Terra Garza
Harlingen,TX
Summary
Accomplished Registered Nurse Case Manager with 10+ years of experience dedicated to quality care of diverse patients. Skillfully blend hands-on skills with advanced background in hospital and long term care settings. Work effectively with all levels of healthcare providers, physicians and administrators to address patient needs. Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude and excellent customer service. Works well with diverse patient populations and fosters trusting relationships to improve outcomes. Efficiently coordinate with healthcare professionals to advance patient care.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Rio Grande State Center
11.2012 - Current
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Effectively communicated with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, medications and changes.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Responded promptly and professionally to patient questions and concerns.
- Participated in patient and family planning process, as well as provided instructions and addressed question and concerns.
- Performed evaluations on consistent basis to address changes in patient needs, conditions and medications, altering care plans when required.
- Liaised with physicians regarding patient needs, performance and changes.
- Coordinated with interdisciplinary professionals to develop plans of care, administer tests and monitor patient status.
- Completed initial assessments of patients and family to determine and address individual home care needs. ·
- Conducted regular re-evaluations to address changes in needs and conditions, introducing revisions to care plans.
- Examined patients and documented history of current and previous conditions, illnesses, injuries and current medications.
- Created individualized care plans based on nursing diagnosis and incorporated appropriate nursing methods to achieve positive outcomes.
- Created patient assessments and plans for individual home care needs.
- Worked with suppliers and vendors on provision of medical equipment, items and services.
- Assessed and examined patients and documented history of current and previous conditions, diseases and injuries along with medications currently being taken.
- Participated in on-call rotations to deliver after-hours care.
- Developed care plans based on nursing diagnosis and incorporated therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative nursing methods.
- Used [Software] to maintain database of relevant information for practitioners to access and coordinate patient care.
- Educated and supported home healthcare providers with training, guidance, mentoring and resources required to achieve objectives. I performed complex nursing work providing for the assessment, care and integrated
treatment of individuals residing at the SSLC. Oversaw the delivery of nursing care necessary and
monitors the health care status to meet the health care needs of individuals assigned to my caseload. As
a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), I worked closely and professionally with members of other
disciplines to ensure that communication is in place to provide consistent, high quality interdisciplinary
and holistic care for all persons served. Performed physical assessments, documents healthcare needs,
developed health care plans, oversaw the implementing of nursing intervention(s), evaluated and analyzed
the outcomes of the interventions. Worked proactively to ensure optimal health care outcomes for
assigned individuals. Reviewed available documentation for issues and incidents involving assigned
individuals. Performed and reported trend analysis of health care needs and/or issues to the appropriate
person and creates nursing care plans that accurately and definitively direct the implementation of all
necessary care. Self-initiated to maintain competence in nursing best practices. Uses established
nursing methods, procedures and techniques to successfully complete job duties. Attended medical
appointments with individuals when needed to ensure optimal communication and continuity of care.
Participated in quality assurance reviews, attended meetings, mentored and coached new RN case
managers as assigned, and participated in committees and workgroups as assigned. Provided treatment
to HHS employees injured in the course and scope of employment as needed.
Home Health RN Case Manager/Home Health LVN
Palm Valley Home Health
03.2005 - 06.2012
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Introduced changes to patient care plans based on regular evaluations and patient changes.
- Took samples to complete diagnostic and routine assessment tests.
- Educated patients and families on disease processes, medications and treatments.
- Assessed patients' health status and developed individualized care plans to suit needs.
- Provided physical assessments, medication, and chronic disease management to home health patients.
- Coordinated with other healthcare team members to support patient needs.
- Determined and addresses individual home care needs by completing detailed assessments and reviewing documentation.
- Provided emotional support and kind companionship to patients and families to increase overall wellness.
- Developed and implemented discharge plans to promote continued care after discharge.
- Collaborated with vendors to procure medical equipment, supplies and services.
- Advised and coached patients progressing from hospitals, rehab facilities, and other medical organizations to at-home treatment settings.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Monitored vital signs, developed and implemented care plans, and documented patient progress.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
LVN Floor Nurse
Regency Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers
02.2003 - 02.2005
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Assessed patients' temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and recorded in electronic medical records.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising nurse.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team of healthcare and social service providers to address patients' needs through effective intervention and care planning.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Documented patient vitals, behaviors, and conditions to communicate concerns to supervising [Job Title].
- Educated patients and caregivers on medical diagnoses, treatment options, chronic disease self-management and wound management.
Education
Master of Science - Psych Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
Minnesota City, MN05.2025
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Universtity of Texas At Brownsville
Brownsville, TX12.2010
Skills
- IV Drug Therapy Management
- Case Conferences
- Care Management
- InterQual Criteria
- Mental and Physical Assessments
- Acute and Rehabilitative Care
- Skill-Building Activities
- Injection Administration
- Oxygen Saturation Standards
- OSHA Safety Expertise
- Mental Health Care
- Seizure Management
- Feeding Assistance
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Determine Medical Necessity
- Family Planning Services Education
- Managing Deadlines
- Wound Care
- Home Visits
- Patient Discharging
- Follow-Up Calls
- Direct Patient Care
- HIPAA Education
- Care Plan Development
- Administering Immunizations
- Medication Side Effect Knowledge
- Gastrostomy Tube Care
- Patient Admission
- Drug Calculations
- Emotional Awareness
- Long-Term Care
- Staff Supervision
- Team Coordination
- Chronic Disease Management
- Removing Sutures
- Feeding Pumps Understanding
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Rio Grande State Center
11.2012 - Current
Home Health RN Case Manager/Home Health LVN
Palm Valley Home Health
03.2005 - 06.2012
LVN Floor Nurse
Regency Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers
02.2003 - 02.2005
Master of Science - Psych Nurse Practitioner
Walden University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Universtity of Texas At Brownsville
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