Alyssa Higgins
Peoria
Summary
Compassionate and driven nursing professional with over 10 years of healthcare experience as a CNA and 2 years of experience as a student nurse. Currently pursuing an ADN-RN degree at Illinois Central College, graduating in May 2025, with a commitment to patient advocacy and clinical excellence. Motivated to continue schooling and obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing degree.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CNA/ memory care specialist
Pekin Manor
02.2024 - Current
- As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working on an Alzheimer’s unit, I provide specialized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, focusing on safety, comfort, and maintaining quality of life
- This role requires a high level of patience, empathy, excellent observational skills, and an understanding of dementia care practices to effectively meet the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer’s
- Some key responsibilities include ADL’s, promoting safe environment, engaging in member care activities, managing, challenging behaviors, providing emotional and social support
Student Nurse
Clinical Experience
08.2023 - Current
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Participated in hands-on clinical training under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting any changes to experienced nursing staff.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring patient safety and wellbeing.
- Performed regular rounds to check on well-being of patients.
- Developed strong rapport with patients by actively listening to concerns and addressing individual needs.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately documenting vital signs, medical histories, and relevant information.
- Applied critical thinking skills to identify changes in patient conditions, initiating timely interventions as needed.
PCT
OSF
04.2023 - 08.2023
- As a Patient Care Technician (PCT) on an orthopedic floor I provided direct patient care to individuals recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries
- Working as this role some skills included strong communication, attention to detail, empathy, physical stamina, and the ability to follow specific care protocols essential in post surgical recovery on an orthopedic floor
- Also helping patients to the bathroom, emptying catheters, ROM, assisting with ambulating, assisting when needing fed, accumulating checks and charting
CNA
Pekin Manor
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Working as a (CNA) in a long-term care facility involves providing essential care and support to elderly or chronically ill residents who require assistance with daily activities
- I also floated around the building from the Alzheimer unit and bounce back rehab halls
- Skills that were essential are compassion, patience, physical stamina, strong communication, and the ability to work as part of a team to meet the diverse needs of residents in a long-term care setting
- Also helping residents with ADL’s, monitoring vital signs, assisting with mobility, supporting nutritional needs, and documenting care and observations
DSP/CNA
TCRC
01.2014 - 02.2016
- Working as a DSP/CNA at a day program workshop for developmental and intellectual disabilities I managed daily programs specific to each client
- Helped with ADL’s, feedings at lunch time, and charting
- Other skills invoked having patience, empathy, effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team
PCT
OSF
01.2013 - 12.2013
- As a Patient Care Technician (PCT) on an orthopedic floor I provided direct patient care to individuals recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries
- Working as this role some skills included strong communication, attention to detail, empathy, physical stamina, and the ability to follow specific care protocols essential in post surgical recovery on an orthopedic floor
- Also helping patients to the bathroom, emptying catheters, ROM, assisting with ambulating, assisting when needing fed, accumulating checks and charting
CNA/DSP
Apostolic Christian timber ridge
08.2009 - 12.2012
- As a Direct Support Professional (DSP)/CNA I provided essential care and support to individuals with disabilities, helping them live more independently and achieve their personal goals
- Skills essential while working as a DSP/CNA include patience, empathy, effective communication, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Also providing care such as assisting with ADL’s, feeding residents, taking vital signs and charting
Education
High School Diploma -
Pekin Community High
Pekin, IL05-2009
CNA -
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL07-2009
Associate Degree in Nursing - ADN-RN
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL05-2025
Skills
- Compassionate and driven nursing professional
- Skilled in providing exceptional patient care across Skilled nursing, Med-Surg, Intermediate Care, and Critical care units
- Organization and Prioritization
Certification
- RN (pending graduation)
- CNA
- BLS
Timeline
CNA/ memory care specialist
Pekin Manor
02.2024 - Current
Student Nurse
Clinical Experience
08.2023 - Current
PCT
OSF
04.2023 - 08.2023
CNA
Pekin Manor
01.2017 - 12.2019
DSP/CNA
TCRC
01.2014 - 02.2016
PCT
OSF
01.2013 - 12.2013
CNA/DSP
Apostolic Christian timber ridge
08.2009 - 12.2012
- RN (pending graduation)
- CNA
- BLS
High School Diploma -
Pekin Community High
CNA -
Illinois Central College
Associate Degree in Nursing - ADN-RN
Illinois Central College
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