Outpatient Psychiatry at New Leaf Wellness Center (2023-06 – 2023-10)
225 hours
- Conducted supervised initial psychiatric evaluations and follow-up assessments for patients ages 6–80.
- Collaborated with preceptor to establish psychiatric diagnoses, develop individualized treatment plans, and in medication management recommendations.
- Integrated cognitive behavioral therapy techniques into follow-up appointments.
- Observed and gained structured exposure with a Licensed Professional Counselor and individual psychotherapy sessions with veterans experiencing grief and loss, high-risk adolescents, and patients with substance use disorders.
Behavioral Health and Pain Management at El Paso VA Medical Center (2023-10 – 2023-12)
135 hours
- Obtained psychiatric histories and performed mental status examinations on patients ages 25–70 experiencing chronic pain and co-occurring substance use disorders.
- Developed differential diagnoses and assisted with treatment planning involving non-pharmacologic treatment modalities and, when clinically appropriate, buprenorphine treatment.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and treatment plans within the electronic health record while adhering to HIPAA requirements.
- Developed experience recognizing the complex interaction between chronic pain, psychiatric symptoms, and substance use.
Outpatient Psychiatry at South Central VA Clinic (2024-01 – 2024-04)
270 hours
- Applied trauma-informed care to patients ages 20–70 with mood, anxiety, psychotic, PTSD, and ADHD-related disorders.
- Conducted comprehensive psychiatric evaluations for new patients and developed differential diagnoses
- Participated in development of individualized treatment plans including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches
- Participated in medication management, including evaluation of therapeutic response, adverse effects, and medication adherence.
- Provided patient education regarding psychiatric diagnoses, medications, treatment options, and safety planning.
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote continuity of care
Psychiatric Registered Nurse at Rio Vista Behavioral Health (2021-06 – 2025-02)
- Preformed admission assessments on children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
- Monitored patient response to psychotropic medication initiation and dose adjustments.
- Provided patient education regarding medications, including indications, expected effects, and potential adverse effects.
- Cared for patients undergoing medically supervised detoxification from alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines while following established safety and withdrawal-management protocols.
- Responded to psychiatric emergencies using therapeutic communication and de-escalation techniques while prioritizing patient and staff safety.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and therapists to coordinate individualized treatment and discharge planning.
- Reviewed and audited patient medical records to support accurate documentation, regulatory compliance, and continuity of care.
Psychiatric Registered Nurse at El Paso Psychiatric Center (2019-02 – 2021-05)
- Provided acute psychiatric nursing care to patients with complex psychiatric diagnoses, including PTSD, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, and personality disorders.
- Performed nursing assessments and monitored for changes in behavior and safety risk.
- Implemented appropriate safety interventions, including 1:1 and line-of-sight monitoring based on patient needs.
- Participated in safe management of patients requiring restraint and monitored physiological status throughout.
- Advocated for patient rights while maintaining a safe, therapeutic, and recovery-oriented milieu.
Pediatric Registered Nurse at El Paso Children’s Hospital (2018-11 – 2019-01)
- Assisted in facilitating emotional, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs as needed by individual patients and their families.
- Performed comprehensive and focused pediatric assessments.
- Administered medications and monitored patients for therapeutic response and adverse effects.
- Maintained patient safety through appropriate monitoring and adherence to hospital protocols.
- Performed clinical skills including wound care, IV insertion and management, nasogastric tube management, and Foley catheter care.
Research Intern for the Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program at El Paso Community College (2014 – 2014)
- Worked with multiple laboratory equipment and manuals while maintaining strict laboratory protocols
- Completed assigned and complex research at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.
- Presented research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS), San Antonio, TX.
- Research: Development of a Tet-On Conditional Expression System for Bhlhb4 in Retinal Precursor Cells.
