Sarita Astudillo
Googong
Summary
Resourceful Clinical Mental Health Nurse committed to providing excellent care to patients of all ages. Expertise in performing admission assessments and discharges and participating in crisis interventions. Compassionate, trauma-responsive professional with 10 plus years of experience providing treatment of patients diagnosed mental health issues specifically PTSD and complex PTSD. Seeking to maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilising interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Telephone Triage Registered Nurse - Mental Health
Medibank
05.2025 - Current
- Provided targeted therapeutic interventions for clients experiencing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related issues, and substance abuse concerns.
- Provided clients with recommendations to community resources.
- Documented client progress in confidential files.
- Streamlined clinical documentation processes, maintaining accurate records while reducing time spent on paperwork tasks.
- Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss what was happening in day-to-day life in order to help each person develop insight into personal experiences and relationships.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, de-escalating potentially dangerous behaviour and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioural or mental health issues.
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Managed high-stress situations calmly, providing reassurance to distressed callers while gathering necessary information for accurate decision-making.
- Increased efficiency in triage call handling through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Streamlined workflow processes by utilising electronic medical record systems proficiently during telephone assessments.
- Relayed triage information and facilitated communication between provider and patient concerning patient disposition.
- Ensured compliance with established clinical guidelines during telephonic assessments, promoting best practice standards throughout the organisation.
- Fostered a positive work environment within the telephone triage nursing team, promoting open communication and collaboration among colleagues.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing timely and accurate telephone triage services.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
Care Quality Officer
LDK
01.2025 - 03.2025
- Led cross-functional teams in conducting thorough investigations into non-conforming products, resulting in effective corrective actions and long-term solutions.
- Conducting regular audits and providing feedback to production teams for continuous improvement.
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify opportunities for improvements in manufacturing processes, leading to better overall quality of care.
- Optimised testing methods, reducing costs while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory requirements and internal standards.
- Implemented risk assessments and mitigation strategies to proactively address potential quality issues before they arose.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and standards by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of best practices and participating in relevant training programs.
Nurse Unit Manager
Ramsay Health Care - Ramsay Clinic Thirroul
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Oversaw recruitment efforts within the nursing unit, selecting highly skilled candidates who would contribute positively to the team dynamic.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts, ensuring seamless continuity of care for all patients on the unit.
- Actively sought out opportunities for continuing education within the field of nursing management, staying up-to-date on current trends and best practices.
- Collaborated with administrators to evaluate nursing policies and procedures for potential improvements regularly.
- Established a strong rapport with patients and their families, addressing concerns and providing valuable support throughout the treatment process.
- Raised staff retention rates by fostering a positive work culture focused on professional growth and development.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations for nursing staff members, providing constructive feedback and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Managed budgetary concerns within the nursing unit, carefully allocating resources and controlling costs.
- Streamlined nurse scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage for all shifts while minimizing overtime costs.
- Promoted interdisciplinary communication through regular meetings with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Contributed to hospital-wide accreditation efforts, maintaining compliance with industry standards for nursing practice.
- Reduced medication errors with thorough medication administration education and adherence to best practices.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient information, treatment plans, and progress notes in electronic medical records systems.
- Developed effective care plans tailored to individual patient needs, resulting in improved health outcomes.
- Participated in community outreach events to promote awareness of available healthcare services and encourage preventative measures among local residents.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Ramsay Health Care - Thirroul
08.2022 - 05.2024
- Managed 40+ nurses and nursing activities in 43-bed hospital by providing comprehensive nursing guidance and maintaining outstanding patient satisfaction and care standards.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
- Facilitated therapeutic communication, conflict resolution and crisis intervention by redirecting negative behaviors and helping patients regain or improve coping abilities.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- 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.
- Led group therapy sessions for various topics, promoting mental health awareness and coping strategies among patients.
- Served as a mentor within the department, fostering professional development opportunities among colleagues.
- Assisted in the training of new nursing staff members on best practices in psychiatric care delivery methods.
- Conducted family meetings to discuss patients'' progress and address any concerns or questions relatives may have had about their loved one''s treatment plan.
- Developed strong rapport with patients, fostering trust and enabling open communication regarding mental health concerns.
- Developed strong collaborative relationships with external partners, such as schools and outpatient mental health facilities, to ensure continuity of care for patients transitioning between different levels of support.
- Contributed to ongoing research efforts in the field of psychiatry by participating in data collection and analysis initiatives.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide holistic care for patients with complex psychiatric needs.
- Reduced rehospitalization rates by providing effective psychoeducation to patients and their families.
- Promoted a safe and therapeutic environment by implementing crisis intervention techniques as needed.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
Acting Nurse Unit Manager
Ramsay Health Care - Thirroul
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 - Figtree
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
Post Graduate Certificate - Mental Health Mental Health Nursing
Victoria University Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC08.2023
Bachelor - Nursing
UOW Wollongong
12.2016
Diploma - Nursing
TAFE Shellharbour
12.2011
Cert 3 Assistant - Nursing
TAFE Shellharbour
01.2009
High School Certificate - undefined
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
- Patient communication
Timeline
Telephone Triage Registered Nurse - Mental Health
Medibank
05.2025 - Current
Care Quality Officer
LDK
01.2025 - 03.2025
Nurse Unit Manager
Ramsay Health Care - Ramsay Clinic Thirroul
06.2024 - 09.2024
Acting Nurse Unit Manager
Ramsay Health Care - Thirroul
06.2023 - 11.2023
Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist
Ramsay Health Care - Thirroul
08.2022 - 05.2024
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 - Figtree
02.2012 - 12.2015
AIN
IRT
09.2009 - 12.2011
Bachelor - Nursing
UOW Wollongong
Diploma - Nursing
TAFE Shellharbour
Cert 3 Assistant - Nursing
TAFE Shellharbour
High School Certificate - undefined
Illawarra Sports High School
Post Graduate Certificate - Mental Health Mental Health Nursing
Victoria University Melbourne
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