Melinda McKelvey

• Anticipated patient needs, managed expectations, and coordinated with the interdisciplinary team to optimize efficiency, patient safety, and patient satisfaction on the Progressive Care Observation Unit
• Routinely learned "on the fly" to successfully adapt to hospital protocol, unit culture, patient population, and documentation expectations across multiple units
• Dramatically expanded skill set beyond cardiopulmonary care by regularly floating to the Neurology Progressive Care Unit, Surgical Oncology Unit, and Medical Oncology Unit
• Received recognition by management on multiple occasions as an "Exceptional Team Member" based on direct observation and patient/family feedback
• Nominated for the Spirit Award for patient communication and fostering trust

• Managed quality care for patients with advanced and end-stage heart failure, end-stage renal disease, tension pneumothorax, end-stage liver disease, coronary artery disease, COPD and post-operative Zephyr valves, sepsis, Covid-19, advanced pulmonary hypertension, acute pulmonary embolism, and dysrhythmia on Cardio-Pulmonary Progressive Care Unit
• Routinely initiated and titrated cardiac infusions per protocol while monitoring patient response through physical assessment and telemetry
• Gained proficiency with CADD pumps and prostacyclin infusion, peritoneal dialysis, aquapharesis, chest tubes, PleurX catheters, post-cardiac catheterization care, tracheostomies, high flow oxygen delivery, central line management, and end-of-life care
• Collaborated competent care with practitioners by verifying interventions met treatment goals, advocating for patient needs and preferences, and identifying education gaps
• Diversified teaching skills by mentoring and precepting multiple cohorts of new graduate residents, new staff, and contracted Registered Nurses

• Gained clinical experience by working under guidance of Registered Nurse Preceptor on Acute Pulmonary and Congestive Heart Failure Units before transitioning to Nurse Extern role
• Strengthened skills in therapeutic communication, ethics, nursing leadership, blood transfusion protocol, sepsis recognition, and CPR/CODES through weekly professional enrichment sessions
• Engaged with preceptor as an active learner to grow in understanding of care plan rationales, physician communication, and delegation

• Promoted open communication with parents to meet behavioral and developmental goals
• Encouraged development of charge's personal strengths and interests through individually tailored exploratory and sensory play
• Administered medications regularly and participated in Occupational Therapy sessions with charge