In my spare time I enjoy my endeavors as a licensed real estate agent in the state of Arkansas; I ride my horse when I can, and volunteer my time and talents to local equestrian organizations in order to promote equine related activities
Kellie Cantu
Prairie Grove,AR
Summary
Experienced nurse with ten years in the Medical/Surgical field and five years of clinic nurse experience, as well as several years of non-nursing experience in the administrative and customer service fields. My work and life experiences have given me skills in the areas of effective communication, time management, ability to set priorities, empathy, and the ability to make others comfortable. In my career as an RN, I believe these skills translate nicely to ensure my employer has an efficient, competent, and reliable employee who works well with others.
Experienced with patient care, critical thinking, and effective communication. Utilizes medical knowledge to support patient recovery and manage complex conditions. Strong understanding of healthcare protocols and compassionate care delivery.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse/Med-Surg
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
02.2014 - Current
- Care of patients admitted to the Medical/Surgical floor. Responsible for admission and discharge planning and implementation, communication with patient and their families, assisting the patient and Case Management team with planning for a safe discharge through education the patient on their disease process. Patients served is mostly adults and gerontologic
- Worked full time February 2014 to June 2016; full time from Feb 2017 to Feb 2018; PRN from 2018 to present
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs, documenting changes in electronic health records.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
Clinic R.N.
Northwest Heart and Vascular/ Northwest Cardiology
11.2019 - 04.2024
- Assigned to clinic-based RN role for cardiovascular and thoracic surgeons and interventional cardiologist. Handled day-to-day operations in the clinic in preparation for new patients and follow-up needs of existing patients. A vital function of this job was to procure prior authorization for surgical procedures and hospital stays, diagnostic testing, and care coordination. Required a great deal of flexibility and the ability to anticipate the needs of patients and surgeons. Also functioned as the transcribing nurse for an interventional cardiologist.
- November 2022 returned to work for new surgeon, stayed there until April 2024 as full time, then PRN for the next surgeon group until Feb 2025
- Collaborated with healthcare team to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
- Educated patients on disease management, treatment options, and preventive care strategies.
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships with patients through empathy, cultural sensitivity, and open communication channels that foster trust.
Care Coordinator
Kids Unlimited Learning Academy
06.2022 - 10.2022
- Coordinated care plans for children with diverse needs, ensuring tailored support and services.
- Developed and maintained relationships with families, fostering communication and trust in care processes.
- Facilitated collaboration among interdisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and outcomes.
MDS Coordinator
The Maples at Har Ber Meadows
06.2019 - 11.2019
- Performed assessments on residents of the long-term care facility which were due at entrance, quarterly, and upon discharge. This requires an understanding of resident’s capabilities and medical and psycho-social needs which need to be relayed through the completion of the MDS to document for CMS.
Clinic RN
Washington Regional Fayetteville Family Clinic/ Dr. Rosemay Pierre, M.D.
02.2018 - 06.2019
- Assigned to assist a specific clinic physician in daily activities of the clinic. Patients’ vitals and health histories were obtained, verification of medications as well as renewals of medications. Extensive phone work was a big part of the job as well as daily face to face interactions with patients. All correspondence to the physician was routed through me to assist in streamlining and prioritizing. Documentation needed to make necessary referrals was a responsibility in this position. Assisted physician and Care Management team in creating care plans for patients who needed care coordination.
- Educated patients on health management and post-discharge care instructions.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs and facilitate timely interventions.
RN Staff Nurse
Northwest Health Physicians Specialty Hospital
08.2016 - 02.2017
- Administered medications and treatments as per physician directives.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Educate patients and families on post-operative care, promoting recovery and adherence to instructions.
Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Assistant- for two separate attorneys, one who specialized in Social Security Disability and one in Real Estate Law/Title Insurance. Both positions demanded a great deal of organizational abilities and attention to detail as well as customer service abilities.
Access Screener
- Access Screener for a local non-profit which provided mental health and case management services for at-risk and delinquent youth. This position was a facilitator between court personnel and the families or guardians of youth referred for services. This position required inter-personal skills and the ability to organize, as well as to effectively communicate with reluctant participants in the system.
Education
B.S.N Program, Bachelor's degree -
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville12-2013
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Northwest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville01.2009
High School Diploma -
Springdale High School
Springdale, ARSkills
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient and family advocacy
- Compassion and empathy
Affiliations
Member of Back Country Horsemen of Northwest Arkansas; Northwest Arkansas Dressage Club
Interests
Timeline
Care Coordinator
Kids Unlimited Learning Academy
06.2022 - 10.2022
Clinic R.N.
Northwest Heart and Vascular/ Northwest Cardiology
11.2019 - 04.2024
MDS Coordinator
The Maples at Har Ber Meadows
06.2019 - 11.2019
Clinic RN
Washington Regional Fayetteville Family Clinic/ Dr. Rosemay Pierre, M.D.
02.2018 - 06.2019
RN Staff Nurse
Northwest Health Physicians Specialty Hospital
08.2016 - 02.2017
Registered Nurse/Med-Surg
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
02.2014 - Current
Administrative Assistant
Access Screener
B.S.N Program, Bachelor's degree -
University of Arkansas
Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal Studies
Northwest Arkansas Community College
High School Diploma -
Springdale High School