Danielle Cross
Licking
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Lead Direct Support Professional at BJC Hospice, skilled in medication administration and emotional support. Recognized for enhancing patient care through effective communication and crisis intervention, fostering a comforting environment for terminally ill patients and their families. Committed to maintaining dignity and quality of life during challenging times.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Direct Support Professional
Bjc Hospice
Parkhills
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Documented current patient information to update vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits.
- Answered patient call signals and signal lights to determine patients' needs.
- Assisted terminally ill patients with bathing, grooming and dressing.
- Assisted with ambulation and transfers using proper body mechanics techniques.
- Collected specimens from patients for laboratory testing purposes.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Kept medical supply room and patient rooms stocked with necessary supplies, equipment and instruments.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during difficult times.
- Shaved and draped patients to prepare for surgery, treatment or examination.
- Administered medications and educated patients and families on correct at-home administration.
- Provided emotional support to both patients and families during difficult times.
- Assisted nurses with wound care for pressure ulcers, bed sores and surgical site wounds.
- Performed personal hygiene activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing and undressing and toileting assistance.
- Conducted visits in accordance with agency policy adhering to all regulatory standards.
- Safeguarded patient privacy with strict adherence to HIPAA protocols.
- Compiled detailed documentation related to patient care services rendered.
- Provided physical, emotional and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families.
- Communicated with patients to determine feelings, need for assistance or social and emotional support.
- Moved patients carefully into different positions to promote better body alignment and comfort.
- Assisted in the delivery of patient care services as delegated by the RN Case Manager or other healthcare professionals.
- Assisted residents with daily needs, personal hygiene, dressing, and facility transfers.
- Reminded patients to take prescribed medications or nutritional supplements.
- Administered medications or treatments as instructed by the RN Case Manager or physician orders.
- Documented information in patient charts and communicated status updates to interdisciplinary care team.
- Assisted patients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Observed changes in patients' condition and reported any unusual findings to the RN Case Manager.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members on various aspects of patient care including pain management strategies.
- Transported specimens, laboratory items or pharmacy items, verifying proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
- Completed assigned tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, errands, meal preparation and grocery shopping.
- Turned and repositioned bedridden patients to prevent bedsores.
- Provided physical support to assist patients with bathing, dressing and toileting.
- Maintained a safe environment for patient care through adherence to established safety guidelines and policies.
- Facilitated bereavement counseling sessions for family members following a death.
- Helped patients maintain dignity during difficult times.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings regarding patient's plan of care.
- Attended educational programs designed to enhance professional development.
- Supported grieving families by offering listening ear, compassion and kindness.
- Exercised comatose and paralyzed patients to reduce delirium and improve physical function.
- Provided companionship to patients while encouraging them to remain active within their limitations.
- Ensured confidentiality of patient information at all times.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Direct Care Staff Member
Acumen Fiscal Agency
Ironton
03.2020 - 08.2024
- Provided personal care to clients, such as bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Encouraged socialization among clients through recreational activities.
- Helped clients get in and out of beds and wheelchairs.
- Exercised comatose, paralyzed, or restricted mobility patients to maintain flexibility and muscle tone.
- Transported clients to medical appointments or other destinations as needed.
- Developed strong and trusting rapport with patients to facilitate smooth, quality care.
- Cared for individuals or families during periods of illness or convalescence, providing companionship, personal care, or help in adjusting to new lifestyles.
- Applied clean dressings, stockings or support bandages under direction of nurse or physician.
- Supervised medication administration, personal hygiene and other activities of daily living.
- Advocated for disabled individuals to foster communication and self-expression and achieve goals.
- Organized oral medications for clients following dosage and schedule requirements.
- Administered medications or treatments as directed by physician or nurse.
- Utilized appropriate techniques when dealing with challenging behaviors.
- Transported clients to doctor's appointments and errands.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members in providing quality patient care services.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement to clients during difficult times.
- Drove clients to doctors' appointments and social outings.
- Contributed to case reviews of client status and progress.
- Developed individualized plans of care to address each client's needs.
- Built strong and trusting rapport with clients and loved ones.
- Assessed changes in physical or mental condition and reported findings to supervisor.
- Assisted with planning and coordination of activities and outings based on individual needs.
- Encouraged and reassured clients throughout transitions to facilitate smooth discharge.
- Performed housekeeping tasks, such as changing linens and cleaning rooms.
- Tracked and reported clients' progress based on observations and conversations.
- Enhanced patient wellbeing by supporting participation in recreational activities.
- Used approved crisis intervention techniques in emergency situations.
- Ensured safety of all clients in accordance with facility regulations.
- Helped clients adjust to new lifestyles during periods of incapacitation or recuperation.
- Communicated effectively with other members of the healthcare team.
- Monitored vital signs, including blood pressure, temperature and pulse rate.
- Instructed family members on how to provide bedside care.
- Provided direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering activities of daily living.
- Aided with mobility and independence for disabled individuals and continually monitored safety.
- Obtained sources of entertainment for clients to provide full and enjoyable daily activities.
- Entertained or read aloud to patients to improve mental health and alertness.
- Monitored clients' activity levels and helped prevent sedentary behavior.
- Maintained cleanliness of clients' environment by cleaning surfaces and washing clothes or dishes.
- Leveraged database management system to track and report service hours, details of activities and progress on goals.
Psychiatric Technician
Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center
Farmington
06.2016 - 02.2020
- Led individual and group therapy supporting prescribed procedures.
- Trained new psychiatric technicians and support staff.
- Evaluated residents' needs regularly and updated treatment plans accordingly based on changes observed over time.
- Issued medications from clinic dispensary and kept records using specified procedures.
- Advocated for patient rights and facilitated access to community resources.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions under supervision of psychiatrist.
- Implemented de-escalation techniques to manage aggressive behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of patient progress including daily notes on individuals' moods, activities, interactions with others.
- Influenced patients' behavior with interaction, counseling or instruction.
- Created therapeutic environments through activities designed to reduce stress levels among residents.
- Restrained violent or suicidal patients using approved verbal or physical techniques.
- Handled vital sign monitoring, medication administration and patient behavior assessments.
- Educated patients and families on mental health conditions and treatment options.
- Instructed new employees on protocols to use when interacting with psychiatric patients.
- Recorded patients' health metrics using thermometers or blood pressure gauges.
- Utilized therapeutic techniques such as positive reinforcement or distraction methods when working with agitated patients.
- Developed therapeutic relationships with clients while providing a safe environment for them to express themselves openly.
- Ensured that all safety protocols were followed at all times while caring for patients in a residential setting.
- Provided psychiatric or personal care to emotionally disturbed or cognitively impaired patients.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities and encouraged independence.
- Assisted in developing and implementing individual patient care plans.
- Conducted initial patient interviews and assessments.
- Facilitated psychoeducational classes such as anger management, substance abuse prevention and treatment.
- Led recreational and therapeutic activities to promote patient well-being.
- Provided direct patient care and monitored patients' physical, mental, and emotional status.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Encouraged patients to develop interpersonal skills and engage in social interactions or other therapeutic activities.
- Conducted intake interviews with new patients to complete forms, assess mental health condition or obtain treatment history.
- Encouraged clients to participate in self-care practices like exercise or journaling that promote overall wellbeing.
- Provided emotional support to patients during their recovery process.
- Accompanied patients to medical and counseling appointments.
- Contacted patients' relatives to coordinate family visits and conferences.
- Organized recreational activities for patients such as arts and crafts projects or outdoor games.
- Monitored patients' well-being and reported changes or unusual behavior or physical illness to medical staff.
- Managed inventory of psychiatric supplies and medications.
- Assisted patients improve social relationships and engagement.
- Utilized therapeutic communication techniques when interacting with patients.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential safety concerns.
- Provided support during psychiatric evaluations by interacting with patients in order to obtain information about their medical history and current symptoms.
- Maintained accurate and detailed records of patient care, condition, progress, and concerns.
- Conducted hypodermic injections following hospital procedures.
- Performed crisis intervention services when needed including evaluating potential risks posed by clients' behaviors or actions.
- Administered medications as prescribed and documented effects.
- Monitored patient behavior and reported observations to psychiatric team.
- Educated family members on effective strategies for supporting loved ones dealing with mental health issues.
- Collaborated with doctors, psychologists or therapists in working with patient treatments.
- Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
Education
GED -
Licking High School
Licking, MO08-2008
Skills
- Patient care
- Medication administration
- Vital sign monitoring
- Emotional support
- Documentation management
- Regulatory compliance
- Crisis intervention
- Personal hygiene support
- Patient mobility assistance
- Behavior management
- Health education
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Compassionate care
- Companionship services
- Problem-solving abilities
- Laptop and tablet operation
- Community integration
- CPR certification
- Quality program protocols
- Ability to lift
- Attentive to people
- Care plan implementation
- Decision-making
- Behavioral support
- Emergency response
- Team building
- Health services
- Business correspondence
- Safety compliance
- Appointment scheduling
- Verbal and written communication
- Childcare experience
- Communication assistance
- Personal hygiene
- Certified in CPR/AED
- Wellness and nutrition knowledge
- Heartsaver first aid (first aid)
- Service documentation
- Filing and data archiving
- Household cleaning
- Basic nursing care
- Schedule management
- Mobility assistance
- Adaptive equipment use
- Patient advocacy
- CPR/AED
- Crisis management
- Infection control procedures
- First aid certification
- Heartsaver CPR AED
- Chronic disease management
- Hospice care
- Shopping and errands
- Personal care assistance
- First aid and safety
- Medical chart documentation
- Case management
- Project planning
- Compassionate client care
- Schedule maintenance
- Comfort care
- Care planning
- Meal preparation
- Disability care
- Relationship building
- Excellent communication
- Medical records management
- Effective communication
Timeline
Lead Direct Support Professional
Bjc Hospice
08.2024 - 03.2025
Direct Care Staff Member
Acumen Fiscal Agency
03.2020 - 08.2024
Psychiatric Technician
Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center
06.2016 - 02.2020
GED -
Licking High School