GRETCHEN MARIE SUNIGA
*** **** **** **. ******: 915-***-****
Chaparral, NM 88081 Email: **************@*****.***
SUMMARY
A highly enthusiastic and dependable Licensed Practical Nurse with a strong work ethic and advanced problem solving skills seeking to combine nursing and leadership experience to take on new challenges and make a positive impact.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Geriatric treatment knowledge
Broad medical terminology knowledge
Medication administration
Skilled in conducting visual assessments
Enthusiastic caregiver
Infection control standards experience
Colostomy care familiarity
Vascular care understanding
Committed to patient satisfaction
Leadership/ Communication Skills
Business Operations Organization
Self-Motivated
Client Account Management
Small Business Development
Efficient multi-tasker
Consistently meet goals
Organized
Deadline-oriented
Surgical preparation experience
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, & Access) & Related Software
EDUCATION
June 2016
Vocational Nurse Program, GPA 3.5
Vista College, El Paso, Texas
May 2015
Associate of Arts in General Studies, GPA 3.8 (Honors)
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION
July 2016
LPN Certification
License #LPN-23125
July 2015, July 2017
CPR/First Aid Certification
American Heart Association
May 2004
State of New Mexico
New Mexico Roofing GS-21 Contractors License
EXPERIENCE
Casa Arena Blanca, Alamogordo, NM October 2017 – Present
Assessing, planning, and implementing resident care.
Evaluate patient needs, administer medications, and perform nursing procedures as ordered.
Assess need for, order, obtain, and interpret appropriate lab tests.
Chronic patient care in LTC unit, adeptly handling all aspects of treatment from medication to wound care to monitoring for 20-46 patients per shift.
Charge nurse on a LTC unit. Oversaw average of 20-46 patients per shift.
Oversee and manage clinical and support staff in patient care activities while maintaining a high level of staff morale and professionalism.
Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management and treatment of various disorders and diseases.
Closely monitored acute conditions.
Ensured HIPAA compliance.
Followed infection control procedures.
Monitored fluid intake and output levels.
Collected data, reported abnormal findings to physicians, and documented findings on SBAR.
Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure and pulse.
Tested and recorded blood glucose levels.
Assist patients with bathing, oral hygiene, grooming, feeding and elimination.
Help patients move in and out of beds, baths, wheelchairs, and automobiles.
Maintain a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
Assist with patient transfer and ambulation.
Direct Patient Care.
Participate in inter-disciplinary nursing team meetings to improve policies and procedures and to ensure adherence to safety procedures.
Orient and mentored new nurses
Tresco, Inc, Las Cruces, NM September 2016 – October 2017
Traveled throughout 60-mile territory to provide home-healthcare/hospital services to patients with mental and physical disabilities on the DD Waiver.
Responsible for providing on call patient visits scheduled or unscheduled for current physical and psycho-social issues during after hour shifts. (every other week)
Responsible for implementing and training staff on new and updated Health Care Plans and Medical Emergency Response Protocols.
Provided wound dressing and care, G-Tube feedings and care, respiratory treatments and assessments, glucose checks.
Followed treatment plans to accelerate patient recovery; minimize pain, discomfort, infections and complications; and optimize patient outcomes.
Assessed, monitored, and documented patient progress, symptoms, and vital signs on each visit.
Educated clients and their families on the safe treatment of injuries, illnesses, and conditions.
Identified and provided the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of each patient.
Provided bedside care by obtaining vital signs of patients (i.e. temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure).
Responsible for the care of the sick, injured, and disabled under the direction of physicians.
Reported abnormalities to the physicians.
Enhanced a collaborative relationship between patient, family, and therapists to maximize their ability to make informative decisions.
Completed discharge planning and follow-up care as needed.
Monitored and documented the status of all clients while administering medication.
Admitted and discharged residents including monitoring vitals and preparing lab specimens.
Implemented precautions for residents suffering from seizures.
Collaborated with the primary Physician concerning new medications and verified previous standing orders for individual cases.
Developed care plans and supervised the care provided by nursing aides.
Responded to emergency situations based upon nursing standards.
Maintained an understanding of current regulatory requirements.
Attended all required meetings, as appropriate.
Prepared and given injections and enemas, applied dressing.
Performed routine laboratory task tests.
Helped patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene, while also caring for their emotional needs.
Regent Care Center, El Paso, TX February 2016 – May 2016
Clinical Practicum
Under the supervision of the LVN – Monitored and recorded glucose readings, administered insulin, administered oxygen, administered immunizations, and performed wound care.
Assisted with ADL’s.
Obtained and recorded blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Prepared patients for out-patient dialysis.
Record medical/personal information on patient records.
Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
Administered and documented all medication into MAR.
Explain clinical procedures and prepare patients for exams.
Foundation Surgical Hospital of El Paso November 2015 – January 2016
Clinical Practicum
Surgical unit
oObserved surgical procedures such as breast reductions, scar revision, hammertoe correction, bunion correction, and spinal fusion.
oAssisted with prepping patients for surgery.
PACU
oAssisted in transporting patients following post-op surgery.
oPlaced EKG lines on patients following post-op surgery.
oAdministered oxygen.
oDiscontinued Peripheral IV lines.
EKG/Colonoscopy Unit
oUnder the supervision of the RN - Prepped patients with oxygen, EKG lines, and pulse oximeter.
oAssisted Med-Tech with proper positioning of patients during procedures.
oUpon completion of procedure - removed oxygen and EKG lines.
oTransported patients to PACU/Recovery.
Med/Surge
oUnder supervision of the RN - Administered and recorded medications.
oPerformed wound care.
oTransported patients.
oProvided emotional support to patients and their families.
TriSun Care Center, El Paso, TX August 2015 - October 2015
Clinical Practicum
Under the supervision of the LVN – Monitored and recorded glucose readings, administered insulin, administered oxygen, administered immunizations, and performed wound care.
Obtained and recorded blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and respiration.
Transported patients.
Assisting with daily needs (ADL's)
Removal and re-insertion of a supra pubic catheter.
Provided emotional support to patients and their families.
EGS Legal Contractors/Suniga’s Roofing January 1992 – July 2016
Owner/Supervisor
Created new revenue streams through advertising and innovative ideas.
Managed team of 8-15 professionals.
Strengthened company’s business by leading implementation of new Safety and Guideline Handbook.
Managed company budgets and financial transactions.
Created and implemented all employee disciplinary actions.
Operation Management:
Managed projects (onsite) to assure quality control and safety procedures were maintained.
Consulted with new and existing customers to enhance the outcome of projects.
Created and spear headed the safety program within the company.
Trained new hires of proper work etiquette and safety procedures.
Delegated specific jobs to qualified employees, while training fellow employees in the proper procedures of said jobs.
Authorized purchase of materials, equipment, and safety harnesses.
Recommended procedures that cut costs and allowed company to boost productivity by 56%.
Negotiated projects bids.
Ensured material delivery dates and times, working closely with manufacturers and store personnel.
HONORS AND AWARDS
June 2016
Service Excellent Award in Recognition of Outstanding Performance, Vista College
January 2013
Crimson Scholar, New Mexico State University
References Available Upon Request