Kendra L. Arias

Clinical Nurse Specialist

• Unit compromising newborn, pediatric, adult-gerontology, complicated obstetrics and gyn, and post-operative patients with telemetry capabilities.
• Served as a clinical expert resource for nurses and providers, fostering a collaborative work environment focused on ongoing learning and growth.
• As Professional Development Co-Chair, contributed to policy development within the organization by providing valuable insights from a nursing perspective.
• Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care practices and clinical guidelines with multiple completed and ongoing projects.
• Provided specialized consultation services for complex cases, effectively addressing unique patient needs and reducing the number of unit Patient Safety Reports.
• Onboarding and orientation for 16 nurses and 3 ancillary staff. While mentoring 7 nurses who obtained certification.

HOUSE SUPERVISOR

• Optimized bed allocation by implementing efficient bed management strategies and coordinating with interdisciplinary teams.
• Established clear guidelines for priority-based admissions, ensuring fair distribution of resources among patients based on clinical needs and addressing needs with hospital leadership.
• Coordinated effectively with housekeeping services to ensure prompt cleaning and preparation of beds after each discharge event.
• Reduced patient wait times for beds by streamlining admission processes and liaising with clinical staff.

CLINIC COORDINATOR

• Served as liaison for all Veteran's Affairs total joint patients.
• Review of charts, ensure medical screening and clearance provided prior to surgery.
• Coordinated discharge planning efforts with social workers, case managers, and other multidisciplinary team members for smooth transitions posthospitalization.

PREOPERATIVE NURSE

• Streamlined the pre-operative process through effective communication with surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and patients.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes during the pre-surgical phase.
• Evaluated patients to detect contraindications before anesthesia or scheduled surgery.

PACU AND INFUSION CLINIC RN

• Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
• Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
• Administered medications via oral and IV and monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
• Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
• Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
• Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
• Managed patient caseloads effectively, ensuring timely interventions and thorough follow-ups to mitigate potential complications.
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
• Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.

• Managed caseload of 5-7 patients simultaneously by providing bedside care, treatments, IV therapy, and wound care.
• Improved patient satisfaction scores by providing compassionate, individualized care and maintaining open lines of communication with patients and families.
• Maintained Joint Commission compliance within the Medical-Surgical department by adhering to established policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
• Assisted physicians during rounds by providing accurate patient updates and facilitating informed decision-making about treatment plans.
• Performed emergency medical procedures such as BLS, ACLS and other condition stabilizing interventions.
• Continuously updated clinical skills by attending relevant professional development courses, workshops, and seminars to stay current on best practices in medical-surgical nursing.
• Mentored new nurses in the Medical-Surgical unit to enhance clinical skills, foster professional growth, and promote teamwork within the department.
• Facilitated interdisciplinary care conferences, ensuring seamless transitions to post-acute care settings or home environments for discharge.
• Managed schedules for 33 staff members, ensuring adequate coverage for a high-volume Medical-Surgical unit while minimizing overtime expenses and maximizing military leave.