Valerie Ann Castillo
Barnegat,NJ
Summary
With a proven track record at Morristown Medical Center, I excel in delivering patient-centered care and managing complex conditions. Skilled in intravenous therapy and demonstrating strong clinical judgment, I've significantly contributed to team success and patient satisfaction. My dedication to continuous learning and advocacy ensures optimal health outcomes and efficient healthcare delivery.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Home Infusion Registered Nurse (Per Diem)
Integrated Home Infusions
10.2023 - Current
- Instructed patients and caregivers in standard care, developed and revised individual plans of care and implemented physician orders.
- Collaborated with administrative and pharmacy staff to plan refill scheduling and deliveries of medications.
- Performed infusion and patient assessments and monitored patient response to fulfill emergency needs and provide psychosocial support.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
Registered Nurse Medical-Surgical/Telemetry
Morristown Medical Center
05.2023 - 03.2025
- Collected blood, tissue, and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and other conditions.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment, and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians, and unit clerks.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion, and airway management.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Monitored patient condition by interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
Travel Registered Nurse Medical Surgical/Telemetry
Ocean University Medical Center
11.2021 - 04.2023
- Vaccinated patients to protect individuals from measles, pneumonia, influenza, covid and other illnesses of concern.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Informed patients and families of effective treatment options and at-home care strategies, enhancing long-term outcomes.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Documented all elements of care and updated patient charts and confidential files to reflect changes in care plans, interventions applied and observations.
- Documented patient interactions and interventions in EPIC EMR.
- Worked with interdisciplinary healthcare team to develop, implement and manage care plans, ensuring inclusion of patients' individual needs.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Administered different therapies and medications in line with physician orders and treatment plan.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety and rights of patient.
Registered Nurse, Telemetry Unit
Capital Health Regional Medical Center
04.2016 - 10.2021
- Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients and determined next course of action.
- Managed care from admission to discharge.
- Administered medications via oral, IV and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Managed quality care for patients with heart failure, end-stage renal disease and coronary artery disease.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Provided exceptional care to high-acute patients needing complex care such as ventilator management, extensive wound care and rehabilitation.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Teamed on trauma and emergency interventions involving serious head injuries, gunshot wounds and thoracic trauma.
- Advocated for patients by communicating care preferences to practitioners, verifying interventions met treatment goals and identifying insurance coverage limitations.
- Maintained quality care and comfort for patients with heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and other conditions.
- Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures and safety protocols.
- Secured controlled narcotics and distributed medication on schedule to meet patient needs and minimize misuse opportunities.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
- Audited charts and reviewed clinical documents to verify accuracy.
- Orchestrated quality-driven, cost-effective care in high-volume trauma center setting.
- Conferred with physicians to discuss diagnoses and devise well-coordinated treatment approaches.
- Provided didactic and clinical instructions to orient new nurses and potential student nurses to achieve training outcomes.
- Participated in nursing simulation activities, evidence-based practice project implementation and competency development to further nursing education.
- Minimized hospital stays with recovery-centered approaches, reducing average in-patient stay length.
- Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit.
- Led successful team comprised of RNs, LPNs and ancillary staff.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Taught patients how to improve lifestyle choices, dramatically reducing chance of symptom reoccurrence.
- Oversaw delivery of care for patients on medical-surgical unit, providing direct care, delegating nursing assignments, and supervising team comprised of nurses, LPNs, technicians and unit clerks.
- Contributed substantially to successful department JCAHO accreditation by consistently operating to highest standards of care.
- Delivered proper care to victims of domestic violence at urgent care clinic.
- Performed arterial cut-downs, inserted central lines and inserted endotracheal tubes as part of trauma team.
Patient Care Technician
Capital Health Regional Medical Center
07.2009 - 04.2016
- Monitored patient's heart rhythms and functions through cardiac monitoring strips.
- Interpreted tests and identified arrhythmias and heart abnormalities on patients' EKG and reported to cardiac nurse.
- Obtained patient vital signs and reported results to staff nurse or physician, noting changes from prior measurements.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Monitored, tracked and conveyed important patient information to healthcare staff to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
- Assembled admissions pages and added new pages to patients' charts.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Helped patients maintain healthy skin by checking wounds, assessing integrity and bathing bedbound individuals.
- Maximized patient satisfaction by helping individuals carry out personal tasks such as dressing and walking.
- Organized and replenished unit supplies to maintain team readiness for expected demands.
- Assisted nursing staff with respiratory, cardiopulmonary and physical therapies.
- Collected and transported specimens to prepare for lab testing.
- Responded to patient emergencies with immediate care and notified clinicians to provide comprehensive assistance.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns and medically relevant symptoms.
- Supported patient admissions, discharges and transfers to promote team productivity.
- Answered patient assistance calls, assessed needs and offered qualified support.
- Lifted or assisted others to lift patients to move them on or off beds, surgical tables or stretchers.
- Responded to emergency situations to help with lifting and transporting patients.
- Collected laboratory specimens, dropped off at laboratories and picked up test results.
- Used wheelchairs, stretchers and movable beds to move patients between hospital locations.
- Provided transportation services for patients in hospital environment using appropriate equipment.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient data and condition at all times to safeguard health information.
- Cleaned, sanitized and moved hospital equipment.
- Helped patients complete activities of daily living.
Physical Therapist Aide
Twin Boro Physical Therapy
03.2009 - 09.2009
- Assisted patients with employing assistive devices such as splints and braces to support treatment goals.
- Assessed treatment plans and made adjustments as needed for maximum benefits.
- Assisted 2 Physical Therapists to initiate different patient care plans in outpatient setting.
- Provided in-home therapeutic treatments to patients after hip replacement surgery.
- Worked in acute care setting and created individualized exercise programs for patients.
- Implemented treatment programs for children with juvenile arthritis and those in recovery from sports injuries.
- Completed passive and active manual therapy techniques to help patients manage pain and related symptoms.
- Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention and therapeutic treatments.
Education
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing
Trenton, New Jersey06.2015
Bachelor Of Science In Information Technology - Information Technology
AMA Computer College
Philippines03.1999
Skills
- Intravenous Therapy
- Chronic Disease Management
- Precepting
- Feeding Assistance
- Infection Control and Aseptic Procedures
- Acute Care Expertise
- Medical Laboratory Procedures
- Ear, Nose and Throat Care
- Infection Control Measures
- Personal Care Needs
- Patient Check-Ins
- Setting Up Referrals
- Chronic disease management
- Family planning services education
- Insulin medication assistance
- Strong clinical judgment
- Preventive health
- Collecting vitals
- Tracheostomy Care
- Patient and family advocacy
- Intravenous therapy
- Medication Administration
- Oxygen saturation standards
- Home care
Certification
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Training (expires January 2027)
- Basic Life Support ( expires May 2025) Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, NJ
- NIHSS (date completed March 12,2024)
- Arrhythmia Class (Sept 2009) Capital Health System, Trenton, NJ
- Phlebotomy Training and Class (September 2009) Capital Health System, Trenton, NJ
Additional Information
References :
Yin Li (Morristown Medical Center)
(Charge Nurse)
516-830-8507
Al Bhinglen Yee (Morristown Medical Center)
(Charge Nurse)
973-964-6530
Anna Agastra (Morristown Medical Center)
Charge Nurse
551-486-1623
Christopher Siciliano (Ocean University Medical Center)
Nurse Manager
732-836-4400
christopher.siciliano@hmhn.org
Timeline
Home Infusion Registered Nurse (Per Diem)
Integrated Home Infusions
10.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse Medical-Surgical/Telemetry
Morristown Medical Center
05.2023 - 03.2025
Travel Registered Nurse Medical Surgical/Telemetry
Ocean University Medical Center
11.2021 - 04.2023
Registered Nurse, Telemetry Unit
Capital Health Regional Medical Center
04.2016 - 10.2021
Patient Care Technician
Capital Health Regional Medical Center
07.2009 - 04.2016
Physical Therapist Aide
Twin Boro Physical Therapy
03.2009 - 09.2009
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Training (expires January 2027)
- Basic Life Support ( expires May 2025) Capital Health Regional Medical Center, Trenton, NJ
- NIHSS (date completed March 12,2024)
- Arrhythmia Class (Sept 2009) Capital Health System, Trenton, NJ
- Phlebotomy Training and Class (September 2009) Capital Health System, Trenton, NJ
Associate Degree In Nursing - Nursing
St. Francis Medical Center School of Nursing
Bachelor Of Science In Information Technology - Information Technology
AMA Computer College
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