Kern Smith
Lakeport,CA
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intermediate Care Technician
VA Medical Center
07.2021 - Current
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, contributing to overall safety and hygiene standards.
- Monitored vital signs and reported any abnormalities to nursing staff, promoting prompt medical intervention when necessary.
- Performed blood draws and other diagnostic tests accurately, facilitating swift analysis and treatment decisions.
- Responded rapidly during emergency situations, effectively following established protocols in collaboration with the healthcare team.
- Conducted routine equipment checks for proper functioning, reducing risks associated with faulty devices.
- Improved patient satisfaction by addressing concerns and answering questions in a timely manner.
- Contributed valuable input during interdisciplinary meetings discussing individualized care plans, emphasizing the importance of patient-centered care.
- Safely transferred patients using appropriate lifting techniques or mobility assistance devices as needed.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team members, enhancing communication and coordination of patient care plans.
- Educated patients on post-care instructions, empowering them to take ownership of their recovery process at home.
- Actively participated in handoff reports between shifts to ensure continuity of care for each patient.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions to stay updated on latest best practices in patient care techniques.
- Documented patient interactions thoroughly in electronic medical records system, maintaining accurate records for future reference.
- Gathered, charted, and analyzed patient history data and discussed key points with clinicians.
- Performed diagnostic tests and reported results to healthcare providers.
- Educated patients about procedures, answered questions, and provided comforting words to control anxiety and enhance procedure results.
- Assisted physicians in diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Health Care Technician/NA II/Medical Screener
VA Medical Center
09.2020 - 07.2021
- Performed thorough COVID medical screenings of patients / visitors / staff entering the VA Medical Center
- Conducted personal protection and practices per CDC and VA guidelines and standards
- Performed a wide variety of nursing duties aimed at increasing the safety, comfort, and spirit of the patient/resident while following established policy and procedures
- Identified and reported data relative to more complex patient/resident situations including subtle changes in patients' / residents' behavior or condition or variances related to neurological signs, vital signs, and other parameters
- Assisted patients/residents with transfers from bed to chair, chair to bed, or bed to bedside commode using proper body mechanics and safe patient handling and mobility devices to ensure safety to self and patient/resident
- Performed phlebotomy, obtaining glucometer readings, obtaining cultures, empties and records output from indwelling urinary catheters, and empties colostomy bags
- Recorded appropriate information about patients'/residents' progress, supplies accurate information to patient/resident, family, and other staff members
- Ensured consistent evidence of a professional approach in communicating, listening, and performing procedures in interacting with patients/residents, family, and/or staff
- Monitored environment of care and initiates corrective actions to prevent patient injury, reporting problem and resolution to Supervisor.
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and safety requirements.
- Maintained quality assurance and customer satisfaction objectives.
- Completed job reports and logs immediately following service calls.
- Actively participated in continuous learning initiatives to stay updated on industry trends and advancements in technology.
Emergency Department Health Care Technician / Nurse Aide II / LEAN Core Team
Atrium Health
06.2014 - 09.2019
- Initiated, performed, and completed assigned duties, including implementing orders and providing care to variable patient populations
- Performed support duties for complex diagnostic tests and specialized practices or procedures, which included preparing the patient, assisting in the diagnostic examination, preparing and handling specialized instruments or other specialized equipment, and monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and following the procedure
- Participated in the unit-based performance measures for Acute Coronary Syndrome, length of stay, and missed opportunities
- Observed for, identified, and responded to the patient's needs for care, equipment-assisted care, and patient/family education, documents per policy
- Recognized and considered emotional, cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, and age-related factors in organizing and delivering care
- Performed point-of-care testing within the guidelines of the Medical Center
- Adhered to medication administration and/or computerized patient record system policies and procedures for the administration of medications and data entry for vital signs and other patient information
- Observed for physical and/or emotional changes in patient's condition from prescribed medications/ treatments, promptly and accurately documenting noted changes and reporting any deviations from normal to RN or MD.
- Performed basic procedures such as nasogastric tube insertion, EKG's, suture and staple removal, splinting and casting, visual field examinations, venipuncture for collection of blood specimens, finger stick for glucose determination, performs Stat Troponin on ISTAT, and urinary catheterization with Foley or Coud'e catheters.
- Initiated intravenous therapy and maintains the infusion with Normal Saline or 5% Dextrose
- Inserted heparin locks and performed ultrasound-guided IV placement when required
- Performed wound care treatments, wound debridement, incision and drainage, wet-to-dry dressings, and dressing changes
- Responded to emergency situations such as cardiopulmonary arrest, hemorrhage, and shock by assisting in performing resuscitation measures under the supervision of professional staff
- Participated in an environment of care rounds and made written and oral reports of findings per directive.
- Observed for nonverbal cues of pain/ discomfort
- Provided information to patients during disposition about theplan of care, future appointments/labs/tests, and telephone advice program
- Implemented infection control and OSHA guidelines as written
- Ongoing role in Lean data analysis techniques, process improvements, and implementation within Emergency Departments, developing standards and training for healthcare technician rooming patients, standardization of equipment use and maintenance, department 5S, and developing a two-bin supply system in multiple hospital locations.
- Maintained a safe work environment by strictly adhering to established safety protocols and guidelines.
- Trained new technicians on standard operating procedures, ensuring consistency across the team.
- Maintained compliance with regulatory standards and safety requirements.
- Demonstrated adaptability when faced with new challenges or technologies, enabling quick mastery of necessary skills.
Aeromedical Evacuation Technician
United States Air Force Reserve
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Nationally Registered as an EMT - Basic, BLS Certification, Certified Aeromedical Evacuation Technician.
- Collaborated closely with flight crews to ensure seamless execution of aeromedical evacuation missions, ultimately enhancing the operation's overall effectiveness.
- Implemented quality improvement initiatives within the unit by analyzing performance data and developing actionable recommendations for process improvements.
- Maintained a high standard of cleanliness and organization within aircraft, ensuring proper infection control measures were implemented.
- Monitored patient condition and collected data to provide nursing staff and physicians with adequate information.
- Improved communication among team members by implementing standardized reporting procedures during patient handoffs.
- Supported fellow crew members during high-stress scenarios, fostering a collaborative environment focused on exceptional patient care.
- Assisted in the loading and unloading of patients onto aircraft, ensuring timely transport to appropriate medical facilities.
- Participated in regular training exercises to maintain proficiency in emergency medical techniques and aviation protocols.
- Maintained strict adherence to flight safety regulations and protocols, reducing the risk of incidents or accidents.
- Assisted with training new Aeromedical Evacuation Technicians on standard operating procedures and best practices to ensure consistent performance across the team.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of aeromedical evacuation policies and guidelines through participation in professional development courses and workshops.
- Demonstrated adaptability in challenging environments, such as natural disaster responses or military operations support missions.
- Coordinated with ground ambulance crews to facilitate seamless patient transfers upon arrival at destination hospitals.
- Provided expert medical care during critical situations by applying advanced clinical skills and knowledge.
- Enhanced patient care by providing advanced life support during aeromedical evacuations.
- Used appropriate medical equipment and standardized assessments to support diagnoses and inform future treatments.
C-130 Loadmaster
United States Air National Guard
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Provided expert support in airdrop missions, ensuring precise execution and delivery of supplies to remote locations.
- Expedited emergency response efforts through efficient coordination with other service branches and agencies during joint operations.
- Assisted pilots in navigating challenging weather conditions while ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, and cargo on board.
- Ensured safe transportation of hazardous materials by adhering to strict guidelines and regulations.
- Adapted quickly to changing mission requirements, prioritizing tasks accordingly for successful completion under tight deadlines.
- Developed contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances, resulting in minimized delays during critical missions.
- Collaborated with flight crew members to achieve successful mission outcomes within tight deadlines.
- Maintained accurate records of all loadmaster activities for compliance and future reference.
- Maximized available aircraft space by strategically arranging various cargo types according to size, weight, and priority level.
- Optimized aircraft fuel usage through meticulous planning and monitoring during flights.
- Improved team communication with clear, concise briefings before each mission.
- Trained new loadmasters in essential skills, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the team's performance on missions.
- Reduced risk of equipment damage by conducting thorough pre-flight and post-flight inspections.
General Surgery Office Manager / Medical Assistant / Supervisor
L. Brintley MD, PLLC
01.2004 - 01.2011
- Oversaw patient charts, appointment scheduling and insurance issues for a busy single surgeon office with a staff of 3 that saw an average of 20-30 patients per day
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Conducted regular inventory assessments of office supplies, ordering necessary items proactively to prevent stock shortages.
- Enhanced team productivity by delegating tasks effectively and overseeing daily workflow.
- Ordered more than 3,500 surgical procedures and hospital diagnostic tests for more than 2,000 patients
- Streamlined office policies and procedures to make office more efficient, which led to 10%-30% annual growth of surgeon's practice in multiple hospital systems
- Proper setup of medical equipment and supplies for surgeon's in-office and operating room needs
- Prepared patients for examinations, diagnostic procedures, and treatments using surgeon instructions
- Set-up surgical equipment and performed sterile and medical asepsis for in-office procedures
- Monitored and verified operation of medical diagnostic equipment
- Prepared and forwarded specimens taken for laboratory analysis
- Inventoried, cleaned, and sterilized medical instruments and equipment
- Updated reports, managed accounts, and generated reports for company database.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
Materials and Logistics Lead
United States Navy Reserves
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Collaborated with finance department to establish budgets and monitor expenditure, maintaining control over purchase costs while supporting business growth.
- Implemented a robust supplier evaluation process to improve supplier performance and reduce risk within the supply chain.
- Spearheaded efforts to ensure compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies, mitigating risks associated with noncompliance.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful completion of complex logistics projects, leading to enhanced operational capabilities.
- Conducted detailed analyses of market trends and supplier offerings to identify potential savings opportunities within the procurement process.
- Led continuous improvement initiatives within the logistics team, resulting in increased productivity and more efficient workflows.
- Played a pivotal role in resolving disputes between company departments or external partners related to purchasing terms or delivery schedules.
- Advised senior management on best practices for managing purchasing risks such as currency fluctuations or political instability in supplier regions.
- Streamlined purchasing processes by implementing an efficient inventory management system, resulting in reduced lead times and improved order accuracy.
- Developed strong relationships with internal stakeholders to better understand their needs and ensure timely procurement of goods and services.
- Reduced material lead times by establishing strong relationships with key suppliers and negotiating favorable contract terms.
- Led a team of materials and logistics professionals, providing guidance on best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Education
Business
Gaston College
Gastonia, NC09.2024
Undergraduate Management Coursework -
Park University
01.2017
Undergraduate Pre-Medicine Coursework -
Wayne State University
01.1990
Skills
- Patient Care
- Basic Life Support
- Vital signs monitoring
- HIPAA Compliance
- Clinical Documentation
- Healthcare ethics
- Clinical Support
- Medical Equipment Operation
- Strong Work Ethic
Certification
- North Carolina Board of Nursing Nurse Aide I (Nurse Aide I) 461754
- North Carolina Board of Nursing Nurse Aide II (Nurse Aide II) 80067
- National Emergency Medical Technician (National Registry EMT-B)
- American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS HCP) - CPR & AED
- Air Force Medical Technician Corpsman Program
- Air Force Aerospace Medical Service Program
- Hand on Medical Equipment Review (HOMER)
- U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance
Timeline
Intermediate Care Technician
VA Medical Center
07.2021 - Current
Health Care Technician/NA II/Medical Screener
VA Medical Center
09.2020 - 07.2021
Emergency Department Health Care Technician / Nurse Aide II / LEAN Core Team
Atrium Health
06.2014 - 09.2019
Aeromedical Evacuation Technician
United States Air Force Reserve
01.2012 - 01.2015
C-130 Loadmaster
United States Air National Guard
01.2008 - 01.2012
General Surgery Office Manager / Medical Assistant / Supervisor
L. Brintley MD, PLLC
01.2004 - 01.2011
Materials and Logistics Lead
United States Navy Reserves
01.2003 - 01.2008
Business
Gaston College
Undergraduate Management Coursework -
Park University
Undergraduate Pre-Medicine Coursework -
Wayne State University
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