Valerie McFarland
Richmond,VA
Summary
An enthusiastic individual with over 19 years in the health care profession. To become a licensed Practical Nurse to continue the care at a higher level. State-certified Nursing Assistant bringing senior-level experience in healthcare settings. Observant and reliable with good bedside manner and excellent time-management skills to address patient requirements in high-volume care facilities. Proficient in mobility and personal hygiene support. Proficient and caring nursing team member offering outstanding patient-facing experience. Adept at addressing patient needs with compassionate care and attention to detail. Diligent about maximizing satisfaction, safety and wellness while serving patients of all backgrounds.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
Veterans Administration Medical Center
08.2021 - Current
- Completed clinical procedures and gathered patient data for interpretation by physician.
- Maintained strict compliance with HIPAA regulations, ensuring protection of sensitive patient information.
- Increased patient access to care by effectively coordinating referrals to specialists and diagnostic services.
- Streamlined front desk operations for improved workflow and reduced wait times.
- Provided exceptional customer service to patients, visitors, and colleagues, fostering welcoming environment at all times.
- Supported efficient office operations through proficient handling of administrative tasks such as filing, data entry, and record maintenance.
- Contributed to higher patient retention rates by consistently delivering compassionate care during check-in/check-out processes.
- Verified and updated clinical records.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by efficiently managing appointment schedules and providing timely reminders.
- Directed patients to exam rooms, fielded questions, and prepared for physician examinations.
- Managed high call volume, addressing patient inquiries and concerns with professionalism and empathy.
- Eased patient anxiety through clear explanation of procedures, treatments, and upcoming appointments while addressing their concerns respectfully.
- Promoted effective communication among medical staff by serving as reliable liaison between physicians, nurses, and administrative personnel.
- Assisted in training new staff members on clinic policies, procedures, and software systems for seamless integration into team.
- Collaborated with medical and administrative personnel to maintain patient-focused, engaging and compassionate environment.
- Built positive rapport with patients to make patients feel comfortable during uncomfortable procedures.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Veteran Health Administration
10.2016 - 08.2021
- Patients were greeted with sense of caring to ease them into some of more difficult procedures
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- performed as preceptor by training nurses newly assigned to wing
- Performed duties while working in wings of hospital, to include Spinal Cord Injury, chart documentation, direct patient care duties,
- Performed wide variety of duties aimed at increasing comfort, spirit and recovery of patient.
- Performed Trach care, EKG IC Cath, bladder scans, bowel care, signs, colostomy bag change.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Reduced fall incidents by implementing safety measures like bed alarms and proper positioning techniques.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Promoted independence in patients through walking exercises or assisting them with mobility devices like walkers or wheelchairs.
- Assisted nurses with wound care procedures ensuring proper healing processes took place.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Followed directions of licensed nurses to administer medications and treatments.
- Conducted regular rounds to monitor patients'' physical and mental status throughout shifts.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Enhanced team efficiency by promptly responding to call lights and reporting changes in patient condition to nurses.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Provided high-quality personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and feeding to ensure patient dignity.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Educated family members on caregiving techniques to better support their loved ones at home after discharge from facility.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
Nurse Aide
Southside Virginia Training Center Company
10.2005 - 02.2014
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR System
- Conducted routine checks on patient vitals including blood pressure, blood sugars and heart rate
- Rendered hands on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures
- Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Elevated overall standard of care by participating in continuing education courses focused on new developments in nursing aide practices.
- Assisted patients with therapy exercises as specified by care team.
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport.
- Contributed to positive workplace culture by mentoring newly hired nurse aides and sharing best practices.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Supported rehabilitation efforts for post-operative patients through targeted exercise programs under nurse supervision.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Tended to patients with diverse medical conditions, including dementia, Parkinson''s disease, and diabetes, adapting care approaches accordingly.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Maintained and organized patient rooms and communal spaces to minimize environmental and safety hazards.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
Education
Licensed practical nursing program - Nursing
Bryant And Stratton College
Chesterfield, VA05.2025
Certificate Certified Nursing Assisant -
Southside Virginia Community College
Alberta, VA01.2015
Skills
- HIPPA Compliance
- Documenting behaviors
- Vital signs
- Home Care Aide
- Medical Terminology knowledge
- Communication Skills
- Customer Service
- Proficient in-patient scheduling
- Patient Positioning
- Injury Prevention
- EMR Updating
- Emergency Response
- Attention to Detail
- Empathy and Compassionate Care
- CPR/AED
- Bathing Assistance
- Conducting intakes
- Indirect Patient Care
Volunteer Experience
Home Missionary Treasurer, Mercy Seat R.Z.U.A. Church, Warfield, VA
Timeline
Advanced Medical Support Assistant
Veterans Administration Medical Center
08.2021 - Current
Certified Nursing Assistant
Veteran Health Administration
10.2016 - 08.2021
Nurse Aide
Southside Virginia Training Center Company
10.2005 - 02.2014
Licensed practical nursing program - Nursing
Bryant And Stratton College
Certificate Certified Nursing Assisant -
Southside Virginia Community College
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