Paula OGarro

Able to help nursing programs prepare skilled clinicians by combining 22 years of progressive care bedside expertise with 8 years of teaching Medical-Surgical and Health Assessment courses.

At National

University, I lead clinical instruction and simulation for BSN students while maintaining active practice at UCLA as Clinical Nurse II.

Part-Time Associate Professor at National University – Los Angeles Campus (2018-01 – Present)

• Delivered instruction across Health Assessment Lab, Fundamentals, Medical-Surgical I & II (lecture and clinical), and Community Health Nursing Clinical.
• Assessed student competency in clinical skills and advise on academic performance.
• Revised curriculum materials based on student outcomes and program evaluation data.
• Lead remediation for Medical-Surgical II via Zoom, in the campus laboratory and in post-conference debriefs.
• Attended team meetings.
• Interviewed incoming students.

Clinical Nurse II at University of California Los Angeles (2004-01 – Present)

• Assessed patient clinical trajectory and coordinated care across multidisciplinary teams including physicians, physical therapy, and social work.
• Developed and updated individualized care plans based on evidence-based protocols.
• Educated patients and families on disease management and community care transitions.
• Documented care delivery in electronic health records.
• Spent at least 25% of shifts in Resource Nurse leadership role.
• Served on Unit Practice Council (2010–2012, 2026), gathering staff feedback on policy implementation and observing care delivery to identify process improvement opportunities.
• Daisy Team Award 2014

Registered Nurse at Team Tenet Healthcare Registry (2005-01 – 2008-12)

• Managed 4-5 high-acuity patients per shift across multiple chronic diagnoses.
• Interpreted diagnostic results and provided patient education on treatment plans.
• Advocated for patient needs across care teams.

Registered Nurse at Secure Nursing Service Registry (2004-01 – 2006-12)

• Adapted nursing process across diverse clinical environments and routines.
• Prioritized competing demands while coordinating care with multiple departments and providers.
• Patient Recognition certificates

Customer Care Representative at American Telephone and Telegraph Wireless (2000-01 – 2004-12)

• Resolved, listened to, and clarified customer complaints; provided information about products and services.
• Taught customers about the functions of their phones, including how to use and set up voicemail, as well as how to access their accounts online.
• Recorded and updated customer information.
• Processed payments.
• Remained current on product and market knowledge.
• Used documentation skills, coordinated with other departments.

Teaching Assistant Anatomy and Histology Labs at University of Miami School of Medicine (1994-01 – 1995-12)

Health Career Opportunity Program

• Supervised anatomy lab section, guiding students through dissection and histology review.
• Administered practical exams and provided targeted tutoring to improve student performance.

Master of Science in Nursing – California State University Long Beach (2016-12)

Associate Degree in Nursing – Cerritos College (2003-12)

Bachelor of Science in Biology – Florida International University (1993-04)

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry – Florida International University (1993-04)