Laura Lacniak
Crown Point
Summary
Dedicated professional with experience in mental health care, emphasizing compassionate patient advocacy and critical thinking. Skilled in implementing individualized treatment plans while ensuring compliance with safety protocols, aiming to enhance patient well-being and care quality.
Overview
3
3
Languages
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Technician I
IL Dept. of Human Services, Clyde L. Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center
Anna, IL
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Monitored patient behavior and reported significant changes to healthcare team.
- Assisted in implementing individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Provided emotional support and crisis intervention to patients in distress.
- Conducted therapeutic group activities to promote social skills and engagement.
- Supported daily living activities, fostering independence among patients.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- Helped patients with meals, activities of daily living (ADLs) to promote security and patient well-being.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Observed patient behaviors and mental status and notified RN of unusual or potentially dangerous occurrences.
- Assisted with patient restraint and seclusion scenarios to create safe environment for patient and medical personnel.
- Escorted patients from unit to meals, activities, and visitation areas to maintain standard of safety and security.
Daycare Teacher's Assistant
Funshine Daycare
Metropolis, IL
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Assisted lead teacher in implementing daily lesson plans and activities.
- Coordinated snack and meal times, ensuring adherence to dietary guidelines.
- Engaged children in educational play, fostering social and cognitive development.
- Maintained a clean and organized classroom environment for safety and learning.
- Monitored children's health and safety during indoor and outdoor activities.
- Ensured student safety through vigilant supervision during indoor and outdoor playtimes.
- Achieved a nurturing classroom atmosphere by consistently displaying patience, empathy, and understanding toward all children.
- Maintained compliance with state licensing regulations through diligent adherence to daycare policies, guidelines, and procedures.
- Provided assistance to special needs students as needed for their successful integration into the daycare setting.
- Provided lunchtime assistance to monitor children, assist with eating and serve food.
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
Emergency Department Ward Clerk
SIH, Herrin Hospital
Herrin, IL
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Managed patient admissions and discharges, ensuring accurate data entry in electronic health record systems.
- Coordinated communication between medical staff and patients, enhancing departmental efficiency.
- Processed incoming calls, directing inquiries to appropriate personnel while prioritizing patient needs.
- Prepared patient charts and reports for daily rounds, supporting timely clinical decision-making.
- Supported quality patient care by serving as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to address concerns or questions.
- Assisted in meeting regulatory requirements by maintaining accurate data entry in electronic systems and complying with HIPAA guidelines for confidentiality of protected health information.
- Enhanced patient flow by efficiently managing the registration process and maintaining accurate patient records.
- Contributed to a safe environment for patients and staff by monitoring visitor access and adhering to established security protocols.
- Aided healthcare providers in delivering optimal care by assembling necessary equipment or materials promptly when requested during medical emergencies.
- Performed various administrative tasks by filing, copying and faxing documents.
Education
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Ivy Tech Community College
Crown Point, IN07-2026
Skills
- De-escalation techniques
- Suicide prevention and grief counseling
- Patient safety management
- Medication administration
- Clinical documentation
- Self-care promotion
- Patient assessment and vitals monitoring
- Compassionate care and patient advocacy
- Therapeutic communication and active listening
- Excellent customer service skills
- HIPAA requirements
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
Certification
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- BLS Provider CPR
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Polish
Limited Working
Spanish
Limited Working
Additional Information
The gap in my work history: During that time, I had 2 babies and my oldest daughter was undergoing cancer treatment and, later, hospice. I was the primary caretaker for my sick daughter and my other two children. She passed away in 2018 and I took some time to stay home with my surviving children. Then I went to Meraki Nail Tech School (56th and Pulaski, Chicago) and graduated in 2020. I worked at some salons from 2020-2023, but didn't add them because the experience didn't seem relevant to nursing. I began taking my generals for nursing school in 2024.
Timeline
Mental Health Technician I
IL Dept. of Human Services, Clyde L. Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center
01.2011 - 01.2012
Daycare Teacher's Assistant
Funshine Daycare
01.2010 - 01.2011
Emergency Department Ward Clerk
SIH, Herrin Hospital
01.2008 - 01.2009
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Ivy Tech Community College