Heather Cowan
Melissa
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with a focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Experienced with leadership and managing nursing teams to enhance patient care. Utilizes effective healthcare protocols to drive positive patient outcomes. Knowledge of staff training, development, and problem-solving in dynamic healthcare environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Cluster Nurse Manager/Administrator
University of Texas Medical Branch
3801 Silo Rd Bonham, Tx 75418
02.2023 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations of nursing staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and quality standards.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced patient care delivery and operational efficiency.
- Mentored and trained new nursing staff, fostering professional development and team cohesion.
- Managed staff scheduling and time off to adequately staff nursing floors and allow nurses' earned time off.
- Fostered open communication among nurses through regular team meetings, promoting collaboration and shared decisionmaking.
- Improved patient satisfaction scores by fostering a team-oriented environment among nursing staff.
- Evaluated skills of nursing personnel and verified staff certifications for validity.
- Served as a key point of contact between nursing staff, physicians, administration, and other healthcare professionals.
- Investigated and independently resolved complaints from staff, physicians, and patients by leveraging clinical judgment and unit management expertise.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive patient care strategies and interventions.
- Established performance metrics for nursing staff, driving accountability and continuous improvement in service delivery.
- Conducted regular audits of clinical practices, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
- Conducted performance evaluations and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth of nursing staff members.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
RN-Corrections-Arizona State Prison Complex-Perryville
Maxim Travel Agency
Goodyear, AZ
04.2022 - 01.2023
RN-ER California Health Department Crisis
Prolink Travel Agency
Hanford, Ca
01.2022 - 02.2022
- Adventist Health Hanford, Ca 28 bed ER
RN-ER
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Tx
11.2021 - 01.2022
- 72 bed ER
RN-Corrections
Maxim Travel Agency
Airway Heights, WA
02.2021 - 09.2021
- Airway Heights Correctional Center, Airway Heights, WA Feb 01, 2021-March 29,2021
RN-ER Charge Nurse, House Supervisor
Methodist Medical Center
Richardson, TX
03.2015 - 02.2021
- Recorded patients’ medical history, vital statistics and test results in medical records.
- Maintained contact with doctors when patients conditioned changed. Able to triage patients effectively.
RN-ER
Lake Pointe Medical Center
Wylie, TX
01.2014 - 09.2015
- Triage patients effectively, give medications according to doctors� orders, assist doctors with procedures.
RN-ER
Baylor Medical Center
Dallas, TX
06.2009 - 08.2014
- Trauma Resource Nurse, Triage Leader, Team Leader, Flow coordinator of EMS, triage, record patients’ medical history, vital statistics and test results in medical records.
- Delivered high-quality and compassionate treatment to indigent and low-income patient community.
- Treated patients with strokes, head traumas, comas and intracranial hematomas, and myocardial infractions.
RN-ER
Medical City
Dallas, TX
05.2007 - 06.2009
- Assessed patient conditions during triage process, discharge, admit, and transfer patients while recording medical history, vital statistics, and test results in medical records to ensure accurate documentation.
- Maintained communication with doctors regarding changes in patients’ conditions to facilitate timely interventions.
- Delivered high-quality emergency care to diverse patient populations in fast-paced environment.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered treatment plans.
- Mentored junior nursing staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
RN-ER
Dallas Regional Medical Center
Mesquite, TX
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Administered medications, collaborating with staff and doctors to ensure patient care.
- Administered emergency care to patients in high-stress situations, ensuring rapid assessment and intervention.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement patient-centered care plans.
- Mentored new nursing staff, enhancing team efficiency and improving onboarding processes.
LVN-Neurosurgery/Trauma/Ortho-Floors
Children’s Medical Center
Dallas, TX
05.2000 - 12.2005
- Treated patients with head traumas, intracranial hematomas, head injuries, brain tumors, spina bifida, and myelomeningocele.
- Assessed patient conditions to identify and implement appropriate care strategies.
- Collaborated with Nurse Practitioners and Doctors during rounds to address changes in patient conditions.
- Monitored ICP and EVD, recorded patient temperature, pulse, and blood pressure to ensure timely intervention.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX12-2019
Master of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TX07-2026
Associate of Applied Science - Registered Nurse
Excelsior College
Albany, NY, USA01-2006
Associate of Applied Science - Licensed Vocational Nurse
North Central Texas College
Corinth, TX, USA08-1999
Skills
- Admissions, discharges, transfers
- Medication administration
- Computer charting: Epic, Cerner, Pearl
- Juggle heavy workload
- Quality assurance
- Time management
- Team collaboration under stress
- Team collaboration under pressure
- Strategic leadership
Certification
- RN
- CPR
Timeline
Cluster Nurse Manager/Administrator
University of Texas Medical Branch
02.2023 - Current
RN-Corrections-Arizona State Prison Complex-Perryville
Maxim Travel Agency
04.2022 - 01.2023
RN-ER California Health Department Crisis
Prolink Travel Agency
01.2022 - 02.2022
RN-ER
UT Southwestern Medical Center
11.2021 - 01.2022
RN-Corrections
Maxim Travel Agency
02.2021 - 09.2021
RN-ER Charge Nurse, House Supervisor
Methodist Medical Center
03.2015 - 02.2021
RN-ER
Lake Pointe Medical Center
01.2014 - 09.2015
RN-ER
Baylor Medical Center
06.2009 - 08.2014
RN-ER
Medical City
05.2007 - 06.2009
RN-ER
Dallas Regional Medical Center
09.2006 - 05.2007
LVN-Neurosurgery/Trauma/Ortho-Floors
Children’s Medical Center
05.2000 - 12.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Registered Nurse
Excelsior College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Texas At Arlington
Master of Science - Nursing
The University of Texas At Arlington
Associate of Applied Science - Licensed Vocational Nurse
North Central Texas College