Melissa Forinash
Lawrence
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) with progressive career history in direct patient care, triage and care coordination in fast-paced environment. Proven to remain calm under pressure and skillfully handle difficult patients and high-stress situations. Consistently developing strong relationships with patients and families through empathetic communication, respectful attitude, and excellent customer service.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Avalon Wellness and Recovery
04.2026 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs and coordinate care.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses to treatment plans.
Registered Nurse Care Coordinator
Lawrence Memorial Hospital
12.2025 - 04.2026
- Advocated for patients'' needs, ensuring access to necessary services and support systems.
- Maintained detailed documentation of patient interactions and interventions, facilitating clear communication among healthcare professionals.
Registered Nurse, Hospice
Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Provided compassionate end-of-life care to patients, ensuring comfort and dignity.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans for patients.
Registered Nurse
Advent Health Shawnee Mission, Behavioral Health
05.2024 - 09.2025
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Executed evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and quality of care standards.
Registered Nurse
University of Kansas Health Systems Neurology and Memory Care Clinic
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Elevated patient satisfaction through delivery of compassionate holistic nursing care addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive patient support and continuity of care.
Registered Nurse
University of Kansas Health Systems Marillac Campus
01.2019 - 03.2023
- Delivered direct patient care prioritizing comfort and safety for pediatric patients.
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with established protocols and guidelines.
- Conducted assessments, monitoring vital signs, and documenting changes in patient conditions.
Registered Nurse
Stormont Vail Behavioral Health, Child and Adolescent Unit
08.2017 - 10.2018
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized care strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments to identify patient needs.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate and empathetic communication with children and families.
Education Specialist
Stormont Vail Health, Pediatric and PICU Units
11.2015 - 08.2017
- Developed and implemented educational programs for nursing staff, enhancing clinical competencies and patient care standards.
- Facilitated training sessions on best practices in evidence-based nursing, improving knowledge retention among participants.
Registered Nurse
Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Progressive Care / Intensive Care Units
10.2013 - 02.2015
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Administered medications safely according to established guidelines while closely monitoring for side effects or adverse reactions requiring intervention.
Registered Nurse
Providence Medical Center, Medical Telemetry
06.2012 - 10.2013
- Applied evidence-based strategies to enhance patient safety and elevate care quality standards.
Education
Education Specialist Degree - School Psychology
University of Kansas
05-1992
Associate of Applied Science Nursing Degree - undefined
Johnson County Community College
05-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
William Jewell College
05-1990
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
William Jewell College
01-1990
Skills
- Comprehensive patient evaluations
- Patient care management
- Clinical decision-making
- Documentation proficiency
- Electronic medical records expertise
- Relationship building
- Patient education
- Complex Problem-solving
- Medication and IV administration
- Infection control measures
- Intake and discharge processes
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Avalon Wellness and Recovery
04.2026 - Current
Registered Nurse Care Coordinator
Lawrence Memorial Hospital
12.2025 - 04.2026
Registered Nurse, Hospice
Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association
09.2025 - 12.2025
Registered Nurse
Advent Health Shawnee Mission, Behavioral Health
05.2024 - 09.2025
Registered Nurse
University of Kansas Health Systems Neurology and Memory Care Clinic
03.2023 - 03.2024
Registered Nurse
University of Kansas Health Systems Marillac Campus
01.2019 - 03.2023
Registered Nurse
Stormont Vail Behavioral Health, Child and Adolescent Unit
08.2017 - 10.2018
Education Specialist
Stormont Vail Health, Pediatric and PICU Units
11.2015 - 08.2017
Registered Nurse
Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Progressive Care / Intensive Care Units
10.2013 - 02.2015
Registered Nurse
Providence Medical Center, Medical Telemetry
06.2012 - 10.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
William Jewell College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
William Jewell College
Associate of Applied Science Nursing Degree - undefined
Johnson County Community College
Education Specialist Degree - School Psychology
University of Kansas