PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT PRESENTATION

Tomariana Brown-Walker

Child and Adolescent Unit 

Level I to IV

My story and Growth

My experiences at Pine Rest have shaped both my personal and professional growth. Coming into this field at 19, I learned quickly how important consistency, patience, and compassion are. Over the years, I've grown in confidence, communication, and my ability to support patients during their most difficult moments. Moving forward, my goal is to continue building my leadership skills, strengthen my crisis intervention abilities, and become someone my team can rely on for stability and guidance. I'm committed to advancing within Pine Rest taking on more responsibility and continuing to grow so I can make an even greater positive impact. 

  • City High/Middle School​ (Graduated 2020).
  • Grand Rapids Community​ College Accounting & Finance (In progress).
  • CPR/ First aid certified
  • Up to date with annual Pine Rest safety and compliance trainings.
  • Continuing education hours + volunteering in Behavioral health outside of Pine Rest.

Education & Certifications

Work history 

Pine Rest Christian Services (2022- Present)

  • Psychiatric Technician Level 1.2.
  • Started working in March of 2022.
  • Home unit is Child and Adolescent.
  • Have worked on the other impatient units here at Pine Rest.
  • Experience with a variety of pt needs.
  • I have experience on both children and adult units.

Alphabet Soup Daycare Center (2020-2022)

  • Supported lead teachers with daily classroom activities.
  • Assisted with lesson plans, activities, and structured play.
  • Guided children through routines, transitions, and behavior expectations.
  • Developed strong patience, communication, and caregiving skills.

 

Committee Involment &skill highlights 

Committee/Workgroup Involvement

  • No formal committee involvement yet.
  • Interested in joining a workgroup as I advance.
  • Looking to build leadership experience at level 4.
  • STEM building with children outside of Pine Rest (Volunteering). 
  • Urban core collective

Skill Highlights

  • Strong rapport building with children and adolescents.
  • Calm and steady during crisis situations.
  • Effective communicator with nurses and techs.
  • Reliable, consistent, and dependable.
  • Quick learner.

 

Patient and Customer Service

  • Received 3 hummingbird award nominations.
  • Received "Superhero of the month".
  • Known for being calm, supportive, and patient-centered.
  • Provided compassionate, trauma informed care to patients, making sure they felt safe, heard, and respected.
  • Assisted patients with daily needs, questions, and emotional reassurance, helping reduce anxiety and frustration.
  • Helped patients through the admission/check out process and ensured that they understood expectations and routines.
  • Worked closely with nurses to support patient care plans and maintain a smooth unit flow.
  • Accurately documented observations and interactions to support treatment goals and ensure continuity of care.

Mari is a force for good on C&A! She has been a welcome, reliable, and highly capable presence on night shift, providing compassionate care to the kids and teens on our unit. She is always willing to help out her coworkers and known for keeping her cool in crisis situations"

Quote from 2024 Superhero of the month poster.

mental health outside of pinerest.

As part of my ongoing work at Pine Rest, I am involved with the Urban Core Collective, an organization focused on supporting children and families in underserved communities. The Collective advocates for policies that improve the lives of children, providing critical resources and support services to help address their needs. My mom is one of the founding members, and serves on the board, which gives me a unique perspective on the organization's mission and goals. I volunteer occasionally and participate in community meetings, working alongside the Collective to create positive change and foster a brighter future for local children.

Leadership

  • Leads by example with professionalism, positivity, and reliability.
  • I Regularly train new team members. ensuring that they understand their role and responsibilities.
  • Recognized for problem solving under pressure and staying calm in challenging situations.
  • I usually take on the codes for the night shift team.

 I have successfully trained and guided newer staff over the last couple of years, improving team efficiency and confidence.

patient care, safety, & day to day responsiblities for night shift

  • Responds to emergency codes throughout the hospital while maintaining patient and staff safety. 
  • Offer emotional support to patients experiencing anxiety, insomnia, distress. It is important that I promote a healing environment.
  • Prep the unit for the day by stocking hallways, organizing and filing paperwork, and assisting in admissions/discharges. 
  • Manage patient laundry and organize personal belongings that were not done during the day.
  • Check in with patients that are awake during the night/ wake up earlier.
  • Support the nursing staff by doing unit tasks/needs and communicating patient status changes promptly. 
  • Monitor patient safety through frequent rounding, environmental checks, and proactive intervention.

therapeutic de- esculation & patient care

During one of my night shifts, I encountered a Track I patient who was highly dysregulated and engaging in unsafe behaviors in the hall C sink. Upon taking over the assignment, I intentionally reduced environmental stipulation by dismissing unnecessary staff to eliminate that "audience feeling" she was given and also using the WAIT method which immediately decreased escalation. I provided the patient with dry clothes and a heated blanket and assisted them back to their room and created a calm and private space for the patient. Through therapeutic communication, I took the time to listen and find the underlying reasons for the behavior, which allowed the patient to settle without the need for seclusion and restraints. This experience strengthened my patience and reinforced my understanding that de-escalation often begins with presence, empathy, and giving patients the opportunity to be heard.

IN CONCLUSION

I am proud of my experience and growth at Pine Rest and I am committed to continuing to develop professionally. Through training, mentoring, and teamwork, I have contributed to a positive unit environment. I am ready to take on the responsibilities of a Level IV Psychiatric Technician and continue to provide exceptional patient care while supporting my team. 

Thank you!

ARTWORK, NOTES, &awards

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