Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Vicki Tornero

Sheboygan

Summary

Registered Nurse with solid background in perioperative nursing seeking to contribute to dynamic surgical team. Known for delivering exceptional patient care throughout surgical procedures and maintaining stringent adherence to sterile techniques. Highly collaborative and adaptable, contributing to seamless team operations and positive patient outcomes. Eager to contribute to the vision of the company and motivated to expand patient care experience and professional skills.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN)

Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center – Level I Adult & Pediatric Trauma Center
07.2024 - Current
  • Provided expert perioperative and intraoperative nursing support in high-acuity surgical environments, including trauma, emergency, general, orthopedic, plastic, and transplant procedures with a primary focus on neurosurgery and neurospine surgeries at one of the nation’s top 50 programs, recognized by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Supported 1–2 trauma cases daily as part of a Magnet-recognized, academic teaching hospital and the busiest Level I trauma center in the nation, ensuring rapid, coordinated responses in high-acuity, life-threatening cases.
  • Specializing in complex neuro procedures including craniotomies, spinal fusions, aneurysm clippings, and tumor resections, collaborating closely with neurosurgical teams to anticipate critical needs and maintain sterile fields.
  • Rapidly responded to trauma activations and emergent surgical interventions, demonstrating critical decision-making and composure under pressure.
  • Circulated and scrubbed in an average of 20+ surgical cases per month, maintaining strict adherence to OR protocols, equipment preparation standards, sterile technique, accurate instrument counts, and seamless OR workflow.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical techs, and life-flight teams) to anticipate needs and respond swiftly to evolving intraoperative scenarios for optimal patient outcomes during complex procedures.
  • Ensured accurate and meticulous documentation of surgical procedures, instruments, counts, implants, and specimens in Epic (EHR) and Censitrack.
  • Uphold certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) to optimize patient care and emergency response.
  • Mentored new OR nurses and surgical techs through orientation, reinforcing best practices and safety standards in high-stress surgical settings.
  • Maintained and checked functionality of surgical equipment and instruments, and prepared complex surgical setups to support quality care and compliance with Joint Commission and hospital policies.

Medical-Surgical/Telemetry Registered Nurse (RN)

HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast
07.2023 - 07.2024
  • Delivered comprehensive nursing care on a high-acuity medical-surgical and telemetry unit, managing 6-7 adult patients per shift with cardiac, respiratory, and post-operative conditions.
  • Admitted an average of 2 patients daily and discharged 3 patients daily, coordinating interdisciplinary care, patient education, and safe transitions across the continuum.
  • Interpreted and responded to cardiac telemetry, collaborating with providers to manage arrhythmias, hemodynamic changes, and post-cardiac event care.
  • Provided advanced wound care for surgical sites, pressure injuries, and complex wounds using evidence-based protocols and sterile techniques.
  • Served as a resource nurse, supporting the unit by mentoring newer staff, assisting with clinical decision-making, and managing workflow during high-acuity shifts.
  • Advocated for patient needs and preferences, ensuring individualized, respectful care while acting as a liaison between patients, families, and care teams.
  • Participated in daily barrier rounds, offering detailed clinical reports to case managers and physicians to streamline discharge planning and reduce readmission risk.
  • Maintained timely and accurate documentation of assessments, medications, and care coordination using the MEDITECH electronic medical record system.
  • Responded to rapid responses, Code Blues, and stroke alerts, maintaining current BLS and ACLS certifications to ensure safe, effective emergency care.
  • Contributed to hospital quality initiatives through hourly rounding, fall prevention strategies, and infection control compliance, promoting patient safety and satisfaction.

Nurse Extern

ProHealth Care – Waukesha Memorial Hospital
10.2021 - 01.2022
  • Delivered hands-on patient care under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, supporting direct and indirect interventions across various medical-surgical and acute care settings.
  • Independently demonstrated safe and competent nursing practices as assessed through ongoing clinical evaluations, skill validations, and performance assessments aligned with ProHealth standards.
  • Utilized the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system proficiently to document patient assessments, nursing interventions, medications, care plans, and provider communications with accuracy and timeliness.
  • Practiced therapeutic communication to establish trust-based relationships with patients and families, actively engaging them in care planning and goal setting while promoting autonomy and shared decision-making.
  • Applied foundational nursing skills in patient assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation, including vital signs, head-to-toe assessments, medication administration, and wound care, under appropriate delegation.
  • Assisted with patient education, discharge preparation, and post-discharge care planning, ensuring patients and caregivers received clear, culturally sensitive instructions tailored to their comprehension and needs.
  • Collaborated with interprofessional teams, including RNs, physicians, respiratory therapists, social workers, and case managers, to ensure continuity of care and alignment with evidence-based practice.
  • Supervised and delegated tasks to patient care technicians and support staff; evaluated task completion and guided as needed to reinforce safe, efficient patient care delivery.
  • Exercised clinical judgment and prioritization of nursing tasks based on acuity, patient status, and provider orders, ensuring time-sensitive needs were addressed promptly and appropriately.
  • Implemented infection control measures in accordance with CDC and hospital protocols, including standard, contact, and droplet precautions to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.

Assistant Business Office Manager

Rio Hondo Subacute & Nursing Center
04.2019 - 05.2020
  • Conducted comprehensive reviews of patient insurance and financial documentation to determine Medicaid eligibility, ensuring timely access to appropriate care and services.
  • Assisted patients and families with annual Medicaid re-determinations and new applications, helping prevent coverage interruptions and treatment delays.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary care plan meetings with physicians, nurses, social workers, and case managers to assess ongoing coverage needs and ensure that treatment plans were aligned with available benefits.
  • Reviewed and explained insurance coverage details with patients and families, including copayments, deductibles, and eligibility for long-term care or skilled nursing services, promoting transparency and financial preparedness.
  • Accurately updated and maintained patient census data, including admissions, discharges, insurance changes, and room transfers, using PointClickCare, the facility’s electronic medical record system.
  • Acted as a liaison between patients, families, and clinical staff to address financial concerns, resolve insurance issues, and advocate for patients’ access to care.
  • Cultivated compassionate and supportive relationships with patients and their loved ones, helping to ease the financial and emotional burdens of navigating long-term care.
  • Collaborated with the billing department to ensure correct documentation for reimbursement and compliance with Medicaid and Medicare regulations.
  • Contributed to the facility’s mission of providing high-quality care by integrating administrative support with a patient-centered approach.

Dietary Manager

HealthCare Services Group
01.2019 - 04.2019
  • Oversaw the daily operations of the dietary department in a skilled nursing facility, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including CMS and Department of Public Health guidelines.
  • Implemented and enforced facility-wide dietary and food service policies and procedures to meet the clinical and cultural needs of a diverse resident population, including patients with chronic illnesses, allergies, and special diets.
  • Assessed department staffing needs and made strategic recommendations for budgeted staffing levels, balancing cost efficiency with optimal patient nutrition outcomes.
  • Supervised a multidisciplinary dietary team, including kitchen staff and aides, ensuring all employees adhered to safety standards, sanitation protocols, and HIPAA guidelines.
  • Monitored employee performance, reviewed and approved timecards, conducted evaluations, and addressed policy adherence or training gaps.
  • Facilitated effective, daily communication with nursing staff, physicians, administration, and residents’ families to ensure continuity of care and accurate meal delivery aligned with care plans.
  • Conducted orientation and in-service training for new hires and existing staff, educating on food safety, infection prevention, and individualized meal preparation practices.
  • Participated in interdisciplinary care plan meetings, collaborating with physicians, RNs, and registered dietitians to ensure that each resident’s nutritional needs and preferences were consistently met.
  • Responded to resident feedback and meal satisfaction surveys, initiating quality improvements to enhance patient experience and nutrition satisfaction.

Medical Assistant / Nutritionist

Pasadena Weight Loss Center
04.2018 - 01.2019
  • Provided one-on-one nutritional counseling and lifestyle education to patients managing chronic health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, celiac disease, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
  • Developed and adjusted individualized meal plans and wellness strategies based on patients’ clinical status, personal goals, and dietary restrictions in collaboration with the physician.
  • Conducted comprehensive biometric assessments including Bioimpedance Analysis (BIA), body composition, height/weight ratios, BMI calculations, heart rate monitoring, and anthropometric measurements.
  • Recorded and maintained accurate patient data, including dietary plans, progress metrics, and health histories, within medical charts to support continuity of care and track treatment efficacy over time.
  • Collaborated with clinical staff to ensure seamless patient flow, notifying providers of arrivals, triaging patients, and managing scheduling, follow-ups, and appointment cancellations.
  • Promoted patient engagement through motivational interviewing and educational interventions, helping clients develop sustainable health habits and improve outcomes.
  • Maintained HIPAA-compliant documentation practices and provided empathetic, confidential support to patients during sensitive discussions regarding weight and health challenges.
  • Acted as a liaison between patients and medical providers to clarify treatment goals, reinforce adherence to care plans, and ensure patient satisfaction with care delivery.

Nutrition Assistant – Per Diem

Keck Medicine of USC
10.2017 - 04.2018
  • Collaborated closely with Registered Dietitians to support patient nutritional assessment and care planning in an inpatient hospital setting.
  • Administered and recorded patient meal selections, ensuring meals were in compliance with physician and dietitian-prescribed diets, including renal, cardiac, diabetic, low-sodium, gluten-free, and other modified diets.
  • Calculated and reported macronutrient content (calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates) of patient meals, and provided real-time data to the RD team to guide ongoing nutritional interventions.
  • Conducted patient interviews to assess food preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies, and cultural or religious dietary needs; adjusted meal plans accordingly.
  • Provided basic dietary education and guidance to patients based on individualized diet orders, reinforcing the importance of adherence to nutrition plans during hospitalization and after discharge.
  • Utilized the EPIC electronic health record (EHR) system to review medical histories, update patient food preferences, and document interactions and assessments.
  • Reviewed and corrected daily menus, ensured food service accuracy, and followed up with patients to promote satisfaction and alignment with therapeutic goals.
  • Supported clinical nutrition services with timely, patient-centered communication, acting as a liaison between patients, food services, and clinical staff.

Education

Master of Science - Nursing

Marquette University
Pleasant Prairie, WI
08-2022

Bachelor of Science - Nutritional Science

California State University
Los Angeles, CA
12-2018

Skills

  • Perioperative & Intraoperative Care
  • Operating room safety
  • Patient positioning
  • Circulating nurse skills
  • Procedure room preparation
  • Trauma & Emergency Response
  • Telemetry Monitoring
  • Patient & Family Education
  • EHR Systems: Epic, MEDITECH, Censitrack, PointClickCare
  • Preceptorship & Mentorship
  • Infection Control & Safety Protocols
  • Interdisciplinary Teamwork and Collaboration

Certification

  • Registered Nurse – National Certification Corporation (NCC)
  • Basic Life Support for HealthCare Providers (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support for HealthCare Providers (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
  • CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working

Timeline

Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN)

Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center – Level I Adult & Pediatric Trauma Center
07.2024 - Current

Medical-Surgical/Telemetry Registered Nurse (RN)

HCA Houston Healthcare Southeast
07.2023 - 07.2024

Nurse Extern

ProHealth Care – Waukesha Memorial Hospital
10.2021 - 01.2022

Assistant Business Office Manager

Rio Hondo Subacute & Nursing Center
04.2019 - 05.2020

Dietary Manager

HealthCare Services Group
01.2019 - 04.2019

Medical Assistant / Nutritionist

Pasadena Weight Loss Center
04.2018 - 01.2019

Nutrition Assistant – Per Diem

Keck Medicine of USC
10.2017 - 04.2018

Master of Science - Nursing

Marquette University

Bachelor of Science - Nutritional Science

California State University

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