Sarita Astudillo
Farmborough Heights,NSW
Summary
Resourceful Clinical Nurse Specialist committed to providing excellent care to patients of all ages. Expertise in performing admission assessments and discharges and participating in crisis interventions. Kind and caring professional with 10 plus years of experience monitoring treatment of patients diagnosed with disabilities, illnesses and distress. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilising interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Ramsay Health Care
12.2022 - Current
- Professional resource person demonstrating broad knowledge and clinical expertise in all facets of caring for the patient whilst demonstrating a high level of critical thinking and problem solving skills within the clinical setting
- Have filled Acting NUM position briefly when NUM away, also managed rosters.
- Participate in admission and discharge planning, coordinating activities with other health care professionals to optimise patient outcomes, continuum of care and best practice length of stay
- Continuously liaising with the Director of Clinical Services of the Unit, CEO, Allied Health, Clinical Educator, Medical Officer and Nursing Team.
- Understand and adhere to all Ramsay policies including the Ramsay Code of Conduct, Confidentiality Privacy & Intellectual Property Policy, Safety Community & Environment Policy and Discrimination, Bullying & Harassment Policy
- Oversee care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Continually update knowledge in regards to specialty area and evaluate own performance to identify strengths and areas where professional growth can occur
- Comply with the requirements of the Ramsay Orientation & Mandatory Training Framework by personally completing relevant online training modules, attending all mandatory training sessions provided by the organisation and being actively involved in other training and development as required
- Take responsibility and be accountable for own clinical practice
- Systematically examine and question clinical practices, finding, applying and evaluating research evidence in conjunction with clinical expertise to support efficient and cost effective practice and improved patient outcomes
- Positively promote the company in a positive manner both internally and externally
- Demonstrate a good work ethic that includes punctuality, integrity, respect of others and a commitment to professional practice
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Educated patients and families about mental health, diagnoses and treatment options.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Developed successful discharge plans to help continuity of care upon patient release.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviours and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviours and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
Acting Nurse Unit Manager
Ramsay Health Care
06.2023 - 11.2023
- Improved patient satisfaction by implementing efficient nursing unit processes and protocols.
- Optimized staff performance through comprehensive training and development programs.
- Streamlined nurse scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts while minimizing overtime costs.
- Enhanced the quality of care provided to patients by creating a supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Promoted interdisciplinary communication through regular meetings with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Raised staff retention rates by fostering a positive work culture focused on professional growth and development.
- Contributed to hospital-wide accreditation efforts, maintaining compliance with industry standards for nursing practice.
- Managed budgetary concerns within the nursing unit, carefully allocating resources and controlling costs.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for nursing staff members, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Established a strong rapport with patients and their families, addressing concerns and providing valuable support throughout the treatment process.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
Mental Health Registered Nurse
NSW Health
01.2017 - 12.2021
- Collaborated with treatment and service providers using interprofessional interdisciplinary team approach for continuity of care.
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in patient charts and electronic systems, sustaining continuum of care from admission through to discharge.
- Conducted independent risk assessment for self-directed violence, analyzing risk factors, protective factors, mental status and current triggers.
- Implemented evidence-based and best practice problem-solving interventions to establish protective measures for suicide prevention and self-harm.
- Developed collaborative safety plan with patient and family to prepare for discharge.
- Conducted 15min 30min and hourly-checks unscheduled/scheduled checks on patients, immediately responding to hazardous incidents.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis, treatment and disease management, equipping them with tools to achieve and maintain optimal psychiatric and mental health.
- Participated in root cause analysis for concerning patient behaviors to prevent acts of furtherance on inpatient unit.
- Created safe and supportive therapeutic milieu to promote recovery.
- Administered medications, adhering to medication schedules and making adjustments commensurate with patients' condition and response.
- Handled vital sign monitoring, medication administration and patient behavior assessments.
- Documented all medications administered to mental health patients, following instructions from physicians and healthcare providers.
- Monitored patients prescribed psychotropic medications to assess medications' effectiveness and side effects.
- Organized treatment projects that focused on problem solving skills and creative thinking.
- Recorded comprehensive patient histories and coordinated treatment plans with multi-disciplinary team members.
- Collaborated with prescribing professionals to get patients necessary medications.
- Consulted with psychiatrists about client medication changes, issues with medicine compliance and efficacy of medications.
- EMR and EMEDS competent (NSW HEALTH)
- Violence Prevention Management competent – (NSW HEALTH – Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit)
- Between The Flags trained and competent (NSW HEALTH)
- Nurse in Charge; delegating tasks, prioritizing tasks, delegating workloads for colleagues.
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse- Mental Health
NSW Health
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Identified and addressed individual mental health challenges to support patients.
- Provided excellent service to patients through personable communication.
- Documented patient interactions in compliance with HIPAA requirements.
- Documented observations, interventions and concerns in patient charts and electronic systems, sustaining continuum of care from admission through to discharge.
- Tracked client movement on and off unit by documenting times and destinations.
- Modeled appropriate communication and problem-solving skills in crisis situations involving patients, family or staff.
- Engaged clients in therapeutic groups to promote coping skills, education and life skills.
- Interviewed new patients to complete admission forms and assess mental health status.
- Administered medications, adhering to medication schedules and making adjustments commensurate with patients' condition and response.
- Communicated with clients and families effectively building lasting relationships.
- Handled vital sign monitoring, medication administration and patient behavior assessments.
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse -Medical/Surgical Ward
Ramsay Health Care
02.2012 - 12.2015
- Performed nursing tasks to deliver high level of care and comply with procedures and regulations.
- Performed comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs, devise care plans, modify care solutions and support patient rights.
- Discussed surgical patients with healthcare team to address and resolve concerns.
- Transferred patients from operating room to recovery room on stretchers and in wheelchairs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals to administer therapies and maintain continuum of care.
- Educated patients and families on medical and surgical procedures, medication regimens and pain management.
- Assisted with nursing duties in short-staffed areas.
- Delivered tailored nursing care to adult patients suffering from multiple diagnoses.
- Demonstrated high degree of confidentiality, positive interpersonal skills and adaptability in fast-paced and unpredictable medical environment.
AIN
IRT
09.2009 - 12.2011
- Provided ongoing compassionate patient care for each client.
- Maintained clean and well-organized environment for client happiness and safety.
- Improved patient outlook and daily living through compassionate care.
- Observed patients for changes in physical, emotional, mental or behavioral condition and injuries.
- Assisted with meal planning to meet nutritional plans.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
- Monitored vital signs and medication use, documenting variances and concerning responses.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Supported bathing, dressing and personal care needs.
- Worked closely with clinical staff to support therapeutic and behavioral plans.
- Reported concerns to nurse supervisor to promote optimal care.
- Recorded patient temperature, pulse and blood pressure to monitor health and well-being.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Engaged with patients and families to provide emotional support and daily living instruction.
Education
Masters - Mental Health Nursing
La Trobe University
2025
Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health - Mental Health Nursing
Victoria University
Melbourne, VIC08.2023
Bachelor of Nursing -
UOW
Wollongong12.2016
Diploma of Nursing -
TAFE
Shellharbour12.2011
Cert 3 Assistant in Nursing -
TAFE
Shellharbour01.2009
High School Certificate -
Illawarra Sports High School
09.2007
Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Clear Patient Communication
- Decision Making
- Medication Administration
- Care Coordination
- Patient Care Assessment
- Patient Care Oversight
- Compassionate and Caring
- Clinical Documentation
- Patient Health Education
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Care
- Nurse Education and Mentorship
- Student Precepting
- Delegation and Motivation
- Creative Problem Solving
- Patient Condition Monitoring
Timeline
Acting Nurse Unit Manager
Ramsay Health Care
06.2023 - 11.2023
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Ramsay Health Care
12.2022 - Current
Mental Health Registered Nurse
NSW Health
01.2017 - 12.2021
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse- Mental Health
NSW Health
05.2016 - 12.2016
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse -Medical/Surgical Ward
Ramsay Health Care
02.2012 - 12.2015
AIN
IRT
09.2009 - 12.2011
Masters - Mental Health Nursing
La Trobe University
Post Graduate Certificate in Mental Health - Mental Health Nursing
Victoria University
Bachelor of Nursing -
UOW
Diploma of Nursing -
TAFE
Cert 3 Assistant in Nursing -
TAFE
High School Certificate -
Illawarra Sports High School
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