Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Patricia McDonald

Lacey,WA

Summary

With a proven track record at Madigan Army Medical Center, I excel in delivering compassionate patient care and leading teams with efficiency. My expertise in vital signs monitoring and strong communication skills have significantly enhanced patient satisfaction. Committed to continuous improvement, I've spearheaded initiatives reducing medication errors by over 30%.

Personable and compassionate with natural ability to connect with patients and provide high-quality care. Knowledge of basic medical terminology and patient care techniques, combined with proficiency in vital signs monitoring and personal hygiene assistance. Dedicated to enhancing patient comfort and well-being through attentive and empathetic support.

Developed strong patient care skills in fast-paced healthcare environment, demonstrating excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Focused on delivering compassionate care and maintaining patient dignity. Looking to transition into new field, leveraging transferrable skills to contribute meaningfully to new team.

Healthcare professional with comprehensive background in providing compassionate patient care and support. Known for reliability and adaptability in dynamic healthcare environments. Brings strong skills in patient monitoring, basic medical procedures, and effective communication, ensuring seamless team collaboration and optimal patient outcomes.

Ambitious Certified Nursing Assistant possessing extensive experience with patient care in medical settings. Strong observational skills combined with excellent patient evaluation abilities. Proven history of cultivating strong patient rapport to provide quality care and patient education.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Certified Nursing Assistant

Madigan Army Medical Center, MAMC
08.2023 - Current
  • Provided high-quality patient care.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing after surgery, and prepping them before surgery with an education booklet on the procedure they are having, and how to use the Chlorhexidine wipes before surgery.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, O2, pulse, weight and height.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
  • Taking out staples and sutures after surgeries. Cleaning incision areas and applying steri - strips when needed. Teaching patients how to wear a soft collar after cervical neck surgery.
  • I will add x-ray orders when patients need them and call the patient to inform them of the x-ray order placed.
  • I make appointments for patients when they need a follow up, or post op.
  • I make sure the exam rooms are stocked with the medical supplies needed to perform any aftercare needed.
  • I make sure that any medical utensils used that go to the DECON for sanitizing, gets there and picked back up when they are done.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Assured Hospice
11.2021 - 08.2023
  • Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse and O2.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
  • Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
  • Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
  • Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
  • Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
  • Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
  • Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
  • Assisted nurses with wound care procedures ensuring proper healing processes took place.
  • Collaborated with nursing staff to create individualized care plans tailored to each patient''s needs.
  • Streamlined communication between nursing staff, patients, and families to ensure comprehensive understanding of care plans.
  • Served as an advocate for each patient's needs during shift handoffs or interdisciplinary conferences with other healthcare professionals.
  • Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
  • Contributed positively towards patient satisfaction scores by consistently providing exceptional care and addressing their concerns.
  • Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
  • Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Area Agency on Aging - SEAT
09.2012 - 06.2022
  • Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
  • Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
  • Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
  • Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
  • Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
  • Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
  • Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
  • Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
  • Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
  • Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
  • Contributed positively towards patient satisfaction scores by consistently providing exceptional care and addressing their concerns.
  • Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
  • Supported ambulation and physical therapy needs by conducting planned exercise routines.
  • Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
  • Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
  • Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
  • Adhered strictly to infection control policies while performing tasks such as administering medications or changing dressings.
  • Educated family members on caregiving techniques to better support their loved ones at home after discharge from the facility.
  • Facilitated smoother transitions between medical appointments by organizing transportation arrangements for patients.
  • Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans, enhancing patient outcomes.
  • Assisted with diagnostic tests and medical procedures, contributing to accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
  • Coordinated with external healthcare providers, ensuring comprehensive care by sharing patient information and updates.
  • Enhanced team productivity by participating in training sessions and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions for patients from hospital to home care, ensuring continuity of care.
  • Monitored vital signs for early detection of medical issues, ensuring timely intervention and treatment.
  • Improved patient satisfaction with empathetic listening and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Assisted in rehabilitation of patients, facilitating quicker recovery with exercise and mobility support.
  • Supported patients with personal care tasks to preserve dignity and promote independence.
  • Conducted patient education on health maintenance and disease prevention, empowering individuals to take charge of their health.
  • Maintained clean and safe environment, reducing risk of infections and promoting health.
  • Advocated for patient rights and needs, ensuring respectful and ethical care.
  • Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate, one-on-one care during daily activities.
  • Documented patient conditions and care provided, ensuring accurate health records for informed medical decisions.
  • Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
  • Prevented cross-contamination by cleaning and sterilizing equipment.
  • Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
  • Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
  • Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.

Lead Medication Aide/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant

Riedel Adult Family Home
05.2019 - 03.2022
  • Provided exceptional patient care, addressing concerns and answering questions about medications to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.
  • Continually sought opportunities for professional development through industry conferences and workshops, applying new knowledge to enhance patient care practices.
  • Simplified the documentation process for medication administration, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced transcription errors.
  • Reduced medication errors through thorough staff training and consistent monitoring of medical records.
  • Developed educational materials on proper medication handling procedures for staff training sessions, increasing compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Assisted in reviewing prescription orders for potential drug interactions or contraindications, promoting patient safety and minimizing adverse reactions.
  • Utilized strong critical thinking skills when faced with complex medication administration scenarios, allowing for prompt resolution and minimal impact on patient care.
  • Collaborated with healthcare team members to develop individualized care plans for patients, ensuring accurate and timely medication administration.
  • Conducted quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing internal processes within the facility''s med pass procedure.
  • Enhanced patient safety by conducting regular audits of medication storage and inventory management practices.
  • Improved medication administration accuracy by implementing a streamlined process for medication distribution.
  • Streamlined communication between nursing staff and pharmacy, reducing delays in medication delivery and promoting prompt therapy initiation.
  • Participated in facility-wide inspections conducted by regulatory agencies, addressing any identified deficiencies and implementing corrective actions as necessary.
  • Mentored new Medication Aides, sharing best practices for safe and effective drug administration to enhance overall team performance.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of current policies related to medication management, recommending improvements that led to increased quality assurance measures.
  • Maintained accurate records of controlled substances according to state regulations while also implementing security measures that reduced diversion risks.
  • Prepared medication doses accurately by following medication administration record (MAR) written by healthcare providers.
  • Monitored medication storage area to maintain medication security and control.
  • Unpacked, sorted, counted, and labeled all incoming medications to keep optimum inventory levels.
  • Monitored patient responses to medication to report adverse reactions quickly.
  • Turned and repositioned patients to prevent bedsores.

State Registered Nursing Assistant

Mountain Meadows Assisted Living
07.2008 - 04.2012
  • Educated patients on proper self-care techniques, encouraging independence and improved health outcomes.
  • Improved patient care by providing compassionate and attentive support to patients with various needs.
  • Supported patient mobility through careful transfers, ambulation assistance, and range-of-motion exercises as needed.
  • Ensured adherence to infection control standards by consistently following appropriate handwashing techniques and utilizing personal protective equipment.
  • Administered medications under supervision, adhering strictly to facility protocols and safety guidelines.
  • Aided in the prevention of bedsores through diligent turning/repositioning routines per established protocol.
  • Provided feeding assistance to patients who required help during meal times while monitoring nutritional intake levels closely.
  • Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing assistant duties and responsibilities.
  • Streamlined nurse workflow by anticipating needs and proactively completing tasks such as room setup or equipment preparation.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and their families during difficult situations, promoting a positive atmosphere.
  • Boosted patient satisfaction scores by consistently demonstrating a caring, empathetic demeanor while addressing individual needs and concerns.
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff for timely intervention and treatment.
  • Assisted nurses with daily tasks, ensuring efficient operations within the healthcare facility.
  • Connected effectively with culturally diverse populations using strong interpersonal skills coupled with cultural sensitivity.
  • Performed routine nursing assistant duties, maintaining a clean and safe environment for patients.

Education

No Degree - Prerequisites For My Registered Nursing

Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, WA
04-2024

High School Diploma -

South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA
12-2021

No Degree - Certified Nursing Assistant

Pro - Care Academy
Lacey, WA
03-2019

No Degree - NAR

Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee, WA
09-2008

Skills

  • Patient care
  • Strong communication skills
  • Adaptable Decision-making
  • HIPAA compliance
  • Leadership qualities
  • Team leadership
  • Reliable team player
  • Stress management strategies
  • Infection control measures
  • Direct patient care
  • Time management expertise
  • Effective communication techniques
  • Collecting vital signs
  • Staff training and development
  • Patient confidentiality compliance
  • Delegation and supervision
  • Alzheimer's and dementia care
  • Inventory management
  • Basic life support
  • Continuing education commitment
  • Staff training
  • Bedside manner
  • Palliative care expertise
  • Vital signs monitoring

Certification

  • Note While this list encompasses a broad range of certifications beneficial to nursing assistants across different specializations and work settings, specific requirements may vary based on employer expectations and state regulations.
  • Infection Control Certificate(IC)-Various providers offer courses that certify knowledge in preventing the spread of infections within healthcare facilities.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - State Boards of Nursing.
  • First Aid Certification - American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - American Red Cross.
  • Basic Food Safety/Food Handler's Card(varies by location)-State or local public health departments, necessary in settings where food handling occurs.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
  • First Aid Certification
  • [State] Driver's License
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • OSHA Certified

Timeline

Certified Nursing Assistant

Madigan Army Medical Center, MAMC
08.2023 - Current

Certified Nursing Assistant

Assured Hospice
11.2021 - 08.2023

Lead Medication Aide/Lead Certified Nursing Assistant

Riedel Adult Family Home
05.2019 - 03.2022

Certified Nursing Assistant

Area Agency on Aging - SEAT
09.2012 - 06.2022

State Registered Nursing Assistant

Mountain Meadows Assisted Living
07.2008 - 04.2012
  • Note While this list encompasses a broad range of certifications beneficial to nursing assistants across different specializations and work settings, specific requirements may vary based on employer expectations and state regulations.
  • Infection Control Certificate(IC)-Various providers offer courses that certify knowledge in preventing the spread of infections within healthcare facilities.
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - State Boards of Nursing.
  • First Aid Certification - American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - American Red Cross.
  • Basic Food Safety/Food Handler's Card(varies by location)-State or local public health departments, necessary in settings where food handling occurs.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - American Heart Association.
  • First Aid Certification
  • [State] Driver's License
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • OSHA Certified

No Degree - Prerequisites For My Registered Nursing

Clover Park Technical College

High School Diploma -

South Puget Sound Community College

No Degree - Certified Nursing Assistant

Pro - Care Academy

No Degree - NAR

Wenatchee Valley College
Patricia McDonald