Samantha Lara
Turlock
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with a progressive career history in direct patient care, triage, and care coordination in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrates ability to remain calm under pressure and effectively handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Develops strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, a respectful attitude, and excellent customer service. Highly organized and dependable, adept at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Proven willingness to take on additional responsibilities to ensure the achievement of team goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Nurse
Ceres Unified School District
10.2024 - Current
- Administered medication to students as prescribed by physicians to provide necessary treatment and manage health conditions.
- Monitored ongoing medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes, adjusting care plans accordingly to maintain optimal student wellness levels.
- Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
- Managed immunization compliance within the school population to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.
- Implemented emergency protocols in medical emergencies to promote safety for students and staff.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by serving as an advocate for student health and wellness, empowering them to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
Registered Nurse
Wellpath
12.2023 - Current
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
License Vocational Nurse
Well Path
05.2020 - 12.2023
- I work under the supervision of a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioners to serve patients and provide the best care possible
- Promoted patient safety through vigilant monitoring of vital signs and reporting any abnormalities to the appropriate healthcare provider promptly.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Daily quarantine checks for COVID and monitor patients withdrawing from substances
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
- Work closely with coworkers to provide the best care possible and always make sure the medical unit is clean and stocked
- Assisted in implementation of the MAT program
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members for optimal patient outcomes.
- Gathered lab specimens, ordered testing, and interpreted results to diagnose patients.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Working closely with my manager, medical provider, substance abuse counselor, probation officers, court staff, and outside substance abuse programs to provide the most support possible for those who struggle with opioid addiction and want to live a sober life.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Prevented medication errors by meticulously reviewing physician orders and administering medications as prescribed.
License Vocational Nurse
Action Urgent Care
07.2019 - 06.2020
- I work under the supervision of Nurse Practitioners, serving as an extension of the provider
- I provide patient care and data collection within the clinic setting
- With using technology of tomorrow, I perform physicals, in house rapid test, perform phlebotomy and injections, wound care, IV therapy/hydrations, triage patients and assist provider with examinations, register, verify insurance, submit prescription ordered by provider, send out referrals and other back office duties
- I work with children as young as 18 months and up, do worker comp cases, and help treat cases from physicals, food poisoning, allergic reaction, car accidents, to lacerations.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Prevented medication errors by meticulously reviewing physician orders and administering medications as prescribed.
License Vocational Nurse-Special Education
Ceres Unified School District
07.2017 - 01.2020
- I work under the direction of a credentialed school nurse to perform specialized healthcare services for students as prescribed by their physicians
- I apply direct nursing care to students/patients at school so they are able to participate in normal schooling while receiving proper nursing care
- I travel to various school sites to perform a variety of nursing duties and to maintain a healthy and safe environment for students and staff.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement personalized care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
- Provided quality nursing care under the supervision of registered nurses, contributing to positive patient outcomes across various settings.
- Reduced medication errors through diligent administration and accurate record-keeping, ensuring patient safety.
- Administered medications and injections to patients.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Elite Medical Staffing
03.2017 - 01.2019
- I work under the supervision of the registered nurse and physician to provide skilled nursing care to students/patients as prescribed by the physician
- I apply direct nursing care to students/patients at school so they are able to participate in normal schooling while receiving proper nursing care.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Prevented medication errors by meticulously reviewing physician orders and administering medications as prescribed.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse acute and chronic conditions.
- Cared for wounds, provided treatments, and assisted with procedures.
Licensed Vocational Nurse Supervisor
Brandel Manor
10.2016 - 11.2017
- I worked under the supervision of the registered nurse and physician to provide skilled nursing care to resident as prescribed by the physician and participated in the development, implementation and modification of the comprehensive plan of care for the facility residents.
- Enhanced staff proficiency through regular training sessions and performance evaluations.
- Reduced medication errors by conducting meticulous chart reviews and medication reconciliations.
- Promoted a collaborative work environment, fostering strong teamwork among nursing staff.
- Implemented evidence-based practice initiatives that led to enhanced quality of care delivered to patients.
Monitor Technician
Community Regional Medical Center
08.2013 - 11.2016
- In this position I was responsible for monitoring heart rhythm patterns to detect, record, and report normal and abnormal heart rhythm patterns, normal and abnormal ECG interval measurement, and proper and improper pacemaker or implantable defibrillator function utilizing equipment
- I was also responsible for admitting and discharging patients, answering telephone calls, and processing physician orders.
- Promoted a positive work environment through active collaboration with peers, supervisors, and other healthcare professionals within the facility.
- Maintained updated knowledge on cardiac arrhythmias, contributing to better patient care and monitoring outcomes.
- Troubleshot monitor equipment issues, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance of patients' heart activity.
- Managed multiple telemetry systems simultaneously, maintaining attention to detail and high-quality care for all monitored patients.
Labor and Delivery Licensed Vocational Nurse
Madera Community Hospital
06.2016 - 08.2016
- I work under the direction of a registered nurse and a physician
- I prep patients for cesarean, place IV's, foley catheters, draw blood per doctor's orders
- I assist during a vaginal birth and recovery the mother and baby after birth
- I am part of a team that provide quality and safe care for our patients.
- Managed patient care through closely monitoring respiration, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers, and discharges.
- Facilitated effective communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care during transitions between facilities or levels of care.
- Advocated for patients' needs effectively, working closely with healthcare providers to develop and implement appropriate care plans.
- Strengthened infection control measures by strictly following hand hygiene protocols and utilizing personal protective equipment when necessary.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs, and performed catheterizations.
- Educated family members on proper caregiving techniques, alleviating stressors associated with caring for loved ones at home.
Admitting and Guest Relations
Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital
05.2010 - 08.2013
- Interview patients in person or by phone to obtain correct demographic, guarantor, and financial information to perform a registration or admission
- Determine appropriate insurance codes, financial classes, guarantors needed for billing purposes
- Verify insurance benefits through online verification system, insurance web-site or calls insurance company
- Collect payments, insurance co-pay, and deductibles
- Verify referrals and/or pre-certification requirements
- Document all information in data systems
- Answer telephone inquiries and maintains guest relations by providing requested information to families, hospital departments, and medical staff
- Responsible for ordering medical and office supplies for the Advance Diagnostic Testing Center.
- Streamlined check-in process for improved efficiency and reduced wait times.
Emergency Room Admitting
Emanuel Medical Center
01.2008 - 05.2010
- Responsible for interviewing patients in person to obtain correct demographics, guarantor, and financial information to perform registration and admissions to ER patients, lab patients, L&D patients, and direct admits from another facility
- Determine appropriate insurance codes, financial classes, guarantors needed for billing purposes, verifying insurance benefits through online verification system, insurance web-site or call insurance company
- Collect payment, insurance co-pays, and deductibles, refer self pays to financial counselors.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN07.2024
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
International College of Health Sciences
Boynton Beach, FL11.2023
License Vocational Nursing - undefined
West Med College
11.2015
Emergency Medical Technician - undefined
Abrams College
11.2009
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct Patient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Documentation and Charting
- Emergency Response
- Diabetes and nutrition education
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient and family advocacy
- Infection control measures
- Compassion and Empathy
- Patient Monitoring
- Individualized healthcare plans
- Immunization record review
Certification
- Registered Nurse, 95362490, 12/2023
- BLS Provider, Cascade Healthcare Services, 03/2025
- Licensed Vocational Nurse, 684315, 03/2016
- IV Certified, West Med College, 01/2016
- Basic Arrhythmia, Community Regional Medical Center, 07/2013
- EMT, Abrams College, 11/2008
Timeline
School Nurse
Ceres Unified School District
10.2024 - Current
Registered Nurse
Wellpath
12.2023 - Current
License Vocational Nurse
Well Path
05.2020 - 12.2023
License Vocational Nurse
Action Urgent Care
07.2019 - 06.2020
License Vocational Nurse-Special Education
Ceres Unified School District
07.2017 - 01.2020
Licensed Vocational Nurse
Elite Medical Staffing
03.2017 - 01.2019
Licensed Vocational Nurse Supervisor
Brandel Manor
10.2016 - 11.2017
Labor and Delivery Licensed Vocational Nurse
Madera Community Hospital
06.2016 - 08.2016
Monitor Technician
Community Regional Medical Center
08.2013 - 11.2016
Admitting and Guest Relations
Fresno Heart and Surgical Hospital
05.2010 - 08.2013
Emergency Room Admitting
Emanuel Medical Center
01.2008 - 05.2010
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
International College of Health Sciences
License Vocational Nursing - undefined
West Med College
Emergency Medical Technician - undefined
Abrams College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
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