Wanda Rivera
Yonkers,NY
Summary
Healthcare professional with proven track record in delivering patient-centered care and supporting medical teams in diverse clinical settings. Prioritize effective communication and adaptability to meet evolving healthcare needs. Skilled in diagnostic procedures and patient education, fostering collaborative environment.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Physician Assistant
Northwell Health Physician Partners
01.2021 - Current
- Interview patients and review patient files to determine medical histories, previous treatment and therapies and medication history
- Record complete medical histories, progress notes and assessment details in Allscripts EHR system.
- Order and evaluate breast imaging diagnostic studies.
- Review all abnormal results including abnormal mammograms, ultrasound, labs, etc. and make appropriate recommendations
- Triage all pathology reports and speak to patients regarding non malignant results as well as follow up exams and studies.
- Maintain accurate and complete patient records.
- Prescribed medications to patients to treat conditions and alleviate symptoms.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication and empathetic bedside manner.
- Optimized time management skills to prioritize urgent cases while maintaining high-quality care for all patients.
- Contributed to improved team performance by participating in interdisciplinary meetings, offering insights as a Physician Assistant.
- Referred to and consulted with physicians and other healthcare providers on patient care.
- Supported patient education initiatives by creating informative materials on various health topics and preventative measures.
- Facilitated timely referrals to specialists when necessary, coordinating appointments and sharing pertinent medical information for seamless continuity of care.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing empathetic care and promptly addressing concerns and questions.
- Enhanced patient understanding and compliance with treatment plans through detailed education and follow-up strategies.
- Skillfully supported physicians during basic and invasive medical procedures.
- Coordinated patient referrals to specialty providers.
- Exhibited excellent problem-solving skills when encountering complex medical cases, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate course of action for optimal patient outcomes.
- Streamlined clinic workflow by collaborating closely with physicians, nurses, and support staff.
Physician Assistant
ASHIKARI BREAST CENTER
08.2005 - Current
- Able to speak and translate Spanish with full medical interpretation
- Interview patients and review patient files to determine medical histories, previous treatment and therapies and medication history.
- Perform physical examinations and provide treatment and/or counsel
- Record complete medical histories, progress notes and assessment details in Meditech EHR system.
- Order and evaluate breast imaging diagnostic studies.
- Review all abnormal results including abnormal mammograms, ultrasound, labs, etc. and make appropriate recommendations
- Triage all pathology reports and speak to patients regarding non malignant results as well as follow up exams and studies.
- Maintain accurate and complete patient records.
- Assist physicians with skilled support during surgeries.
- Determine normal and abnormal conditions by interpreting and ordering diagnostic testing and therapeutic modalities such as laboratory tests, medications, treatments, X-ray, EKG, IV fluids and electrolytes in the post-op period.
- Perform non-invasive medical procedures, including suturing, incising and draining cysts and abscesses, wound care and debridement.
- Prescribe and regulate medication as authorized by supervising physician.
- Determine appropriate imaging and laboratory exams needed based on symptoms presented.
- Participate in consultations with physicians, patients and family members regarding individual patient care plans.
- Explain treatment procedures, medication risks and physician instructions to patients.
- Independently conduct therapeutic interventions, including wound care and infection management.
- Manage smooth and effective communication among physicians, patients, families and staff.
- Coordinate with other services including radiology, pathology and oncology departments.
- Perform breast cancer specific evaluations for lymphedema and range of motion and order appropriate physical therapy and durable devices to help treat and manage breast cancer related morbidity.
- Work with nurses and other clinical staff to process patients and direct to appropriate departments.
- Patiently explain prescribed procedures and discuss test results with patients and family members.
- Replenish office supplies and keep every room patient-ready for optimal operations.
- Maintain a safe and clean workspace environment ensuring compliance with infection-control and safety protocols.
- Make appropriate referrals to cancer survivorship programs and provide treatment summary documentation.
Patient Navigator Liaison
ASHIKARI BREAST CENTER
08.2005 - Current
- Communicate with patients and families about treatment plans.
- Advocate for patient needs during pre and post surgical treatment process.
- Educate patients and families on treatments, procedures, medications, continuing care and community resources.
- Assist patients with healing and recovery after surgery by closely monitoring and caring for wounds, answering questions and educating about continued care strategies.
- Deliver high-quality and compassionate treatment to indigent and low-income patients.
- Record patients' medical and surgical history in electronic medical records.
Physician Assistant
CABRINI HEALTHCARE CENTER
08.1993 - 04.2002
- Conducted thorough physical evaluations and collected patient information to facilitate smooth and effective visits.
- Facilitated hospital admissions, transfers, and discharges as well as coordinated appropriate inpatient and outpatient accommodations and home-care.
- Assisted physicians with skilled support during surgeries and complicated medical procedures.
- Independently conducted therapeutic interventions, including wound care and infection management.
- Coordinated with other services including radiology, pulmonary, endocrinology, cardiology and Infectious Disease departments.
- Interviewed patients to assess histories, investigate concerns and complete physical examinations.
- Ordered laboratory tests and imaging scans to complete further investigations.
- Maintained strict patient privacy and confidential patient information, taking care to meet all HIPAA guidelines and statues for data security.
- Prepared clinical notes and updates on each patient for review by primary physician.
- Collected patient history data to create clinical notes and updates for primary physicians.
- Monitored patients with acute surgical abdominal issues, vascular dz and surgical oncology conditions for changes, improvements or need for intervention.
- Performed debridements and wound care for patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency and decubiti ulcers.
- Prescribed therapies and medications under direction of physician to ameliorate symptoms and treat underlying conditions.
- Patiently explained prescribed procedures and discussed test results with patients and family members.
- Documented lab results, diagnoses and treatments for review by attending physician.
- Liaised with physicians regarding patient needs, performance, and changes, securing orders and ensuring proper implementations.
- Performed physical examinations of pre-surgical patients.
- Ordered laboratory testing, physical assessments and specialist consults to help diagnose and treat patients.
- Insertion of PICC lines and NG tubes.
- Performed non-invasive medical procedures, including suturing, incising and draining cysts and abscesses, wound care and debridement.
- Delivered high-quality and compassionate treatment to indigent and low-income patient communities.
Education
Physician Assistant Certification -
Bayley Seton Hospital
Staten Island, NY05-1993
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Fordham University
Bronx, NY05-1989
Skills
- Multilingual in Spanish
- Patient management
- Preoperative evaluations
- Strong communicator
- Patient history documentation
- Educating patients
- Managing prescription refills
- Wound care
- Suturing
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Physician Assistant
Northwell Health Physician Partners
01.2021 - Current
Physician Assistant
ASHIKARI BREAST CENTER
08.2005 - Current
Patient Navigator Liaison
ASHIKARI BREAST CENTER
08.2005 - Current
Physician Assistant
CABRINI HEALTHCARE CENTER
08.1993 - 04.2002
Physician Assistant Certification -
Bayley Seton Hospital
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Fordham University
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