Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Suzanne Garbera

Richfield Springs

Summary

Excel in communication. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Certified Dialysis Technician with comprehensive knowledge in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy. Showcases exceptional patient care skills and adept at troubleshooting and maintenance of dialysis equipment. Proven track record of improving patient comfort during treatment while maintaining safety protocols. Strong leadership abilities have resulted in improved team efficiency and overall performance in previous roles.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Certified Dialysis Technician

Bassett Medical Center
Cooperstown
01.1998 - 06.2018
  • Monitored patients' vital signs during dialysis sessions for safety and comfort.
  • Operated dialysis machines for patient treatments at a leading medical facility.
  • Educated patients on dialysis procedures and care for better understanding.
  • Prepared and maintained equipment to ensure optimal functionality at all times.
  • Collaborated with healthcare team to develop patient care plans and protocols.
  • Assisted in troubleshooting equipment issues to minimize downtime during treatments.
  • Maintained accurate patient records for compliance and quality assurance standards.
  • Provided emotional support to patients, fostering a compassionate care environment.
  • Followed infection control measures when cleaning and attaching hemodialysis machine to access sites like fistulas, catheters, and grafts.
  • Took and documented patient temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates before and after dialysis treatment.
  • Performed routine sterilization, cleaning, and maintenance of hemodialysis machines and equipment.
  • Attached dialyzer and tubing to dialysis machines for use in hemodialysis treatment.
  • Initiated and terminated reverse osmosis water system and performed water quality monitoring tests prior to dialysis initiation.
  • Primed dialyzer with saline or heparinized solutions and followed formula directions when preparing dialysate.
  • Inspected equipment and conducted safety checks on equipment and instruments to maintain high-quality control standards.
  • Eased patients' anxiety by explaining dialysis procedures and dialysis machine operations.
  • Sustained hemodialysis workflow by inventorying and restocking needed equipment and supplies.
  • Transported patients to and from rooms and prepared for treatments according to individual specifications.
  • Participated in continuing education activities related to dialysis therapy.
  • Maintained accurate records of all treatments given to each patient.

Hemodialysis Technical Supervisor

Bassett Medical Center
Cooperstown
06.2012 - 06.2017
  • Helped technical staff to trouble shoot problems.
  • Performed nursing duties when shortages arouse .
  • Performed maintenance duties as needed.
  • Performed staff annual performance reviews.
  • Supervised daily operations to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
  • Generated reports outlining latest updates, results, and proposed solutions.
  • Reviewed user documentation prior to release for accuracy and completeness.

Dialysis Machine Technician

Bassett Medical Center
Cooperstown
07.1993 - 01.2012
  • Operated machinery to maintain optimal performance and safety standards.
  • Monitored equipment for proper functioning and identified potential issues.
  • Performed routine maintenance on machines to ensure reliability.
  • Collaborated with team members to troubleshoot mechanical problems effectively.
  • Assisted in training new technicians on operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Documented machine performance data for compliance and analysis purposes.
  • Ensured cleanliness and organization of work area for safety compliance.
  • Followed established guidelines to operate machinery efficiently and safely.
  • Maintained records of daily production output and machine performance.
  • Cleaned and lubricated machine parts to prevent corrosion or breakdowns.
  • Performed daily maintenance and repair of machines, as well as troubleshooting malfunctions.
  • Inspected equipment regularly and performed preventive maintenance as appropriate.
  • Trained new employees on the safe use of machinery and equipment.
  • Monitored the condition of machinery to identify potential problems or issues.
  • Ensured that all machines were properly labeled with warning signs prior to operation.

Physical Therapy Aide

Valley Health Services
Herkimer
03.1990 - 08.1993
  • Assisted physical therapists with patient care and rehabilitation exercises.
  • Transported patients from one area of the facility to another using wheelchairs or other assistive devices when necessary.
  • Positioned and secured patients onto therapy equipment to facilitate smooth and safe treatments.
  • Administered and guided patients through simple range of motion exercises to facilitate flexibility and improved circulation.
  • Updated patient records with condition status.
  • Helped maintain a safe environment for both staff members and patients by following infection control policies.
  • Maintained clean and organized treatment areas for optimal patient safety.
  • Prepared and set up equipment for therapy sessions as directed by staff.
  • Supported patients during therapeutic activities to ensure comfort and safety.
  • Followed safety protocols while handling therapeutic tools and equipment.
  • Coordinated with staff to schedule patient appointments efficiently.
  • Assisted physical therapists with patient treatments by setting up equipment, preparing patients for treatment and providing support throughout the session.
  • Monitored patients during exercise sessions to ensure proper technique is being used and to provide additional instruction when necessary.
  • Monitored equipment use and overall safety of patients.
  • Prepared treatment rooms prior to patient arrivals by cleaning surfaces, stocking supplies and ensuring all safety protocols are followed.
  • Conducted exercises with patients as prescribed by the physical therapist in order to improve strength and flexibility.
  • Worked as part of team to execute proper care of body mechanics and safety of patient.
  • Maintained positive interaction with facilities and clients, enhancing client relations.
  • Administered simple range of motion exercises.
  • Observed signs and symptoms to report changes in patient condition.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Valley Health Services
Herkimer
02.1984 - 08.1993
  • Assisted patients with daily living activities and personal care tasks.
  • Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient rooms and common areas.
  • Communicated effectively with patients to address needs and concerns.
  • Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure quality patient care delivery.
  • Answered call lights promptly and responded to patient needs accordingly.
  • Assisted patients with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
  • Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
  • Served meals to patients in their rooms and assisted with feeding when needed.
  • Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
  • Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Facilitated activities of daily living, personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
  • Assisted with ambulation of patients utilizing appropriate equipment safely.
  • Helped residents walk with or without self-help devices.
  • Distributed drinking water and nourishment to residents.
  • Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, or problems for review by medical staff.
  • Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
  • Assisted residents in preparing for activities and social programs.
  • Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
  • Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
  • Looked for physical, emotional, and symptomatic changes in patient condition and obtained necessary care for medical concerns.
  • Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
  • Participated in educational programs related to nursing assistant skills development.
  • Collected specimens for testing purposes upon request from physicians or nurses.
  • Supported daily living activities by serving meals, feeding, ambulating and turning over and positioning patients.
  • Measured and recorded food and liquid intake and output, reporting changes to medical or nursing staff.
  • Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.

Education

High School Diploma -

Richfield Springs Central School
Richfield Springs, NY
06-1971

Skills

  • Dialysis machine operation
  • Patient care education
  • Equipment troubleshooting
  • Water quality monitoring
  • Hemodialysis documentation
  • Quality assurance compliance
  • Effective communication
  • Inventory management
  • Time management
  • Adaptability to challenges
  • HIPAA

Affiliations

  • The first love of my life are my 7 grandchildren ranging from 15 to 21. Time spent with my family is precious.
  • Second, my involvement with the American Legion Auxiliary to aid our well deserved veterans in any way we can. I hold the position of Membership Chairman. This is very fulfilling.

Timeline

Hemodialysis Technical Supervisor

Bassett Medical Center
06.2012 - 06.2017

Certified Dialysis Technician

Bassett Medical Center
01.1998 - 06.2018

Dialysis Machine Technician

Bassett Medical Center
07.1993 - 01.2012

Physical Therapy Aide

Valley Health Services
03.1990 - 08.1993

Certified Nursing Assistant

Valley Health Services
02.1984 - 08.1993

High School Diploma -

Richfield Springs Central School

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