Agata Kaluzny
Norridge,IL
Summary
Empathetic and skilled CNA and Patient Care Technician with over 25 years of experience in delivering personalized care. Proven ability to monitor vital signs, implement infection control measures, and advocate for patient needs to enhance overall care quality.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CNA
The Radcliff
276 E Irving Park Rd, Wood Dale, IL 60191
10.2021 - 04.2026
- Assisted residents with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff promptly.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to develop personalized care plans.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patient care and behavior observations.
- Trained new staff on best practices for resident safety and care protocols.
- Implemented infection control measures, promoting a safe environment for residents.
- Advocated for resident needs, enhancing overall quality of life within facility.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
- Answered call lights and supported patient comfort and safety by adjusting bed rails and equipment.
- Utilized proper body mechanics and assistance devices when transferring patients, minimizing the risk of injury for both parties.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Prevented bedsores by regularly repositioning patients and implementing proper wound care techniques.
- Delivered individualized patient care by recording vital signs, documenting observations, administering treatments, and evaluating patient needs.
- Implemented fall prevention measures by identifying high-risk patients and maintaining clutter-free environments around bedsides.
- Reduced patient stress levels through effective communication and active listening skills.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Offered immediate assistance in emergency and routine paging situations to evaluate needs and deliver care.
- Evaluated patients to identify and address wounds, behavioral concerns, and medically relevant symptoms.
- Oversaw and maintained patients' rooms, group living areas, and nurse stations.
- Assisted in emergency situations under the direction of nursing supervisors or physicians, providing crucial support during life-saving interventions.
- Conducted routine safety checks on equipment, promptly reporting any malfunctions or safety concerns to appropriate personnel.
- Participated in ongoing educational opportunities in order to stay up-to-date on best practices in nursing care.
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from hospital settings to home or long-term care facilities, ensuring continuity of care throughout the process.
- Conducted basic physical assessments on new admissions to gather baseline data for nursing staff evaluation.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for patients.
- Served as a liaison between patients, families, and medical staff to ensure clear communication and understanding of treatment plans.
- Administered prescribed medications under the supervision of a registered nurse, ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Contributed to successful discharge planning through coordination with social services and rehabilitation facilities.
- Utilized therapeutic communication, empathy and active listening skills to encourage and develop positive relationships with patients.
- Helped clean and prepare patient consultation rooms to maintain hygiene standards
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
PCT (Patient Care Technician)
Holy Family Medical Center
Des Plaines, IL
10.2007 - 10.2021
- Provided direct patient care, assisting with daily living activities and ensuring comfort.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff for timely interventions.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient areas, adhering to infection control protocols.
- Assisted in the mobility of patients, utilizing proper lifting techniques and equipment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on post-care instructions, promoting understanding and compliance.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, enhancing team efficiency and service quality.
- Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
- Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
- Provided high-quality personal care to patients, promoting comfort and dignity during their hospital stay.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to promote patient safety and comfort.
- Contributed to a positive patient experience by keeping rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.
- Fostered strong relationships with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative work environment that prioritized teamwork among staff members.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive healthcare environment, adhering to policies and procedures while advocating for the well-being of all patients.
- Assisted in transferring patients, beds and patient care equipment to other rooms adhering to necessary safety precautions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between shifts by maintaining thorough documentation of patient care activities and observations.
- Recognized potential emergencies promptly, initiating appropriate action to stabilize patients until further assistance arrived.
- Reduced stress for patients and families through effective communication and empathetic support.
- Demonstrated adaptability by working effectively with patients of diverse backgrounds and medical conditions, providing personalized care for each individual.
- Enabled increased mobility for patients by assisting with ambulation exercises and transfers using proper body mechanics techniques.
- Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, minimizing risk of disease transmission within the clinical environment.
- Served as a reliable resource for patients'' families, addressing questions or concerns with patience and understanding while maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in patient care technology advancements.
- Supported optimal wound healing by skillfully changing dressings and monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
- Educated patients on self-care techniques and post-discharge instructions, empowering them to take control of their own health maintenance.
- Prepared and maintained patient rooms for admissions, discharges, and transfers, ensuring readiness and comfort.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families, easing their stress and anxiety during hospital stays.
- Enhanced patient recovery by applying therapeutic techniques as instructed by physical therapists.
- Enhanced patient comfort by providing compassionate bedside care and support.
- Streamlined patient check-in process, enhancing efficiency of care delivery.
- Monitored vital signs for early detection of medical issues, ensuring timely intervention.
- Contributed to team meetings, offering insights on patient care improvements based on direct observations.
- Ensured safety and well-being of patients through diligent observation and reporting of changes in condition.
- Improved patient satisfaction with attentive communication and responsiveness to needs.
- Collected and documented patient information to aid in accurate medical record keeping.
- Delivered compassionate end-of-life care, offering comfort and dignity to patients in their final stages.
- Responded to patient requests for supplies and personal comfort items such as extra blankets.
- Transported patients between rooms and appointments or testing locations.
- Helped patients complete range of motion exercises to prevent loss of function during care.
- Monitored patient specimen samples and test results to effectively alert supervisors of potentially unhealthy changes.
- Cared for clients with diagnoses such as respiratory failure, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and muscular dystrophy.
- Changed linens in rooms, keeping spaces fresh and clean for patient health and satisfaction.
- Documented patient information and care activities in electronic health record.
- Assisted nursing staff with completing daily rounds, documenting vital signs and answering calls.
- Helped patients with self-feeding and assisted feeding, based on individual needs.
PCT (Patient Care Technician)
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
Melrose Park, IL
03.2002 - 06.2006
- Provided direct patient care, assisting with activities of daily living and ensuring comfort.
- Monitored vital signs, documenting changes and reporting to nursing staff for timely interventions.
- Assisted healthcare team in implementing treatment plans, fostering a collaborative environment.
- Educated patients on procedures and post-care instructions, enhancing patient understanding and compliance.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of patient areas, promoting infection control standards.
- Trained new staff on best practices in patient care protocols and safety procedures.
- Streamlined patient intake processes, improving efficiency and reducing wait times for services.
- Contributed to quality assurance initiatives, identifying opportunities for process improvements in care delivery.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff, ensuring timely medical interventions when necessary.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans that addressed each patient''s unique needs.
- Assisted nursing staff with medical procedures to support patient care plans.
- Conducted patient education on treatment procedures and post-discharge care, promoting better health outcomes.
- Supported patients' daily living activities, improving their hospital stay experience.
- Facilitated patient mobility and recovery with guided exercises and ambulation support.
- Enhanced teamwork by collaborating closely with nurses and doctors to coordinate patient care.
- Implemented infection control protocols, contributing to safer hospital environment.
- Fostered clean and hygienic environment, reducing risk of infections.
- Provided nutritional support by assisting patients with meals, catering to individual dietary needs.
- Maintained patient stability by checking vital signs and weight and recording intake and outtake information.
- Facilitated personal hygiene management, feeding and ambulation.
- Observed patients under care conditions to help identify symptoms, responses to treatments and progress with goals.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Completed activities of daily living for patients unable to self-care, and assisted those with limited mobility in completing tasks.
- Provided care to patients throughout lifespan with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and culture.
- Upheld infection control and prevention policies across different patient-facing areas.
- Assisted nurses with essential tasks, streamlining workflow and increasing efficiency in the healthcare setting.
- Took care and helped with Pediatrics patients.
- Provided high-quality personal care to patients, promoting comfort and dignity during their hospital stay.
- Assisted in training new Patient Care Technicians, sharing knowledge and best practices to ensure consistency in care delivery.
- Contributed to a positive patient experience by keeping rooms clean, organized, and well-stocked with supplies.
- Fostered strong relationships with colleagues, contributing to a collaborative work environment that prioritized teamwork among staff members.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive healthcare environment, adhering to policies and procedures while advocating for the well-being of all patients.
Registered Nurse
University Medical Center
Krakow, Poland
09.1987 - 05.1994
- Administered patient care, monitoring vital signs and responding to medical emergencies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized care plans.
- Educated patients and families on post-discharge care, medication management, and health maintenance strategies.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, enhancing team performance and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes and streamline workflows.
- Conducted thorough assessments, ensuring accurate documentation of patient histories and treatment plans.
- Led quality improvement initiatives that enhanced compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards.
- Trained staff on new technologies and procedures, increasing operational efficiency within the unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use, and disease management.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients'' progress toward reaching established goals of care.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based fall prevention strategies, resulting in a significant decrease in patient falls within the unit.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
- Streamlined medication administration processes for increased safety and accuracy during busy shifts.
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
- Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
- Implemented care plans for patient treatment after assessing physician medical regimens.
- Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
- Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
- 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.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Conducted ongoing monitoring and evaluations of behaviors and conditions, and updated clinical supervisors with current information.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Participated in evidence-based practice project implementation, nursing competency development and nursing simulation activities.
- Conveyed treatment options, diagnosis information and home care techniques to patients and caregivers to continue care consistency.
- Led teams in driving successful patient outcomes by prioritizing standard of care and best practices.
- Collaborated with leadership to devise initiatives for improving nursing satisfaction, retention and morale.
- Performed frequent checks on life support equipment and made necessary adjustments to preserve optimal patient conditions.
- Sustained quality standards by performing routine medication audits and upholding internal and industry best practices.
- Leveraged feedback and process improvement opportunities to create safer and healthier environment and increase patient satisfaction.
- Investigated and resolved issues affecting hospital operations and patient care.
Education
Nursing
Medical School
Jaslo, Poland05-1987
Skills
- Time management
- Patient care
- Vital signs monitoring
- Compassion and empathy
- Bathing assistance
- Attention to detail
- HIPAA compliance
- Feeding assistance
- Basic life support
- Dressing assistance
- Maintaining confidentiality
- End-of-life care
- Patient transfers
- Complex Problem-solving
- Emergency response
- Clinical documentation
- Medication administration
- Wound care
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Critical thinking
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Conflict resolution
- Patient advocacy
- Physical stamina
- Health monitoring
- Cultural sensitivity
- Lifting and transferring
- Infection control practices
- Patient hygiene assistance
- Toileting assistance
- Safety precautions
- Electronic charting
- Geriatric care
- Mobility assistance
- Ambulation assistance
- Patient relationship building
- Medical terminology
- Inpatient care
- Maintaining privacy
- Adaptable
- G-tube care
- Able to speak and write in Polish/ able to translate
- CPR
Certification
- CNA - Certified Nurse Assistant
- CPCT/A - Patient Care Technician/Assistant
- CPR
Languages
Polish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
CNA
The Radcliff
10.2021 - 04.2026
PCT (Patient Care Technician)
Holy Family Medical Center
10.2007 - 10.2021
PCT (Patient Care Technician)
Gottlieb Memorial Hospital
03.2002 - 06.2006
Registered Nurse
University Medical Center
09.1987 - 05.1994
Nursing
Medical School