MELANIE BALOGUN
Chicago,IL
Summary
Patient-oriented, compassionate nursing professional experienced in patient care and advocacy within units. Accomplished at implementing policies, procedures and protocols to achieve core measures benchmarks. Caring and attentive preceptor dedicated to optimizing nurses' skills and knowledge. Expert in diverse aspects of patient care with success in overseeing shift activities. Proven clinical skills and sound judgement.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
CN2/NICU Charge Nurse
Cook County Health Hospital SystemsCHICAGO
Chicago, IL
02.2004 - 08.2024
- Reviewed staffing patterns and census of nursing units, meeting staffing needs and budgetary controls.
- Met with administrator to discuss patient care status, issues and information.
- Complied with OSHA programs, maintaining safe and clean working environment.
- Distributed assignments to RNs, LPNs and resident advisors, guided work and delivered training to promote proper care standards for patients.
- Coordinated, tasked and supervised nurses and ancillary staff based on staffing requirements.
- Directed unit staff and promoted quality care for diverse patients.
- Coordinated and performed patient admissions, transfers and discharges.
- Built and maintained strong working relationships between nursing department and other disciplines.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare specialists to devise, implement and modify plans of care defining patient outcome goals
- Organized and delegated tasks during rapid response and high-pressure code situations.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Supported physicians and consultants with tests and procedures.
- Coordinated with healthcare team to establish, enact and evaluate patient care plans.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
Mount Sinai Health System
Chicago, IL
06.1998 - 04.2005
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
- Evaluated patient vital signs and laboratory data to assess needs and provide emergency interventions.
- Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
- Checked on patients regularly to track progress with treatments, changes in symptoms and need for emergency interventions.
- Kept track of patients' changing pain levels and proactively worked to minimize excess pain or discomfort.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing Science
City Colleges of Chicago - MALCOLM X College
Chicago, IL05-1997
High School Diploma -
PROVIDENCE ST MEL COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Chicago, IL05-1989
Illinois State University
Normal, ILSkills
- Care Coordination
- Licensed RN
- Ward Management
- Nursing Care Coordination
- Decision-Making
- Patient care planning
- Team Leadership
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
CN2/NICU Charge Nurse
Cook County Health Hospital SystemsCHICAGO
02.2004 - 08.2024
Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
Mount Sinai Health System
06.1998 - 04.2005
Associate of Science - Nursing Science
City Colleges of Chicago - MALCOLM X College
High School Diploma -
PROVIDENCE ST MEL COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Illinois State University