Rachel Tornga
Lockport,IL
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse with experience providing safe, patient-centered care in a fast-paced step-down setting. Skilled in patient assessment, medication administration, patient safety, communication, prioritization, teamwork, and patient advocacy. Seeking to transition step-down clinical experience into a surgical role, contributing to high-quality pre-, intra-, and post-operative patient care.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
Palos Heights, IL
06.2022 - Current
- Prioritize and manage the nursing care of up to four patients with complex and acute medical conditions requiring close monitoring and frequent assessment in a fast-paced step-down setting
- Perform focused and comprehensive patient monitoring and assessment including vital signs, respiratory status, cardiac rhythms and status, hemodynamic and neurological status, laboratory values, and fluid balance
- Recognize and promptly respond to changes in patient status or clinical deterioration
- Administer medications, IV therapies, blood products, and treatments according to provider orders
- Collaborate with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and treatment plans
- Educate patients and families regarding medications, procedures, disease processes and management, and discharge planning
- Accurately and timely document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record
- Promote patient safety and improved clinical outcomes by executing evidence-based nursing practices to reduce hospital-acquired conditions, including CAUTIs, CLABSIs, HAPIs, and falls
Certified Nursing Assistant
Palos Hospital
Palos Heights, IL
05.2020 - 06.2022
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure high-quality patient care
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate
- Facilitated activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene, feeding, and ambulation
- Documented patient information in the electronic medical record and communicated updates to care teams
- Engaged with patients’ families to enhance visit experience and satisfaction
- Responded promptly to patients' needs to maintain comfort and safety
- Adhered strictly to medical center policies and procedures for optimal operation
Patient Registration
Palos Health
Orland Park, IL
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Managed patient check-in and check-out processes at Immediate Care Center and Palos Imaging and Diagnostics Center
- Obtained and verified registration information in the electronic medical record
- Updated demographic data to ensure accuracy of patient records
- Informed patients about treatment consent, financial responsibilities, HIPAA privacy practices, and clinic policies
- Collected and scanned all required documents and signatures for compliance
- Responded to incoming phone calls, addressing patient inquiries and transferring calls as needed
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05-2022
Skills
- Critical Thinking & Clinical Judgment
- Patient Assessment & Monitoring
- Medication Administration
- Patient Safety
- Time Management & Prioritization
- Patient Education & Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Patient Advocacy
- EPIC Electronic Medical Record (EMR)
Certification
- Registered Professional Nurse (RN) Illinois
License Number 041528130
Expires 05/2028 - Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider
American Heart Association
Expires 07/2027 - Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Provider
American Heart Association
Expires 07/2027
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Intermediate Care Unit
Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
06.2022 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Palos Hospital
05.2020 - 06.2022
Patient Registration
Palos Health
08.2018 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Lewis University