Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Vanessa Garcia

San Diego,CA

Summary

Dynamic and dedicated Licensed Vocational Nurse with over five years of experience delivering exceptional, patient-centered care in skilled nursing, outpatient, and home health settings. A proactive leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and takes charge to ensure safe, effective, and compassionate care. Highly skilled in wound management, medication administration, admissions, and care planning, with a proven track record of driving compliance and exceeding patient expectations.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

MDS Nurse

La Mesa Healthcare Center
San Diego, USA
12.2023 - 11.2024
  • Reviewed medical records for accurate documentation of diagnoses according to established criteria.
  • Revised outdated care plans and seamlessly incorporated new admission care plans, ensuring all residents received tailored, up-to-date care plans that enhanced patient outcomes.
  • Proactively resolved a 3-month MDS documentation backlog by conducting thorough reviews and updates, restoring 100% compliance, and protecting the facility from regulatory deficiencies.

MDS Nurse/Unit Manager

San Diego Post Acute Center
San Diego, USA
03.2023 - 12.2023
  • Led a skilled nursing unit by directing LVNs and CNAs to enhance collaboration and care delivery.
  • Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized care plans addressing resident needs.
  • Implemented strategies to ensure safe, efficient, and effective care for all residents.
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to improve overall quality of life for patients.

Med Nurse, Charge Nurse, Admission Nurse, Wound Nurse

Villa Rancho Bernardo Care Center
San Diego, USA
04.2022 - 02.2023
  • Oversaw care delivery as Charge Nurse, ensuring compliance with policies, and addressing urgent patient needs. Led teams to implement care plans that prioritized safety and dignity.
  • Provided expert wound care management, developed treatment strategies that promoted rapid healing and minimized infection risks, while mentoring staff in best practices.
  • Played a critical role in infection control efforts by working in the COVID-19 Red Zone, maintaining strict protocols to protect both residents and staff, while ensuring uninterrupted, compassionate care.

LVN

Canyon Villa Retirement Facility
San Diego, USA
11.2019 - 05.2022
  • Administered medications, performed catheterizations, provided wound care, and managed colostomy care, and colostomy management, always prioritizing patient safety and dignity.
  • Acted as a bridge between hospice agencies, home health providers, and residents' families to create holistic, patient-centered plans that respected individual preferences and comfort.
  • Used therapeutic communication to foster meaningful relationships with residents and families, creating a supportive and collaborative care environment.

Home Health Nurse

Aveanna Healthcare
San Diego, USA
09.2019 - 04.2022
  • Delivered in-home care by administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and applying infection control practices while educating patients to promote safety and independence.
  • Tailored care plans and interventions to individual home environments, ensuring patient goals are met while maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
  • Served as an advocate and educator for families, guiding them through complex treatments, and empowering them to actively participate in patient care decisions.

Patient Service Assistant

Sharp Memorial Hospital
San Diego, USA
01.2018 - 04.2019
  • Adhered to HIPAA regulations while protecting confidential information of patients.
  • Reinforced infection control and safety protocols to minimize risks in patient care.
  • Established rapport with patients and families through active listening and effective communication.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to all patients and visitors.

Education

RN Program -

Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing
San Diego, CA
12-2025

Vocational Nursing Program -

Concorde Career College
San Diego, CA
05.2019

High School Diploma -

Mira Mesa High School
San Diego, CA
06.2016

Skills

  • Medication administration and IV therapy
  • Wound care and infection control
  • Patient assessment and advocacy
  • Tracheostomy and gastrostomy management
  • Documentation and compliance
  • Therapeutic communication skills
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Care plan development
  • Leadership and team coordination
  • Continuous learning commitment

Certification

  • California Licensed Vocational Nurse (Active)
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certified
  • IV Therapy Certification

Timeline

MDS Nurse

La Mesa Healthcare Center
12.2023 - 11.2024

MDS Nurse/Unit Manager

San Diego Post Acute Center
03.2023 - 12.2023

Med Nurse, Charge Nurse, Admission Nurse, Wound Nurse

Villa Rancho Bernardo Care Center
04.2022 - 02.2023

LVN

Canyon Villa Retirement Facility
11.2019 - 05.2022

Home Health Nurse

Aveanna Healthcare
09.2019 - 04.2022

Patient Service Assistant

Sharp Memorial Hospital
01.2018 - 04.2019

RN Program -

Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing

Vocational Nursing Program -

Concorde Career College

High School Diploma -

Mira Mesa High School