Melissa Denniston
East Orange
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate nurse with over 20 years of experience in nursing and case management, demonstrating exceptional skills in patient care coordination, treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to manage complex cases and facilitate successful patient transitions through strategic planning and effective communication. Adept at working with diverse patient populations, with a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care. Utilizes evidence-based practice within daily routines to ensure the highest standard of care and stay informed of the latest research and best practices. Skilled in patient-centered care and excel in involving family members in the treatment process to ensure comprehensive support and understanding. Eager to leverage expertise and leadership skills to contribute to innovative healthcare solutions. Conscientious nurse with extensive experience advocating for the social and economic well-being of individuals and families.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Practitioner
Carewell Health Hospital
11.2024 - Current
- Administered diagnostic tests with point-of-care devices, facilitating timely medical decisions.
- Conducted physical examinations, identifying health issues and recommending appropriate interventions.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to treat underlying causes and relieve symptoms.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
Case Manager (Per Diem)
Overlook Hospital
08.2012 - 01.2025
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Assisted patients with denials and appeals review when they did not meet the clinical guidelines for admission
Case Manager, Substance Abuse Detox Unit
Carewell Health Hospital
06.2022 - 10.2024
- Develop comprehensive discharge plans for patients in the detox unit, coordinating with community resources and support services to ensure a smooth transition from inpatient care to home or outpatient settings.
- Assess patient needs and progress, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to deliver patient-centered care.
- Provide counseling and education to patients and families on substance abuse treatment options and recovery strategies.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Work closely with insurance companies to ensure patients meet criteria for inpatient stay
- Assisted patients with denials and appeals review when they did not meet the clinical guidelines for admission
R.N. Case Manager, Medical Unit
Carewell Health Hospital
12.2020 - 06.2022
- Coordinated patient care and discharge planning, ensuring efficient utilization of hospital resources and timely discharge of patients.
- Collaborated with healthcare teams to develop individualized care plans and facilitate communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Conducted patient assessments, monitored progress, and provided education to patients and families about treatment plans and post-discharge care.
- Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
- Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
Employee Health Nurse
Carewell Health Hospital
11.2017 - 12.2020
- Conducted physical exams for onboarding new employees, including MMR, PPD placement, drug screening, and flu vaccine outreach initiatives.
- Initiated the "Go Red for Women" program in February 2018 in conjunction with the American Heart Association. Planned and implemented a hospital-wide event with guest speakers and honored survivors of heart disease. This program continues as an annual event at Carewell Health.
- Implemented the "Wear Blue" initiative in June 2018 to raise awareness of men's health issues such as BPH and prostate cancer. Celebrated yearly in June.
- Managed workers compensation claims efficiently, facilitating timely return-to-work plans for affected employees.
- Enhanced employee well-being through the development of stress management workshops and mental health resources.
- Conducted ergonomic evaluations to identify areas for improvement in workstation design, helping reduce strain-related injuries among staff members.
Utilization Manager/Discharge Planning Coordinator
Palisades Medical Center
08.2015 - 11.2017
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop effective care plans tailored to individual patients'' needs.
- Analyzed data from utilization reports, identifying patterns and opportunities for cost savings without compromising patient care quality.
- Improved patient discharge process by coordinating with medical teams and ensuring timely communication between departments.
Utilization Manager/Discharge Planning Coordinator
Somerset Medical Center
12.2009 - 08.2015
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop effective care plans tailored to individual patients needs.
- Analyzed data from utilization reports, identifying patterns and opportunities for cost savings without compromising patient care quality.
- Improved patient discharge process by coordinating with medical teams and ensuring timely communication between departments.
Utilization Manager/Discharge Planning Coordinator
Saint Michael's Medical Center
06.2012 - 07.2015
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop effective care plans tailored to individual patients needs.
- Analyzed data from utilization reports, identifying patterns and opportunities for cost savings without compromising patient care quality.
- Improved patient discharge process by coordinating with medical teams and ensuring timely communication between departments.
Neuro Registered Nurse
Overlook Hospital
11.2004 - 03.2012
- Conducted neurological assessments at regular intervals, detecting subtle changes in clinical status that could signal worsening conditions or potential complications.
- Efficiently prioritized tasks during high-stress situations, maintaining a calm demeanor while providing exceptional patient care under challenging conditions.
- Implemented evidence-based strategies to prevent pressure injuries in high-risk patients, reducing overall incidence rates on the unit.
- Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
- Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality neuro care and implementing evidence-based nursing practices.
Unit Secretary
Overlook Hospital
06.1997 - 02.2004
- Maintained current and accurate medical records for patients.
- Answered telephone calls to offer office information, answer questions, and direct calls to staff.
- Maintained rapport with physicians, nurses and other healthcare personnel.
- Organized paperwork such as charts and reports for office and patient needs.
Education
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
South University
06-2025
Master of Science - Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Capella University
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
South College
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Muhlenberg College
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel
- Utilizes Milliman and InterQual criteria for care management
- Health Promotion
- Occupational health
- Patient Education
- Care Plan Development
- Chronic Disease Management
- Direct Patient Care
- Treatment Plan Development
- Client Advocacy
- Decision-Making
- Experienced with electronic health record systems such as Cerner, Epic, and Allscripts
Certification
American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Certification
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), American Heart Association
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers, American Heart Association
Languages
English
Personal Information
Title: MSN-FNP, MBA-HCM, BSN
Trainings
Trainings in InterQual and Milliman Care Guidelines
Certifications
01-2024
Awards and Honors
- Magna Cum Laude, South College, 2023
- National Society of Leadership and Success Nominee, Capella University, 2021
Timeline
Nurse Practitioner
Carewell Health Hospital
11.2024 - Current
Case Manager, Substance Abuse Detox Unit
Carewell Health Hospital
06.2022 - 10.2024
R.N. Case Manager, Medical Unit
Carewell Health Hospital
12.2020 - 06.2022
Employee Health Nurse
Carewell Health Hospital
11.2017 - 12.2020
Utilization Manager/Discharge Planning Coordinator
Palisades Medical Center
08.2015 - 11.2017
Case Manager (Per Diem)
Overlook Hospital
08.2012 - 01.2025
Utilization Manager/Discharge Planning Coordinator
Saint Michael's Medical Center
06.2012 - 07.2015
Utilization Manager/Discharge Planning Coordinator
Somerset Medical Center
12.2009 - 08.2015
Neuro Registered Nurse
Overlook Hospital
11.2004 - 03.2012
Unit Secretary
Overlook Hospital
06.1997 - 02.2004
Master of Science - Business Administration in Healthcare Management
Capella University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Capella University
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing
Muhlenberg College
Master of Science - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
South University
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
South College
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