Kristin Peterson
Chicago,IL
Summary
With over 15 years of experience in Long Term Care as a lead CNA, I have cultivated my skills as a Clinical Massage Therapist, and Engagement Specialist. I have participated in leadership roles to train staff and improve improve the quality of care for my residents and their families. I am a detail-oriented team player, with strong organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. I have a passion for creativity, assisting with developing, leading, and organizing high-quality activities, designed to meet the physical, mental,and spiritual well-being of the community I serve. I believe aging well comes from a mindful, holistic, and therapeutic approach to life and strive to embody these qualities both personally and professionally.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engagement Specialist
The Mather
Evanston, IL
09.2023 - Current
- Organized diverse activities, addressing various interests and promoting social interaction among participants in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Memory Support.
- Promoted intellectual and emotional well being by creating a holistic and therapeutic approach to aging well.
- Provided inclusive environments that fostered intentional space for ritual, ceremony, and spirituality.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive communication among residents, engagement coordinators, and nursing staff.
- Assisted in developing new programs for improved resident satisfaction and overall well being with a focus on sensory programs, art, music, and intellectualism.
- Contributed to resident care planning by participating in assessment, developing service plan goals and maintaining progress notes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care and support for residents'' needs.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts, maximizing available resources while providing meaningful experiences for residents and volunteers.
- Evaluated participant feedback to continuously improve programming quality and relevance.
- Facilitated communication between participants and their families, ensuring consistent updates on involvement levels and achievements within the program.
- Maintained and ordered supplies for activities.
- Created and distributed fliers advertising weekly programming.
CNA
The Mather
Evanston, IL
08.2020 - 08.2023
- Improved patient care by providing comprehensive training to new CNAs on clinical procedures and best practices.
- Enhanced the overall quality of care within the facility by inspiring trainees to approach their work with professionalism, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to patient wellbeing.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity in Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Memory Support.
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Maintained resident safety, dignity, and well being while assisting in the isolation unit during the Covid-19 outbreak.
- Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant
Symphony Post Acute Network
11.2015 - 03.2020
- Lead CNA/Preceptor
- Helped residents effectively manage routine bathing, grooming and other hygiene needs
- Served as a resource person for both trainees and experienced CNAs seeking guidance in complex sitiuations.
- Evaluated residents to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms
- Cleaned and prepared rooms between occupants, using aseptic technique to prevent infections and cross-contamination
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important resident information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery
- Provided care to memory support residents throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture
- Assisted patients with employing assistive devices such as splints and braces to support treatment goals
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care, supporting patients and their families during difficult transitions.
- Furthered skills by actively taking part in employee trainings and taking classes in leadership roles to improve work environment for coworkers.
CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant
Mather Lifeways
04.2009 - 11.2015
- Cared for long term care residents with diagnoses such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's disease
- Helped patients effectively manage routine bathing, grooming and other hygiene needs
- Participated in activities with patients to boost mood, improve overall memory and provide light entertainment
- Delivered patient centered care by documenting observations, working with nurses and management to create individualize care plan meetings
- Gathered dietary information, assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives and support wellness goals
- Protected privacy and delivered comfort to preserve dignity of dying patient and family members.
Education
Licensed Clinical Massage Therapist - Massage Therapy
The Soma Institute, The National School of Clinical Massage Therapy
10.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing
Scott Community College
08.2007
Skills
- Senior Activities Planning
- Creative Program Development
- Direct Patient Care
- Team Leadership
- Well-organized
- Collaborative
- Out of the box thinker
- Arts and crafts instruction
- Holistic Health Approach
- Mindfulness/ Lifestyle Rituals
- Clinical Massage Therapist
Certification
- Licensed Clinical Massage Therapist - 2019
Timeline
Engagement Specialist
The Mather
09.2023 - Current
CNA
The Mather
08.2020 - 08.2023
CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant
Symphony Post Acute Network
11.2015 - 03.2020
CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant
Mather Lifeways
04.2009 - 11.2015
Licensed Clinical Massage Therapist - Massage Therapy
The Soma Institute, The National School of Clinical Massage Therapy
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing
Scott Community College