Melissa Alford
Magnolia,United States
Summary
Registered Nurse specializing in improving patient outcomes through strategic care coordination and effective communication. Skilled in managing complex care needs and fostering teamwork to enhance recovery rates and patient satisfaction. Experienced in utilizing EMR systems for precise documentation and regulatory compliance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse (temporary contract)
SDMA Neurosurgery Clinic (Promed Staffing)
Jackson, MS
06.2026 - 08.2026
- Patient triage within this multi-provider neurosurgical clinic
- Managed prior authorizations for outpatient radiological procedures and referrals, ensuring timely follow-up on pending cases
- Coordinated peer-to-peer sessions to facilitate appeal process for denied prior authorizations
- Executed phone triage support, handled in-basket tasks, and routed patient concerns to assigned provider for further action
- Utilized EPIC EMR system for patient data management
- Familiarity with InterQual medical review
Registered Nurse (prn)
Beacham Memorial Hospital
Magnolia, MS
12.2024 - 04.2026
- Provided compassionate care to patients with acute and chronic conditions, fostering a healing environment that promoted comfort and satisfaction.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team to develop effective care plans, improving communication and patient outcomes.
- Monitored patient progress through detailed assessments, facilitating timely interventions that resulted in measurable health improvements.
- Analyzed patient progress data to adjust care plans, ensuring tailored treatments that optimized health outcomes.
- Maintained precise documentation of patient records in Azalea Health EMR, ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting quality of care.
- Trained new staff on patient care protocols, strengthening team adherence to best practices.
Staff RN
Baptist Memorial Medical Center
Jackson, MS
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Delivered compassionate care to patients with acute and chronic conditions, fostering a healing environment that enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate patient records in EPIC, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and enhancing care quality.
- Analyzed patient progress data to refine care plans, ensuring personalized treatments that improved health outcomes.
- Adapted to staffing needs by floating to various units, including Neuro/MedSurg and Orthopedics, to support patient care continuity.
- Trained new staff on patient monitoring protocols, promoting adherence to best practices and supporting team performance.
- Engaged in regular interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient care strategies, enhancing team collaboration and decision-making.
RN (Contract)
East Jefferson General Hospital, a Division of LCMC
Metairie, LA
02.2024 - 05.2024
- Provided compassionate care to patients with acute and chronic conditions, fostering an environment that enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction.
- Specialized in inpatient comprehensive medical rehabilitation for conditions including brain injuries, orthopedic issues, and chronic illnesses, contributing to improved patient mobility and quality of life.
- Analyzed patient progress data to refine care plans, ensuring personalized treatments that optimized health outcomes.
- Documented patient records in EPIC, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing overall care quality.
- Coordinated staffing across Neuro/MedSurg and Orthopedics units to facilitate uninterrupted patient care.
- Applied self-care nursing theories to empower individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses to achieve maximum functional independence.
- Directed and supervised ancillary nursing personnel while coordinating care activities with an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team to meet overall patient goals.
Staff RN (Contract)
Walthall General Hospital (Critical Access Hospital), a Division of Forrest Health Systems
Tylertown, MS
01.2023 - 02.2024
- Led nursing staff and managed patient care activities during assigned shifts to ensure high-quality care.
- Outpatient infusions (hydration, blood products, antibiotic therapy)
- Coordinated nursing care with interdisciplinary rehabilitation team, contributing to achievement of patient recovery goals.
- Prepared, administered, and documented medications via oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous routes.
- Monitored and adjusted specialized equipment to ensure optimal patient care.
- Performed wound care, indwelling catheter insertions, and IV initiation and maintenance to support patient treatment plans.
- Administered nutrition via PEGs and facilitated central line access for medication delivery.
- Reported adverse reactions to medications and treatments according to policy guidelines.
- Recorded patients' medical information and vital signs accurately and efficiently.
- Provided bedside care for diverse medical patients, enhancing recovery and comfort.
- Participated in discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition to home care.
Pre/Post-Op Registered Nurse
Digestive Disease Center, Southwest MS Regional Medical Center
McComb, MS
04.2019 - 12.2022
- Perioperative experience in such GI endoscopic procedures as: colonoscopy, EGD, bronchoscopy, PEG placement, ERCP, esophagoscopy, enteroscopy, flex sigmoidoscopy.
- GI LAB Intra-op experience as circulating nurse, surgical tech.
- GI LAB Endoscopic PACU experience.
- GI LAB Endoscopic pre-op experience.
- Demonstration of knowledge of DDC GI LAB equipment and its use.
- Maintained adequate levels of supplies, equipment, and medication.
- Assessing the physical status and physiological responses with proper monitoring and recording of vital signs, levels of consciousness, circulatory and respiratory functions, etc.
- Making adequate interpretation and follow-up of doctor's orders relevant to pre/post anesthesia patient needs.
- Administration of prescribed treatments and medications.
- Evaluation and documentation of patient's general condition pre-op, intra-op and prior to discharge from the DDC GI LAB.
- Receiving and/or reporting concise, complete information to nurse and/or fellow coworkers regarding patient information.
- Assisting with keeping statistical information and completion of the surgery logbook daily.
- Performing duties as a pre-op nurse, (intra-op) circulating nurse as needed, PACU nurse, secondary Recovery Room nurse.
Behavioral Health RN (Temporary Contract)
Riverplace Behavioral Health, a Division of Ochsner Health System
Laplace, LA
09.2022 - 11.2022
- Assessed patients' physical and behavioral health needs to develop and implement comprehensive nursing care plans.
- Educated patients and families on managing health conditions, improving understanding and adherence to treatment plans.
- Administered prescribed medications, adjusting dosages based on real-time evaluations of patient conditions.
- Delivered nursing care according to state Nurse Practice Act and facility protocols, ensuring quality and safety standards were met.
- Maintained accurate and timely medical records, ensuring all care information was recorded in the appropriate format.
- Promptly notified physicians of significant changes in patient status, including medical emergencies and medication responses.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic patient care and optimal recovery outcomes.
- Monitored patient progress, documenting changes to adjust care strategies for better health outcomes.
- Trained junior staff on nursing best practices and regulatory compliance, enhancing team performance and patient safety.
RN, PRN Staff Nurse
St. Helena Parish Hospital
Greensburg, LA
11.2019 - 12.2020
- Delivered nursing care in emergent and acute medical settings.
- Assessed patient conditions and prioritized care based on urgency.
- Administered medications and treatments while ensuring adherence to safety protocols and standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes through coordinated care strategies.
- Educated patients and families on effective health management and personalized recovery plans to promote understanding and adherence.
- Monitored vital signs and responded to changes in patient conditions promptly.
- Facilitated effective communication between healthcare providers and patients.
RN, Staff Nurse
St. Luke Home Health and Hospice
McComb, MS
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Provided compassionate hospice care as a Nurse Case Manager for terminally ill patients, ensuring personalized support tailored to individual needs.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of physicians and healthcare professionals to develop and implement effective care plans.
- Conducted regular patient assessments to evaluate health conditions and adjust care strategies, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
- Delivered medication administration with a focus on safety and adherence to protocols, achieving a reduction in medication errors.
- Managed admissions, discharges, and revocations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and streamlining patient flow.
- Responded promptly to changes in patient conditions, notifying physicians of critical updates.
- Provided emotional support to patients and families during end-of-life transitions, helping them cope with impending loss and grief.
- Guided patients and families in navigating paperwork and healthcare processes, improving overall patient experience.
- Maintained accurate and thorough patient records, facilitating seamless communication among care team members.
RN, Head Nurse
Anazia Medical Clinic
McComb, MS
04.2017 - 07.2018
- Acted as DON, Operations Manager for start-up of free-standing endoscopy center (DBA Southern Digestive Center in Tylertown, MS), enabling facility to obtain accreditation status.
- Supervised back-office staff to ensure efficient operations and high-quality patient care.
- Facilitated patient flow to enhance appointment scheduling and minimize patient wait times.
- Managed inventory levels to maintain adequate supplies, supporting seamless daily operations.
- Managed large volumes of phone triage.
- Scheduling of appointments, referral of patients, outpatient and in-office procedures.
- Assisted physicians with daily patient procedures.
- Performing/assisting with procedures such as: ABIs, PFTs, rhinoscopy prep and assist, glaucoma screens, phlebotomy and routine lab procedures, EKGs, ear irrigations, pap smears, etc.
- Handling of all patient assistance forms, medical leave forms, insurance disability forms, pre-authorizations for outpatient procedures and prescribed medications, and medication refill requests.
Perioperative Registered Nurse
Digestive Disease Center, Southwest MS Regional Medical Center
McComb, MS
06.2015 - 04.2017
- Performed RN duties in such endoscopic procedures including colonoscopy, EGD, bronchoscopy, PEG placement, ERCP, esophagoscopy, enteroscopy, flex sigmoidoscopy, and endocapsule placement.
- Circulated as nurse and served as surgical tech during surgical operations to ensure smooth workflow and patient safety.
- Assisted in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for endoscopic patients, ensuring quality recovery monitoring.
- Prepared patients for endoscopic procedures, demonstrating proficiency in GILAB equipment and its applications.
- Conducted thorough assessments of patients, monitoring vital signs and physiological responses to ensure safety.
- Administered prescribed treatments and medications while closely following pre- and post-anesthesia protocols.
- Maintained accurate documentation of patients' conditions pre-op, intra-op, and prior to discharge to ensure compliance with healthcare standards and continuity of care.
- Managed supply levels for equipment and medications, ensuring optimal readiness for procedures and minimizing delays.
- Applied sound judgment in problem-solving and addressing patient needs promptly.
Licensed Practical Nurse
09.1996 - 06.2015
- Utilized 19 years of LPN experience across skilled nursing facilities (SNF), long-term care (LTC), internal medicine, and emergency medicine.
- Monitored vital signs and clinical indicators, enabling early detection of health issues and timely interventions.
- Delivered compassionate patient care, enhancing patient satisfaction and promoting overall well-being.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop personalized care plans, improving communication and contributing to better health outcomes.
- Executed care coordination strategies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and improving service delivery.
- Maintained precise patient records and ensured compliance with health regulations, upholding quality standards in care delivery.
- Participated in continuous professional development to stay current with best practices and regulatory changes in patient care.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Wesson, MS05-2015
Certificate - Practical Nursing
Southwest Mississippi Community College
Summit, MS08-1996
High School Diploma -
South Pike High School
Magnolia, MS05-1991
Skills
- Direct patient care
- Clinical judgment
- Emergency care
- Medications knowledge
- Treatment knowledge
- Patient assessment
- Care planning
- Wound care
- IV medication administration
- Telemetry monitoring
- Diabetes management
- Rehabilitation nursing
- Mental health care
- Geriatric nursing
- Surgical nursing
- Perioperative nursing
- Chronic disease management
- Home health care
- Hospice and palliative care
- Disease prevention
- Patient education
- Care coordination
- Care continuum coordination
- Quality improvement
- Regulatory compliance
- Blood draw and sample collection
- ICD-10
- Post-anesthesia care
- ACLS certification
- CPR certification
- Infection control measures
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Clinical mentorship
- Supervisory experience
- Staff development initiatives
- Task prioritization
- Expansive nursing techniques
- Family support
- Healthcare referrals
- Claims management
- Pain management
- EPIC EMR software
- Wound care
- Patient-centered advocacy
- Pain management
- Acute care expertise
Certification
- Registered Nurse, MS State Board of Nursing, Compact Licensure
License Number: 900379
2015 to present - Licensed Practical Nursing, MS State Board of Practical Nursing
1996 to 2015 - CPR re-Certification with American Heart Association, conducted by Tulane Center for Advanced Medical Simulation and Team Training
October 2025; exp. October 2027
Timeline
Registered Nurse (temporary contract)
SDMA Neurosurgery Clinic (Promed Staffing)
06.2026 - 08.2026
Registered Nurse (prn)
Beacham Memorial Hospital
12.2024 - 04.2026
Staff RN
Baptist Memorial Medical Center
06.2024 - 07.2025
RN (Contract)
East Jefferson General Hospital, a Division of LCMC
02.2024 - 05.2024
Staff RN (Contract)
Walthall General Hospital (Critical Access Hospital), a Division of Forrest Health Systems
01.2023 - 02.2024
Behavioral Health RN (Temporary Contract)
Riverplace Behavioral Health, a Division of Ochsner Health System
09.2022 - 11.2022
RN, PRN Staff Nurse
St. Helena Parish Hospital
11.2019 - 12.2020
Pre/Post-Op Registered Nurse
Digestive Disease Center, Southwest MS Regional Medical Center
04.2019 - 12.2022
RN, Staff Nurse
St. Luke Home Health and Hospice
07.2018 - 09.2019
RN, Head Nurse
Anazia Medical Clinic
04.2017 - 07.2018
Perioperative Registered Nurse
Digestive Disease Center, Southwest MS Regional Medical Center
06.2015 - 04.2017
Licensed Practical Nurse
09.1996 - 06.2015
Associate of Science - Nursing
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
Certificate - Practical Nursing
Southwest Mississippi Community College
High School Diploma -
South Pike High School