Nikendra Smith
Zion,IL
Summary
Dedicated CNA with extensive experience at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, skilled in vital signs monitoring and compassionate communication. Proven ability to enhance patient comfort and satisfaction through effective emotional support and adherence to infection control practices. Committed to delivering high-quality care while promoting patient independence and dignity. Experienced healthcare professional prepared to contribute to patient care and support. Adept at maintaining high standards, ensuring patient comfort, and executing tasks efficiently. Strong focus on teamwork, adaptability, and achieving outcomes. Skilled in patient communication, basic medical procedures, and maintaining clean, safe environment. Reliable, flexible, and ready to meet changing needs.
Healthcare professional prepared for this role. Extensive background in delivering patient care and supporting medical teams. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving patient-centered outcomes. Reliable and adaptable with skills in patient assessment and medication administration.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CNA
Village Of Victory Lakes
07.2025 - Current
- Provided emotional support for patients during challenging times, fostering a positive healing environment.
- Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
- Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
- Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
Patient Care Technician
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
02.2023 - 03.2024
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
- Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
- Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
- Performed blood draws, EKGs, and other diagnostic tests accurately and efficiently for prompt analysis by healthcare professionals.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
- Contributed to a positive patient experience by keeping rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.
- Served as a reliable resource for patients'' families, addressing questions or concerns with patience and understanding while maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, minimizing risk of disease transmission within the clinical environment.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that addressed each patient''s unique needs.
CNA
Lake Forest Place
10.2023 - 02.2024
- Cared for residents in assisted living facility and delivered high-quality support to meet needs.
- Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
Restorative Aide
Rolling Hills Manor
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Supported physical therapy sessions for improved mobility and strength in patients.
- Complied with infection control protocols while performing various tasks such as wound dressing changes or transferring patients between surfaces.
- Assisted patients with range-of-motion exercises, promoting flexibility and preventing muscle atrophy.
- Demonstrated a strong commitment to quality care by consistently meeting or exceeding established performance standards for restorative aides.
- Monitored patient progress and reported changes to supervising therapists, maintaining effective communication among team members.
CNA
Country Manor Nursing Home
2022 - 08.2022
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
CNA Student
Country Manor Nursing Home
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Maintained a clean and safe environment, reducing the risk of infection and falls.
- Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate and empathetic care.
- Developed strong communication skills through active listening and effective verbal interactions with patients and colleagues.
- Delivered high-quality personal care services within the scope of practice as a CNA student, ensuring patient satisfaction.
- Enhanced teamwork abilities by collaborating closely with other CNAs, nurses, and healthcare providers to achieve common goals.
- Practiced proper infection control measures to prevent cross-contamination between patients and staff members.
- Supported patient mobility by utilizing appropriate assistive devices such as lifts or gait belts during transfers or ambulation exercises.
- Monitored vital signs regularly, reporting any abnormal findings promptly to nursing staff for timely interventions.
- Completed clinical rotations in various healthcare settings, gaining diverse practical experience.
- Participated in ongoing education opportunities to enhance knowledge base and stay up-to-date on industry best practices as a CNA student.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
Resident Assistant
The Grove at the Lake
08.2020 - 04.2021
- Assisted residents in preparing for activity and social programs.
- Offered support for client mental and emotional needs to enhance physical outcomes and overall happiness.
- Helped patients safely transition between sleeping surfaces and mobility assistance such as wheelchairs by providing consistent support.
- Improved resident satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
Food Service Worker
Goodwill Talent Bridge
02.2018 - 10.2019
- Strictly followed sanitation and food safety guidelines as required by regulatory agencies and company.
- Cleaned and sanitized dishes and utensils, consistently keeping adequate supplies on hand for expected customer loads.
- Greeted customers at counter to fulfill requests and answer questions.
- Operated cash register accurately, managing transactions efficiently while providing excellent customer service.
- Prepared and served various food and drink items to customer specifications in fast-paced environments.
- Replenished condiments, beverages, and supplies while maintaining cleanliness of service areas.
- Prevented food spoilage by monitoring dates, rotating stock, and following proper storage procedures.
- Learned other teammates' work tasks to train as backup.
- Set up and broke down food service lines quickly to maintain service flow.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by maintaining a clean and organized dining area.
Food Service Worker
Rolling Hills Manor
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Maintained safety standards by properly handling food and adhering to sanitation guidelines.
- Increased overall efficiency with precise portion control, minimizing waste while maintaining high-quality meal presentation.
- Reduced wait times for customers by efficiently setting tables and refilling beverage stations as needed during peak hours.
- Supported kitchen staff by prepping ingredients, washing dishes, and maintaining a well-organized workspace for maximum productivity.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver seamless dining experiences, resulting in positive guest feedback and repeat business.
- Prevented potential health code violations by diligently monitoring temperatures of both hot and cold food items throughout service periods.
Food Service Worker
Condell Medical Center
04.2016 - 01.2017
- Utilized strong multitasking skills to manage multiple orders simultaneously without compromising quality or accuracy.
- Maintained clean, trash-free workspaces to maximize productivity and safety.
- Supported team members during peak hours, ensuring smooth operations and minimal wait times for customers.
- Restocked supplies and prepared additional ingredients during downtime for expected busy periods.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
School Bus Aide
Lakeside Transportation
06.2015 - 03.2016
- Helped students with physical and mental disabilities to board, disembark and ride bus.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with teachers, students and parents.
- Documented disciplinary and behavioral incidents in tailored reports.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed and full knowledge of first aid, CPR and bus policies.
- Enhanced student safety by consistently monitoring bus behavior and addressing issues promptly.
- Completed daily attendance logs for all routes.
- Continuously monitored student behavior on the bus to identify potential safety hazards, taking preventative actions as necessary.
- Assisted students with special needs, ensuring their comfort and well-being during transportation.
Sales Associate
Walmart
04.2014 - 01.2015
- Processed transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems, minimizing wait times for customers at checkout.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
- Promoted store promotions and incentive programs to increase overall sales revenue.
- Placed customers' chosen items on racks inside fitting rooms and provided location of assigned rooms.
- Repackaged and tagged returned items for sales floor.
- Monitored customers for signs of theft.
- Maintained high customer readiness standards by delivering clean, neat and easy-to-shop store environment.
- Used PDT to process customer returns and reticket merchandise.
- Collaborated with sales associates to ensure seamless communication regarding customer preferences and requests.
Sales Associate
Target
09.2012 - 03.2013
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
- Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets.
- Organized in-store promotions and events to increase foot traffic and drive additional sales opportunities.
Sales Associate
G.H. Bass Co.
04.2010 - 08.2012
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Managed inventory to ensure product availability, contributing to uptick in sales.
- Contributed to positive shopping environment by maintaining organized and welcoming store appearance.
- Increased customer loyalty with personalized shopping experiences and attentive service.
- Assisted in inventory management tasks, such as stock replenishment and cycle counts, to ensure product availability.
Education
No Degree - Nursing
State Career College
Gurnee, IL11-2024
Zion Benton Township Highschool
Zion, IL06-2011
Skills
- Time management
- Patient care
- Vital signs monitoring
- Compassion and empathy
- Bathing assistance
- HIPAA compliance
- Feeding assistance
- End-of-life care
- Patient transfers
- Emotional support
- Compassionate communication
- Dressing assistance
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Toileting assistance
- Patient hygiene assistance
- Infection control practices
- Lifting and transferring
- Bedside manner
Certification
- CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant
- NCPCT - Patient Care Technician
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
CNA
Village Of Victory Lakes
07.2025 - Current
CNA
Lake Forest Place
10.2023 - 02.2024
Patient Care Technician
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
02.2023 - 03.2024
Restorative Aide
Rolling Hills Manor
09.2022 - 01.2023
CNA Student
Country Manor Nursing Home
12.2021 - 04.2022
Resident Assistant
The Grove at the Lake
08.2020 - 04.2021
Food Service Worker
Goodwill Talent Bridge
02.2018 - 10.2019
Food Service Worker
Rolling Hills Manor
07.2017 - 06.2018
Food Service Worker
Condell Medical Center
04.2016 - 01.2017
School Bus Aide
Lakeside Transportation
06.2015 - 03.2016
Sales Associate
Walmart
04.2014 - 01.2015
Sales Associate
Target
09.2012 - 03.2013
Sales Associate
G.H. Bass Co.
04.2010 - 08.2012
CNA
Country Manor Nursing Home
2022 - 08.2022
No Degree - Nursing
State Career College
Zion Benton Township Highschool
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