Terri Gerald
Charlottesville,VA
Summary
Certified healthcare professional with strong expertise in performing hemodialysis treatments, patient care as a ACNA and ensuring high patient care standards. Skilled at operating dialysis machines, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining sterile environments, etc. Known for reliability, adaptability, and effective teamwork to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Adept at educating patients on treatment procedures and maintaining detailed medical records.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
UVA Health
09.2019 - Current
- Performed routine quality control and safety checks on all equipment.
- Assisted patients with their pre-dialysis weight measurements, ensuring accurate assessment of fluid removal needs during the procedure.
- Started and ended reverse osmosis water systems and completed water quality monitoring tests.
- Promoted continuity of care by documenting detailed treatment records in electronic health systems for easy access by all healthcare providers involved in the patient''s care plan.
- Set-up equipment for dialysis and primed dialyzer in preparation for use.
- Cleaned and connected fistulas, grafts and catheters to prevent infection.
- Contributed to a safe care environment through timely identification and reporting of equipment malfunctions or defects.
Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant
UVA Health
05.2006 - Current
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care activities for effective coordination among healthcare providers.
- Contributed to a positive healthcare environment through effective communication and collaboration with team members.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of patients'' physical condition, mental health status, and overall well-being to inform comprehensive care planning efforts.
- Assisted nurses with complex procedures such as catheterizations or tracheostomy suctioning.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring vital signs and reporting any abnormalities or changes to nursing staff.
- Supported patients during meal times, ensuring proper nutrition intake and adherence to dietary restrictions.
- Assisted in the prevention of bedsores and other complications by regularly repositioning patients and maintaining proper hygiene practices.
- Enhanced patient care by providing advanced support to nursing staff and medical professionals.
- Utilized advanced knowledge of medical equipment to provide continuous monitoring and assistance as needed during critical situations.
- Upheld strict infection control measures by consistently adhering to proper hand hygiene and personal protective equipment protocols.
Certified Nursing Assistant
UVA Health
08.2004 - Current
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities for enhanced comfort and wellbeing.
- 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.
- Prevented pressure ulcers development through frequent turning, repositioning of patients, and diligent skin assessments.
- Maintained a clean, safe environment by sanitizing surfaces, changing linens, and disposing of waste properly.
- Performed accurate documentation of patient information according to established protocols for record-keeping purposes.
- Improved patient care quality by monitoring and recording vital signs, fluid intake, and output.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Built rapport with patients and families, providing emotional support during difficult times.
- Contributed positively towards patient satisfaction scores by consistently providing exceptional care and addressing their concerns.
Education
High School Diploma -
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville, VAGED -
Charlottesville-Albemarle Adult Education Center
Charlottesville, VA09-1988
Skills
- Venipuncture
- HIPAA compliance
- Patient scheduling
- Patient monitoring
- Fluid management
- Medication administration
- Patient positioning
- Lab result interpretation
- Sample collection
- Adaptable to change
- Equipment calibration
- Ultrafiltration management
- Vascular Access care
- Blood sample collection
- Venipuncture techniques
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Needle insertion
- Direct patient care
- Aseptic techniques
- Patient education
- Team collaboration
- Biohazardous waste disposal
- Emergency response
- Specimen handling
- Vital statistics
- Measuring vital signs
- CPR certification
- Teamwork
- Strong work ethic
- Customer service
Accomplishments
- Trained over 10 staff on hemodialysis machine operations and proper connection to access the site.
- Helped train staff on new EPIC Bean software.
- Earned "Employee of the Month" for being outstanding CCHT.
Timeline
Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician
UVA Health
09.2019 - Current
Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant
UVA Health
05.2006 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
UVA Health
08.2004 - Current
High School Diploma -
Piedmont Virginia Community College
GED -
Charlottesville-Albemarle Adult Education Center