Melissa DeCastro
Registered Nurse
Frankfort,IL
Summary
Masters prepared RN of 4 years and PMHNP student seeking to enhance community health while maintaining a professional partnership with a community of healthcare providers and scholars. Focused on decreasing stigma on mental health and promoting health and well-being across marginalized populations.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Clinical Nurse II
Rady Children's Hospital
San Diego, CA
03.2018 - 09.2021
- Distinguished with CARES Award (2018 & 2021) for promoting safety for patients and families in fast paced Urgent Cares and 100+ bed Emergency Shelters.
- Interviewed patients to obtain health information in Urgent Cares and Psychiatric Emergency Department.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to evaluate patient data and determine patient care plans.
- Monitored patients, evaluated results and recommended further courses of treatment to quickly improve patient outcomes.
- Evaluated patient progress and responses to various treatments.
- Provided counseling to patients and caregivers and referred families to community resources.
Clinical Nurse I
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
San Diego, CA
09.2017 - 03.2018
- Triaged pediatric (10%), adult (70%), and geriatric (20%) patients in fast paced 60 bed ED
- Demonstrated safe and non-judgemental care in 14 bed behavioral and psychiatric subunit
- Assessed patient conditions by performing thorough examinations and relaying vital information to the healthcare team.
Clinical Nurse I
Holy Cross Hospital
Chicago, IL
02.2016 - 05.2017
- Assessed pediatric (20%), adult (60%), and geriatric (20%) patients in high volume 40 bed ED.
- Monitored patients and alerted physicians or Charge nurses to changes in patient status.
- Accurately documented nursing assessment, treatments, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
Education
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner -
George Washington University
09.2021 - 05.2023
Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner -
International Association of Forensic Nurses
02.2021 - 03.2021
Certified Pediatric Nurse -
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
01.2020 - 02.2020
Behavioral Health Training Course - undefined
National University
Master of Sciences - Nursing
DePaul University
Bachelor of Sciences - Psychology
Loyola University
Skills
Child Advocacy
Mental health support
Care coordination
Staff management
Affiliations
- CASA of Cook County, Volunteer
- Albert Schweitzer Fellowship, Chicago Chapter, Fellows for Life
- Neuroscience Education Institute, Member
Timeline
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner -
George Washington University
09.2021 - 05.2023
Pediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner -
International Association of Forensic Nurses
02.2021 - 03.2021
Certified Pediatric Nurse -
Pediatric Nursing Certification Board
01.2020 - 02.2020
Clinical Nurse II
Rady Children's Hospital
03.2018 - 09.2021
Clinical Nurse I
Sharp Grossmont Hospital
09.2017 - 03.2018
Clinical Nurse I
Holy Cross Hospital
02.2016 - 05.2017
Behavioral Health Training Course - undefined
National University
Master of Sciences - Nursing
DePaul University
Bachelor of Sciences - Psychology
Loyola University