Kathryn Cruz
16219 Ondara, Helotes,TX
Summary
Versatile Registered Nurse with over 19 years of experience delivering high-quality care to patients. Dedicated to empowering and advocating for patients. Proven leader, skillful in uniting and guiding nursing teams toward achieving patient care goals, and enhancing patient satisfaction. Committed to driving innovation and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pediatric RN
Connect Pediatrics
San Antonio, United States
09.2023 - Current
- Consistently manage care for complex pediatric patients with gastrostomy tubes, tracheostomies, and ventilator support.
- Skilled in operating suction machines, diverse feeding pumps, nebulizers, and IPV treatments.
- Performed physical examinations and assessments of patients' medical histories.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Implement home health care procedures, and administer medications in accordance with physicians' orders and employer guidelines.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocols.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Pediatric RN
Northside ISD
San Antonio, United States
08.2010 - Current
- Developed Google Form in collaboration with IT staff to enhance information dissemination regarding Covid across multiple disciplines on campus and facilitate mass distribution to parents.
- Provide mentorship to new school nurses across district, delivering knowledge, insights, and encouragement.
- Partner with upper management and select nursing staff to identify solutions that enhance community service and promote healthy workplace relationships among nursing personnel.
- Consolidate critical medical records for 1400+ students on campus and communicate updates to staff.
- Responsive to student and family needs, valuing diverse cultural beliefs and principles.
- Delivered comprehensive training to staff on asthma, seizures, food allergies, and diabetes. Instructed staff on correct usage of epi-pens, diastat, nayzilam, valtoco, and insulin.
- Facilitated educational sessions to improve understanding of health-related issues, and prepared instructional materials for ongoing staff development in medical emergencies.
- Skilled in computerized charting: N-Time, G-Suite, Microsoft Office, eSchoolPLUS.
- Implemented Nurse Google Classroom and Google Form to enhance interaction with staff and parents concerning COVID-19 inquiries and resources.
- Spearheaded campus initiative for Leukemia & Lymphoma Fundraiser aimed at supporting blood cancer research.
- Collaborate with Communities in Schools representatives to deliver valuable resources for students and families, enhancing educational and social circumstances.
- Coordinated with the Clinical Director for Respiratory Care from UTHSCSA to offer impactful education to students and families on asthma, utilizing grant funding.
Pediatric RN
Adaptive Healthcare Services
San Antonio, United States
08.2010 - 01.2021
- Facilitate nurse orientation regarding patients and daily operational practices in home.
- Provide health care information and education to patients and family members.
- Monitor patients, systematically record vital signs, and relay notable changes in patient status to parent, doctor, and case manager.
- Provided emotional support to families facing difficult decisions about a loved one's care.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
Staff RN
Methodist Children's Hospital
San Antonio, United States
11.2008 - 08.2010
- Collaborated with nurses in the committee to conduct monthly Rapid Response Drills and offer constructive feedback to the nursing staff on the floor.
- Served as preceptor for new nurses orienting them on proper procedures related to assessment techniques and documentation practices.
- Facilitated timely discharge planning activities by collaborating with social workers and case managers for appropriate placement and follow up instructions.
- Intermittently perform Charge Nurse duties and assist in Mother Baby Unit/NICU.
- Consistently manage care for complex pediatric heart patients and surgical patients necessitating close monitoring.
- Coordinate with healthcare providers and specialists to devise individualized care approaches that enhance patient outcomes.
Staff RN III
University Health Systems Inc
San Antonio, United States
02.2005 - 11.2008
- Oversee Pediatric Floor operations as charge RN and train new nurses in role of Primary Preceptor.
- Formulated guidelines and crafted PowerPoint presentation for TLSO braces to provide resource for incoming residents and nurses.
- Deliver comprehensive care for complex transplant and total care patients in addition to multi-trauma pediatric and burn patients requiring attentive monitoring.
- Guide parents of children with transplants regarding essential information while in hospital and upon release.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Acted as a resource person for colleagues seeking clarification and assistance when dealing with complex cases or unfamiliar procedures.
Education
Graduate Student - Healthcare Administration
Texas State University
12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
UT Health San Antonio
12.2004
Bachelor of Science - Biology
The University of Texas at San Antonio
05.2001
Skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Engaged communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Detail-oriented
- Inclusive leadership
- Patient advocacy
Affiliations
- American College of Healthcare Executives
- Healthcare Leadership Coalition
- Former member on Safety Champion committee for Pediatric Unit at UHS
Websites
Certification
- Certified Healthcare Financial Professional, 03/01/24
- Microsoft Excel Specialist 2019, 11/01/23
- Basic Life Support Certified, 08/01/23
- Stop the Bleed Instructor, 02/01/22
Volunteer Experience
- Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA), 1956 S WW White Road, San Antonio, Texas, 78222, 01/01/22, 12/01/23
- San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Historic, Old Highway 90 W, San Antonio, Texas, 78227, 02/01/20, 03/01/20
- San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Historic, Old Highway 90 W, San Antonio, Texas, 78227, 03/01/16
- San Antonio Food Bank @ Haven for Hope Cafeteria, 1 Haven for Hope Way, San Antonio, Texas, 78207, 04/01/25
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pediatric RN
Connect Pediatrics
09.2023 - Current
Pediatric RN
Northside ISD
08.2010 - Current
Pediatric RN
Adaptive Healthcare Services
08.2010 - 01.2021
Staff RN
Methodist Children's Hospital
11.2008 - 08.2010
Staff RN III
University Health Systems Inc
02.2005 - 11.2008
Graduate Student - Healthcare Administration
Texas State University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
UT Health San Antonio
Bachelor of Science - Biology
The University of Texas at San Antonio
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