Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Latisha Kirkendoll

Latisha Kirkendoll

Natchitoches,LA

Summary

Dynamic and compassionate healthcare professional with extensive experience as a CNA at Louisiana Extended Care Hospital and a Sterile Processing Technician at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center. Specializes in steam sterilization and promoting patient dignity, significantly enhancing patient satisfaction. Demonstrates exceptional teamwork and infection control, contributing to a safer care environment.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

CNA

Community Care Nursing Home
05.2007 - 06.2012
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
  • Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
  • Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
  • Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.

Sterile Processing Technician

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
03.2022 - Current
  • Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
  • Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
  • Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
  • Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
  • Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
  • Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
  • Ensured timely availability of surgical instruments by prioritizing urgent requests and efficiently managing workload.
  • Inspected sterile package integrity prior to distribution.
  • Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
  • Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when troubleshooting issues with autoclaves or other sterilization equipment.
  • Corrected instrument sets according to current standards and established count sheets and instrument tracking systems.
  • Maintained clean and organized sterile processing areas to prevent contamination of instruments and equipment.
  • Recorded biologicals and test results.
  • Operated specialized equipment using steam, gas and chemical methods to sterilize equipment.
  • Ensured strict adherence to regulatory guidelines during decontamination processes, mitigating risks associated with improper handling of biohazardous materials.
  • Achieved high levels of accuracy in record-keeping, logging important data related to sterilization cycles and equipment usage.
  • Handled and disposed of sharps, biohazards and other hazardous materials in accordance with established protocols.
  • Improved quality assurance processes by implementing documentation procedures for all stages of the sterilization process.
  • Responded to equipment malfunctions by troubleshooting and repairing broken and malfunctioning equipment.

CNA

NATCHITOCHES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
08.2018 - Current
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
  • Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
  • Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
  • Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.

CNA

Louisiana Extended Care Hospital
05.2015 - 01.2019
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
  • Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
  • Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
  • Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
  • Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
  • Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
  • Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
  • Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
  • Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
  • Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
  • Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
  • Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
  • Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
  • Assisted in emergency situations under the direction of nursing supervisors or physicians, providing crucial support during life-saving interventions.
  • Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
  • Participated in ongoing educational opportunities in order to stay up-to-date on best practices in nursing care.

Assistant Manager

Family Dollar
09.2017 - 07.2018
  • Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment to enhance the customer experience.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
  • Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
  • Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.

Education

Criminal Justice

Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA

Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing Assistant

Louisiana Technical College
Natchitoches, LA
03.2007

High School Diploma - General Studies

Natchitoches Central High School
Natchitoches, LA
05.1999

Skills

  • Steam sterilization
  • Decontaminating surgical instruments
  • High-level disinfection
  • Decontamination procedures
  • Sterilization procedures
  • Manual cleaning
  • Assembling case carts
  • Instrument decontamination
  • Recording biologicals
  • Sterile storage
  • Equipment testing
  • Instrument sterilization
  • Sterilization techniques
  • Supply replenishment
  • Ultrasonic cleaning
  • Infection control
  • Picking instruments
  • Low-temperature sterilization
  • Chemical handling
  • Ordering supplies
  • Preventive Maintenance
  • Supply management
  • Managing materials
  • Equipment monitoring
  • Surgical instrument knowledge
  • Safety protocols
  • Staff training
  • Risk management

Timeline

Sterile Processing Technician

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
03.2022 - Current

CNA

NATCHITOCHES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
08.2018 - Current

Assistant Manager

Family Dollar
09.2017 - 07.2018

CNA

Louisiana Extended Care Hospital
05.2015 - 01.2019

CNA

Community Care Nursing Home
05.2007 - 06.2012

Criminal Justice

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing Assistant

Louisiana Technical College

High School Diploma - General Studies

Natchitoches Central High School
Latisha Kirkendoll