Kaza're Collins
Orland Park,IL
Summary
New graduate nurse (ADN) with over 10 years of hands-on healthcare experience as a CNA and Medical Assistant. Continuing education toward Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Skilled in patient-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and maintaining safe, efficient clinical workflows. Strong critical thinking, communication, and adaptability in fast-paced environments. Proficient in Epic electronic health records (EHR). Certifications: BLS (Adult First Aid/CPR/AED).
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Med Surg I
Alden Heather Manor
Harvey, IL
- Provided nursing care to residents in a long-term care setting.
- Assisted with medication administration, patient assessments, and care planning under supervision.
Med Surg II
Victorian Village Health & Wellness Center
Homer Glen, IL
- Performed wound care and dressing changes for patients with chronic and post-surgical conditions.
- Monitored vital signs and collaborated with the healthcare team to update care plans.
Med Surg III & IV
St. Joseph’s Medical Center
Joliet, IL
- Participated in patient care in a Level II Trauma Center with exposure to specialty and emergency services.
- Practiced skills in a high-acuity hospital environment, including medication administration and patient assessments.
Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
Frankfort Terrace
Frankfort, IL
- Gained experience in caring for patients with mental health and behavioral conditions.
- Practiced therapeutic communication and crisis intervention strategies with patients.
Nursing Care of Older Adults
Community Care Center
Chicago, IL
- Assisted with ADLs (activities of daily living), mobility, and nutritional support for older adults.
- Monitored for changes in condition and practiced safe medication administration under supervision.
Maternal-Child Nursing Clinical
Ascension Health
Kankakee, IL
- Assisted with labor & delivery, postpartum, and newborn care.
- Supported patient education on maternal and infant health and performed newborn assessments.
Patient Care Tech
Northwestern Medicine
Chicago, IL
09.2023 - Current
- Assisted with in-office orthopedic procedures including suture/staple removal, PRP injections, and splinting/bracing.
- Obtained and documented vital signs; calculated BMI and reported results.
- Coordinated diagnostic imaging orders (X-ray, MRI, CT, venous duplex ultrasound).
- Supported clinical flow by preparing patients and assisting with rehabilitation protocols.
- Observation Unit
Medical Assistant / Clinical Assistant Manager
Top Health Center
Minneapolis, MN
01.2022 - 09.2023
- Supervised daily clinic operations, ensuring smooth patient check-in/out and follow-up scheduling.
- Performed venipuncture, specimen collection, COVID testing, and lab preparation.
- Administered injections (e.g., Vivitrol) and supported patient treatment for mental health and developmental disabilities.
Medical Assistant – Orthopedic Surgery
Northwestern Medicine
Chicago, IL
06.2018 - 08.2021
- Assisted orthopedic providers during office procedures and post-procedure care.
- Documented vitals, managed patient flow, and coordinated imaging requests.
- Provided bracing/splinting support and reinforced rehabilitation instructions.
- PRN
Health Center Assistant / Surgical Tech
Planned Parenthood
Merrillville, IN
04.2017 - 06.2018
- Assisted with contraceptive counseling, IUD procedures, and injection administration.
- Prepared surgical trays, sterilized instruments, and assisted during in-office procedures.
- Supported patient education and coordinated lab testing.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Briar Place Nursing Center
Indian Head Park, IL
06.2014 - 07.2015
- Assisted residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) including hygiene, meals, and mobility.
- Monitored and documented vital signs and changes in behavior.
- Supported safety through proper use of mechanical lifts and adherence to protocols.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN)
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT09.2027
Associate Degree - Nursing (ADN)
Rasmussen University
Mokena, IL09.2025
Diploma - Medical Assistant
Brightwood Community College
Hammond, IN01.2017
Certificate - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL01.2014
Skills
- Blood glucose monitoring & insulin administration
- Patient care and clinical support (vital signs, injections, wound care, splinting/bracing)
- Epic EHR and documentation accuracy
- Interdisciplinary teamwork and patient advocacy
- Time management, critical thinking, and adaptability
- Patient assessment & monitoring (vital signs, head-to-toe assessments)
- Medication administration (oral, IV, IM, SQ, etc)
- IV insertion & maintenance
- Wound care & dressing changes
- Catheter insertion & care (Foley, NG tube, etc)
- Tracheostomy care & suctioning
Oxygen therapy & ventilator management
Certification
BLS (Adult First Aid/CPR/AED)
Timeline
Patient Care Tech
Northwestern Medicine
09.2023 - Current
Medical Assistant / Clinical Assistant Manager
Top Health Center
01.2022 - 09.2023
Medical Assistant – Orthopedic Surgery
Northwestern Medicine
06.2018 - 08.2021
Health Center Assistant / Surgical Tech
Planned Parenthood
04.2017 - 06.2018
Certified Nursing Assistant
Briar Place Nursing Center
06.2014 - 07.2015
Certificate - Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Moraine Valley Community College
Diploma - Medical Assistant
Brightwood Community College
Maternal-Child Nursing Clinical
Ascension Health
Nursing Care of Older Adults
Community Care Center
Mental and Behavioral Health Nursing
Frankfort Terrace
Med Surg III & IV
St. Joseph’s Medical Center
Med Surg II
Victorian Village Health & Wellness Center
Med Surg I
Alden Heather Manor
Bachelor of Science - Nursing (BSN)
Western Governors University
Associate Degree - Nursing (ADN)
Rasmussen University