Sara Ayala
Streamwood,IL
Summary
I am currently in the last semester of the ADN program at Elgin Community College with an anticipated graduation date of May 16, 2026. My clinical experience includes one semester each at The Highlands Long-term care, St. Joseph's Hospital Med/Surge OR Rehab, Northwestern CDH Hospital Neuroscience/Cardiology, and lastly Mercy Medical Hospital ER/ICU.
I have experience with patient care, medical procedures, and clinical support. I utilize strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients and families.
I offer a strong commitment to providing exceptional patient care. I work well in fast-paced environments managing multiple tasks and provide timely treatments and support.
I also possess a solid understanding of nursing principles, patient advocacy and evidence-based practices.
I take pride in being an organized and dependable candidate that is successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and a willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Health Aide
Encore Village
Schaumburg, IL
01.2026 - Current
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, ensuring safety and comfort.
- Administered prescribed medications and documented compliance accurately.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment to promote client well-being and hygiene standards.
- Communicated effectively with clients, families, and healthcare teams regarding care needs and updates.
- Helped patients maintain personal hygiene through bathing, grooming, and toileting assistance when necessary for dignity preservation.
- Maintained a clean and safe home environment for patients, reducing falls and accidents.
- Performed light housekeeping duties including laundry linen changes sweeping vacuuming and mopping ensuring a clean and organized living space for patients.
- Assisted patients with dressing, grooming and feeding needs, helping to overcome, and adapt to mobility restrictions.
- Assisted with meal planning and preparation according to dietary restrictions, meeting nutritional needs while adhering to personal preferences.
- Monitored client health by performing routine pulse, temperature and blood pressure checks.
- Completed thorough documentation of patient care activities, maintaining accurate records for effective communication amongst the healthcare team.
- Monitored changes in clients' conditions to report concerns to supervisor.
- Assisted clients with living independently through skill-building and mentoring in areas such as housekeeping adaptations and preparation of healthy meals.
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Streamwood, IL
10.2001 - Current
- Managed medication inventory to ensure accurate stock levels and timely replenishment.
- Provided customer service by answering inquiries, resolving issues, and offering medication counseling.
- Trained and mentored junior pharmacy technicians in operational procedures and best practices.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency within pharmacy operations.
- Completed paperwork, entering prescription and insurance or billing information into patient profiles.
- Stocked, labeled, and inventoried medication to keep accurate records.
- Consulted with insurance company representatives to complete claims processing, resolve concerns, and reconcile payments.
- Helped pharmacist clear problematic prescriptions and address customer questions to keep pharmacy efficient.
- Maintained proper drug storage procedures, registries, and records for controlled drugs.
- Resolved non-routine issues like third-party billing, computer system, and customer service issues.
Intern
St. Alexius Medical Center
Hoffman Estates, IL
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Assisted in daily operational tasks to support team efficiency and workflow.
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Gained valuable experience working in medical-surgical, oncology, hospice, bariatric, and emergency room departments. I was able to apply learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff for timely intervention.
- Provided compassionate care to patients, assisting with daily living activities and personal hygiene.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records to ensure continuity of care.
- Assisted in mobility support, ensuring patient safety during transfers and ambulation.
- Maintained clean and organized patient environments, adhering to infection control protocols.
CNA
Bella Terra Rehabilitation Center
Schaumburg, IL
12.2024 - 03.2025
- Provided compassionate care to patients, assisting with daily living activities and personal hygiene.
- Documented patient information accurately in electronic health records to ensure continuity of care.
- Assisted in mobility support, ensuring patient safety during transfers and ambulation.
- Supported training of new CNAs, enhancing team efficiency through knowledge sharing.
- Maintained clean and organized patient environments, adhering to infection control protocols.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Elgin Community College
Elgin, IL05-2026
Skills
- CPR/AED
- CNA
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Home Health Aide
Encore Village
01.2026 - Current
Intern
St. Alexius Medical Center
03.2025 - 08.2025
CNA
Bella Terra Rehabilitation Center
12.2024 - 03.2025
Certified Pharmacy Technician
10.2001 - Current
Associate of Science - Nursing
Elgin Community College