Samantha Rivera
Temple
Summary
Highly skilled and dedicated Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with 6 years of hands-on clinical experience in fast-paced, high-acuity military inpatient and trauma care environments. Proven leader as Intermediate Care Ward (ICW) Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), overseeing interdisciplinary healthcare teams and ensuring quality care for service members in both stateside and deployed combat zones. Expert in patient care, medication administration, emergency response (Code Blue), and infection control. Committed to delivering compassionate, evidence-based nursing care with precision and professionalism. Basic Life Support (BLS) & Tactical Combat Casualty Care Certified (TCCC) | BLS Instructor Certified
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Practical Nurse
U.S. Army Active Duty
07.2021 - Current
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Deployed 9 Months to Baghdad, Iraq (2023-2024) working in the ICU and ER wards as an LPN.
- Served as Team Leader, Squad Leader, and ICW Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC).
- Honorable service with special emphasis on inpatient care, trauma, and team development.
Intermediate Care Ward Manager (NCOIC)
9th Hospital Center – U.S. Army
08.2024 - 08.2025
- - Led a 15-member interdisciplinary team, including LPNs, RNs, Combat Medics (68W), and Nutrition Specialists in delivering patient-centered care for trauma, post-op, and med-surg patients.
- - Oversaw daily operations of the Intermediate Care Ward, including staff scheduling, medication administration, documentation, admissions/discharges, and safety compliance.
- - Acted as Code Blue Noncommissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC), leading emergency interventions, resuscitations, and rapid response training drills; enhanced staff readiness and response times.
- - Enforced infection control standards, achieving zero hospital-acquired infections during rating period; trained staff on proper PPE and isolation procedures.
- - Supervised setup and operation of Role II and Role III medical capabilities in field environments; maintained over $500K in medical equipment with 100% accountability.
- - Trained and mentored junior Soldiers and medics, two of whom were promoted into leadership positions.
- - Served as acting nurse during periods without on-site RN support; assessed and monitored patient conditions, initiated care plans, and escalated concerns as needed.
Education
Practical Nurse Program - Advanced Practical Nursing Care, Emergency Medical Procedures, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Community Nursing
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE)
Fort Sam Houston, TX06-2021
Associate of Arts - General Studies
University of Maryland Global Campus
Hyattsville, MD06-2025
Skills
- - Inpatient & Emergency Nursing
- - Code Blue & Critical Care Response
- - Team Leadership & Clinical Supervision
- - Infection Control & Patient Safety
- - Medication Administration & Documentation
- - Trauma & Wound Management
- - Patient Advocacy & Family Communication
- - Joint Commission & Compliance Readiness
Certification
- - Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Credentialed via U.S. Army
- - Basic Life Support (BLS) – Certified
- - BLS Instructor – Certified
- - Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) – Certified
- - ICP Monitor Operator, Ventilator Management, Rapid Infuser Ops, NOMAD X-ray Device – Trained
Timeline
Intermediate Care Ward Manager (NCOIC)
9th Hospital Center – U.S. Army
08.2024 - 08.2025
Licensed Practical Nurse
U.S. Army Active Duty
07.2021 - Current
Practical Nurse Program - Advanced Practical Nursing Care, Emergency Medical Procedures, Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Community Nursing
U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence (MEDCoE)
Associate of Arts - General Studies
University of Maryland Global Campus
Awards & Honors
- Army Commendation Medal w/ "C" Device – Awarded for providing exceptional nursing leadership under combat conditions during deployment in a high-threat environment. Recognized for calm, expert-level care under pressure.
- Army Achievement Medal (x4) – Consistently recognized for superior performance in patient care, team leadership, and clinical training during both stateside and deployed missions.
- Air and Space Achievement Medal – Recognized by joint military command for outstanding support and collaboration during integrated trauma care exercises involving Army and Air Force medical teams.
- Army Good Conduct Medal – Awarded for maintaining an impeccable record of discipline, accountability, and professional conduct over three consecutive years of active duty service.
- Certificate of Achievement (x2) – Commended for contributions to clinical readiness, emergency response training, and patient care initiatives across inpatient and field settings.
- Combat Action Badge – Demonstrated resilience and effectiveness while providing patient care in active combat zones. Recognized for remaining mission-ready in high-risk operational settings.
- Driver & Mechanic Badge (2x) – Recognized for operational excellence in transport, maintenance, and vehicle accountability supporting medical and logistical missions.
Additional Training
- - Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response
- - Medical Ethics and Detainee Operations
- - Intracranial Pressure Monitoring
- - Public Speaking & Leadership Courses (JMESI)
- - SERE Level A, Antiterrorism, Risk Management, Cyber Awareness
Military Service
- U.S. Army – Active Duty (2020–Current)
- Rank: Sergeant (E-5) | MOS: 68C – Licensed Practical Nurse
- Deployed 9 months to Baghdad, Iraq (2023–2024)
- Served as Squad Leader and ICW NCOIC
- Honorable service with emphasis on inpatient care, trauma, and team development