Derrick Howard
Turtle Creek
Summary
Compassionate and adaptable nursing professional with over 15 years of CNA experience across long-term care, assisted living, and acute hospital settings. Proven success in high-volume teaching hospitals, long-term care settings, pediatric care facilities, home health care, and travel assignments. Newly graduated LPN preparing to sit for the NCLEX within the month, with a strong foundation in clinical reasoning, patient-centered care, and mobile practice. Eager to transition into an LPN position that values versatility, cultural sensitivity, and excellence in care delivery.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
CNA Travel Assignment
Rocky Knoll Health Care Center
Plymouth
11.2022 - 05.2023
- Delivered Adl’s took vital signs, assisted with feeding, documented, reported any changes, documented and recorded I&Os, and communicated any needs and changes for the patient.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of resident living spaces.
- Documented patient information accurately for healthcare team reviews.
- Answered patient call lights promptly and responded to requests appropriately.
- Assisted patients in ambulation and transfers using proper body mechanics.
- Observed patients for any physical or emotional changes, reported findings to medical staff immediately.
- Monitored food intake and output as directed by nursing staff.
- Transported residents within the facility as needed.
- Assisted with range of motion exercises and other rehabilitative activities per physician orders.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
CNA
Pediatric Specialty Care at Hopewell
Aliquippa
07.2022 - 11.2022
- Delivered care in pediatric long-term and assisted living settings.
- Assisted with patient ADLs, including bathing, transferring, and reporting any changes with the patient.
- Adapted to the specialized needs of pediatric patients in a long-term care setting.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to nursing staff.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients and staff.
- Documented patient care services by charting in designated areas.
- Monitored food intake and output as directed by nursing staff.
- Assisted with range of motion exercises and other rehabilitative activities per physician orders.
- Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
CNA
Moon Township Rehab & Wellness Center
Coraopolis
05.2021 - 07.2022
- Monitored food intake and output as directed by nursing staff.
- Transported residents within the facility as needed.
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
- Performed vital sign assessments, such as taking blood pressure and temperature.
- Documented patient care and observations in electronic health records.
- Assisted with range of motion exercises and other rehabilitative activities per physician orders.
CNA
University of Maryland Medical Center
Lural
04.2020 - 07.2020
- Worked with other travel nurses and PCT’s in a pop-up Covid hospital on a med surg as a PCT on a step-down unit and took care of covid patients, did blood sugars, took vital signs, bathed patients, measured I&O’s, helped transfer patients, and reported and changes in the patients.
CNA
LIFE Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh
09.2015 - 01.2020
- Delivered consistent care in a home health care setting, adapted to evolving patient needs and facility protocols, and reported any changes in the patient’s health or environment.
- Supported interdisciplinary teams in long-term and assisted living environments. Patients were nursing home approved, but lived at home with the help of Life Pittsburgh.
- Prompted medication for the patients
- Meal-prepped patients' food after coming home from the day center.
- Provided safety checks for patients who were at a higher risk for falls.
- Provided assistance with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing and grooming.
CNA
UPMC Senior Communities
Pittsburgh
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Help patients with ADL’s, vital signs, bathing, and reporting any changes to the charge nurse on duty.
- Built strong rapport with residents and families through compassionate care.
Education
Lpn - Practical Nursing
ICTC
Connellsville, PA09.2025
Basic Life Support (BLS) - Practical Nursing
ICTC
Connellsville, PA09-2025
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Nurse's Assistant
UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA04-2009
Skills
- Long-term and assisted living care
- Acute and pediatric specialty care
- Travel and staff assignments
- Medication prompting
- EMR documentation
- Patient advocacy
- Team collaboration in teaching hospitals
Availability And Preferences
Anytime, 40+ hours, Open to relocation and nationwide contracts, Some holidays and special days
Timeline
CNA Travel Assignment
Rocky Knoll Health Care Center
11.2022 - 05.2023
CNA
Pediatric Specialty Care at Hopewell
07.2022 - 11.2022
CNA
Moon Township Rehab & Wellness Center
05.2021 - 07.2022
CNA
University of Maryland Medical Center
04.2020 - 07.2020
CNA
LIFE Pittsburgh
09.2015 - 01.2020
CNA
UPMC Senior Communities
01.2009 - 01.2015
Lpn - Practical Nursing
ICTC
Basic Life Support (BLS) - Practical Nursing
ICTC
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Nurse's Assistant
UPMC