Priscilla Castro
REGISTERED NURSE
Bakersfield,CA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with a progressive career history in direct patient care, triage, and care coordination in fast-paced environments. Proven ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively manage challenging patients and high-stress situations. Known for fostering strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, a professional demeanor, and exceptional customer service.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Registered Nurse Clinic Float
Dignity Health
04.2024 - Current
- Evaluate and analyze lab results, imaging, and specialist consults for five providers daily, placing appropriate orders based on clinical guidelines and providing coverage for additional providers when out of the office to ensure timely patient care.
- Actively contributed to the successful launch and ongoing implementation of an RN-led Medicare Annual Wellness Exam pilot program, improving patient access to care and enhancing patient outcomes by providing education on diagnoses, evaluating condition management, and offering guidance on preventive care and available resources.
- Support care transitions for patients discharged from the hospital, coordinating home health, DME, referrals, and follow-up appointments
- Provide direct care during urology procedures for adult patients, ensuring safety and comfort during medical interventions
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
11.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted comprehensive psychiatric assessments to evaluate patients' mental health status, including psychosocial, cognitive, and emotional factors
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans based on assessed needs, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals
- Administered and monitored psychotropic medications, ensuring accurate dosages, assessing therapeutic responses, and managing potential side effects
- Employed de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies to address behavioral emergencies, ensuring a safe environment for patients and staff
- Conducted patient and family education on mental health conditions, treatment plans, and coping strategies, ensuring clear understanding of care protocols
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date documentation of patient interactions, treatment plans, and progress notes, adhering to regulatory standards and best practices
Registered Nurse
Adventist Health
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided age-appropriate direct nursing care to pediatric and adult patients
- Collaborated effectively with healthcare professionals, patients, and families to develop, implement, and revise treatment plans based on identified patient needs
- Conducted thorough patient assessments and data collection, focusing on physiologic and psychosocial/cognitive status, nutrition, and pain management
- Advocated for and escalated patient care when indicated, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions
- Assessed and provided care for wounds, including the use of wound vacs and post-operative drains
- Managed the assessment, maintenance, and use of central lines, and PICC lines, as well as the insertion, care, and assessment of peripheral IV lines
- Administered blood products and medications via the prescribed route, ensuring adherence to established protocols and patient safety
- Demonstrated excellence in coordinating patient care and fostering positive outcomes in a dynamic inpatient environment
Registered Nurse
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Provided nursing care for pediatric and adult patients in an acute inpatient setting, including intake assessments and triage to determine care needs
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans and ensure continuity of care
- Led discharge planning efforts, ensuring safe transitions to appropriate levels of care and post-hospital services
- Administered medications, performed patient rounding, and provided education on disease management
- Utilized de-escalation techniques and provided leadership to a team of Mental Health Workers and medical assistants
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
04.2016 - 11.2023
- Coordinated patient care across various departments, including Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Urgent Care, Nurse Clinics, and the Regional Virtual Medical Center
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare teams to develop and implement patient care plans and ensure continuity of care
- Assisted in medication administration, performed lab work, EKGs, and vital sign monitoring
- Conducted patient education, supported health assessments, and facilitated referrals to specialists and resources
- Ensured continuity of care by following standing protocols and escalating issues as needed
- Managed patient flow, assisted in procedural tasks, and ensured accurate documentation of patient conditions and treatments
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2014 - 03.2016
- Managed two doctor panels and the nurse clinic schedule, demonstrating strong organizational and scheduling skills
- Ensured timely patient flow within the clinic, effectively delegating tasks to ancillary staff as needed
- Monitored and reported patient conditions and vital signs to physicians for prompt disposition
- Played a key role in the organization and facilitation of VA community events, contributing to community engagement and support
- Served as a mentor and preceptor for new employees and coworkers, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment
Licensed Vocational Nurse
CHM/California Forensic Medical Group
08.2007 - 11.2014
- Provided direct patient care in a correctional facility, performing intake assessments, medication administration and managing detoxification protocols.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans for inmates.
- Ensured patient safety through regular monitoring and supported psychiatric assessments.
Education
Associate Degree - Nursing
International College of Health Sciences
Boynton Beach, FLLicensed Vocational Nurse Program - undefined
State Center Community College District
Madera, CASkills
- Case Management
- Care Coordination
- Patient Education
- Discharge Planning
- Transitional Care Management
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Medication Administration
- Health Risk Assessment
- EMR Systems (Epic, Cerner)
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Regulatory Compliance (TJC, CMS, Medi-Cal)
- Strong Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Accomplishments
- Nominated for Nurse of the Year for outstanding patient care and leadership at Kaiser Permanente.
- Received 'Top Shots' award for flu vaccination administration while at Kaiser Permanente.
- Demonstrated consistently high satisfaction scores and improved patient care outcomes.
Licensesandeducation
- Registered Nurse, California, RN 95298769
- Associate Degree in Nursing, International College of Health Sciences, Boynton Beach, FL, Cum Laude Graduate
- Licensed Vocational Nurse, California, VN 228745
- Licensed Vocational Nurse Program, State Center Community College District, Madera, CA
Timeline
Registered Nurse Clinic Float
Dignity Health
04.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
11.2023 - 04.2024
Registered Nurse
Adventist Health
08.2023 - 12.2023
Registered Nurse
Bakersfield Behavioral Healthcare Hospital
10.2022 - 11.2023
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Kaiser Permanente
04.2016 - 11.2023
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Department of Veterans Affairs
11.2014 - 03.2016
Licensed Vocational Nurse
CHM/California Forensic Medical Group
08.2007 - 11.2014
Licensed Vocational Nurse Program - undefined
State Center Community College District
Associate Degree - Nursing
International College of Health Sciences
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