Kristy Mendoza
San Antonio
Summary
Healthcare professional specializing in pediatric sedation and vascular access, combining extensive clinical experience with effective leadership. Achieved significant operational improvements, including a 57% boost in procedural cases and a recognized Center of Excellence designation, underscoring a commitment to quality and collaborative care.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Manager, Pediatric Sedation & Vascular Access Services
University Health
San Antonio
03.2019 - Current
- Lead daily operations for Pediatric Sedation and Vascular Access services within a large academic healthcare system
- Collaborated with physicians, hospital leadership, and external vendors to enhance patient care delivery and streamline operational efficiency
- Maintained departmental compliance with evidence-based policies, accreditation standards, and patient safety guidelines to uphold quality of care
- Implemented operational improvements resulting in a 57% increase in completed procedural cases
- Expanded pediatric vascular access services by more than 101%
- Supervised staffing, scheduling, employee performance evaluations, onboarding, and staff development initiatives to ensure optimal team performance
- Contributed to departmental achievement of Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation designation (2026–2030)
Staff RN II – Pediatric Procedural Sedation & Vascular Access Services
University Health
San Antonio
04.2014 - 03.2019
- Provided specialized pediatric procedural sedation and vascular access care
- Performed ultrasound-guided peripheral IV placement, PICC line insertion, midline placement, and Port-a-Cath access
- Assisted with airway management, monitored patients, facilitated sedation recovery, and coordinated procedures
- Conducted patient assessments, prepared medications, ensured equipment safety, and documented procedures
- Supported pediatric anesthesia workflow and coordinated procedure schedules to enhance operational efficiency
- Educated nurses and medical residents regarding vascular access device care, maintenance, and evidence-based practices
Staff RN / Charge Nurse – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Methodist Children’s Hospital
San Antonio
07.2003 - 02.2014
- Delivered critical care nursing for complex pediatric ICU patients with congenital heart defects, respiratory and renal failure, neurological disorders, and multi-organ system failure, ensuring high-quality care and patient stabilization.
- Managed ECMO, CRRT, ventilator, vasoactive infusions, and sedation, contributing to effective patient treatment and recovery.
- Served as charge nurse and interim educator, enhancing staff competency through targeted clinical education and support.
Staff RN – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital
San Antonio
08.2006 - 09.2008
- Provided pediatric critical care services for respiratory, cardiac, neurological, and multi-system illnesses in high-acuity PICU, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
- Administered medications and treatments to pediatric patients in critical care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop patient care plans.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare providers promptly.
Travel PICU Registered Nurse – UCLA Children’s Hospital
AMN Healthcare
Los Angeles
06.2008 - 08.2008
- Delivered specialized care for critically ill post-transplant pediatric patients during pediatric ICU travel assignment.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses in various healthcare settings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care.
Staff RN – Pediatric Orthopedic/Neurology Unit
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Corpus Christi
01.2003 - 07.2003
- Delivered pediatric orthopedic and neurological nursing care, managing wounds, implementing seizure precautions, administering IV therapy, and monitoring EEGs to ensure patient safety and comfort.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create care plans for patients.
Licensed Vocational Nurse / Registered Nurse
Private Duty Nursing
Corpus Christi
12.1996 - 07.2003
- Delivered long-term private-duty nursing care for neurologically impaired pediatric patient in home setting, ensuring comfort and effective management of medical needs.
- Provided direct patient care in home settings for diverse client needs.
- Administered medications and monitored patients for adverse reactions.
- Assisted with daily living activities to enhance patient comfort and independence.
Education
Master in Business Administration -
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At Arlington
12-2020
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX12-2002
Certificate of Vocational Nursing -
Del Mar College
Corpus Christi, TX12-1996
Skills
- Pediatric Sedation
- Pediatric Vascular Access
- PALS certification
- Clinical assessment
- Medication administration
- Patient care
- Direct patient care
- Care coordination
- Quality improvement
- Evidence-based practice
- Project management
- Budget planning
- Electronic charting skills
- Policy development
- Staff training
- Team leadership
- Nursing team oversight
- Delegation
- Emergency response
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Performance improvement
- Critical thinking
- Multitasking and organization
- Conflict management
- Patient education
- Staff leadership
- Nursing assignments
Affiliations
- Infusion Nurses Society
- Association for Vascular Access
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- Society for Pediatric Sedation
Certification
- CCRN — Critical Care Registered Nurse
- CRNI — Certified Registered Nurse Infusion
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
References
Available upon request.
Degrees
- MBA
- BSN
Accomplishments
- 2025 Best 25 Nurses of South Central Texas Nominee
- 2026 Nurse Excellence Award Nominee
- 2024 Daisy Award Nominee
Timeline
Nurse Manager, Pediatric Sedation & Vascular Access Services
University Health
03.2019 - Current
Staff RN II – Pediatric Procedural Sedation & Vascular Access Services
University Health
04.2014 - 03.2019
Travel PICU Registered Nurse – UCLA Children’s Hospital
AMN Healthcare
06.2008 - 08.2008
Staff RN – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital
08.2006 - 09.2008
Staff RN / Charge Nurse – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Methodist Children’s Hospital
07.2003 - 02.2014
Staff RN – Pediatric Orthopedic/Neurology Unit
Driscoll Children’s Hospital
01.2003 - 07.2003
Licensed Vocational Nurse / Registered Nurse
Private Duty Nursing
12.1996 - 07.2003
Master in Business Administration -
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At Arlington
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Del Mar College
Certificate of Vocational Nursing -
Del Mar College