Cara Cook
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Registered Nurse with 2+ years of specialized experience in pediatric mental health care. Proven ability to provide trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate nursing care to children and adolescents in acute mental health settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, Family centered care, behavioral assessment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Committed to supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of young patients and their families through evidence-based practices and holistic care.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Alberta Health Services
06.2023 - Current
- Deliver family-centered care to pediatric patients (ages 5–17) in an acute mental health setting.
- Provide comprehensive support for diverse diagnoses, including ASD (non-verbal), depression, anxiety, OCD, ODD, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.
- Ensure patient safety through adherence to restraint protocols and high-observation procedures, including secure (locked-door) environments.
- Apply trauma-informed care practices and foster a therapeutic, safe, and supportive atmosphere.
- Utilize de-escalation techniques such as Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS) and personalized coping strategies.
- Collaborate with patients and families to develop individualized care plans based on unique histories and clinical needs.
- Administer medications and perform IM injections in accordance with clinical guidelines.
- Preceptor and mentor nursing students, supporting skill development and professional growth.
- Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team including psychiatry, social work, child and family services, and family counselors.
Health Care Aide
Alberta Health Services
03.2021 - 06.2023
- Delivered safe, compassionate care to clients in their homes, both independently and in collaboration with interdisciplinary team members
- Partnered closely with families to ensure optimal comfort and individualized care for patients
- Provided care for clients with diverse medical needs, including dementia and palliative conditions
- Assisted with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, mobility support, and safe transfers
- Administered medications accurately and in accordance with AHS policies and procedures
- Performed specialized care tasks such as catheter care and insertion, ostomy care, and wound care
- Maintained thorough, timely, and accurate documentation in compliance with healthcare standards
- Supported caregivers by providing respite services and emotional support
- Applied strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills while working autonomously in dynamic home care environments
Preceptorship
Mount Royal University
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Collaborated with a Nurse Clinician to deliver diabetes education and support, including medication recommendations and dose adjustments
- Utilized therapeutic communication techniques—both verbal and non-verbal—to build trust and ensure patient understanding during appointments
- Engaged language interpretation services to effectively support patients with language barriers and enhance care accessibility
- Conducted thorough health history assessments, identifying patient-specific barriers and addressing social determinants of health
- Delivered holistic care by connecting patients with community resources, psychosocial services, and social work referrals
- Provided education and support to acute transplant patients and individuals newly diagnosed with type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- Led in-person patient education sessions covering a wide range of diabetes management topics, including pathophysiology, medication use, nutrition, safety, psychosocial factors, complications, alcohol use, and driving
- Applied clinical judgment and critical thinking to analyze blood glucose patterns and support individualized diabetes management plans
- Participated in insulin pump initiation classes, providing guidance on usage, safety, and lifestyle integration
Education
Bachelors of Nursing - Nursing
Mount Royal University
Calgary04-2023
Certification
- Completion of Diabetes and Endocrinology AHS training modules.
- Certificate from Alzheimer’s Society for Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care.
- Basic Life Support (BLS).
- N95 Mask Fit Testing.
- “Its Your Move” Certification.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.
Accomplishments
- Deans Honor Roll for Bachelor of Nursing -Fall 2019, Winter
2020, Fall 2021, Winter 2022. - Presidents Honor Roll for Bachelor of
Nursing- 2021-2022
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Alberta Health Services
06.2023 - Current
Preceptorship
Mount Royal University
01.2023 - 04.2023
Health Care Aide
Alberta Health Services
03.2021 - 06.2023
Bachelors of Nursing - Nursing
Mount Royal University
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