Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Clinical Placements
Generic

Lavardo Gibson

Ottawa

Summary

Emerging RN with clinical experience across hospital, community, and home care, bringing calm judgment and a deep respect for dignity and connection. Skilled in high-acuity care, including tracheostomy management, blood transfusions, complex wound care, and end-of-life support. Recognized for blending technical skill with empathy, I am committed to being the steady, trusted presence patients and families can rely on in their most vulnerable moments

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Personal Care Attendant

Private Client
05.2024 - 06.2025
  • Administered enteral nutrition via PEG tube using gravity and Kangaroo pump systems, ensuring safe delivery and monitoring for complications.
  • Performed medication administration via PEG tube with accuracy and adherence to prescribed regimens.
  • Performed focused Respiratory Assessments.
  • Delivered comprehensive tracheostomy care including tracheal and oral suctioning, trach tube replacement, stoma cleaning, and wound care management.
  • Monitored and managed ventilator-dependent client, troubleshooting alarms and supporting respiratory stability.
  • Provided personal care assistance including perineal care, hygiene support, and comfort measures while maintaining dignity and safety.
  • Observed and reported changes in client condition to family and/or healthcare team to support continuity of care.
  • Maintained infection prevention standards during all procedures to promote client safety.

Student Registered Nurse Preceptee

The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus
01.2025 - 04.2025
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Performed comprehensive head-to-toe assessments and telemetry monitoring; recognized and escalated patient condition changes.
  • Delivered tracheostomy care including suctioning, tube management, and stoma site care.
  • Administered and managed enteral nutrition via PEG and NG tubes; initiated and monitored TPN and blood transfusions in accordance with hospital protocols.
  • Performed wound care including VAC therapy, complex surgical dressings, and routine wound management.
  • Inserted, managed, and removed peripheral IVs for IV therapy.
  • Managed patients on oxygen therapy, CPAP, BiPAP, and nebulizer treatments, tailoring delivery systems to clinical status.
  • Interpreted and flagged critical lab values to the healthcare team, supporting rapid intervention.
  • Responded to acute medical crises such as COPD exacerbations, DKA, and alcohol withdrawal syndromes, including insulin therapy and monitoring.
  • Assisted with post-mortem care and provided compassionate support to families in end-of-life situations.
  • Escorted and prepared patients for diagnostic procedures (e.g., X-ray, CT scan) ensuring safe transport and continuity of care.
  • Performed blood draws (venipuncture) and lab specimen collection, escalating critical values to the care team.
  • Administered and monitored heparin infusions; removed, and managed PIVs, PICCs, HD catheters, Sub Q sets, and Port-a-Cath lines.
  • Conducted bladder scans, inserted/managed indwelling catheters, and cared for colostomies, JP drains, Nephrostomy bags.
  • Managed PleurX drains and Chest Tubes and monitored output, ensuring patient comfort and infection control.
  • Adapted to varying nurse-to-patient ratios — 1:2 in acute monitoring and 1:4 to 1:6 in medicine — ensuring safe, timely, and prioritized care across changing acuity levels.

Personal Support Worker

VHA Home & Health Support
06.2021 - 01.2025
  • Assisted clients in maintaining personal hygiene through bathing, grooming, Oral care, and dressing tasks.
  • Conducted light housekeeping duties to maintain a clean and comfortable living space for patients.
  • Turned and positioned bedbound patients to prevent bedsores and maintain comfort levels.
  • Drained and maintained Foley catheters; performed catheter care and monitored for signs of infection or complications.
  • Delivered wound care including dressing changes, skin integrity monitoring, and infection prevention.
  • Assisted with perineal care and hygiene support to promote comfort and reduce infection risk.
  • Operated and assisted with multiple transfer techniques, including ceiling lifts, sit-to-stand devices, pivot transfers, and turners, ensuring safe mobility and fall prevention.
  • Monitored client conditions, documenting changes and reporting concerns promptly to healthcare team.
  • Applied infection control practices consistently in all aspects of care to support client safety.
  • Changed dressings, bandages, and binders to maintain proper healing and sanitary measures.
  • Laundered items, changed sheets and made bed to keep patients' bedroom clean.
  • Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.

Unregulated Care Provider

Spring Living Retirement Communities
03.2019 - 08.2021
  • Ensured accurate medication administration for improved patient outcomes.
  • Monitored and reported changes in resident condition, collaborating with nurses to ensure continuity of care.
  • Monitored vital signs regularly, promptly reporting any changes or concerns to nursing staff for timely intervention.
  • Observed and documented resident intake, elimination, and activity to support individualized care planning of over 15 residents per shift.
  • Blood glucose monitoring and documenting results where applicable.

Dietary Aide

Revera Retirement Living
12.2017 - 03.2019
  • Served meals to residents in accordance with established schedules and dietary procedures.
  • Washed plates, cups, serving, and eating utensils and kitchen equipment in commercial dishwasher.
  • Enhanced kitchen efficiency by maintaining a clean and organized workspace, ensuring timely meal production and delivery.
  • Cleared tables and removed dishes, trays, and utensils from dining room to dishwashing area.
  • Followed all food safety regulations while preparing meals for patients.
  • Added food items, beverages, and utensils to trays and immediately delivered to correct rooms.
  • Trained new staff on dietary guidelines and kitchen procedures, elevating team competency levels.

Education

Honors Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BscN) - Nursing

University of Ottawa
Ottawa
10-2025

Skills

  • Tracheostomy care: suctioning, tube changes, stoma care
  • Enteral feeding management (PEG, NG tubes; gravity & Kangaroo pump)
  • IV therapy: insertion, maintenance, and removal
  • Blood transfusion initiation and monitoring
  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration
  • Wound care: VAC dressings, complex surgical dressings, and pressure injury prevention
  • Foley catheter insertion, drainage, and catheter care
  • Oxygen therapy (nasal cannula, Venturi, non-rebreather, CPAP, BiPAP, nebulizers)
  • Insulin administration and blood glucose monitoring
  • Lab interpretation and escalation of critical values
  • Vital signs monitoring and head-to-toe assessments
  • Safe patient transfers (ceiling lifts, sit-to-stand, pivot, turners)
  • Clinical documentation (eg, EPIC, Meditiech)
  • Therapeutic Communication, and MSE (Mental Status Exam)

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working

Certification

  • ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • BLS - Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider
  • NVCI - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
  • GPA - Gentle Persuasive Approaches

Timeline

Student Registered Nurse Preceptee

The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus
01.2025 - 04.2025

Personal Care Attendant

Private Client
05.2024 - 06.2025

Personal Support Worker

VHA Home & Health Support
06.2021 - 01.2025

Unregulated Care Provider

Spring Living Retirement Communities
03.2019 - 08.2021

Dietary Aide

Revera Retirement Living
12.2017 - 03.2019

Honors Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BscN) - Nursing

University of Ottawa

Clinical Placements

  • AMA B5 Medicine & Acute Monitoring, The Ottawa Hospital — 12-week consolidation
  • CHEO – Pediatrics Surgical, 4W
  • The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus- E5 Family Medicine and Geriatrics
  • The Ottawa Hospital General Campus- 7W, Urology
  • The Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus – Labor & Delivery + Postpartum A5/B5
  • The Ottawa Hospital General Campus Nephrology 7NW – Acute/Transplant/Dialysis
  • Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre – Forensic Psychiatry
  • Garry J. Armstrong Long-Term Care


Lavardo Gibson