Karen Smith
Springfield Gardens,NY
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated healthcare professional with extensive experience at South Nassau Hospital. Proven leadership in patient care, fostering independence and dignity. Skilled in monitoring vital signs and maintaining confidentiality, while building strong rapport with patients. Committed to enhancing quality of life through personalized care and effective communication.
Over the years, I have acquired great diplomacy and tactful techniques that are needed to communicate effectively. This has developed my ability to spontaneouly interact with diverse populations of all age and groups. I am a Leader, motivator and organizer who is also hardworking, honest, reliable and a fast learner. If given the opportunity to prove myself, I ensure you that I will be an asset.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Aide/Companion
Private Care
New York, NY
08.2007 - 06.2025
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, promoting independence and comfort.
- Monitored client health conditions and reported changes promptly to family members and healthcare providers.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by actively listening to their concerns, showing empathy, kindness, patience throughout interactions.
- Assisted clients with mobility issues, helping them maintain an active lifestyle while reducing the risk of injury.
- Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to treatment plans.
- Prepared nutritious meals that adhered to dietary restrictions for clients, supporting their overall health and wellness goals.
- Provided companionship through shared activities like reading aloud or watching movies together, improving the quality of life for clients in need of social interaction.
Patient Care Technician
South Nassau Hospital
Oceanside, NY
10.2011 - 09.2019
- Assisted nursing staff with patient care tasks, ensuring safety and comfort during procedures.
- Supported daily activities, promoting patient mobility and engagement in rehabilitation exercises.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
- Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
- Performed Glucose testing, EKGs, and other diagnostic tests accurately and efficiently for prompt analysis by healthcare professionals.
- Fostered strong relationships with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative work environment that prioritized teamwork among staff members.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive healthcare environment, adhering to policies and procedures while advocating for the well-being of all patients.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by maintaining thorough documentation of patient care activities and observations.
- Recognized potential emergencies promptly, initiating appropriate action to stabilize patients until further assistance arrived.
- Demonstrated adaptability by working effectively with patients of diverse backgrounds and medical conditions, providing personalized care for each individual.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in patient care technology advancements.
- Supported optimal wound healing by skillfully changing dressings and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
- Assisted with administration of medications under supervision of nursing staff, ensuring proper patient treatment.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Holliswood Care Center
Jamaica, IA
06.2008 - 09.2011
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, fostering independence and enhancing quality of life.
- Monitored and documented vital signs, ensuring accurate patient records for healthcare team.
- Communicated effectively with nursing staff to report changes in resident conditions promptly.
- Supported care plans by implementing prescribed treatments and therapies under supervision.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
- Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Participated in fun group activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory, and provide light entertainment.
Education
Nursing Assistant
Allen School
Jamaica, NY12.2008
High School Diploma -
St Elizbeth Technical High
Jamaica W.I.06.1989
Skills
- Elderly care
- Reliable
- Leadership qualities
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Motivator
- Organizer
- Hardworking
- Honest
Timeline
Patient Care Technician
South Nassau Hospital
10.2011 - 09.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant
Holliswood Care Center
06.2008 - 09.2011
Private Aide/Companion
Private Care
08.2007 - 06.2025
Nursing Assistant
Allen School
High School Diploma -
St Elizbeth Technical High