Alison Canales
Vista
Summary
Diligent new grad Nurse with solid foundation in patient care and clinical procedures. Demonstrated ability to assist in various healthcare settings, contributing to positive patient outcomes. Proficient in communication and teamwork, ensuring efficient and compassionate service.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CNA/NUS
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
Escondido, CA
09.2013 - 06.2024
- Assisted nursing staff with patient care activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Monitored vital signs, accurately reporting changes to healthcare team.
- Supported patients with daily living activities, enhancing their quality of life.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature and blood pressure.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
- Ensured prompt response to call lights, addressing patient needs in a timely manner.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Promoted infection control practices within the facility by adhering to strict hand hygiene procedures and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
- Assisted in emergency situations under the direction of nursing supervisors or physicians, providing crucial support during life-saving interventions.
- Conducted routine safety checks on equipment, promptly reporting any malfunctions or safety concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
CNA/NUS
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
Escondido, CA
07.2012 - 09.2013
- Unit secretary
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans.
- Assisted patients with bathing, oral hygiene, grooming, feeding and elimination.
- Helped patients move in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs and automobiles.
- Transporting high risk patients to procedures
CNA
Life House Skilled Nursing
Vista, CA
04.2012 - 07.2012
- Maintained accurate records of patient care, condition, progress, and concerns
- Assisted with cleansing enemas, catheterization, and bladder irrigations
- Supported diagnostic and technical treatment procedures, including operating special medical equipment
- Performed delegated procedures including blood draws, Foley catheter removal, and EKGs
- Answered patient calls for care and feeding
- Cared for patients with respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and muscular dystrophy
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores, and surgical wounds
- Documented objective data and routine aspects of patient care
- Reported unusual circumstances in patient condition or environment
- Collected patient specimens and data, including vital signs, input/output, and other delegated measurements
- Helped residents achieve independence and programming goals
- Participated in continuing education, quality assurance, and performance improvement
- Monitored expiration and maintenance of medical supplies and equipment
- Provided direct patient care focused on comfort, hygiene, nutrition, elimination, skin integrity, rehabilitation, and safety
- Tested and recorded blood glucose levels
- Educated patients and families on infant care, healthy meals, independent living, and adaptation to illness or disability
Education
Kaplan College
Vista, CA04-2012
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United University of Nursing
Murrieta, CA04-2026
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EMSTA College
Santee, CA10-2015
Skills
- Patient head-to-toe assessment and focused assessments
- Medication administration (oral, IV, IM, subcutaneous)
- IV insertion, maintenance, and discontinuation
- Wound care and sterile dressing changes
- Foley catheter insertion and care
- Nasogastric (NG) tube placement and management
- Tracheostomy suctioning and care
- Oxygen therapy administration and pulse oximetry monitoring
- Blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration
- EKG monitoring and basic interpretation
- Electronic health records (EHR) documentation
- Patient and family education on discharge planning and disease management
- Collaboration with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
- Prioritization and delegation in patient care
- Infection control and isolation precautions
- Greet and assist patients, visitors, and medical staff at the nursing station
- Answer phones, take messages, and direct calls to appropriate personnel
- Maintain and update patient charts, medical records, and hospital databases
- Schedule appointments, procedures, and diagnostic tests for patients
- Coordinate with nurses and physicians to ensure efficient workflow in the unit
- Process admission, discharge, and transfer paperwork for patients
- Order medical supplies and ensure the unit is stocked with necessary equipment
- Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations
- Communicate with other hospital departments for patient needs and administrative tasks
- Prepare and distribute reports, memos, and schedules for the unit
- Ensure a smooth flow of communication between nurses, doctors, and administrative staff
- Assist patients with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding
- Take and record vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration
- Monitor patient conditions and report changes to nurses or medical staff
- Assist with mobility, transfers, and positioning of patients
- Provide basic comfort measures, such as repositioning and skin care
- Maintain patient hygiene by helping with toileting, catheter care, and perineal care
- Assist with meal preparation and feeding for patients with dietary restrictions
- Collect specimens for testing, such as urine or stool samples
- Change bed linens and ensure a clean, safe patient environment
- Assist nurses with medical procedures as needed
- Document patient care activities in charts or electronic medical records (EMR)
- Provide emotional support and companionship to patients
- Follow infection control and safety protocols to prevent the spread of disease
- Task prioritization
- Tracheostomy care
- Infection control
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Medication and IV administration
- Wound care
- Documentation
- BLS
Certification
- California State CNA License
- BLS / Heart Saver AED
Timeline
CNA/NUS
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
09.2013 - 06.2024
CNA/NUS
Palomar Medical Center Escondido
07.2012 - 09.2013
CNA
Life House Skilled Nursing
04.2012 - 07.2012
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United University of Nursing
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EMSTA College
Kaplan College