Melissa Collins
Lancaster
Summary
Over 20 years of experience in healthcare as a Registered Nurse, specializing in Intensive Care and Trauma Units. Proven track record in precepting new and student nurses, as well as serving as charge nurse and resource nurse. Demonstrated leadership in high-pressure environments, including participation in code teams. Committed to delivering high-quality patient care and mentoring future nursing professionals. Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Compassionate Intensive Care Registered Nurse known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Skilled in patient monitoring, emergency response, and critical care nursing. Excel at communication, empathy, and teamwork to provide exceptional patient care under stressful conditions.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Piedmont Medical Center
Rock Hill
03.2020 - 07.2020
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and assisted with medical procedures.
- Utilized critical thinking to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Maintained safety by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices and hospital standards.
- Managed comprehensive care for critically ill patients, ensuring adherence to ICU protocols.
- Responded effectively to code blue situations with advanced resuscitation techniques.
- Performed bedside procedures including wound care, intubations, and catheterizations.
- Evaluated lab results and implemented necessary actions to address findings.
- Operated and maintained life support systems and other medical equipment with precision and care.
- Trained new nursing staff and students, sharing knowledge and best practices in critical care nursing.
RN/Neurology ICU Step Down Unit
University Hospital
Augusta
03.2017 - 07.2018
- Managed care for critically ill patients at Level II Trauma Center, Magnet Hospital.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Managed complex cases involving multiple diagnoses or treatments.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocols.
- Served as relief charge nurse, ensuring effective team leadership during shifts.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
- Relief Charge Nurse.
RN/Charge Nurse/Lead Preceptor, ICU Unit
Woodwinds Health Campus
Woodbury
10.2014 - 04.2016
- Managed care for critically ill patients in level III trauma center.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies and procedures related to ICU operations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members in order to provide quality patient care.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Responded quickly and efficiently to any changes in patient condition or treatment plan.
- Performed bedside procedures, including intubation, central line placement, arterial lines, chest tubes and wound care.
- Identified potential safety risks in the ICU environment and took appropriate action to mitigate those risks.
- Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
- Served as a resource for staff, leveraging extensive ICU, CCU, and trauma expertise.
- Participated in various staff committees, including critical care and preceptor committees.
RN: Trauma/Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Regions Hospital
Saint Paul
08.2012 - 12.2013
- Managed care for critically ill and injured patients in Level One Trauma Unit.
- Served as resource nurse, providing guidance across entire hospital.
- Oversaw highest level of trauma interventions to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Trained staff on protocols and procedures in high-pressure situations.
- Assisted with intubation, ventilator management and chest tube insertion as needed.
- Monitored vital signs to detect changes in patient status, such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate.
- Responded quickly and effectively to code blue events occurring within the unit.
- Utilized critical thinking skills when making decisions involving life-saving measures in emergency situations.
- Administered medications via intravenous push or continuous infusion pumps.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all nursing assessments, interventions, treatments and evaluations performed according to hospital policy and procedures.
- Reported any changes in patient's condition to the physician on duty.
- Managed comprehensive care for critically ill patients, ensuring adherence to ICU protocols and guidelines.
- Responded to life-saving situations using appropriate resuscitation techniques and emergency protocols.
- Maintained meticulous records of patient care, treatment plans, and progress notes in electronic health systems.
- Stocked clinical workstations and procedure rooms with necessary supplies.
RN/Shift Leader 3-11pm, House Supervisor Past 5pm
Westfields Hospital
New Richmond
07.2013 - 10.2013
- Served as charge nurse for medical and surgical unit, ensuring high-quality patient care.
- Assisted staff with routine nursing duties, including medication administration and meal distribution.
- Provided backup support to OR, OB, and ER teams during high-demand situations.
- Managed call light response to address patient needs promptly and efficiently.
- Actively listened to concerns from both patients and staff members regarding issues related to patient care.
- Resolved conflicts among nursing staff in a timely manner while promoting positive working relationships.
- Investigated incidents involving patients or staff members, documenting findings as necessary.
- Assisted with onboarding of new nurses by providing orientation materials and training sessions.
- Provided clinical leadership and direction for nursing staff, ensuring that all tasks were completed in accordance with accepted standards of care.
RN/Intensive Care Unit
Parker Adventist Hospital
Parker
02.2012 - 06.2012
- Managed care for critically ill and injured patients in Level III trauma center.
- Oversaw diverse cases, ensuring adherence to established protocols and standards.
- Coordinated interdisciplinary team efforts to optimize patient outcomes in high-stress environments.
- Monitored vital signs, such as blood pressure, temperature, respiration rate, pulse rate and weight.
- Successfully managed multiple tasks while maintaining focus on providing safe, high-quality patient care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members in order to provide quality patient care.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Actively participated in continuing education opportunities related to critical care nursing practices.
- Performed bedside procedures, including intubation, central line placement, arterial lines, chest tubes and wound care.
- Provided emotional support for family members during end-of-life situations.
- Analyzed laboratory results and other diagnostic tests in order to develop an appropriate plan of care for individual patients.
- Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
- Administered medications as prescribed by physicians.
- Assessed and monitored vital signs of critically ill patients.
- Managed comprehensive care for critically ill patients, ensuring adherence to ICU protocols and guidelines.
RN-Cardiology Clinic
South Denver Cardiology Clinic
Littleton
12.2011 - 02.2012
- Administered Coumadin Clinic dosing protocols to enhance patient management.
Delivered lab results via phone, facilitating informed decision-making for patients.
Addressed patient inquiries with clarity, enhancing communication effectiveness.
Executed follow-up calls to reinforce care plans and address any issues. - Educated patients on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Advised family members on the best course of action for their loved ones' healthcare needs.
- Counseled patients and caregivers, providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support.
RN/ICU Unit
Sky Ridge Medical Center
Lone Tree
09.2011 - 02.2012
- Managed care for critically ill level II and III trauma patients.
- Oversaw post-operative care for open heart and surgical patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient management.
- Monitored vital signs and adjusted treatment plans based on clinical assessments.
- Actively participated in multidisciplinary rounds with physicians, nurses, case managers and other healthcare professionals.
- Administered medications, fluids and electrolytes according to physician orders.
- Instructed patients and family members regarding post-operative care instructions, wound care and medications.
- Monitored electrocardiograms for arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities.
- Provided leadership role in mentoring new staff members on policies and procedures related to Cardiac ICU nursing practices.
- Conducted frequent physical assessments of patients in the Cardiac ICU and communicated changes to physicians.
- Responded promptly to medical emergencies such as cardiac arrests or respiratory distress.
- Performed advanced nursing procedures such as central line insertion, chest tube insertion and arterial line insertion.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
RN/Critical Care/ICU Unit
Mayo Clinic Health System
Eau Claire
12.2008 - 06.2011
- Managed care for critically ill and injured level one and two patients.
- Provided care for critically ill patients in an ICU setting, including monitoring vital signs and administering medications.
- Managed ventilators and other respiratory support devices as needed.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Identified abnormal and critical respiratory patterns through direct pulmonary assessments.
- Checked on patients regularly to track progress with treatments, changes in symptoms and need for emergency interventions.
- Detected emerging problems by monitoring patients' behavior, vital signs and fluid intake and output.
- Initiated extensive training with CVOR post-operative patients.
- Obtained certifications in CRRT and bedside dialysis.
- Provided specialized care for ECMO patients with severe conditions.
- Precepted new employees, nurses, and student nurses to enhance onboarding.
- Participated on education committee to improve staff training initiatives.
- Elected to CCU Council Committee to influence departmental decisions.
- Provided direct patient care and monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and cardiac rhythms.
- Initiated lifesaving measures such as CPR when needed during code blue situations.
- Performed venipuncture, intravenous therapy administration, and arterial blood gas draws.
- Evaluated laboratory results for abnormal values and took appropriate action based on findings.
- Responded quickly to changes in a patient's condition and reported them to the physician immediately.
- Attended continuing education courses related to cardiac ICU nursing practices.
RN/CCU
Sacred Heart Hospital
Eau Claire
06.2008 - 12.2008
- Oversaw patient management in Level II trauma center.
- Completed 69 hours of online nursing orientation through American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
- Ensured compliance with hospital policies and procedures related to ICU operations.
- Initiated resuscitation measures when necessary following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure events.
- Performed bedside procedures, including intubation, central line placement, arterial lines, chest tubes and wound care.
- Provided emotional support for family members during end-of-life situations.
- Provided care to a variety of complex medical and surgical patients.
- Analyzed laboratory results and other diagnostic tests in order to develop an appropriate plan of care for individual patients.
- Conducted ongoing assessment of pain levels among ICU patients.
- Assisted physicians with various invasive procedures within the ICU setting.
- Provided post-operative care after major surgeries such as heart bypasses or organ transplants.
- Assessed and monitored vital signs of critically ill patients.
- Managed comprehensive care for critically ill patients, ensuring adherence to ICU protocols and guidelines.
RN/ICU
Sky Ridge Medical Center
Lone Tree
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Oversaw patient care in ICU, ensuring optimal treatment and monitoring.
- Served as preceptor for new employees, facilitating training and integration.
- Trained in relief charge nurse duties to support team leadership.
- Assumed charge nurse responsibilities when needed, including delegating tasks to other staff members.
- Served as a preceptor for new RN staff members by providing orientation on unit protocols and standards of practice.
- Received specialized training in critical care management techniques such as hemodynamic monitoring or ventilator management.
- Participated in multidisciplinary rounds involving physicians, nurses, social workers and other healthcare professionals.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all assessments, interventions and patient progress in electronic medical records system.
- Assisted physicians with procedures such as intubation, chest tube insertion and central line placement.
- Provided direct patient care in the ICU setting, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment.
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care by facilitating family meetings and providing support during difficult times.
- Evaluated laboratory results to determine patient response to therapy or medication changes.
- Administered medications according to physician orders, including intravenous fluids or antibiotics.
- Provided direct care in surgical, cardiac and neurological critical care units.
- Managed PA catheters and arterials, vasoactive drug administration and titration, thrombolytic therapy, dysrhythmia interpretation, and chest tube management.
RN/Intermediate Neuro Care/ICU Step-Down Unit
Lutheran Medical Center
Wheatridge
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Served as primary charge nurse, overseeing daily operations and staff performance.
- Precepted new employees and nursing students, enhancing training effectiveness.
- Floated to ICU frequently to acquire knowledge and experience relevant to critical care.
- Managed patient assignments, ensuring high-quality care delivery.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies and equipment.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Implemented safety protocols when administering medications or performing treatments.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
- Provided emotional support for families facing difficult decisions regarding end-of-life care.
- Assisted in the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with other departments such as pharmacy, laboratory services, physical therapy, to ensure proper delivery of services.
- Assisted with admission and discharge planning for assigned patients.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Conducted daily rounds to assess patient conditions, evaluate progress towards goals, and document changes in status or plan of care as needed.
- Distributed assignments to RNs, LPNs and resident advisors, guided work and delivered training to promote proper care standards for patients.
- Audited patient charts in real-time, verifying accuracy and completion of information.
RN/Neurology Floor & Neurology Step-Down ICU Unit/Pediatrics
Sacred Heart Hospital
Eau Claire
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Acquired foundational nursing skills in first professional role after nursing school.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients, including administering medications, wound care, and IV therapy.
- Performed physical examinations and assessments of patients' medical histories.
- Ensured compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Carried out physician orders regarding tests or medication administration accurately and safely.
- Educated patients on health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment options.
- Administered prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved nursing protocols.
- Responded quickly to life-threatening situations by providing appropriate interventions.
- Educated patients on disease prevention and health maintenance.
- Trained new employees and nursing students to ensure consistent care standards.
- Advanced to charge nurse position overseeing both units, including pediatric unit.
- Provided leadership and support to nursing staff across multiple departments.
Education
Associate - Applied Sciences-Nursing
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Eau Claire, WI05.2003
Awards And Acknowledgements
- 2006 Nightingale Award Nominee, Lutheran Medical Center
- Special Recognition Award, 03/17/05, Sacred Heart Hospital
- Several recognitions over the years by universities and colleges for precepting
- Endless cards, letters, notes from all of my patients and families from over the years
Affiliations
- PTO Vice-President for Indian Land Middle School.
Accomplishments
- 2006 Nightingale Award Nominee; Lutheran Medical Center, Wheatridge, Colorado.
- 2005 Special Recognition Award; Sacred Heart Hospital, Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Certification
- Registered Nurse; South Carolina Nursing License Number 251248.
- BLS Certification; AHA, Issue Date 3/9/24, Renew by 03/2026.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Intensive Care Registered Nurse
Piedmont Medical Center
03.2020 - 07.2020
RN/Neurology ICU Step Down Unit
University Hospital
03.2017 - 07.2018
RN/Charge Nurse/Lead Preceptor, ICU Unit
Woodwinds Health Campus
10.2014 - 04.2016
RN/Shift Leader 3-11pm, House Supervisor Past 5pm
Westfields Hospital
07.2013 - 10.2013
RN: Trauma/Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Regions Hospital
08.2012 - 12.2013
RN/Intensive Care Unit
Parker Adventist Hospital
02.2012 - 06.2012
RN-Cardiology Clinic
South Denver Cardiology Clinic
12.2011 - 02.2012
RN/ICU Unit
Sky Ridge Medical Center
09.2011 - 02.2012
RN/Critical Care/ICU Unit
Mayo Clinic Health System
12.2008 - 06.2011
RN/CCU
Sacred Heart Hospital
06.2008 - 12.2008
RN/ICU
Sky Ridge Medical Center
01.2007 - 01.2008
RN/Intermediate Neuro Care/ICU Step-Down Unit
Lutheran Medical Center
01.2005 - 01.2007
RN/Neurology Floor & Neurology Step-Down ICU Unit/Pediatrics
Sacred Heart Hospital
01.2003 - 01.2005
Associate - Applied Sciences-Nursing
Chippewa Valley Technical College
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