RIA PATTERSON
Seal Beach
Summary
Registered Nurse with 20+ years of progressive clinical experience spanning wound and skin care, subacute/long-term care, hospice, and inpatient hospital nursing, now seeking to return to acute inpatient care in a wound care specialty role. Brings meticulous clinical documentation, evidence-based infection control, and patient/caregiver education developed across occupational health and direct patient care settings. Adept at managing complex wounds, dressing changes, drains, and post-surgical care with a systematic, compliance-focused approach.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Health / Occupational Health Nurse
Orange County Health Care Agency
Santa Ana, CA
08.2018 - Current
- Managed blood-borne pathogen exposure incidents end-to-end: initial wound assessment, documentation, referral, and follow-up — maintaining infection control and OSHA regulatory compliance
- Conducted annual employee health surveillance including TB screening, vaccine administration and fit testing
- Administered intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular vaccinations; educated employees on indications, contraindications, and side effects
- Spearheaded Hepatitis B vaccine compliance program for high-risk employees, significantly improving vaccination rates
- Coordinated annual Vaccine, TB, and Fit Test Clinic, including planning and training clinical and non-clinical staff
- Audited clinical charts and reviewed documentation for accuracy; assisted with building and testing EMR system
- Supervised 4–10 staff; designed educational and training materials for new and current employees
Registered Nurse
La Palma Intercommunity Hospital
La Palma, CA
04.2018 - 07.2018
- Provided direct inpatient care including wound management, discharge teaching on wound care and medication safety, and post-operative monitoring (PCA setup, vitals, fluid management)
- Collaborated with physicians to assess patients and adjust care plans for rapidly changing conditions
- Educated patients, families, and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment options, wound management, and disease self-management
- Documented medications, treatments, and procedures accurately in EMR; maintained controlled substance accountability
- Administered patient care, including medication management and monitoring vital signs.
Charge Nurse
Pacific Haven Healthcare and Subacute
Garden Grove, CA
07.2017 - 03.2018
- Performed wound care and dressing changes for subacute patients; managed JP drains, NG, G, and PEG tubes
- Educated patients and caregivers on wound management, external wound care resources, disease management, and medication administration
- Coordinated nursing care through staff assignments, physician rounding, order monitoring, and interdepartmental communication
Registered Nurse
Companion Hospice
Anaheim, CA
06.2014 - 10.2017
- Performed wound and skin integrity assessments at admission and throughout hospice care; incorporated findings into individualized care plans
- Provided physical and psychological assessments; educated patients and families on hospice benefit, end-of-life care, and symptom management
- Coordinated care with interdisciplinary hospice team and outside agencies; initiated timely medication and transportation orders
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Pacific Haven Healthcare and Subacute
Garden Grove, CA
05.2005 - 08.2011
- Provided direct wound care using aseptic technique including dressing changes, wound assessment, and treatment application
- Monitored and documented patient vitals, medications, behaviors, and clinical status in EMR; communicated changes to charge nurse
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team on individualized care and discharge planning
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Vocational Nurse
Regional Occupational Program
Anaheim, CA01.2004
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Santa Ana College
Santa Ana, CA01.2012
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Vocational Nurse
Regional Occupational Program
Anaheim, CA01.2004
Skills
- Wound Care: Wound assessment & staging, dressing selection & application, wound VAC, debridement assistance, pressure injury prevention, JP drain & chest tube management, NG/G/PEG tube care
- Infection Control: Bloodborne pathogen exposure management, aseptic technique, PPE protocol enforcement, OSHA compliance, outbreak surveillance
- Assessment: Physiological & psychological assessment, post-operative monitoring, vital signs, pulmonary function & lift/grip testing, vision & hearing screening
- Patient Education: Wound management instruction, discharge planning, medication safety, disease self-management, caregiver training
- Documentation: Electronic medical record (EMR) documentation, chart audits, clinical reporting, regulatory compliance
- Other: Phlebotomy, vaccine administration, case management, IV therapy (push, infusion, PCA), narcotics management
Timeline
Public Health / Occupational Health Nurse
Orange County Health Care Agency
08.2018 - Current
Registered Nurse
La Palma Intercommunity Hospital
04.2018 - 07.2018
Charge Nurse
Pacific Haven Healthcare and Subacute
07.2017 - 03.2018
Registered Nurse
Companion Hospice
06.2014 - 10.2017
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Pacific Haven Healthcare and Subacute
05.2005 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Vocational Nurse
Regional Occupational Program
Associate of Science - Registered Nurse
Santa Ana College
Licensed Vocational Nurse - Vocational Nurse
Regional Occupational Program