Louise Lagunas
Meridian,USA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate, results-oriented health care professional with over 11 years of experience as a certified nursing assistant, including one year of direct service within the VA healthcare system. Committed to advancing the VA mission and exemplifying I CARE core values in clinical and administrative roles.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Nursing Assistant GS 5 Step 8 40Hrs/Week FT
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Boise, ID
06.2024 - Current
- Facilitated informal training for six new CNA staff, orienting them on VA protocols, infection control measures, and proficient utilization of VistA/CPRS documentation systems.
- Delivered emotional support and advocacy for veterans experiencing PTSD, DUDs, TBI, depression, or cognitive impairments, ensuring respectful, patient-centered communication at all times.
- Coordinates patient admissions and discharges, handling related documentation, and guaranteeing efficient transitions.
- Files patient records accurately and confidentially, ensuring accessibility for health care providers.
- Facilitates patient data collection and documented processes, contributing to enhanced patient monitoring and care protocols.
- Documents patient vital signs, intake/output, and other relevant observations accurately and efficiently in the EHR.
- Address phone calls and inquiries, offering exceptional and respectful support to patients, families, and staff.
- Cross-trained and provided support across various hospital departments (e.g., ICU, ER, 2M, 2P) to ensure uninterrupted patient care during critical staffing shortages.
- Executed diverse technical procedures, including 12-lead ECGs, blood glucose monitoring, phlebotomy, straight catheterization, and intravenous catheter removal.
Lead Health Technician 37.5Hrs/Week FT
Vallivue School District
Caldwell, ID
09.2019 - 05.2024
- Worked autonomously under the limited supervision of the school-registered nurse via phone. Executed diverse healthcare and clerical tasks within the school health office, supporting elementary and middle schools.
- Mentored and instructed health technicians, guaranteeing compliance with quality standards and protocols annually.
- Prioritized student cases, analyzed healthcare requirements, and administered direct care or guided students to appropriate care levels.
- Provided critical first aid assistance to students in need of medical attention, alerting emergency medical services (EMS) when necessary.
- Performed medical procedures according to established district protocols, including catheterization, gastrostomy feeding, nasal cannula, oxygen supplementation, syringe suctioning, and related procedures, while being trained and supervised by a District Registered Nurse.
- Administers prescribed medications promptly and accurately following established district policies and procedures, while monitoring 'at-risk' students with significant medical needs, including insulin/BG diabetic management.
- Weekly counts of daily ADHD medications and monthly counts of as-needed medications, including Albuterol inhalers, EpiPens, Glucagon, Valtoco, Narcan, etc.
- Conducted school-wide hearing and vision screening tests. Screened over 600 students in grades K-5 for vision and hearing deficiencies during the annual school year.
- Managed immunization data for a student population of 800 individuals using Idaho Iris. Generated a list of students for enrollment, and eliminated individual phone calls from school personnel, improving workflow.
- Answered phones from parents, teachers, and secretaries to help with their needs and direct them to the appropriate parties.
- Scanned and indexed student health records for completeness and accuracy, identifying and correcting discrepancies before systematically filling them into medical charts.
- Managed medical and office inventory for school health and first-aid supplies, guaranteeing timely availability of essential materials.
- Provided and organized record-keeping and clerical support for health services staff.
- Completed medical documentation/EHR in accordance with school district policies.
- Consulted with the school registered nurse regarding a variety of issues (e.g., emergency situations, neglect/abuse, assessment needs, infectious/contagious diseases) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety and/or health care concerns, minimizing infection, and complying with the law.
- Assisted in student enrollment processes to validate immunization records and convey essential information
- Supported registered nurses, students, and school personnel in delivering specialized treatments and monitoring medical processes at school sites
- Functioned as key liaison between families, school personnel, and healthcare professionals, advocating for healthcare requirements of students.
- Distributed educational and instructional materials for the purpose of instructing teachers, students, and/or parents on a variety of health subjects.
- Implemented universal precautions and infection control protocols at all times, reducing risk of disease transmission
- Ensures compliance with HIPAA regulations during all patient documentation and interactions.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of office areas, sinks, and counters to ensure a sanitary environment.
- Ensured accuracy of medical emergency cards and health records to meet regulatory requirements.
Addressed discrepancies in records through thorough investigations and corrections. - Documented immunization history, medication logs, and accident reports systematically.
- Maintained daily logs for consistent tracking of patient health data.
- Legal and professional standards.
- Performed record-keeping via Infinite Campus and clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying, faxing, labels, etc.). For the purpose of supporting health services staff.
- Created diverse written materials, including logs, re-screen lists, and accident reports, to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Documented activities through periodic and year-end reports for accurate record-keeping.
- Developed notices and student records to relay important information and references.
- Reported unsafe environmental conditions in the building or grounds to the principal for the purpose of ensuring the safety of students and staff.
- Addressed inquiries from students, staff, and public to deliver necessary information and guidance.
- Supervised students for the purpose of monitoring students referred for illness and/or disciplinary actions.
- Supported the social, emotional, and physical needs of special education schoolchildren. Fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Military Spouse Family Manager FT
Self - Employed
12.2008 - 09.2019
- Demonstrates exceptional organization and adaptability as military spouse, showcasing expertise in product management while efficiently coordinating family relocations.
- Established and executed budget system resulting in 15% decrease in household expenses
- Managed and organized multiple schedules, ensuring optimal outcomes for individuals.
- Established detailed calendar of activities featuring academic deadlines and appointments.
- Nurtured relationships with health care professionals and program leaders to synchronize on needs.
- Demonstrated exceptional communication abilities and problem-solving expertise, effectively managing unexpected challenges and formulating solutions.
Certified Nursing Assistant 40hrs/week FT
Christus St. John Hospital
Nassau Bay, United States
05.2007 - 12.2008
- Provided personalized patient care through accurate vital sign recording, thorough observation documentation, effective treatment assistance, and comprehensive patient needs evaluation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare team to effectively manage patient conditions through regular testing and vital assessments.
- Facilitated patient mobility by assisting with transfers to and from beds and preparing assistive devices.
- Conveyed patients between examination rooms and testing areas.
- Managed call light system ensuring patient comfort and safety by modifying bed rails and equipment settings.
- Adhered to company-specific guidelines while delivering hands-on nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and/or a Licensed Practical Nurse.
- Exhibited proficiency in technical procedures, encompassing 12-lead ECGs, blood glucose monitoring, elimination, and specimen collection.
- Assisted ambulation and physical therapy efforts by conducting organized exercise routines aimed at muscle strengthening.
- Delivered comprehensive support for daily living activities, focusing on personal hygiene assistance.
- Guided patients through challenges related to diagnoses encompassing diabetes, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and physical disabilities.
- Executed adjunct care involving administration of enemas, douches, non-sterile dressings, surgical preparations, ice packs, heat treatments, sitz baths, and therapeutic baths; implemented restraints.
- Aided patients throughout treatments, examinations, and procedures.
- Collected biological specimens for ordered tests and arranged for laboratory transport.
- Implemented and maintained infection control measures, ensuring a clean and sterile environment.
- Evaluated patient priorities, treatment protocols, objectives, and emerging crises.
- Analyzed patients to pinpoint and resolve wounds, behavioral challenges, and medically relevant signs.
Health Care Assistant 37.5 Hrs/week FT
Derriford Hospital
Plymouth, United Kingdom
03.2004 - 02.2006
- Monitored patient's vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rate from oxygen and suction equipment, while sustaining airway, circulation, and blood sugar levels.
- Tracked, documented, and communicated physical, mental, or emotional changes in patients.
- Responded to patients' call signals and intercom systems to assess needs and assist with mobility aids.
- Measured and documented food and fluid intake, collected specimens, and reported patient condition changes to nursing staff.
- Provided comprehensive care for patients with respiratory diseases, heart conditions, cancer, and diabetes.
- Delivered personal hygiene assistance while preserving patient dignity and minimizing discomfort.
- Supported patients emotionally and physically in daily living activities through active listening and observation.
- Engaged compassionately on issues of death and dying, delivering essential support to patients, family members, and health care staff.
- Performed post-mortem care for deceased patients before transportation to mortuary.
Caregiver to Parent FT
Self Employed
Plymouth, UK
01.1998 - 02.2004
- Managed medication administration and monitored health conditions per physicians' directives.
- Aided in bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene routines.
- Coordinated meal planning aimed at fulfilling nutritional needs.
- Provided empathetic care to enhance comfort and psychological, social, and spiritual well-being.
- Managed household operations, encompassing shopping, meal preparation, cleaning, laundry, and additional responsibilities.
- Engage with family members and healthcare professionals to enhance optimal care
- Executed shopping and money management tasks to ensure financial accuracy.
- Managed external services for yard work to enhance property appearance.
- Delivered transportation for parents to medical appointments, securing on-time arrivals.
- Directed bookkeeping functions to maintain precise records of expenses and income.
- Reduced care-related expenses by 30% through budgeting, negotiating, and comparing NHS and private options, and accessing local authority support schemes.
Nursing Assistant 40hrs/week FT
Vail Lodge Residential Home
Plymouth, United Kingdom
02.2000 - 10.2000
Nursing Auxiliary 15hrs/week PT
Prestige Nursing Agency
Plymouth, United Kingdom
07.1997 - 10.1997
Nursing Auxiliary 15hrs/week PT
Tregowan Lodge Residential Home
Plymouth, United Kingdom
08.1996 - 06.1997
Education
Basic Life Support (BLS) -
Sunshine CPR, LLC.
Meridian, ID, USA08.2025
Certified Phlebotomist -
National Center for Competency Testing
Meridian, ID, USA08.2023
Assistance with Medications Course -
College Of Western Idaho
Nampa, ID, USA08.2022
Certified Nursing Aide course -
San Jacinto Community College
Houston, TX, USA05.2007
General National Vocational Qualification -
Eggbuckland Community College Sixth Form
Plymouth, PL6 5YB, UK10.1997
General Certificate Of Secondary Education -
Eggbuckland Community College
Plymouth, PL6 5YB, UK07.1995
Skills
- CPR and BLS certification, first aid expertise
- Phlebotomy professional certification
- Trained in dementia care
- Attended de-escalation and patient safety training
- Proficient in electronic health records (EHR) systems, including CPRS and VistA
- Accurate data entry, comprehensive Microsoft Office skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology and HIPAA regulations
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving
- Strong communication and customer service skills, with a veteran-centered approach
- Time management and organizational skills
- Highly organized, dependable, and adaptive in high-volume environments
- Handled high-volume phone communication professionally, relaying messages to nurses, or scheduling teams, and triaging urgent requests appropriately
- Effective verbal and written communication
Interpersonal skills with patients
Collaboration with healthcare professionals
Personal Information
References
- Keri Earl MSN, RN (Supervisor) keri.earl@va.gov
- Amanda Biondi, RN amanda.biondi@va.gov
- Nita Dimitrich, RN nita.dimitrich@va.gov
- Briana Gradbow, RN briana.grabow@va.gov
- Julie Douty, (Supervisor) julie.douty@vallivue.org
- Deanne Rogers, deanne.rogers@vallivue.org
- Ashley Sutherland, ashley.sutherland@vallivue.org
Accomplishments
- Heart Of Stepdown award to recognize outstanding work at the Boise VA.
- BEE Award for providing exceptional care to Veteran patients.
- Restraints and Wells Allyn Vitals champion
- Award given soley for becoming "Lead Health Tech" to recolonize excellence and leadership.
Timeline
Nursing Assistant GS 5 Step 8 40Hrs/Week FT
Veterans Affairs Medical Center
06.2024 - Current
Lead Health Technician 37.5Hrs/Week FT
Vallivue School District
09.2019 - 05.2024
Military Spouse Family Manager FT
Self - Employed
12.2008 - 09.2019
Certified Nursing Assistant 40hrs/week FT
Christus St. John Hospital
05.2007 - 12.2008
Health Care Assistant 37.5 Hrs/week FT
Derriford Hospital
03.2004 - 02.2006
Nursing Assistant 40hrs/week FT
Vail Lodge Residential Home
02.2000 - 10.2000
Caregiver to Parent FT
Self Employed
01.1998 - 02.2004
Nursing Auxiliary 15hrs/week PT
Prestige Nursing Agency
07.1997 - 10.1997
Nursing Auxiliary 15hrs/week PT
Tregowan Lodge Residential Home
08.1996 - 06.1997
Basic Life Support (BLS) -
Sunshine CPR, LLC.
Certified Phlebotomist -
National Center for Competency Testing
Assistance with Medications Course -
College Of Western Idaho
Certified Nursing Aide course -
San Jacinto Community College
General National Vocational Qualification -
Eggbuckland Community College Sixth Form
General Certificate Of Secondary Education -
Eggbuckland Community College