Colleen Melching
Mentor,OH
Summary
Experienced charge nursing professional with a strong focus on providing exceptional patient care and leading effective teams. Highly skilled in clinical decision-making, patient assessment, and care planning. Recognized for exceptional communication, adaptability, and seamless collaboration with colleagues. Thrives in high-pressure environments and remains committed to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Brings extensive knowledge of various surgical services, making a valuable resource for the team. Known for positive personality and ability to quickly establish rapport with nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, patients, and families.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Charge Nurse/Service Leader
UH CMC Mentor Outpatient Surgery Center
08.2019 - Current
- Supervised nursing staff, providing guidance and support to maintain high standards of patient care and safety.
- Assessed patient conditions regularly, identifying changes in health status to initiate prompt care adjustments.
- Developed care plans tailored to individual patient needs, promoting optimal recovery and health outcomes.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Coordinated nursing care on unit through staff assignments, assisting and rounding with physicians, monitoring patient orders, and communicating with ancillary departments.
- Conducted daily shift briefs to inform staff of changes in patient care assignments.
- Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
- Optimized patient satisfaction through timely response to concerns and effective communication among staff members.
- Promoted a safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and regularly reviewing safety protocols.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide quality patient care.
- Served as a liaison between nursing staff, physicians, and management, fostering open communication channels among all parties involved in patient care.
- Contributed significantly towards Joint Commission accreditation compliance through regular audits, staff education and process improvement recommendations.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives, contributing to the development of best practices within the department.
- Collaborate with Vendors and Medical Reps to ensure proper implants and surgical trays are available for specific surgeries.
- Collaborate with centers purchaser to insure the centers inventory is up to par. Including standard inventory and implants.
- Magnet Champion Representative
- Created the centers Magnet Board in preparation for UH's fifth Magnet designation.
- Involved in Environmental Rounding, Surgical Safety Audits, Handwashing Audits.
Staff Nurse Prentiss OR
UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital
08.2006 - 08.2019
- Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
- Established positive relationships with patients, patients families, and other staff members.
- Responded sensitively and competently to service customers with diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Developed strong relationships with patients families through consistent communication and attentive customer service, resulting in increased overall satisfaction.
- Assisted with onboarding new staff members, providing orientation and support. Preceptor for many services including, Dental, ENT, Ortho, and Pediatric General Surgery.
- Proficiently performed roles as both the circulating nurse and scrub nurse. Providing direct patient care and maintaining patient safety, case documentation. Maintaining a sterile field and passing instruments to surgeons.
- Provided compassionate, safe, and knowledgeable care to pediatric patients with challenging medical conditions.
- Collaborate with the surgical team of Nurses, Scrub Techs, Surgeons, and Anesthesiologists to coordinate the care of pediatric patients.
- One of four members of the Level One Pediatric Trauma Team for 5 years.
- Consistent Charge Nurse during off shift hours and night shift hours.
NICU Registered Nurse
Metro Health Hospital
06.2005 - 06.2006
- Managed complex cases, addressing needs of premature infants requiring ventilator support, IV therapy, and total parenteral nutrition.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing exceptional care for critically ill neonates in a Level III NICU setting.
- Assisted physicians with neonatal procedures such as intubation, umbilical line insertion, and lumbar puncture.
- Promoted family-centered care, involving parents in the decision-making process and educating them about their infant''s condition.
- Utilized advanced assessment skills to identify subtle changes in patient conditions promptly initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Provided emotional support to families during difficult times, demonstrating empathy and understanding in high-stress situations.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary communication by participating in daily rounds and collaborating with multidisciplinary medical teams.
- Administered medications and blood products safely, following established guidelines to minimize adverse effects on patients.
- Achieved positive patient outcomes, by closely monitoring vital signs and adjusting treatments accordingly.
- Contributed to hospital-wide initiatives aimed at improving patient safety and quality of care within the NICU setting.
- Reduced infection rates through strict adherence to infection control protocols and proper hand hygiene practices.
- Advocated for patients and families, ensuring their needs were met and concerns were addressed in a timely manner.
- Collaborated with case managers and social workers to develop comprehensive discharge plans for patients transitioning from NICU care to home or other facilities.
- Monitored and adjusted specialized equipment used in neonatal care, guaranteeing optimal operation for patient support.
- Improved family satisfaction by providing empathetic support and clear communication about their infant's condition and care requirements.
- Identified and responded to critical changes in neonates' conditions, initiating emergency procedures to stabilize patients.
- Administered critical medications and treatments to neonates, ensuring adherence to hospital protocols for patient safety.
- Advocated for needs of neonates and their families, liaising with healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective care strategies, optimizing outcomes for critically ill neonates.
- Conducted detailed patient assessments to monitor progress and identify any complications early, facilitating timely interventions.
- Received critical care experience
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Lakeland Community College
Willoughby, OH05-2005
Skills
- Decision-making
- Clinical leadership
- Care coordination
- Team leadership
- Compassionate and patient
- Patient care
- Nursing expertise
- Nursing care coordination
- Friendly and outgoing
- Evidence-based nursing
- Critical thinking
- Patient and family advocacy
Additional Information
- Working...
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Timeline
Charge Nurse/Service Leader
UH CMC Mentor Outpatient Surgery Center
08.2019 - Current
Staff Nurse Prentiss OR
UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital
08.2006 - 08.2019
NICU Registered Nurse
Metro Health Hospital
06.2005 - 06.2006
Associate of Science - Nursing
Lakeland Community College
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