Melanie S. West
Washington,OK
Summary
Accomplished Critical Care Nurse and Educator with a Master's in Nursing and16+ years of acute care and healthcare management experience. Passionate about educating healthcare teams and empowering patients. Expertise in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, program development, and staff training. Proven ability to design and implement initiatives that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Strong organizational and analytical skills with a collaborative approach to improve team performance and patient outcomes.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contract Nurse - Critical Care & Cardiac Specialization
Various Agencies
10.2015 - 10.2024
- Managed critically ill patients in various acute care settings, including cardiac and COVID-19 units
- Proficient in high-acuity care, including post-operative recovery, stroke care, and advanced cardiac procedures
- Delivered patient care across a wide range of conditions, including post-open heart, IABP, and STEMI patients
- Administered thrombolytic therapy and managed CRRT, vasoactive medications, and advanced cardiac devices
- Mentored and precepted novice nurses while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams
- Enhanced care protocols and improved patient outcomes across multiple settings
- Contract Locations (selected agencies):
- Aya Healthcare, UT Health East Texas, San Diego, CA | Jul2024–Oct2024
- Supplemental Health Care, CaroMont Regional Medical Center, NC | Dec2023–Apr2024
- Cross Country TravCorps, Integris Southwest, OK | Aug2021–Nov2021
- Trustaff, St
- Johns Medical Center, OK | Oct2015–Jul2016
Clinical Professor
Kramer School of Nursing
10.2018 - 05.2020
- Mentored student nurses in clinical settings, including Critical Care, Mental Health, and Adult Health
- Assisted in simulation labs to develop students' problem-solving skills
- Provided guidance and instruction in clinical settings while assessing student progress and critical thinking
Nurse Manager/Director
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
01.2012 - 10.2015
- Managed five departments, including a24-bed cardiovascular unit and a36-bed oncology unit, overseeing120 staff and15 contract nurses
- Led the implementation of the Paragon EHR and drove quality initiatives
- Successfully achieved Joint Commission recertification across all departments
- Standardized nurse competencies and developed unit-based councils to improve workflows and communication
- Mentored staff and facilitated physician-nurse collaboration to improve patient care
House Supervisor
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
10.2010 - 10.2015
- Coordinated staffing and patient placement for a267-bed trauma center
- Managed patient and family concerns and led response efforts to code events and rapid responses
- Ensured smooth hospital operations by coordinating bed assignments and staffing needs
ICU Charge Nurse
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
12.2008 - 12.2012
- Led a12- and14-bed ICU, overseeing patient care while managing staffing and productivity
- Mentored new nurses and assisted with EHR implementation
- Managed care for high-acuity patients and developed protocols to meet Joint Commission standards
Education
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK12.2008
Associate in Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Cameron University
Lawton, OK12.2007
Licensed Practical Nurse -
Great Plains Technology Center
Lawton, OK12.1991
Skills
- Clinical judgment
- Compassionate care
- EKG interpretation
- Diabetes management
- Geriatric care
- Healthcare software proficiency
- Cardiac care
- Medication and IV administration and teaching
- Compassion and empathy
- Strong clinical judgment
- Infection control measures
- Team coordination
- Relationship building
- Patient education and counseling
- Patient assessments
- Patient care planning
Certification
- Certified Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) –2008–Present
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) –2008–Present (Instructor2009–2014)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) –2008–2020
- Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) –2008–2014 (Instructor2010–2014)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) –1991–Present (Instructor2006–2014)
Affiliations
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses –2008–Present
- Sigma Theta Tau Nursing Honor Society –2018–2020
Languages
German
Professional Working
Timeline
Clinical Professor
Kramer School of Nursing
10.2018 - 05.2020
Contract Nurse - Critical Care & Cardiac Specialization
Various Agencies
10.2015 - 10.2024
Nurse Manager/Director
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
01.2012 - 10.2015
House Supervisor
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
10.2010 - 10.2015
ICU Charge Nurse
Comanche County Memorial Hospital
12.2008 - 12.2012
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
University of Oklahoma
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Oklahoma
Associate in Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Cameron University
Licensed Practical Nurse -
Great Plains Technology Center
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