Anita Mellish
Washington,Pennsylvania
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse of 30 years with advanced formal training in nurse education. Devoted to building up new nurses with skills necessary to excel in today's healthcare settings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse Traveler
UPMC Travel Staffing
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2023 - Current
- Delivered high-quality patient care across diverse clinical settings, ensuring adherence to best practices.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses, maintaining accurate documentation in electronic health records.
- Educated patients and families on health management, fostering understanding of treatment protocols and post-discharge care.
- Demonstrated adaptability in rapidly adjusting to changing unit assignments, consistently maintaining high-quality care delivery across various clinical settings.
- Maintained excellent time management skills during periods of high patient turnover while consistently delivering compassionate and patient-centered care.
Registered Nurse Inpatient Hospice Unit
Concordia Lutheran Services
Washington, PA
02.2019 - 11.2022
- Developed and implemented individualized care plan for each hospice patient while following physician instructions.
- Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
- Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
- Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Highmark, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA
03.2020 - 02.2022
- Evaluated healthcare needs, goals for treatment and available resources of each patient and connected to optimal providers and care.
- Reduced care costs without sacrificing quality through service coordination and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Educated patients and loved ones about different treatment options and outside care approaches to reduce burden on hospital resources.
- Worked with suppliers and vendors on provision of medical equipment, items and services.
- Consulted with clinicians to devise and manage ongoing care plans for at-risk patients.
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Washington Health System
Washington, PA
01.2017 - 02.2019
- Provided direct support to surgical team during procedures by scrubbing/circulating.
- Observed surgeon's body language, movements and demeanor during operations to anticipate needs.
- Collected, labeled and transported specimens and delivered to lab for testing.
- Prepped operating rooms with environmental asepsis standards.
- Verified patient information to make licensed staff aware of relevant health factors.
- Kept optimal supply levels in treatment rooms, triage and other areas to meet typical patient lo
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Washington Health System
Washington, PA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Organized and managed care of patients undergoing various therapies and procedures.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Implemented medication and IV administration, catheter insertion and airway management.
- Collected blood, tissue and other laboratory specimens and prepared for lab testing.
- Updated patient charts with data such as medications to keep records current and support accurate treatments.
- Advised patients and caregivers of proper wound management, discharge plan objectives, safe medication use and disease management.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Washington, Pa
06.1996 - 01.2016
- Documented accurate and complete patient information to address patient problems and expected outcomes.
- Administered controlled narcotics, inserted IVs and performed catheterizations.
- Performed routine evaluations of each patient's status, needs and preferences.
- Obtained patient vital signs and input/output measurements from inpatients.
- Assisted with admissions, appointments, transfers and discharges.
- Used aseptic techniques to provide sterilized wound care and dressing applications.
- Comforted and counseled patients and families throughout care process.
- Delivered updates in patient status to charge nurse, recording changes in medical records.
- Obtained biological specimens for ordered tests and prepared for laboratory transport.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT04-2023
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT02-2020
Diploma - Nursing
Washington Hospital School of Nursing
Washington, Pa12-2015
Diploma - Nursing
Western Area Vocational Technical School
Canonsburg, PA06-2006
Skills
- Patient assessments
- Direct patient care
- Medication and IV administration
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family education and advocacy
- High level of autonomy
- Excellent communication skills
- Relationship building
- Active listening
- Team collaboration
- Peer mentoring/precepting
Timeline
Registered Nurse Traveler
UPMC Travel Staffing
01.2023 - Current
Registered Nurse Case Manager
Highmark, Inc.
03.2020 - 02.2022
Registered Nurse Inpatient Hospice Unit
Concordia Lutheran Services
02.2019 - 11.2022
Registered Nurse - Operating Room
Washington Health System
01.2017 - 02.2019
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
Washington Health System
01.2016 - 01.2017
Licensed Practical Nurse
06.1996 - 01.2016
Master of Science - Nursing Education
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Diploma - Nursing
Washington Hospital School of Nursing
Diploma - Nursing
Western Area Vocational Technical School