Sara Lawson
Westminster,MD
Summary
Compassionate Certified Nursing Assistant with Maryland Board of Nursing certification in progress, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN track). Experienced in patient hygiene, safety supervision, and trauma-informed care. Skilled in vital signs monitoring and committed to enhancing patient safety while delivering quality care in a hospital setting.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Swim Instructor
YMCA
Maryland
06.2025 - Current
- Teach swim lessons to children of varying ages and skill levels.
- Instructed diverse age groups in swimming techniques and water safety practices.
- Developed individualized lesson plans to meet various skill levels and learning styles.
- Provided personalized instruction and encouragement to enhance swimmer confidence.
- Led group classes focusing on stroke improvement and endurance building exercises.
- Conducted skill assessments to evaluate swimmer progress and adjust lessons accordingly.
- Provided feedback to swimmers and parents on performance and areas for improvement.
- Ensure constant safety and supervision in a high-risk environment.
- Monitored pool activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for participants.
- Responded swiftly and calmly to potential safety concerns, ensuring a secure environment for all participants.
- Trained new instructors on teaching methods and safety protocols at the facility.
After-School Childcare Provider
ABC Care
Maryland
09.2024 - Current
- Provide daily supervision and care for school-aged children in a structured after-school program.
- Maintain a safe, clean environment following strict health and safety protocols.
- Supported children in emotional regulation and conflict resolution, fostering a positive and safe environment.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Resolved issues with knowledgeable and friendly service, ensuring high satisfaction among parents and children.
- Displayed patience and empathy while interacting with patients in a healthcare setting.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Contributed ideas and solutions that improved teamwork and addressed challenges effectively.
Babysitter
Self-Employed
01.2016 - Current
- Coordinated feeding, bedtime routines, and age-appropriate activities to ensure children's well-being.
- Monitored children's safety and well-being to prevent accidents and falls.
- Provided first aid and responded to emergencies.
- Encouraged social interactions among children to enhance teamwork and communication skills.
- Engaged children in age-appropriate activities such as reading stories and playing games to promote learning.
- Encouraged healthy physical activity through organized outdoor walks and games to promote fitness.
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary preferences.
- Assisted with meals, snacks, and bedtime routines for the children.
- Managed schedules, including nap times and playdates for children.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of play areas and toys.
- Provided childcare for multiple families beginning at age 13.
- Supervised children responsibly during parents' absence to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Updated parents on children's daily experiences to foster transparency and trust.
- Established trust through consistent communication with both parents and kids.
- Greeted parents upon their return home and provided detailed updates on children's activities and events.
- Enforced rules to teach good manners and maintain a safe environment.
- Taught children good manners by establishing clear behavioral expectations during play and learning activities.
- Assisted children in completing homework, school projects, and household chores to promote responsibility.
- Cultivated foundational caregiving skills such as responsibility, patience, and trustworthiness through hands-on experience.
Childcare Worker & Camp Counselor
YMCA
Maryland
06.2021 - 08.2022
- Supervised children ages 4–12 in camp and daycare settings.
- Ensured safety through constant supervision and adherence to health guidelines.
- Assisted with meals, hygiene routines, and behavior management to support children's overall well-being.
- Completed multiple health, safety, and child development trainings.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that fostered social and emotional growth in children.
- Collaborated with parents to address children's needs and concerns.
- Maintained cleanliness of play areas and ensured proper equipment usage to promote a safe and healthy environment.
- Trained new staff on childcare policies and best practices for safety.
- Organized age-appropriate activities such as games, crafts, music, and outdoor play.
- Reported any concerning behaviors or issues to supervisors immediately.
- Engaged in active listening when communicating with children to ensure understanding of instructions or expectations.
- Read stories to children and taught them basic skills such as counting, ABCs, and colors.
- Developed positive relationships with parents and guardians by providing ongoing communication regarding their child's progress.
- Encouraged language development skills by engaging in conversations with the children about their day-to-day experiences.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN Track
York College of Pennsylvania
York, PA05-2028
Nursing prerequisite coursework - Nursing
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD05-2026
High School Diploma -
Delone Catholic Highschool
McSherrystown, PA05-2024
Skills
- Aquatic safety
- Lifesaving techniques
- Basic life support
- Emergency response
- Safety instruction
- Vital signs monitoring
- Patient transfers
- Pre-swim preparation
- Student engagement
- Individualized instruction
- Supportive feedback
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- De-escalation skills
- Compassionate care
- Emotional support
- Patient-centered care
- Progress tracking
- Skill assessment
- Equipment setup
- Equipment management
- Clinical documentation
- Time management & multitasking
- Multitasking skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Reliable and adaptable
- Works well under pressure
- Quick learner
- Reliable team player
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Maintaining privacy
- Active listening
- Compassion and empathy
- Positive reinforcement
- Lifting capability
- Problem-solving
- Maintaining privacy
- Student transportation
- Individualized instruction
- Positive reinforcement
- Lifting capability
Certification
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Maryland Board of Nursing, 06/30/26
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association
- Health & Safety Training, YMCA & childcare programs
- Water Safety & Swim Instruction Training, YMCA
Clinical And Healthcare Skills
- Vital signs (BP, pulse, respirations, temperature, pulse ox)
- Infection control & standard precautions
- Patient hygiene & ADLs
- Safe patient handling
- CPR/BLS emergency response
- Documentation basics
- Trauma-informed, compassionate care
- Time management & multitasking
- Strong communication & de-escalation skills
Timeline
Swim Instructor
YMCA
06.2025 - Current
After-School Childcare Provider
ABC Care
09.2024 - Current
Childcare Worker & Camp Counselor
YMCA
06.2021 - 08.2022
Babysitter
Self-Employed
01.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - RN Track
York College of Pennsylvania
Nursing prerequisite coursework - Nursing
Carroll Community College
High School Diploma -
Delone Catholic Highschool