Healthcare professional with proven expertise and experience in the practice of nursing including, Emergency Department, Spinal Cord Injury , long term Geri-psychiatric, and Medical Surgical. Reputable self-directed professional with problem solving skills, communication, and management skills and successful in managing time, prioritizing tasks, and organizing work environment to improve the quality of patient care outcome. Emergency Department representative in the Patient safety committee, Emergency department safety work group, Violence prevention committee and construction safety committee, and Prevention of management disruptive violence behavior trainer.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN, Emergency Department
Department of Veterans Affairs
02.1987 - 03.2023
Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department at the James A
Haley Veterans Hospital Tampa, Fl since 2001, taking full responsibility as charge nurse when assigned, planning, assessing, re-assessing, and implementing care to a group and varied veteran population with proven and demonstrated ability to function independently and effective in leadership position
Provide full range of nursing care to clients with complex needs
Apply problem-solving skills related to the position
Prepare to serve as a resource for patients and staff confronting ethical issues
Identify and uses resources needed when safety issues are involved
Maintain expertise in area of practice through continue education, certifications and professional magazines
Provide meaningful learning experiences to co-worker and new employees
Initiates and participate in quality improvements activities, and actively participate as member of the practice council committee
Admission, discharge and transfers to other units within the hospital and out of the hospital
Charting, documenting, and witnessing consents, and formulating plan of care
Use universal precaution and infection control practice
Teach patients, staff and family members
Triage for adequate care
Monitoring, and reporting changes in patient condition
Use confidential information adequately
Preparing and administering emergency drugs
Establishing IV cannulation, and using IV pumps
Ordering diagnostic test as standard orders allow
Assist with intubation and extubation
Utilize immobilization techniques
Perform Suction (oral and endotracheal)
Administering blood products
Assist with insertion of central venous lines (PICC, arterial)
Assist with lumbar puncture
Assist with suturing/removal
Administer injections/vaccines
Knowledge Chest pain assessment/differentiation
Auscultation/interpretation of heart/lung sounds
Recognize Dysrhythmia
Assist with cardiversion and defibrillation
Recognize Hypertensive emergencies
Suicides attempts
Glasgow comma scale, neurological checks and CVA's
Execute the duties as charge nurse as assigned
Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
Assisted physicians during invasive procedures such as central line insertions or intubations, ensuring safe and accurate completion of tasks.
Streamlined emergency room operations by efficiently triaging patients according to the severity of their condition.
Facilitated clear communication with patients, families, and colleagues, fostering a positive environment in a fast-paced setting.
Answered codes quickly and orchestrated efficient, skilled medical care.
Deescalated tense situations involving agitated patients or family members through active listening skills and empathetic responses.
Provided emotional support to patients and families during crisis situations, helping them cope more effectively with difficult circumstances.
Prevented medication errors by diligently verifying drug orders against patient records before administering treatments.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for optimal patient outcomes during high-stress situations.
Mentored new nursing staff in emergency room procedures and techniques, promoting team cohesion and a supportive learning atmosphere.
Educated patients and families on post-discharge care instructions, promoting adherence to prescribed regimens for improved health outcomes at home.
Administered appropriate medications and treatments, ensuring accurate dosage and timely delivery for improved patient health.
Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
Updated personal nursing knowledge through continuing education courses, staying current on best practices in emergency medicine.
Expedited treatment plans by interpreting diagnostic tests accurately and collaborating with physicians on appropriate interventions.
Enhanced patient care by conducting thorough assessments and promptly addressing critical needs.
Communicated openly and collaboratively with all healthcare staff to organize successful patient care.
Ensured continuity of care by thoroughly documenting vital information in electronic health records systems for seamless transitions between healthcare providers.
Educated patients and answered questions about health condition, prognosis, and treatment.
Delivered culturally competent care to diverse populations, adapting communication styles as needed for optimal understanding between parties involved.
Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Optimized resource utilization in the ER by managing supplies inventory levels and identifying opportunities to reduce waste.
Participated in quality improvement initiatives within the emergency department, contributing ideas for process enhancements based on clinical experiences and patient feedback.
Reduced wait times by swiftly completing documentation and communicating effectively with medical staff.
Improved patient safety by adhering to infection control protocols and maintaining a clean work environment.
Delivered important IV and venous medications to control symptoms and provide effective treatments.
Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
Education
M.S. - Health Law
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL
07-2009
B.S. - Nursing
University of Tampa
Tampa, Florida
05-2003
A.S. - Nursing
Adventist Antillean University
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
05-1978
Skills
Admission and discharge procedures
Charting and documentation
Witnessing consents
Formulating plan of care
Universal precautions
Infection control practices
Patient education
Triage
Monitoring patient condition
Reporting changes in patient condition
Confidential information management
Emergency drug preparation and administration
IV cannulation
IV pump operation
Ordering diagnostic tests
Assisting with intubation
Assisting with extubation
Immobilization techniques
Oral suctioning
Endotracheal suctioning
Administering blood products
Central venous line insertion assistance
Lumbar puncture assistance
Suturing assistance
Injection and vaccine administration
Chest pain assessment
Auscultation
Heart and lung sound interpretation
Dysrhythmia recognition
Cardioversion assistance
Defibrillation assistance
Hypertensive emergency recognition
Suicide attempt recognition
Glasgow Coma Scale
Neurological checks
CVA recognition
Charge nurse duties
Medication and IV administration
Medication administration
Direct patient care
Patient assessments
Documentation and charting
Patient assessment
Strong clinical judgment
Patient education and counseling
Clinical judgment
Patient and family advocacy
Infection control measures
Patient care
Compassion and empathy
Patient monitoring
IV setup
Intravenous therapy
Care planning
Patient management
Care plan development
Professional bedside manner
Physical assessments
Patient care planning
Patient evaluation
Telemetry monitoring
Family education
Licensed RN
Critical care
Collecting vitals
Nursing staff leadership
Tracheostomy care
Precepting
Patient discharge
Lab result interpretation
Team coordination
Performing ekgs
Complex Problem-solving
Proper catheter insertion/removal
Intake and discharge
Emergency response
Maintaining privacy
Relationship building
Medical assessment
Staff supervision
Chest pain management
Emergency procedures
Data collection
Emergency care
Cardiac care
Acute care expertise
Oxygen saturation standards
Removing sutures
FLUENT IN English and Spanish
Call triaging
Certification
RN, FL Department of Health, FL, April 2026
BLS for healthcare provider, American Heart Association 2/20/2025
Registered Nurse License (RN) - State Board of Nursing. April 2026
Training
Master’s of Science in Health law with concentration and certificate of specialization on the Law of Risk Management, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 05/01/09
Completion of the requirement for the pre-licensure for Health Care Risk Management, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 05/01/10
Trained by the Tampa VA Hospital to be a staff trainer for the Prevention management of disruptive behavior.
Patient safety representative for the Emergency Department.
Advanced Medical Support Assistant at Department of Veterans Affairs, Central TX Veterans HealthcareAdvanced Medical Support Assistant at Department of Veterans Affairs, Central TX Veterans Healthcare
VETERAN CLAIMS EXAMINER INSURANCE at Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits AdminVETERAN CLAIMS EXAMINER INSURANCE at Department Of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Benefits Admin
Director, Planning and Operations at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Integrity and Compliance (OIC)Director, Planning and Operations at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Office of Integrity and Compliance (OIC)
Health System Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs/ Veterans Health AdministrationHealth System Specialist at Department of Veterans Affairs/ Veterans Health Administration