MELANIE KURTZ
Mountville,PA
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse and Case Manager specializing in high-risk, medically complex populations across diverse healthcare settings. Expertise includes clinical assessments, case management planning, utilization management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Focused on chronic disease and ESRD management, SDoH evaluation, and virtual engagement to drive quality outcomes and ensure regulatory compliance.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN Case Manager – Integrated Kidney Care
DaVita Corporate Center
Malvern, PA
08.2015 - 01.2026
- Developed and implemented individualized case management plans based on data-driven identification of high-risk members to enhance member outcomes.
- Conducted comprehensive clinical assessments to evaluate member health status, comorbidities, psychosocial needs, health literacy, and readiness for behavior change.
- Coordinated care across acute, post-acute, and outpatient settings, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions.
- Performed inpatient review, discharge planning, and transitional care management to reduce readmissions and support safe transitions.
- Evaluated member needs and aligned services with benefit plans, advocating for appropriate, cost-effective care.
- Utilized motivational interviewing and coaching strategies to increase engagement and promote lifestyle/behavior changes.
- Facilitated referrals to home health, community resources, behavioral health, and disease management programs.
- Ensured accurate, timely documentation in compliance with CMS, NCQA, and organizational standards.
- Led POD as mentor for new RNs and care coordinators, providing guidance on assessment techniques, documentation, and case management workflows.
Home Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis Training RN
DaVita Dialysis
Lancaster, PA
04.2012 - 08.2015
- Assessed patient readiness for home dialysis therapies, ensuring tailored treatment plans.
- Educated patients and caregivers on disease management, infection prevention, and treatment adherence.
- Executed chart audits and quality reviews, upholding regulatory compliance and enhancing patient care.
- Oversaw facility infection control initiatives, promoting safety and adherence to quality standards.
RN, OR Circulator
Eyes of York Surgical Center
York, PA
05.2011 - 03.2012
- Delivered perioperative nursing care with precise documentation and thorough order verification to support patient safety.
- Collaborated with surgeons and healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Delivered patient care in pre-operative and post-operative settings at a surgical center.
- Assisted in preparing patients for eye surgeries and monitored recovery processes.
- Instructed patients on postoperative care while facilitating clear communication of clinical instructions among surgical team members.
Registered Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse
Lancaster General Health
Lancaster, PA
03.1999 - 03.2012
- Delivered acute and outpatient dialysis care for medically complex ESRD patients.
- Conducted clinical assessments, reviewed labs and diagnostics, and developed individualized nursing plans of care to enhance patient outcomes.
- Coordinated multidisciplinary care to ensure comprehensive support for optimal patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans and self-management strategies to promote adherence and improve health literacy.
- Trained new RNs and clinical staff on dialysis procedures and patient care standards.
CNA
Masonic Homes
Elizabethtown, PA
03.1992 - 02.1999
- Delivered individualized resident care according to care plans, enhancing overall resident satisfaction.
- Ensured resident safety, comfort, and well-being during ADLs, contributing to a supportive care environment.
- Recorded intake/output and guided new CNAs as Preceptor, fostering improved team competency.
E-4, Army Reserves
United States Army Reserve
Lancaster, PA
04.1991 - 02.1999
- Exhibited discipline and leadership in high-accountability environments, fostering teamwork and mission success.
- Provided clinical assistance and readiness support in medical support unit, ensuring operational logistics met mission requirements.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Albany, NYLicensed Practical Nurse -
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center
Lancaster, PASkills
- Case management
- Clinical assessment
- Discharge planning
- Medical Necessity Review
- Chronic disease management
- Transitional care
- Care review
- Care plan development
- Benefit Plan Interpretation
- Member engagement
- Patient Education Strategies
- Quality identification
- Social determinants
- Team collaboration
- Remote case management
- EMR documentation
- Microsoft 365 proficiency
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Pennsylvania Compact License
- CPR/BLS
- DaVita Spark Leadership Graduate
- DaVita Way of Managing Graduate
Additional Qualifications
- Extensive experience managing chronic and comorbid conditions
- Strong patient and family engagement skills
- Skilled in remote and virtual care management
- Proficient in EMR navigation, documentation, and care plan development
Military Service
United States Army Reserve, 322nd General Hospital, Lancaster, PA, E-4, 04/01/91, 02/01/99, Served in a medical support unit providing clinical assistance, readiness support, and operational logistics., Demonstrated strong discipline, teamwork, and leadership in high-accountability environments.
Timeline
RN Case Manager – Integrated Kidney Care
DaVita Corporate Center
08.2015 - 01.2026
Home Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis Training RN
DaVita Dialysis
04.2012 - 08.2015
RN, OR Circulator
Eyes of York Surgical Center
05.2011 - 03.2012
Registered Nurse / Licensed Practical Nurse
Lancaster General Health
03.1999 - 03.2012
CNA
Masonic Homes
03.1992 - 02.1999
E-4, Army Reserves
United States Army Reserve
04.1991 - 02.1999
Associate of Science - Nursing
Excelsior College
Licensed Practical Nurse -
Lancaster County Career & Technology Center