Karla Santiago
Sanford,NC
Summary
Licensed Practical Nurse with expertise in patient care and clinical documentation. Demonstrated proficiency in managing electronic health records and prioritizing tasks to enhance patient outcomes. Extensive hands-on experience in delivering quality direct and indirect care across various healthcare settings. Strong ability to build relationships with patients, caregivers, and colleagues to support nursing objectives and improve care delivery.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
WakeMed ENT Head & Neck Surgery
Apex, North Carolina
11.2023 - Current
- Coordinated patient scheduling and follow-up appointments to optimize operational flow.
- Maintained clean, organized clinical environment to support effective care delivery.
- Collected and documented vital signs to accurately monitor patient conditions.
- Adhered to facility policies and procedures while providing high-quality nursing care.
- Employed sterile techniques for patient preparation prior to procedures.
- Sterilized medical equipment and supplies using germicides, sterilizers, and autoclaves.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to assess patient needs and implement interventions.
- Facilitated communication among patients, family members, and healthcare professionals.
- Provided pre-op education and asked pre-op questions.
- Enter surgery orders and ensure cardiac clearance is obtained prior to the procedure.
- Work on the in-basket to answer patient messages and triage urgent messages.
Phone Translator
Dependency Legal Services
Rocklin, California
06.2017 - 12.2024
- Ensured terminology consistency by collaborating with attorneys on legal documents.
- Edited and revised translated documents for clarity and compliance with legal standards.
- Delivered high-quality translation services to clients across various sectors.
- Facilitated effective communication for individuals with limited language proficiency.
- Provided interpretation services during meetings and conferences, enhancing understanding.
- Assisted clients with inquiries related to language and documentation needs.
- Proofread translations to ensure accuracy and adherence to requirements.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Pinehurst Medical Clinic
Sanford, NC
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Scheduled tests and procedures, including labs, x-rays, and surgeries, per physician orders.
- Retrieved medical records following established chart-out procedures.
- Updated patient demographic data in electronic health records.
- Organized release of medical information to authorized personnel efficiently.
- Documented patient interactions accurately in electronic health record systems.
- Coordinated patient scheduling and follow-up appointments to enhance operational flow.
Licensed Practical Nurse
UNCPN Holly Springs Family Practice
Holly Springs, North Carolina
10.2022 - 12.2022
- Facilitated collection, labeling, and processing of specimens in a timely manner.
- Administered vaccines and medications according to provider orders and established protocols.
- Conducted physical assessments, including vital signs and health history documentation.
- Managed patient calls, determining appropriate courses of care based on needs.
- Provided patient care aligned with physicians' orders and nursing standards.
- Ensured accuracy of clinical documentation within electronic medical record system.
- Followed medication management procedures to adhere to state and company guidelines.
Certified Phlebotomist Technician
LabCorp
Fayetteville, NC
06.2016 - 08.2021
- Executed blood draws efficiently, ensuring patient comfort and safety during procedures.
- Maintained accurate patient records while safeguarding confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Prepared and labeled specimens according to established laboratory protocols.
- Managed inventory of supplies, guaranteeing availability for daily operations.
- Conducted daily maintenance checks on phlebotomy equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Monitored expiration dates for reagents and media to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
- Disposed of used needles following OSHA guidelines to maintain workplace safety.
- Organized specimens for transport to offsite laboratories to facilitate timely testing.
Nurse Aide
First Choice Home Care Inc
Sanford, North Carolina
07.2019 - 09.2020
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal care.
- Maintained cleanliness and safety in patient living areas and equipment.
- Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
- Promoted patient satisfaction by assisting with bathing, dressing, and exercising.
- Prepared meals for patients according to their dietary requirements.
- Completed daily documentation and charts regarding patient care and input reports into practice databases.
Medical Assistant
Piedmont Health Services
Siler City, North Carolina
07.2009 - 05.2016
- Assisted healthcare providers with patient examinations and procedures.
- Scheduled appointments and coordinated patient follow-ups to enhance efficiency.
- Collected and processed laboratory specimens for timely testing.
- Administered injections, medications, and treatments under physician supervision.
- Performed basic clinical tasks, including vital sign measurements.
- Conducted diagnostic tests such as EKGs and spirometry as requested.
- Maintained clean treatment areas to ensure optimal workflow.
- Adhered to HIPAA regulations for safeguarding patient confidentiality.
Education
Associate of Science -
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, North Carolina, NC05-2025
Practical Nurse
Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, North Carolina, NC07-2022
Skills
- Patient care and clinical documentation
- Vital signs monitoring
- Electronic health records management
- Communication skills
- Medical terminology proficiency
- Adaptability and time management
- Reliable transportation
- Confidentiality practices
- Fluent Spanish
- Task prioritization
- Organizational skills
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Certification
- Nurse Aid
- Phlebotomist
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Licensed Practical Nurse
WakeMed ENT Head & Neck Surgery
11.2023 - Current
Licensed Practical Nurse
Pinehurst Medical Clinic
01.2023 - 07.2023
Licensed Practical Nurse
UNCPN Holly Springs Family Practice
10.2022 - 12.2022
Nurse Aide
First Choice Home Care Inc
07.2019 - 09.2020
Phone Translator
Dependency Legal Services
06.2017 - 12.2024
Certified Phlebotomist Technician
LabCorp
06.2016 - 08.2021
Medical Assistant
Piedmont Health Services
07.2009 - 05.2016
Associate of Science -
Central Carolina Community College
Practical Nurse
Central Carolina Community College