Kara Lignos
Buffalo,WY
Summary
Dedicated RN with 8+ years of experience in delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to diverse patient populations in a variety of settings. Strengths include excellent interpersonal abilities, technical knowledge, high standard of professional conduct, and positive attitude. Highly motivated employee and reliable coworker with desire to take on new challenges. Passionate about continued personal and professional growth with desire to work in hospital setting long-term.
*There is a 1.5 year gap in nursing work following the death of my brother in late 2022. During this time my full time assistance was required in caring for his two young children ages 3 and 1.5 years old.*
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Baystate Wing Hospital
Palmer , MA
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Provided direct quality skilled nursing care to patients suffering from acute and chronic conditions in an 18-bed medical surgical unit, with a daily assignment of 5-7 patients.
- Safely administered blood products, medications, IV fluids and treatments as ordered, and monitored for side effects.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care for several terminally ill patients and their families.
- Conducted thorough intake assessments, monitored patient for any changes, and promptly reported findings to provider with accurate updates in the EMR.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary care team to facilitate timely discharge while ensuring smooth transition of care through effective discharge planning.
- Provided fast and level-headed response in emergency situations.
Home Health RN Case Manager
Overlook VNA
Charlton , MA
02.2019 - 11.2021
- Completed initial assessments of patients, family, and environment to determine and address individual home care needs.
- Administered comprehensive nursing care to a wide range of patients within home environments. Successfully handled cases involving multiple co-morbidities, chronic pain and illness, cancer, wound care, fractures, strokes, and major surgery.
- Coordinated with healthcare team of PCPs, PTs/OTs, surgeons, and specialists to establish, implement, and evaluate patient care plans.
- Instructed family members in basic nursing skills including wound care, injections, catheterization, and other treatments as ordered by the physician.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Facilitated 100+ complex discharges from hospital to home setting requiring aggressive patient care, teaching, and advocacy during post-hospitalization.
- Reported, investigated, and followed up on abuse and neglect cases.
Registered Nurse
People Inc.
Buffalo , NY
08.2015 - 12.2018
- Responsible for managing care of 30+ developmentally disabled clients.
- Oversaw admissions and discharges, scheduled patient appointments, and ensured accuracy in organizing paper medical charts for consistent continuity of care.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Trained clinical staff on agency policy, patient care, medication administration, body systems, standards of care, and ethics.
- Expertly trained with assistive devices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
D'Youville College
2015
Skills
- Assessment and triage
- Intake and discharge
- Co-morbidity management
- Med admin via PO, SQ, IM, IV, central line, & rectal routes
- Venipuncture
- IV and central line care
- Vital Sign monitoring
- Telemetry
- Post-op skilled care
- Pain management
- Diabetes Management
- Teaching and patient compliance
- Communication
- Wound and ostomy care
- Catheterization
- ICD-10
- Geriatric care
- Accurate documentation
- Safety and fall prevention
- Case Management
- Infection control
- Regulatory compliance and HIPAA
Accomplishments
- Graduated manga cum laude
Certification
- BLS certified
- Working towards wound care certification
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Baystate Wing Hospital
08.2022 - 12.2022
Home Health RN Case Manager
Overlook VNA
02.2019 - 11.2021
Registered Nurse
People Inc.
08.2015 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
D'Youville College
- BLS certified
- Working towards wound care certification
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