Cassandra McIlroy

Dynamic Mental Health Support Worker with extensive experience at Te Whatu Ora – MHAIDS, adept in crisis intervention and patient care. Proven ability to de-escalate challenging situations while advocating for clients. Skilled in therapeutic communication and team collaboration, ensuring effective support for diverse mental health needs.

WARD 7A - RESPIRATORY & CARDIOTHORACIC  Dunedin Hospital

Student Nurse   2023

• Managed 2-3 patients per shift alongside preceptors.

• Regularly performed observation checks on patients including manual blood pressure.

• Assisted patients with needs including washing and feeding.

• Managed family concerns within the Year 1 Nursing scope of practice.

• Assisted with Foley catheter removal and insertions.

• Worked effectively alongside multiple health disciplines, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, pharmacists, social workers and district nurses.

• Notified preceptors whenever patients' observations were outside of the baseline measurements.

• Regularly administered medications according to the 5 rights of administration.

• Upheld and followed legal requirements for patient care for competent and legal care.

• Upheld Te Tiriti O Waitangi practices ensuring culturally safe care.

• Successfully administered intramuscular injections.

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TE AWAKAIRANGI HEALTH NETWORK    Lower Hutt, Wellington

Student Nurse   2025

• Completed mandatory e-learning prior to commencing placement.

• Preceptored by outreach nurses, social workers and mental health & addiction counsellors.

• Under supervision completed initial intake assessments for patients referred to Te Awakairangi.

• Under supervision completed various health assessments including head-to-toe, annual diabetic reviews.

• Completed post-visit notes utilising myindici, manage my health and single clinical portal.

• Completed re-booking for regular patients.

• Under supervision administered bicillin injections in a variety of health settings including in clinic and at patients homes.

• Regularly completed manual observations including blood pressures, pulse etc.

• Provided care plans to patients who received treatment with myself and the nurse.

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ORTHOPAEDIC OUTPATIENTS / FRACTURE CLINIC Wellington Hospital

Student Nurse   2025

• Completed pre-surgery assessments for patients including health history & vital signs.

• Assisted with cast removals, cast cares & cast applications.

• Provided orthopaedic & cast education to patients during appointments.

• Assisted with wound care procedures including suture removals, wound management, wound re-dressings.

• Regularly interacted with Registrars, Medical students and clinicians to provide support to patients.

• Regularly completed post-appointment notes on Single Clinical Portal according to the orthopaedics guidelines.

• Assisted with running orthopaedic, fracture and baby hip clinics alongside the registered nurses.

• Observed in the operating theatre a variety of orthopaedic surgeries.

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OPIOID TREATMENT SERVICE     MHAIDS – Wellington

Student Nurse   2025

• Attended regular in-service client meetings lead by registered nurses, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and nurse practitioners.

• Assisted in forming care-plans with patients experiencing addiction

• Completed medical reviews under supervision of psychiatrists for patients in addiction recovery.

• Attended multi-disciplinary meetings to discuss at-risk clients who require intervention.

• Discussed opioid replacement therapy treatment options with new clients of the service

• Reviewed medical documentation to ensure care-plan adherence

• Reviewed recovery plans with clients to ensure adherence or discuss changes or additional support.

• Provided mental health & addictions education to clients.

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TANE MAHUTA FORENSIC INPATIENT SERVICE     MAIDS Keneperu

Student Nurse   2025

• Provided cares to patients with a variety of criminal histories & mental health conditions.

• Administered medications according to the 5 rights of administration under nurse supervision.

• Engaged in therapeutic activities with patients including art therapy, sports, music & counselling.

• Assisted patients with escorted community leave.

• Actively engaged in communication with patients expressing concerns or distress.

• Managed patient behaviour through diversion, distraction & de-escalation.

• Provided health education to patients relating to their specific conditions.

• Communicated with registered nurses regarding patient status, behaviour, mood & mental state.

• Completed mental state examinations for nursing assessments.