Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Melanie Searfoss

Reading,PA

Summary

Accomplished House Supervisor at Tower Health Reading Hospital, adept in operations management and crisis response, significantly enhanced patient care and staff collaboration. Skilled in Epic Systems and conflict resolution, my leadership reduced overtime costs and improved patient satisfaction. Proven track record in fostering interdisciplinary teamwork and implementing efficient healthcare solutions.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

House Supervisor

Tower Health Reading Hospital
06.2016 - Current
  • Managed nursing staff schedules to ensure optimal coverage during peak hours and reduced overtime costs.
  • Streamlined communication between departments for improved patient flow and satisfaction.
  • Reviewed clinical documentation to asses standards and quality of care.
  • Monitored patient acuity levels closely, adjusting staffing assignments as needed for optimal care delivery.
  • Provided emergency response during shifts and when on-call.
  • Enhanced patient care by implementing efficient processes and utilizing resources effectively.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients, resulting in better outcomes.
  • Served as a liaison between administration and clinical staff, facilitating open communication channels for policy updates and concerns.
  • Fostered an inclusive work environment that valued diversity among staff members and encouraged collaboration across disciplines.
  • Conducted regular rounds on all units to assess overall functioning of the department while addressing any issues or concerns that arose.
  • Assisted in the recruitment process by interviewing potential candidates, contributing to a strong nursing workforce.
  • Collaborated with physicians regarding patient conditions, updates and necessary care changes.
  • Resolved conflicts among staff members, fostering more collaborative and supportive work environment.
  • Coordinated staffing needs during emergency situations, ensuring adequate resources were available for patient care.

Critical Care Float Pool Registered Nurse

Tower Health Reading Hospital
09.2013 - 06.2016
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Prevented the spread of infections by consistently adhering to strict infection control protocols and educating patients on proper hygiene practices.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for complex patients with multiple comorbidities.
  • Served as a preceptor for nursing students during their clinical rotations, providing valuable real-world experience and guidance to foster professional growth.
  • Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
  • Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
  • Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
  • Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.

Hemodialysis Registered Nurse

Tower Health Reading Hospital
07.2007 - 09.2013
  • Assisted in vascular access evaluations alongside physicians to determine suitable options for each individual patient''s needs.
  • Effectively managed emergency situations arising during dialysis treatments such as hypotensive episodes or access site bleeding.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between different stages of kidney disease by closely monitoring lab results trends over time.
  • Reduced hospital readmissions for dialysis patients by implementing individualized care plans and thorough patient education.
  • Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration, participating in team meetings and collaborating with physicians on treatment plans.
  • Streamlined communication between the dialysis team, ensuring timely updates on patient progress and changes in treatment plans.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient records, including treatment details and any observed reactions or side effects from therapy.
  • Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality hemodialysis care and monitoring vital signs during treatment.

Registered Nurse

Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
05.2006 - 07.2007
  • Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
  • Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate, holistic nursing care that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
  • Promoted a culture of safety within the healthcare facility by participating in quality improvement initiatives, identifying potential hazards, and advocating for best practices in nursing care delivery.
  • Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
05.2012

Diploma - Nursing

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
West Reading
06.2004

Skills

  • Staff Supervision
  • Crisis Response
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Excellent Communication
  • Certified in CPR/AED
  • Employee Supervision
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Operations Management
  • Patient Advocacy
  • Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (BLS)
  • Crisis Management
  • Epic Systems
  • Risk Management

Timeline

House Supervisor

Tower Health Reading Hospital
06.2016 - Current

Critical Care Float Pool Registered Nurse

Tower Health Reading Hospital
09.2013 - 06.2016

Hemodialysis Registered Nurse

Tower Health Reading Hospital
07.2007 - 09.2013

Registered Nurse

Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network
05.2006 - 07.2007

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Walden University

Diploma - Nursing

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences
Melanie Searfoss