Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Kasandra Fuerneisen

Summary

Experienced healthcare professional with 8 years as a CNA, specializing in diverse areas including post-anesthesia care, patient advocacy, and general hospital support. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with a detail-oriented mindset that enhances communication and streamlines patient care. Proven ability to support patients’ physical and emotional needs while ensuring safety and comfort in fast-paced environments. Recognized for strong teamwork, adaptability, and a compassionate approach. Seeking to continue my career in a hospital setting, providing high-quality care under the guidance of healthcare practitioners.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

PACU- Patient Care Tech

Highland Park Hospital
Highland Park, IL
08.2024 - Current
  • Collaborate with PACU nurses and surgical teams to provide immediate post-anesthesia care to patients of all ages, including pediatrics, within a fast-paced hospital environment.
  • Initiate monitoring upon patient arrival by connecting to vital sign equipment and obtaining accurate initial vitals; chart data in Epic in real time, adhering to hospital documentation standards.
  • Provide emotional and physical support to pediatric patients, using calming techniques and child-appropriate communication to ease anxiety during the recovery phase.
  • Assist patients waking from anesthesia with mobility, comfort needs, pain management communication, and orientation to surroundings.
  • Ensure all PACU bays are thoroughly cleaned, restocked, and ready in accordance with infection control and hospital stocking protocols.
  • Aid in transferring patients safely to Phase II recovery or inpatient units, coordinating with the care team to ensure seamless handoffs.
  • Remove IVs as directed and assist patients with dressing and preparing for discharge or transport, maintaining privacy and dignity.
  • Maintain accurate and timely charting in Epic, supporting interdisciplinary communication and care continuity.
  • Uphold hospital safety, privacy (HIPAA), and infection control standards during all patient and team interactions.
  • Communicate effectively with RNs to support optimal patient outcomes across all recovery phases.

Pre-Op / PACU Certified Nursing Assistant

Channel Island Surgery Center
Oxnard, CA
11.2019 - 10.2023
  • Routinely monitored and recorded patient vitals including blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, and blood sugar levels pre- and post-surgery. Neatly documenting them appropriately for other medical team members.
  • Supported my nursing team and staff with over 50 patients’ admissions and discharges daily.
  • Provides interpreting services for limited English proficiency patients, working closely with Drs. and nurses to assist with translation of patient procedure, and anesthesia consents.
  • Respected patients’ privacy and dignity, upholding the surgery centers policies and HIPPA regulations.
  • Provides for security of patient’s personal belongings and handles valuables according to Surgery Center protocol. Assists in keeping the patient environment, patient equipment and patient care areas/units clean, safe, and orderly.
  • Collaborates with physicians and other health care professionals to ensure staffing patterns meet appropriate skills necessary for quality patient care.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Private Residence
Camarillo, CA
03.2016 - 01.2019
  • Administer and dispensed medications, Flush and clean Central Line to attach TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) feedings, administer nebulizer treatment q6 for patients breathing.
  • Provide proper care and observation of patient’s skin to prevent any bed sores or breakdown by helping patient with repositioning per medical provider.
  • Change and clean wound dressings, flush and empty catheter tubing. Ensure the care plan is being met with quality care that is being provided.
  • Follow directions as instructed by the physical therapist or nurse to help patient keep mobility by assisting in doing range of motion, assisting in walking, and encouraging patient to stay positive during hard times of their recovery.
  • Provided compassionate care for terminally ill patient and worked closely with the family during the final stages of life.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Brookdale Senior Living
Camarillo, CA
01.2016 - 01.2018
  • Observe and interact with patients, report, and chart changes in patients' conditions, such as pain levels, turning and repositioning, changes in wound conditions.
  • Train and evaluate 8 new nursing assistants.
  • Collect and prepare urine and stool samples for the purpose of performing routine laboratory tests.
  • Provide non-clinical personal care education to patients’ families members in preparation for discharge.
  • Wash and dress bodies of deceased persons in preparation for family visits and corner’s transportation.
  • Reviewed patients' dietary restrictions, food allergies, and preferences to ensure patient receives appropriate diet.

Education

Associate of Science - General studies (Pre Nursing)

College of Lake County
Grayslake, IL
08-2026

Skills

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Attention to detail
  • Vital signs
  • Patient care & safety
  • Managing patient hygiene/care
  • Pre-op & PACU experience
  • Transporting and transferring patients
  • Time Management
  • Record Keeping
  • Teamwork
  • Patient advocacy & Support
  • Medical terminology
  • Infection control/ Employee health & safety

Timeline

PACU- Patient Care Tech

Highland Park Hospital
08.2024 - Current

Pre-Op / PACU Certified Nursing Assistant

Channel Island Surgery Center
11.2019 - 10.2023

Certified Nursing Assistant

Private Residence
03.2016 - 01.2019

Certified Nursing Assistant

Brookdale Senior Living
01.2016 - 01.2018

Associate of Science - General studies (Pre Nursing)

College of Lake County

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Kasandra Fuerneisen