Miah Verdugo
Roselle Park
Summary
Compassionate Graduate Nurse with experience as a Mental Health Associate. Recently graduated from JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and preparing for NCLEX-RN examination. Proficient in patient assessment, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Committed to delivering evidence-based care and enhancing patient outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Associate
Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
Somerville
08.2024 - Current
- Crisis Intervention & De-escalation: Delivered rapid-response psychiatric care and stabilization for high-acuity adult, and pediatric populations facing acute psychosis, eating disorders, severe substance withdrawal, and suicidal/homicidal ideation
- Therapeutic Engagement & CPI: Utilized Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) non-violent crisis intervention methodologies to verbally diffuse aggressive behaviors and manage escalating psychiatric emergencies, minimizing the need for physical or chemical restraints.
- Executed continuous safety rounds, including 1:1 line-of-sight monitoring and close observation protocols for patients on suicide or self-harm precautions.
- HRO Safety & Milieu Management: Ensured a zero-harm therapeutic environment by adhering to RWJBarnabas Health's High Reliability Organization safety behaviors, conducting environmental sweeps for contraband, and maintaining situational awareness.
Dental Assistant
Endodontic Office
10.2021 - 01.2024
- Clinical Procedure Assistance: Provided high-level chairside assistance during specialized endodontic and oral surgery procedures, including biopsies, local anesthesia administration, and suture placements/removals.
- Infection Control & Sterilization: Sanitized and sterilized specialized surgical instruments and endodontic equipment per OSHA and infection control protocols, ensuring zero-contamination environment.
- Patient Advocacy & Therapeutic Communication: Cultivated a calming, positive environment to alleviate patient anxiety; frequently requested by name due to an exceptional ability to comfort patients and deliver empathetic care.
- Health Informatics & Compliance: Managed electronic health records (EHR) and accurately entered patient data while adhering to HIPAA and patient privacy laws.
Medical-Surgical Clinical Rotations
JFK University Medical Center
Edison
- Managed comprehensive care for adult patients with complex medical-surgical conditions in a fast-paced acute care environment.
- Conducted head-to-toe physical assessments, monitored vital signs, and accurately documented findings in the EMR.
- Prioritized daily shift workflows and assisted with ADLs while providing essential patient and family education and emotional support to enhance overall care experience.
- Administered oral and subcutaneous medications, including insulin, ensuring patient safety and adherence to care protocols under preceptor supervision.
Pediatric Clinical Rotation
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack
- Conducted age-appropriate pediatric assessments and monitored developmental milestones to support optimal child development.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare team to administer treatments and medications, ensuring comprehensive patient care.
- Communicated effectively with pediatricians and families to alleviate anxiety and clarify care plans, enhancing patient understanding and cooperation.
Psychiatric Clinical Rotation
Carrier Clinic
Belle Mead
- Engaged psychiatric patients using therapeutic communication techniques to facilitate behavioral interventions.
- Conducted close patient observation and milieu safety monitoring in a behavioral health setting.
- Participated in multidisciplinary treatment team discussions to assess patient progress and inform care plans.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. And Dorothy A. Snyder Schools
Plainfield, NJ05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Neuroscience and Behavior, Minor in Psychology
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey
05-2023
Skills
- Therapeutic Communication
- Patient Education
- Medication Administration
- Electronic Medical Records
- Infection Prevention
- Time Management
- Team Collaboration
- Blood Glucose Monitoring
- Foley Catheter Care
Certification
- CPR Certified
- B.L.S. Certified
Timeline
Mental Health Associate
Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health
08.2024 - Current
Dental Assistant
Endodontic Office
10.2021 - 01.2024
Psychiatric Clinical Rotation
Carrier Clinic
Pediatric Clinical Rotation
Hackensack University Medical Center
Medical-Surgical Clinical Rotations
JFK University Medical Center
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. And Dorothy A. Snyder Schools
Bachelor of Arts - Neuroscience and Behavior, Minor in Psychology
Rutgers The State University of New Jersey