Maria Hernandez
Orange,CA
Summary
Dynamic Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Kaiser Permanente, specializing in patient education and advocacy. Proven track record in optimizing care plans and enhancing recovery outcomes through strong clinical judgment and effective communication. Bilingual in Spanish, adept at fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to improve patient satisfaction and health management. Experienced with patient care, critical thinking, and effective communication. Utilizes medical knowledge to support patient recovery and manage complex conditions. Strong understanding of healthcare protocols and compassionate care delivery. Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Transitional Care Manager Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Pasadena, CA
11.2023 - Current
- Coordinated transitional care plans to ensure seamless patient handoffs between healthcare settings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize treatment protocols and address patient concerns effectively.
- Monitored patient progress through follow-up assessments, adjusting care plans as necessary for improved results.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions to promote adherence and prevent readmissions.
- Facilitated communication between healthcare providers to streamline information sharing and enhance care continuity.
- Mentored new staff members on transitional care management principles enhancing their knowledge base while promoting efficient workflows.
- Managed caseloads effectively by prioritizing cases based on urgency, complexity, and potential impact on overall health outcomes.
- Streamlined patient assessments during the transition process by developing and implementing standardized tools, leading to more accurate evaluations of needs.
- Optimized resource utilization through accurate assessment of patient needs and timely referrals to community resources.
- Upheld strict adherence to privacy, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all aspects of transitional care management practices.
- Coordinated specialized care services such as hospice or palliative care when indicated based on individual patient needs and preferences.
- Contributed to improving overall department performance through active participation in quality improvement initiatives focused on transitional care management.
- Fostered a positive work environment within the transitional care team through open communication channels fostering collaboration among colleagues.
- Advocated for patients'' rights during transition processes, ensuring access to necessary resources and support services.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Managing over 100 cases per month
Diabetes Care Manager Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Santa Ana, CA
07.2012 - 11.2023
- Conducted comprehensive telephonic nursing assessments, including evaluation of remote blood glucose patterns, A1C levels, vital signs, and diabetes-related symptoms
- Monitored for acute and chronic complications (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, neuropathy, nephropathy, and foot complications) and initiated appropriate nursing interventions
- Administered and managed insulin therapy and anti-diabetic medications; assessed therapeutic response and adverse effects
- Implemented evidence-based diabetes care plans in collaboration with physicians, endocrinologists, and interdisciplinary teams
- Interpreted laboratory values and clinical data to guide patient care and escalate concerns per clinical protocols
- Coordinated care transitions, specialty referrals, and follow-up to support continuity and reduce risk readmission.
- Documented telephonic assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic health record in compliance with regulatory and clinical standards
- Provided patient counseling and clinical instruction to support safe self-management and treatment adherence.
- Coordinated care plans for patients, ensuring alignment with healthcare goals and requirements.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction levels.
- Facilitated communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to enhance care continuity.
- Participated in interdisciplinary case conferences fostering teamwork collaboration sharing best practice insights to optimize patient care outcomes.
- Leveraged technology to enhance care coordination, resulting in more timely and effective interventions.
Team Leader Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
Garden Grove, CA
05.2008 - 07.2012
- Provided clinical leadership within a primary care setting, ensuring evidence-based nursing care aligned with organizational standards and policies
- Coordinated daily clinic staffing, patient assignments, and patient flow to support timely access and efficient operations
- Supervised and supported nursing and medical assistant staff; served as a clinical resource for triage, procedures, and care coordination
- Performed and oversaw telephone and electronic portal triage, prioritizing patient needs and directing care appropriately
- Led chronic disease management and population health initiatives, including identification and closure of care gaps
- Supported quality improvement efforts through HEDIS measures (A1C control, blood pressure management, preventive screenings, immunizations)
- Collaborated with providers and interdisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care
- Ensured accurate, timely documentation and compliance with regulatory, safety, and infection control standards
- Mentored junior staff, fostering skill development and professional growth within the team.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration and project outcomes.
Registered Nurse in Emergency Department
Coastal Communities Hospital
Santa Ana, CA
11.2001 - 02.2011
- Delivered comprehensive patient assessments in high-pressure emergency situations.
- Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols and best practices.
- Coordinated patient transfers to appropriate hospital departments or outside facilities while maintaining continuity of care during transition periods.
Registered Nurse in Urgent Care Center
Kaiser Permanente
Santa Ana, CA
05.2005 - 05.2008
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to ensure optimal care outcomes.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and post-discharge care instructions.
- Streamlined workflow processes, improving efficiency in daily operations and patient care delivery.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Registered Nurse in Emergency Department
St Joseph Hospital
Orange, CA
08.2003 - 04.2005
- Administered emergency care and triage for diverse patient populations in high-pressure environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered treatment plans.
- Monitored vital signs and provided critical interventions for patients experiencing acute medical emergencies.
- Educated patients and families on treatment options, post-discharge care, and prevention strategies.
- Delivered comprehensive patient assessments in high-pressure emergency situations.
- Administered medications and treatments per established protocols and best practices.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Addison, IL05-2021
Associate of Science - Nursing
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, California, CA05-1999
Skills
- Patient education and counseling
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
- Patient management
- PHN
- BLS
Certification
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Transitional Care Manager Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
11.2023 - Current
Diabetes Care Manager Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
07.2012 - 11.2023
Team Leader Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
05.2008 - 07.2012
Registered Nurse in Urgent Care Center
Kaiser Permanente
05.2005 - 05.2008
Registered Nurse in Emergency Department
St Joseph Hospital
08.2003 - 04.2005
Registered Nurse in Emergency Department
Coastal Communities Hospital
11.2001 - 02.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Associate of Science - Nursing
Santa Ana College