Laura Lucas Cruz

• Medical Clinic: Assist physicians and nursing staff with patient check-in, obtain and document vital signs, collect and record patient information, and complete required clinical documentation to support patient care within my scope of practice.
• Mental Health Crisis Bed: Provide close observation and support for patients experiencing acute psychiatric episodes, suicidal behavior, or an inability to function safely. Work closely with nursing and custody staff to maintain patient safety, monitor changes in behavior or condition, and promptly report concerns to the appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Suicide Watch: Provide one-on-one observation of patients placed on suicide watch, continuously monitoring behavior and safety, accurately documenting observations, and immediately reporting significant changes or safety concerns to nursing staff.
• Mental Health & Substance Use Services: Assist providers and LCSWs during one-on-one sessions with patients receiving services for mental-health conditions and substance-use concerns.
• Clinical Collaboration: Work as part of an interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, LCSWs, mental-health providers, and custody staff to support safe and effective patient care.
• Patient Monitoring & Documentation: Observe and document patients’ physical, behavioral, and mental-health status, including changes in condition, responses to interventions, and other clinically relevant observations, while following established healthcare and facility protocols.
• Communicated professionally and maintained confidentiality during patient interactions.

● Supervised daily operations on the floor to ensure residents received safe, timely, and quality care.

● Assigned daily duties and resident care responsibilities to direct care staff based on staffing needs and resident acuity.

● Monitored direct care staff performance and provided guidance to ensure duties were completed accurately and efficiently.

● Trained new staff on ADLs, safety procedures, and behavior support.

● Communicated with nursing staff regarding residents’ needs, changes in condition, and care concerns.

● Addressed staff and resident concerns professionally while promoting teamwork, accountability, and a safe care environment.

• Provide direct patient care and assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding.
• Assist residents with ambulation, transfers, positioning, and use of mobility and assistive devices.
• Monitor residents for changes in physical or behavioral condition and promptly report concerns to the nurse.
• Provide care and support to residents with chronic conditions, disabilities, and varying levels of mobility.
• Obtain and document vital signs, intake and output, and other assigned patient care information.
• Assist with meal service and monitor residents’ nutritional and hydration needs.
• Provide incontinence care and maintain proper skin care to help prevent pressure injuries.
• Answer call lights and respond promptly to residents’ needs while maintaining dignity, privacy, and respect.
• Assist nurses and other healthcare professionals with patient care and other assigned duties within scope of practice.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of resident care according to facility policies and procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable environment while following infection-control and safety protocols.
• Establish professional boundaries while providing compassionate, respectful, and patient-centered care.
• Communicate effectively with residents, families, nurses, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.