Karina Rios
Anthony,NM
Summary
Self-motivated LPN, decisive healthcare professional with proven bedside manner, clinical skills, and diagnostic support experience. Manage and document current conditions to effectively support patients and work within multidisciplinary healthcare team to enhance outcomes. Specialize in patient care. Over 13 years of experience in navigating insurance policies and procedures, especially in prior authorizations and appeals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
LPN Charge Nurse
Allergy And Asthma Clinic Of So NM
09.2012 - Current
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, and recorded them in electronic medical records.
- Delegated tasks effectively, optimizing staff productivity, and maintaining a well-organized nursing unit.
- Assembled and used equipment such as catheters, tracheotomy tubes, or oxygen suppliers to effectively manage patient care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to make sound clinical decisions in high-pressure situations, minimizing risks, and ensuring patient safety.
- Analyzed patient assessments and laboratory data to bring any issues to the attention of physicians.
- Served as charge nurse, caring for patients with serious illnesses.
- Documented vitals and medical histories in patient charts when assessing patients, and communicated patient information to physicians and other nurses for care continuity.
- Promoted continuity of care by thoroughly documenting shift-to-shift communication in nursing reports.
- Reviewed a high volume of requests for prior authorizations and appeals for medications, biologics, and imaging studies, ensuring they meet medical necessity and insurance coverage criteria.
- Communication with insurance providers to obtain approvals, or address denials.
- Promotion of the quality and cost-effectiveness of patient care.
- Handling telephone request and inquiries.
Lead Phlebotomist
LabCorp
09.2010 - 09.2012
- Conducted quality control checks on equipment, ensuring proper functioning and consistent results.
- Promoted mission, vision, and values of organization and trained new clinical staff in phlebotomy procedures.
- Assessed patients'' conditions prior to phlebotomy procedures, identifying potential complications or contraindications before proceeding safely with the procedure.
- Streamlined workflow by implementing innovative processes and procedures.
- Developed strong relationships with patients by fostering trust during the blood collection process.
- Contributed to a positive workplace culture through active engagement in team meetings and events.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and safety protocols to maintain a safe work environment.
- Implemented best practices for specimen handling to minimize contamination risks.
- Centrifuged blood samples as outlined in clinical protocols.
- Tracked collected specimens by initialing, dating, and noting times of collection.
- Reviewed patient records for accuracy and completeness.
- Monitored patients for reactions and verified sample quality.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing patient concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Coordinated with hospital departments to streamline interdepartmental communication and collaboration efforts.
- Utilized various venipuncture techniques depending on each patient''s needs for optimal results.
- Reduced wait times for patients through effective scheduling and resource management.
Phlebotomist Technician
Providence Memorial Hospital
08.2002 - 09.2010
- Reduced patient anxiety through compassionate communication and expert venipuncture techniques.
- Spoke with patient to gather information for lab records, reduce fear, or anxiety and optimize cooperation.
- Continuously updated phlebotomy knowledge through professional development courses, ensuring best practices were upheld.
- Upheld HIPAA compliance through careful management of confidential patient records and lab results.
- Collected blood samples using vacutainer tubes, tourniquets, syringes, butterfly needles, and straight needles.
- Protected patients by following infection control, sharps disposal, and biohazardous waste disposal procedures.
- Packaged and shipped specimens to central lab daily.
- Achieved successful venipunctures even in challenging situations such as pediatric or geriatric patients with difficult veins.
- Assisted in training new phlebotomists, sharing expertise on proper technique and safety protocols.
- Provided excellent customer service while verifying patient information and insurance at registration.
- Ensured timely test results by coordinating with medical staff for proper specimen handling and transport.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure high-quality diagnostic services for patients.
- Promoted a positive atmosphere within the workplace through active participation in staff meetings and team-building activities.
Medical Assistant
Dr. Rafael Armendariz
06.2000 - 06.2002
- Sanitized, restocked, and organized exam rooms and medical equipment.
- Obtained client medical history, medication information, symptoms, and allergies.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Performed medical records management, including filing, organizing and scanning documents.
- Called and faxed pharmacies to submit prescriptions and refills.
- Documented vital signs and health history for patients in clinic and hospital environments.
- Collected and documented patient medical information such as blood pressure and weight.
- Built strong relationships with patients through effective communication skills that foster trust in the clinic''s commitment to quality care.
- Assisted physicians with minor surgeries, including preparing operating room and sterilizing instruments.
- Boosted patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and promptly addressing needs during visits.
- Performed phlebotomy tasks efficiently while ensuring minimal discomfort for patients during blood collection procedures.
- Enhanced clinic efficiency by assisting physicians with routine procedures and diagnostic tests.
- Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialists or other healthcare providers as needed for comprehensive care management plans.
- Improved patient experiences by efficiently managing appointments and maintaining organized medical records.
- Assisted in the development of clinic policies and procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Provided support during emergencies by administering first aid treatments under physician supervision until further assistance arrived.
Education
Associates - Licensed Practical Nurse
Anamarc College
El Paso, TX07.2012
Skills
- Vital signs monitoring
- Nursing documentation
- Geriatric care
- Policy compliance
- Health promotion
- Ethical practice
- Clinical judgment
- Quality improvement
- Disease prevention
- Care plan development
- Prior Authorization and Appeals
- Community health
- Critical thinking
- Bilingual communication (English and Spanish)
- Strong communication
- Patient charting, data entry
- Medical terminology
- Medication administration
- Patient education
- Dependability and responsibility
- Specimen collection
- CPR/AED certification
- Nursing staff supervision
- Attention to detail
- HIPAA compliance
- Activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Patient support
- Strong clinical judgment
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Patient observation
- Nursing intervention evaluation
- Medical paperwork processing
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Recordkeeping and maintenance
Skills
Certification
- Compact LPN license #LPN-21788 Multi-State
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
LPN Charge Nurse
Allergy And Asthma Clinic Of So NM
09.2012 - Current
Lead Phlebotomist
LabCorp
09.2010 - 09.2012
Phlebotomist Technician
Providence Memorial Hospital
08.2002 - 09.2010
Medical Assistant
Dr. Rafael Armendariz
06.2000 - 06.2002
Associates - Licensed Practical Nurse
Anamarc College
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