Lara Melissa Cardenas
Federal Way
Summary
Dedicated Registered Nurse with expertise in Medical-Surgical nursing, delivering safe, patient-centered care in fast-paced hospital settings. Skilled in post-operative care, telemetry monitoring, and management of complex lines and drains. Experienced in charge nurse responsibilities, including staff coordination, patient assignment management, and supporting unit workflow. Committed to high-quality care with a focus on patient safety, infection prevention, and evidence-based practices.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse/Staff Relief Charge Nurse
St. Joseph Medical Center
Tacoma
08.2022 - Current
- Provided nursing care in a fast-paced Medical-Surgical unit.
- Administered medications, treatments, blood, and blood products per physician orders and protocols.
- Performed patient assessments and monitored changes in condition.
- Provided pre-operative and post-operative care, including care for patients returning from PACU.
- Managed chest tubes, Foley catheters, wound vacs, JP drains, IV therapies, and other lines/tubes.
- Maintained patient safety and infection prevention standards.
- Educated patients and families on medications, treatments, and discharge care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and documented care accurately in EMR.
- Responded effectively to urgent and high-acuity patient situations.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific
Honolulu
08.2015 - 06.2022
- Provided direct patient care in a rehabilitation hospital setting.
- Obtained, recorded, and monitored vital signs.
- Assisted patients with transfers, mobility, and activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Followed patient care plans and completed assigned duties accurately.
- Observed and reported changes in patient condition to nursing staff.
- Maintained patient safety and infection control standards.
- Collaborated with the healthcare team to support patient recovery and rehabilitation.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Manoa Cottage Kaimuki
Honolulu
03.2015 - 09.2015
- Assisted residents with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Obtained, recorded, and monitored vital signs.
- Maintained cleanliness of assigned areas and performed housekeeping duties.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Caring Manoa
Honolulu
01.2014 - 09.2015
- Assisted residents with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Obtained, recorded, and monitored vital signs.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments as directed.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI05-2022
Certified Nursing Assistant -
HAWAII INSTITUTE OF HEALTHCARE TRAINING SERVICES
Hilo, HI12-2013
Some College (No Degree) - Undergraduate Pre-requisites
KAPI’OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Honolulu, HIHigh School Diploma -
Konawaena High School
Kealakekua, HI05-2013
Skills
- Telemetry monitoring
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Post-operative care
- Wound dressing
- Nurse and CNA supervision
- Duty delegation
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Precepting
- Staff training
- Language: Fluent in English, Filipino Dialects: Tagalog, Ilocano
Certification
- Washington State Registered Nurse License
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification
Timeline
Registered Nurse/Staff Relief Charge Nurse
St. Joseph Medical Center
08.2022 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific
08.2015 - 06.2022
Certified Nursing Assistant
Manoa Cottage Kaimuki
03.2015 - 09.2015
Certified Nursing Assistant
Caring Manoa
01.2014 - 09.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Certified Nursing Assistant -
HAWAII INSTITUTE OF HEALTHCARE TRAINING SERVICES
Some College (No Degree) - Undergraduate Pre-requisites
KAPI’OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
High School Diploma -
Konawaena High School