Melissa Cope
Summary
Focused Clinical Director with a background spent overseeing budget, personnel and regulatory concerns. A highly collaborative leader with skills in assigning caseloads, participating in meetings with clinical staff and ensuring that facility policies are observed. Offering exemplary communication and organizational skills.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Clinical Services
Apple Rehab
02.2022 - Current
- Expert-level knowledge of CT/RI state and Federal regulations and regulatory compliance.
- Self motivated with a strong adherence to personal responsibility.
- Oversight of all Clinical Operations for 20 Long Term Care Facilities.
- Leads and oversees three Corporate Clinical Specialists.
- Leadership role in collaboration with corporate directors in improving Quality Measures and Five Star ratings
- Extensive expertise in problem-solving accidents/incidents in nursing facilities and ability to enact plans of corrective action.
- Strong advocate and experienced in Culture Change in Long Term Care from medical model to individualized/community model
- Conduct Mock Surveys and develops OAPI for facilities
- Oversees Surveys and Complaint Investigations
- Develop and assist in the implementation for all plans of correction related to surveys.
- Extensive experience in overseeing, implementing and evaluating corrective plans related to Consent Orders
- Develop and Implement Nursing Policies and Procedures Manuals including Infection Control Policies and Procedures utilizing evidence based practices.
- Implemented successful healthcare program through professionalism, quality of care, medical teaching and patient satisfaction.
- Implemented ongoing learning strategies such as tutorials, instructional modules, and hands-on sessions to help nurses and staff improve understanding of best care practices.
- Conduct monthly DNS/ADNS and SD/IC meetings in order to provide education on current standards of practice and regulatory compliance
- Designed and introduced leadership development, coaching and team management model, resulting in promotion of employees into increased levels of responsibility.
- Evaluated program performance regularly, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes in a timely manner.
- Collaborated effectively with other organizational leaders improving overall service offerings available to residents and their families.
- Increased staff retention rates through effective leadership, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
- Managed financial resources efficiently, optimizing budgets for maximum service delivery without compromising patient care quality.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations.
- Conducted comprehensive audits to ensure clinical services adhered to established standards, maintaining a high level of accountability across the organization.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
Corporate Clinical Specialist
Apple Rehab
10.2007 - 02.2022
- Oversaw 8 Long Term Care Facilities within Apple
- Provided leadership and support to nursing department. Mentoring new DNS/ADNS
- Conducted annual and complaint survey preparation
- Assisted in writing and implementing plans of corrections from surveys
- Identified and resolved any regulatory compliance risks
- Conducted written medical/nursing chart reviews
- Reviewed facility systems such as Accident/Incidents, DPH reportables, falls, weight loss, wounds, infection control, elopement risks, admissions, rehospitalizations, discharges, grievances related to nursing care, etc. and suggested improvements and assisted in improvement processes.
- Assisted in educational programs/meetings for Nursing Department and any educational series implemented in the company for nursing staff
- Developed Congestive Heart Failure Program for Apple
- Provided hands on assistance in overseeing 2 Consent Orders
- Provided weekly written reports to the Director of Clinical Services
- Functioned as Interim DNS in 7 facilities when needed to improve quality of care.
Interim Director of Clinical Service
Apple Rehab
04.2015 - 09.2016
Director of Nursing
Apple
02.2001 - 10.2007
- Collaborated with staff, management, and external groups to coordinate patient care.
- Recruited, hired and trained all staff, providing direct supervision, ongoing staff development and continuing education to employees.
- Planned and assigned workload to nursing staff to direct patient care.
- Championed a culture of continuous learning by promoting professional development opportunities for nursing staff.
- Promoted a culture of safety by enforcing compliance with infection control policies and procedures.
- Ensured regulatory compliance by staying current on industry standards and updating policies accordingly.
- Built and maintained positive working relationships with physicians and staff to support seamless healthcare operations.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners to facilitate continuity of care for patients transitioning between healthcare settings.
- Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for patients with complex needs.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
- Streamlined nursing operations by optimizing staffing schedules, resource allocation, and workflow.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care.
- Evaluated work performance of nursing personnel.
- Participated in survey process and implemented Plans of Correction.
- Worked closely administration to develop and implement best practices to improve patient outcomes.
- Managed budgets effectively, identifying cost-saving measures while maintaining high-quality patient care standards.
- Developed positive employee relations, incentives, and recognition programs to promote teamwork and mutual respect.
- Monitored and evaluated nursing staff performance, providing feedback and guidance to support standards of care.
Nursing Supervisor
Apple
08.1996 - 02.2001
- Coordinated nursing care for patients and participated in patient and family education.
- Promoted interdisciplinary collaboration by fostering strong relationships with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals.
- Communicated with patients, ensuring that medical information was kept private.
- Provided direct nursing care to patients.
- Streamlined workflow for nursing staff by conducting regular unit assessments and process improvements.
- Delegated tasks and provided leadership nurses and support personnel.
- Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
- Established and continuously optimized unit schedules and individual work assignments.
- Supervised, directed, and motivated high-quality performance from nursing staff.
Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Saint Francis Hospital
08.1996 - 08.1997
- Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Educated family members on post-discharge care instructions and available community resources, facilitating smooth transitions from acute care settings to home environments.
- Administered medications accurately and safely, following hospital protocols and standards of practice.
- Maintained accurate documentation of all nursing interventions and ongoing assessments, contributing to clear communication among healthcare team members.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT05.1996
Skills
- Personnel Management
- Risk Management
- Resource Allocation
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Quality Control
- Process Implementation
- Medicare Compliance
- Electronic Medical Record Software
- Risk Mitigation
- Critical Thinking
- Performance Improvement
Certification
Infection Control Preventionist
Dementia Certified
Timeline
Director of Clinical Services
Apple Rehab
02.2022 - Current
Interim Director of Clinical Service
Apple Rehab
04.2015 - 09.2016
Corporate Clinical Specialist
Apple Rehab
10.2007 - 02.2022
Director of Nursing
Apple
02.2001 - 10.2007
Nursing Supervisor
Apple
08.1996 - 02.2001
Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Saint Francis Hospital
08.1996 - 08.1997
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Saint Joseph
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