Norma O. Hernandez

• Provided comprehensive pre-operative and post-operative care for cardiac and vascular patients, ensuring adherence to established protocols; including those requiring only medical management.
• Ensure appropriate consents and pre-procedure preparation is done.
• Monitored vital signs and patient responses continuously, adjusting care plans based on real-time assessments and physician orders.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans tailored to each patient's needs.
• Educated patients and their families on recovery processes, medication regimens, and lifestyle modifications to enhance long-term health outcomes.
• Performed wound care management and assessed surgical sites for signs of infection or complications, reporting findings promptly.
• Maintained accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in electronic health records.
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient safety and care standards within the hospital.
• Communicated effectively with patients and families to address concerns and provide emotional support during challenging health situations.
• Trained and evaluated nursing students and new staff members, fostering a supportive learning environment conducive to professional development.
• Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
• Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
• Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
• Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
• Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.

Colorectal/Urology Medical Surgical 35 Bed Unit

Charge Nurse

• Supervised and coordinated daily nursing operations, ensuring compliance with hospital policies and standards.
• Responsible for ensuring safe nursing functions within the department to run effectively.
• Bed planning, facilitation of admissions, discharges, and transfer patients.
• Facilitated efficient patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, optimizing unit bed management.
• Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
• Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
• Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.

Bedside Nurse

• Provide care for colon/urological post-operative patients, as well as patients requiring non-surgical interventions.
• Manage, care, educate, and promote independence to new and pre-existing colon/urological surgical interventions such as ostomies, urostomies, foley catheters, CBI’s, fistula pouching, feeding tubes, wound care etc.
• Conducted thorough assessments of patient conditions and adjusted care plans based on real-time evaluations.
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
• Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
• Educated patients and families on post-operative care, fostering understanding and adherence to treatment plans.

• Conducted insurance verification for diverse carriers to ensure patient eligibility and coverage.
• Obtained pre-certifications and authorizations for various treatments, minimizing delays in patient care.
• Maintained accurate documentation of insurance claims and patient information in electronic systems.
• Coordinated with healthcare providers to resolve discrepancies in billing and insurance claims.
• Monitored claims status and followed up with insurance companies to expedite reimbursement.

• Follow care plan as directed such as medication reminders, as well as assist and/or supervise physical therapy exercises.
• Assisted patients with daily living activities, including bathing, grooming, and toileting as per care plans.
• Supported physical therapy exercises, ensuring patient safety and adherence to prescribed routines.
• Provided companionship to patients, enhancing their emotional well-being during recovery periods.
• Helped patients with mobility needs, including transferring and repositioning to maximize comfort and safety.
• Promoted a positive patient experience by actively listening and empathizing with their needs and emotions.

Emergency Department- Level One Trauma Center

• Registered and admitted patients efficiently into the hospital system, ensuring accuracy of demographic and insurance information.
• Managed patient check-in processes for outpatient and day surgery, optimizing workflow and reducing wait times.
• Coordinated with nursing and medical staff to ensure seamless patient access and continuity of care.
• Collaborated with financial counselors to assess patient financial situations and determine appropriate payment options.
• Organized, reviewed, and filed paperwork for secure recordkeeping.
• Greeted every guest with personable approach and provided knowledgeable service.

Virydian Collections Department

• Follow-up on claims to appropriate payer and preparation of claims for supplemental reimbursement.
• Managed collection of outstanding accounts to ensure timely payments.
• Analyzed patient billing discrepancies and resolved issues efficiently.
• Monitor credit balances to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Ensure correct posting of contractual adjustments for inpatient accounts.
• Collaborate with team, departments, physician offices and clinical areas to ensure charges, diagnoses and correct use of financial information.

Affiliated Radiology Dept.

• Audit billing for MRI and CT department.
• Ensure and verify pre-certification and authorizations are obtained prior to scheduled services.
• Follow thru all possible billing errors, make correction and communicate with billing agency.
• Assist department with account billing inquiries and completion of projects.
• Receive and post payments on all radiology accounts.
• Support CT/MRI department when understaffed e.g., schedule CT and MRI appointments, check-in patients, verify and obtain demographics, insurance information, verify insurance coverage and eligibility.

• Insurance claim processing; group insurance, Medicare, IL Medicaid, Workmen’s Comp., and personal injury.
• Follow up with all carriers for payments status including litigated cases.
• Solve and re-submit denied claims as necessary.
• Submit pre-authorization to insurance when required.
• Accounts receivable.
• Verify insurance coverage for all carriers.
• Send patient invoices, make payment arrangements and follow up on payment.
• Train new employees for front desk or patient care technician roles.