OTCHERE DARKO
Experienced Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over nine years in hospital patient care. Currently functioning as a Patient Care Technician in a high-acuity Emergency Department, providing care for pediatric and adult patients. Strong clinical skills in patient monitoring, EKG acquisition, IV support, phlebotomy, and electronic health record documentation. Focused on delivering patient-centered care and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Work History
Nursing Clinical Rotations
- Provided comprehensive nursing care to patients in medical-surgical units.
- Conducted patient assessments and monitored vital signs, identifying changes in patient condition to inform care decisions.
- Assisted with medication administration, patient education, mobility, hygiene, and activities of daily living under supervision.
- Cultivated skills in clinical judgment, prioritization, and interdisciplinary collaboration, enhancing patient care delivery.
- Gained experience with Epic electronic health record documentation during clinical rotation at NewYork-Presbyterian.
- Delivered nursing care tailored to the unique needs of pediatric patients.
- Provided supervised care to pediatric patients while considering age-specific physical, developmental, and emotional needs.
- Facilitated maternal and newborn care during hospital stay.
- Participated in maternal and newborn assessments, postpartum care, patient education, and family support.
- Developed an understanding of the physical and emotional needs of patients and families throughout the maternity experience.
- Engaged with patients using therapeutic communication techniques in behavioral health settings.
- Utilized therapeutic communication when interacting with patients experiencing diverse mental health needs.
- Developed skills in professional communication, observation, and maintaining patient safety.
Patient Care Technician — Emergency Department
6 Years 4 Months- Delivered direct patient care to pediatric and adult patients in high-acuity Emergency Department, ensuring timely and effective interventions.
- Obtain and monitor vital signs and promptly communicate significant changes in patient condition to the healthcare team.
- Perform and assist with EKG acquisition, IV support, patient monitoring, phlebotomy, and specimen collection.
- Collaborate with registered nurses, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members to support safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
- Supported patients with activities of daily living, mobility, and personal care while preserving dignity and privacy.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families while providing compassionate support during stressful and emergent situations.
- Prioritize and manage multiple patient-care responsibilities while adapting to changing patient acuity and department needs.
- Managed multiple patient-care responsibilities efficiently, adapting to fluctuating patient acuity and departmental demands.
- Maintain compliance with infection prevention, patient safety, and quality-care standards.
Patient Care Assistant — Agency Assignment
3 Years 4 Months- Provided direct patient care across various hospital units at Westchester Medical Center.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living, ensuring comfort and dignity during bathing, feeding, toileting, mobility, transfers, and positioning.
- Obtained and monitored vital signs, promptly reporting significant changes in patient condition to nursing staff to facilitate timely interventions.
- Supported nurses and healthcare professionals in delivering safe, individualized patient care, contributing to overall patient well-being.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for patients.
- Developed strong communication, teamwork, time-management, and prioritization skills through continuous hospital-based experience.
- Transitioned to direct employment with Westchester Medical Center in July 2020 as a Patient Care Technician.
- Worked on patient care team at Westchester Medical Center
- Collaborated with healthcare staff at Westchester Medical Center
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing
Skills
Accomplishments
Performed EKG acquisition, phlebotomy, specimen collection, IV support, vital-sign monitoring, and accurate Cerner documentation while working closely with the nursing and interdisciplinary team.
Built nearly a decade of progressive healthcare experience while completing a BSN and transitioning from Patient Care Assistant to Patient Care Technician and now Registered Nurse.
Demonstrated strong communication, teamwork, adaptability, and prioritization while supporting patients and families in a fast-paced emergency care environment.
Maintained a consistent focus on patient safety, dignity, infection prevention, and compassionate patient-centered care.
Certification
Timeline
Patient Care Technician — Emergency Department
Patient Care Assistant — Agency Assignment
Nursing Clinical Rotations
Mercy University
Other Languages: French and basic Spanish
Languages: English, French, and Basic Spanish
Professional interests: Adult and pediatric nursing, emergency nursing, patient education, and evidence-based practice
Projects: Nursing school clinical projects, quality-improvement projects, research, community service, or healthcare-related volunteer work
NARCAN/Naloxone trained
Health Equity Influencer Program for Community (HEIP) - C: Given recognition award
Recognized for contributions and engagement related to health equity, patient advocacy, and promoting equitable healthcare.