Melanie Oudkerk, BSN, MSN, FNP-BC

• Conducted approximately 6-8 comprehensive outpatient cardiovascular assessments, including physical exams and evaluation of patient histories, to develop individualized care plans for patients with acute and chronic cardiac conditions.
• Organized and assisted with a variety of outpatient interventional cardiology procedures, such as stress testing, Holter monitor placement, EKG interpretation, and pre- and post-cardiac catheterization management.
• Ordered, interpreted, and integrated laboratory and diagnostic findings—including echocardiograms, stress tests, and advanced imaging—into personalized outpatient treatment strategies.
• Educated patients and families on cardiovascular disease prevention, medication management, risk factor modification, and lifestyle changes, ensuring understanding and adherence to care plans.
• Provided detailed procedural education and pre-/post-procedure instructions, empowering patients to actively participate in their cardiac care and recovery.
• Coordinated closely with interdisciplinary teams, including cardiologists, nurses, and allied health professionals, to facilitate seamless transitions of care and optimize patient outcomes in the outpatient setting.
• Maintained meticulous documentation of patient encounters, procedures, and follow-up care in compliance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
• Participated in outpatient Quality Assurance, Infection Control, and Program Evaluation initiatives to continually improve clinical protocols and patient safety.
• Served as a resource and mentor for nursing staff and clinic assistants, providing consultative direction and ongoing education on outpatient cardiac procedures and patient management.
  
  

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• Identified members at risk for hospitalization or adverse health events and implemented targeted interventions to mitigate these risks.
• Conducted 25- 30 comprehensive remote assessments of members monthly to identify health risks, gaps in care, social needs, and barriers to optimal health outcomes through telehealth consultations.
• Developed personalized, evidence-based care plans in collaboration with members, healthcare providers, and multidisciplinary teams to promote disease management and wellness.

• Delivered comprehensive nursing care across pediatrics, adults, geriatrics, and specialty services (cardiology, dermatology, podiatry, gynecology, ophthalmology).
• Provided urgent care services, including triage, wound care management, medication administration, and management of acute minor illnesses and injuries such as ear and eye irrigation, immunization administration, and suturing.
• Reviewed and processed prior authorization requests for DME, medications, and procedures per Medicare and Medicaid guidelines.
• Led patient education sessions and support groups focused on heart health, empowering patients with knowledge to make informed decisions and adopt healthier lifestyles.
• Efficiently managed a high-volume workflow by triaging and responding to approximately 30–40 patient inquiries daily—including calls, emails via EPIC, and faxes—to coordinate care, address clinical concerns, and ensure timely, accurate documentation within the electronic health record.

• Administered complex infusion therapies—including biologics, chemotherapy, antibiotics, pain medications, intravenous hydration, and specialty medications—for approximately 15 patients per shift, utilizing advanced infusion devices and evidence-based protocols to achieve a 98% therapy success rate and minimize adverse events.
• Utilized advanced infusion pumps and catheter systems, achieving 100% compliance with medication administration safety protocols and infection control standards, as reflected in zero reported infusion-related complications over 12 months.
• Provided comprehensive education to over 100 patients and caregivers on infusion procedures, device care, and post-infusion monitoring, resulting in a 25% increase in patient self-management confidence and a measurable reduction in unplanned readmissions.
• Specialized in delivering patient-centered pain management for individuals with acute and chronic pain conditions, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve a 30% improvement in patient-reported pain scores and enhanced quality of life metrics over six months.
  

• Delivered high-quality nursing care to an average of 6–8 patients per shift across surgical, cardiac, and pulmonary units, leveraging specialized training in ventilated patients and contributing to a 20% reduction in unit-acquired complications.
• Conducted over 200 pre-operative assessments annually and provided targeted education to patients and families on post-operative care, wound management, and activity restrictions, resulting in a 15% decrease in post-surgical readmissions and enhanced patient satisfaction scores.
• Monitored cardiac arrhythmias, MI screenings, anticoagulation therapy, and ventilator settings for up to 10 critical care patients per shift, ensuring optimal oxygenation and ventilation while reducing respiratory distress-related complications by 18% among patients with COPD, ARDS, or pneumonia.