Name: Mrs. Shirley Perez Valazques

Position: LVN

Currently working at: Medical Coordination, Illumination Foundation (2010 Lincoln Park Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90031)

Education: VA Pharmacy Technician, CA Pharmacy Technician, CA Licensed Vocational Nurse, Bachelor of Psychology, and RADT-I (Residential Alcohol and Drug Technician)

Certifications: IV/Blood withdraw, Tracheostomy + Ventilator, Advanced PALS and BLS, G-Tube, and Advanced wound care.

Inspiration:

She always had a passion for helping other when she was younger. Unfortunately, her passion directly derives from growing up in an environment where her parents suffered from mental health issues along with alcohol and drug dependency.

Pathway:

She started out as a pharmacy technician in the medical field. Her best friend pushed her to go to school for nursing because she told her she was wasting her God giving talent. So, she decided to go to school and became a Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Basic roles and responsibilities:

• Complete initial medical assessment of client upon her arrival which included: head to toe assessment, checking vitals, patient education, determining insurance status, and making medical follow-up appointment with patients’ doctor
• Then she input and update client’s information and medical notes in system
• Followed by her conducting rounds by reminding clients of medication, assisting client with checking BSL, and assisting with minor wound care teaching if necessary
• She then ensures the success of a client’s hospital discharge by confirming hospital instructions and checking medication
• She promotes health literacy by providing patient education with regards to medical, treatment management, diet and personal health care procedures
• She collaborates with Medical Coordinators and Health Care Providers to ensure the best patient outcome
• Serve as an advocate for client to ensure best medical care is provided by linking clients to medical resources and Medicare or Medi-Cal as needed

Most rewarding aspect of Job:

The most rewarding aspect of her job is allowing her to watch homeless clients recuperate, obtain housing, and get their lives back on tract while maintaining their health and sobriety.

Most surprising aspect of Job:

The most surprising aspect of her job is growing up in the environment she grew up in. She never thought her nursing passion would be in mental/ substance abuse nursing field since she experienced that growing up with.

Most Challenging aspect of Job:

The most challenging aspect of her Job are her patients. Her patients are referred by the department of Health services, they are homeless, have poor medical history and medication compliance, and overall have a major distrust for most people. Obtaining and maintaining a good nursing patient relationship is always the most challenging aspect of her job because she is working with patients that have major behavioral / mental health issues.

Advice:

Don’t take anything personal. Remember the patient is frustrated with their current situation, not with you. Be empathetic and compassionate to your patients’ feelings, needs, and concerns. These things will separate you from the rest.