Mary Ellen Candra
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
I am an experienced Registered Nurse specializing in health education, patient engagement and direct patient care. With 25 years of experience in health care while providing compassionate family support, I am ready to utilize my skills as I move into the next chapter of my life.
I love to work with diverse populations to foster trusting relationships while improving their quality of life.
I feel called to work in a Christian setting of pro-life and charity. I do not plan to retire, but to work in service for many years. I feel my experience working in a demanding hospital setting has prepared me for what lies ahead, and I look forward to aiding and supporting life in any roll.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
04.2006 - Current
- Delivered comprehensive patient care to enhance recovery outcomes on medical-surgical floor for 1.5 years.
- Directed patient care operations in ICU stepdown unit for 14 years.
- Oversaw daily operations of ICU stepdown floor as relief team lead, facilitating effective patient management and staff collaboration.
- Specialized in outpatient neurosurgery for over four years, focusing on pre-operative assessments, post-operative follow-ups, symptom support and surgical scheduling.
- Executed comprehensive patient assessments to identify condition changes and ensure timely physician notification.
- Provided compassionate guidance to families navigating difficult medical decisions and end-of-life care, ensuring effective communication with healthcare professionals.
- Administered medications and treatments in compliance with established protocols.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care plans.
- Mentored junior nurses, fostering skills in clinical practices and patient management.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and safety standards.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and develop interventions.
- Streamlined documentation processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Provided education to patients and families about health conditions and treatment options.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
Nurse Health Coach
Health Dialog
Phoenix, AZ
07.2004 - 04.2006
- Formulated tailored health improvement plans to optimize patient outcomes via telephone coaching, educations and support
- Educated patients to enhance their knowledge of chronic disease management and preventative care strategies by providing education materials.
- Tailored communication strategies to foster understanding and collaboration among diverse groups.
- Monitored patient progress over time with scheduled phone visits, adjusting coaching strategies as needed to achieve desired results.
Registered Nurse
Resurrection Medical Center
Chicago, IL
05.2001 - 06.2004
- Directed comprehensive patient care to enhance recovery outcomes on medical-surgical unit.
- Administered medications and treatments in compliance with established protocols.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams or physicians, physical therapists, etc. to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Customer Sales Assistant
TJ Adams and Associates
Oak Brook, IL
06.1989 - 09.1999
- Managed resolution of customer inquiries efficiently to support retention and satisfaction goals.
- Executed claims processing with precision, ensuring adherence to service standards.
- Facilitated customer interactions by providing prompt and courteous support.
- Exhibited composure and professionalism in high-pressure, dynamic environments to enhance service delivery for customers and staff.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers to enhance agency loyalty.
- Coordinated interactions with insurance providers to streamline quote acquisition and claims processing.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
William Rainey Harper College
Palatine, IL05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Illinois State University
Normal, IL09.1983
Skills
- Hands-on patient support
- Accurate record-keeping
- Health education support
- Clinical decision-making
- Supportive healthcare engagement
- Family support education
- Collaborative team management
- Strategic issue resolution
- Ensuring data privacy
- Building professional connections
- Staff supervision
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Mayo Clinic Hospital
04.2006 - Current
Nurse Health Coach
Health Dialog
07.2004 - 04.2006
Registered Nurse
Resurrection Medical Center
05.2001 - 06.2004
Customer Sales Assistant
TJ Adams and Associates
06.1989 - 09.1999
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
William Rainey Harper College
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Illinois State University