KAELA RIVERA
Itasca
Summary
Patient-focused Registered Nurse with expertise in developing individualized care plans and coordinating interdisciplinary services to promote optimal outcomes. Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN) with strong clinical judgment, adaptability, and a commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. Dedicated to professional development through mentorship and advanced training; currently completing a post-graduate Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) certificate.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Hospice Nurse
Residential Home Health and Hospice
Northbrook
10.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented effective pain management protocols for patient comfort.
- Coordinated comprehensive care for terminally ill patients, ensuring seamless transitions and ongoing support.
- Trained and mentored new nursing staff on hospice best practices, boosting team performance metrics.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to address patients' physical, spiritual, and emotional health.
- Served as liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers to advocate for needs.
Hospice Nurse Case Manager
Promedica Hospice
Buffalo Grove
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Educated families and caregivers on the care of their loved ones
- Assessed patient's medical, physical, and psychological needs to create an individualized care plan
- Managed complex caseloads of up to 25 patients in a home setting
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to facilitate patient care
- Collaborate with medical director to adjust patient's medication to ensure comfort at the end of life
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess and prioritize patient needs in a fast-paced environment
Staff Nurse- Neurology
Northwest Community Hospital
Arlington Heights
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Evaluated and documented patient responses to treatments, adjusting care plans as needed for optimal outcomes
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously with accuracy and attention to detail
- Assisted in emergency situations by remaining calm, focused, and providing life-saving interventions
- Collaborated with case managers to facilitate smooth transitions between hospital, home care, and rehabilitation settings
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and refine individualized care plans
- Educated patients and families about stroke prevention and rehabilitation strategies
- Monitored vital signs and neurological status of patients, promptly addressing complications
Education
Post-Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Purdue Global University
11-2026
Master of Science - Nursing
DePaul University
Chicago, IL02.2022
Bachelor of Health Science -
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06.2018
Skills
- Comprehensive health assessments
- Care plan development
- Chronic disease management
- Medication management
- Interpersonal communication
- End-of-life care
- Team collaboration
Languages
Spanish, Intermediate
Timeline
Hospice Nurse
Residential Home Health and Hospice
10.2023 - Current
Hospice Nurse Case Manager
Promedica Hospice
10.2022 - 10.2023
Staff Nurse- Neurology
Northwest Community Hospital
05.2022 - 08.2022
Post-Graduate Certificate - Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
Purdue Global University
Master of Science - Nursing
DePaul University
Bachelor of Health Science -
DePaul University