Nursing Assistant
Ultimate Medical Academy