Maria Apodaca
Lubbock
Summary
Results-driven RN with over 20 years of nursing experience. Specializes in direct patient care, infection control, and emergency response. Committed to achieving optimal patient outcomes through skilled assessment, timely interventions, and empathetic support.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
RN
Southern Specialty Rehab And Nursing
07.2025 - 12.2025
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting significant changes to healthcare team.
- Assisted in developing individualized care plans based on patient needs.
- Educated patients and families on disease management and health promotion strategies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
RN Staff Nurse
Southern Specialty Rehab And Nursing
10.2024 - 01.2025
- Administered medications and monitored patient vital signs to ensure optimal care.
- Assisted in developing individualized care plans based on patient needs and assessments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient treatment and rehabilitation efforts.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care procedures.
- Documented patient progress and communicated updates to healthcare team members effectively.
- Participated in infection control protocols to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Responded promptly to patient inquiries, ensuring comfort and addressing concerns efficiently.
- Proactively identified potential patient safety risks, taking corrective actions to prevent harm or injury.
- Provided compassionate and empathetic support to patients and their families during difficult situations.
- Monitored patients' conditions and reported changes in physical presentation, appearance, and behavior to discuss treatment with physicians.
- Performed various nursing interventions such as wound dressing, vital sign monitoring, and specimen collection.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
RN Staff Nurse
Texas Tech Health Science Center
05.2013 - 03.2024
- Maintained accurate medical records in compliance with regulatory standards and facility policies.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to facilitate clear communication and coordination of care plans.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, treatments, and progress notes for seamless continuity of care.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and management, promoting healthier lifestyles.
- Assisted physicians during medical procedures, ensuring accurate delivery of care as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
- Implemented effective time-management strategies to optimize productivity while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Managed complex wound care cases using advanced skills in assessment, dressing application, and infection control measures.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a more cohesive and efficient team environment.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Participated in hospital committees to recommend quality improvement initiatives.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
RN Staff Nurse
UMC Hospital
03.2003 - 06.2013
- Conducted thorough patient assessments upon admission to determine appropriate level of care required based on individual needs.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions, revising care plans as needed to ensure optimal patient outcomes and satisfaction.
- Reduced medication errors through meticulous administration and documentation of medications.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to develop comprehensive patient care plans, improving patient outcomes.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Assessed physical, psychological, physiologic, and cognitive status of patients.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a more cohesive and efficient team environment.
- Assisted physicians during medical procedures, ensuring accurate delivery of care as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
RN Staff Nurse
Covenant Medical Center
04.1988 - 03.2003
- Devised customized interventions addressing physical, emotional, social, spiritual aspects of each patient''s well-being while adhering to professional ethics guidelines.
- Administered vaccinations and conducted health screenings for early detection of illnesses or diseases among patients.
- Developed and implemented individualized patient care plans for optimal outcomes.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Precepted student nurses and oriented new hires, providing guidance and mentorship when teaching on hospital policies, emergency procedures, and nursing best practices.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Worked with healthcare team to develop new dialysis treatment flow sheet and other log forms, improving clinical documentation and accountability.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
New York University
New York (City), NY08-1998
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Spanish And History
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX08-1992
Vocational Nursing - LVN
Plainview School of Vocational Nursing
Plainview, Texas07-1976
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Medication administration
- Direct patient care
- Patient assessments
- Clinical judgment
- Infection control measures
- Patient care
- Compassion and empathy
- Intravenous therapy
- Professional bedside manner
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
RN
Southern Specialty Rehab And Nursing
07.2025 - 12.2025
RN Staff Nurse
Southern Specialty Rehab And Nursing
10.2024 - 01.2025
RN Staff Nurse
Texas Tech Health Science Center
05.2013 - 03.2024
RN Staff Nurse
UMC Hospital
03.2003 - 06.2013
RN Staff Nurse
Covenant Medical Center
04.1988 - 03.2003
Associate of Science - Nursing
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, Spanish And History
Texas Tech University
Vocational Nursing - LVN
Plainview School of Vocational Nursing