Maria D Brisuela
Chicago,IL
Summary
Passionate and energetic Mental Health Counselor considered an expert communicator and dedicated passion advocate. Excellent reputation for solving problems, improving customer satisfaction. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Counselor (MHT)
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences system
10.2021 - Current
- Part of the Aggression Management Committee
- Observes, reports, and documents patient's behavior and responses to therapy in the electronic medical record
- Protect and maintain confidentiality of records relating patients treatment
- Assists with application of restraints and monitors the psychological and physical well-being of patients in restraints and documents observations
- Encourage patients to express their feelings helping them to develop insight into themselves
- Performs continuous patient observations to promote patient and staff safety at all times
- Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems
- Led treatment groups and therapeutic activities to teach functional living skills and address behavioral issues
- Interacting with people who are under physical or emotional stress
- Obtained specimens, weight, and vital signs of Patients
- Performs One-to-One coverage and monitoring of patients as assigned and documents observations
- Attend all necessary staff meetings.
- Enhanced patient engagement through the implementation of group therapy sessions focused on coping strategies and emotional regulation.
- Reduced crisis intervention needs by proactively monitoring patient progress and adjusting treatment approaches as necessary.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and culturally sensitive therapeutic practices.
- Developed individualized goal-setting tools to empower patients in taking ownership of their progress towards improved mental health.
- Maintained detailed documentation of clinical notes, tracking patient progress throughout the course of treatment.
- Continually updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, trainings, and workshops related to advancements in the field of mental health counseling.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergencies, deescalating situations and connecting individuals with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
- Established a safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.
- Evaluated client progress using standardized assessment tools, continuously refining treatment plans to address changing needs.
- Facilitated therapeutic support groups focused on topics such as grief, addiction, or relationships to foster connection and shared healing experiences among participants.
- Implemented self-care practices for personal wellbeing and modeled healthy coping strategies for clients to emulate in their own lives.
- Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.
- Encouraged patients to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
Health Care Technician (HCT)
Edward Hines VA Hospital
05.2021 - Current
- Active participation in the infection control, falls, and save patient handling committees.
- Maintained a homelike environment for the residents
- Performs various service duties and routine technical tasks such as assisting patients with basic hygiene and daily living activities
- Assist in transferring patients and patient care equipment to other specified areas adhering to necessary safety precautions
- Reports to staff nurse, and other supervisors about the status of residents
- Feed patients
- Obtained specimens, weight, blood draws, EKG's, and vital signs of residents
- Collecting and recording intake and output and blood glucose, measure bladder volume
- Float to different departments
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Streamlined communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by ensuring a comfortable environment during their stay in the healthcare facility.
- Improved patient care by assisting nurses with daily tasks and providing compassionate support to patients.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living, promoting independence and dignity.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient records, contributing to efficient communication among healthcare team members.
- Enhanced patient care by providing daily assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Improved patient comfort by repositioning and transferring them on a regular basis.
- Supported patients'' emotional well-being by actively listening to their concerns and offering compassionate companionship.
- Assisted nursing staff in wound care procedures, effectively preventing infections and promoting healing.
- Maintained accurate records of vital signs, fluid intake, and output for effective patient monitoring.
- Assisted patients during meal times, ensuring they received proper nutrition according to specific dietary requirements.
- Boosted overall patient satisfaction through genuine empathy, active listening skills, and consistent professionalism in all interactions.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices in the field of Certified Nurse Assistance.
- Served as a mentor to new staff members, providing guidance and support during their onboarding process.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
Patient Care Tech (PCT)
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
01.2015 - 10.2021
- Provide ADL's and routine care to patients
- Assist in monitoring supply needs to ensure adequate inventory
- Obtain specimens, weight, and vital signs of residents, draw blood, EKGs
- Provides and assist basic first aid and CPR in emergency situations
- Maintain unit area clean and sanitized
- Schedule appointments for patients and other clerical work
- Observe and monitor patients to ensure safety.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently scheduling appointments and managing patient flow.
- Streamlined communication between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
- Assisted in the development of care plans tailored to individual patient needs, improving overall health outcomes.
- Trained new staff members on office procedures and protocols, ensuring consistency in patient care delivery.
- Managed sensitive patient information with strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines, maintaining confidentiality and privacy at all times.
- Monitored inventory levels of medical supplies and equipment, placing orders when necessary to prevent shortages or delays in patient care provision.
- Reduced wait times by implementing an effective appointment reminder system for patients, minimizing no-shows and late arrivals.
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing concerns, answering questions, and ensuring patient satisfaction with their care experience at the clinic.
- Improved patient comfort by efficiently drawing blood samples using various techniques such as venipuncture and capillary puncture.
- Enhanced patient experience through compassionate care and communication during blood draw procedures.
- Maintained a high level of accuracy in labeling and tracking specimens, ensuring proper testing and timely results.
- Collected blood samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and regulations.
- Verified patients' identification for proper sample collection.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately performing EKG testing and analyzing results.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to provide efficient and accurate patient diagnosis, improving treatment plans.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
Mental Health Technician (MHT)
Chicago Behavioral Health
06.2020 - 08.2021
- Performs continuous patient observations to promote patient and staff safety at all times
- Observe, report, and document patient behavior and response to therapy in the electronic medical record
- Participates in individual or group therapeutic activities; observes and documents patient's response to activities
- Develops and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients and their families
- Assists patients with activities of daily living
- Measures and records vital signs, weight and height
- Plans group sessions, field trips and related therapeutic activities for patients
- Assists with application of restraints and monitors the psychological and physical well-being of patients in restraints and documents observations
- Performs One-to-One coverage and monitoring of patients as assigned and documents observations
- Assists with patient seclusion, monitors and documents observations.
- Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate care and support during their mental health journey.
- Assisted in the development of individualized treatment plans to address specific patient needs and promote recovery.
- Monitored patients'' progress, documenting changes in behavior and updating treatment plans accordingly.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Promoted a safe, therapeutic environment by enforcing facility policies and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
- Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication and fostering a supportive community among patients.
- Educated patients on coping strategies and self-help techniques to better manage their mental health symptoms.
- Empowered patients by setting realistic goals, encouraging personal growth, and celebrating achievements throughout the recovery process.
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities such as grooming, meal preparation, or mobility when necessary.
- Coordinated discharge planning efforts between patients, family members, and community support services to ensure a smooth transition.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Identified behaviors that necessitated intervention and obtained assistance from qualified personnel to complete intervention.
- Performed scheduled patient safety checks and documented results to establish patients' well-being.
- 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.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Took patient blood pressure and pulse rate, reporting findings in health charts.
- Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
- Participated in patient education, helping to reinforce concepts and treatment plans.
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Kept accurate and detailed records to track and document client progress.
- Supported and assessed clients struggling with addiction or relationship issues and devised strategies based on client needs.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Provided crisis intervention to address clients' immediate needs and prevent harmful behaviors.
- Led supportive group discussions and education sessions with alcohol and drug users and families.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Encouraged children to talk issues out with each other and without anger, which eased tense situations.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods, and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Mount Sinai
11.2009 - 02.2015
- Provides nursing assistant and nursing assistant related services to patients
- Protects and promotes patients rights and assisted the person to maintain independence
- Provides ADL's and routine care to the patients
- Reports to staff nurse, and other superiors about the status of patients
- Obtains specimens, weight, and vital signs
- Serves meals, feedings and interactions with isolation patients
- Other miscellaneous activities and projects
- Protects an organization's value by keeping patient information confidential
- Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and jcaho standards
- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; participating in professional organizations; maintaining licensure
- Enhances nursing department and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
- Improved patient comfort by repositioning and transferring them on a regular basis.
- Enhanced patient care by providing daily assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
Education
Master of Science in Criminal Justice -
Grand Canyon University
12.2025
Bachelors of Arts Degree - Justice Studies
Northeastern Illinois University
08.2016
Associates of Arts Degree -
Harry S. Truman College
12.2013
Skills
- Patient care technician and Mental Health Counselor with several years of experience
- Extensive knowledge of working with patients with diverse health conditions and needs
- Excellent interpersonal skills that include empathy and patience
- Ability to function efficiently in a team as well as individually without supervision
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Internet and answering and directing calls
- Bilingual: English/Spanish
- Responsible, reliable and flexible individual
- Able to Multitask at work
- Good bedside manners
- Knowledge in infection control
- Good judgement in creating a safe, effective environment
- Expertise in Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Flexible Schedule
- Patient Advocacy
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Public Speaking Ability
Certification
- Certified Pulmonary Resuscitation, 08/2024
- Crisis Prevention Institution Certification, 10/2024
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Mental Health Counselor (MHT)
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences system
10.2021 - Current
Health Care Technician (HCT)
Edward Hines VA Hospital
05.2021 - Current
Mental Health Technician (MHT)
Chicago Behavioral Health
06.2020 - 08.2021
Patient Care Tech (PCT)
University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System
01.2015 - 10.2021
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Mount Sinai
11.2009 - 02.2015
Master of Science in Criminal Justice -
Grand Canyon University
Bachelors of Arts Degree - Justice Studies
Northeastern Illinois University
Associates of Arts Degree -
Harry S. Truman College
- Certified Pulmonary Resuscitation, 08/2024
- Crisis Prevention Institution Certification, 10/2024
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