Melissa Gaitley

Assessed conditions to determine appropriate care strategies

• Assisted husband with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety
• Collaborated with healthcare professionals to coordinate service delivery
• Trained new caregivers on best practices and caregiving techniques
• Assisted husband with activities of daily living, promoting independence and quality of life
• Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders
• Enhanced comfort by providing compassionate and attentive care, addressing individual needs and preferences
• Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help achieve nutritional objectives
• Provided safe mobility support to help husband move around personal and public spaces
• Administered medications as prescribed, ensuring accurate dosage and timely administration for maximum efficacy
• Recognized and reported abnormalities or changes in husband's health status to medical professionals
• Monitored vital signs, administered medications, and tracked behaviors to keep physicians well-informed.
• Implemented fall prevention strategies within the home environment by identifying hazards or obstacles that posed risk to patient safety
• Collaborated with healthcare team members to develop personalized care plans for husband, resulting in tailored support and improved wellbeing
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in caregiving techniques for dementia/early onset Parkinson's, enhancing the quality of care provided
• Supported daily hygiene needs by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming
• Assisted husband with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both at home and facilities
• Guided husband to restroom to support bladder and bowel relief requirements
• Implemented physical therapy to support patient improvement in muscle tone, range of motion and injury recovery

• Per-diem assignments in outpatient orthopedics
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
• Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
• Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
• Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
• Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
• Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
• Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
• Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
• Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
• Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Per diem in outpatient orthopedics
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care strategies and outcomes.
• Educated patients and families on rehabilitation processes and self-management techniques.
• Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.

• Per diem in outpatient orthopedics
• Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to enhance patient mobility and function.
• Observed and recorded patients' responses to therapies and exercises to report to practitioners and recommend adjustments to treatment plans.
• Designed customized home exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs for continued progress outside of clinic visits.
• Conducted clinical assessment and evaluation to determine patient needs.

• Owner and sole practitioner of an orthopedic clinic
• Streamlined documentation processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing efficiency.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing one-on-one attention and addressing individual concerns.
• Maintained open lines of communication with referring physicians to ensure coordinated care efforts.
• Improved patient mobility by developing personalized treatment plans and monitoring progress.
• Evaluated physician referrals and determined appropriate evaluation procedures according to patient needs and medical history.
• Educated patients and family members regarding diagnosis, injury prevention, and therapeutic treatments.
• Educated patients on injury prevention strategies, promoting long-term wellness and reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Promoted patient autonomy by teaching self-management techniques for chronic pain conditions.
• Marketing

• Outpatient orthopedics/sports med – Clinic supervisor
• Familiar with using Pilates reformer, chair, and Cadillac in clinical setting
• Limited marketing experience
• Developed individualized treatment plans to enhance patient mobility and functionality.
• Implemented evidence-based practices to improve rehabilitation outcomes for diverse patient populations.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient care and coordinate treatment strategies.
• Supervised clinical students, certified and licensed assistants, technicians, and volunteers.

• Outpatient orthopedics
• Mentored junior therapists in advanced treatment methodologies and best practices.
• Adapted therapy sessions and exercises according to patient progress and limitations.
• Conducted thorough evaluations to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal issues and determine appropriate interventions.
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to continuously enhance skills as a Physical Therapist.

• Outpatient orthopedics/sports med
• Assist clinical director in marketing and implementing programs
• Implemented evidence-based practices in treatment approaches, staying current with industry research and best practices.
• Recorded patient prognosis, treatment, and responses into reports and patient charts.
• Supported patients in achieving pain management goals through application of specialized modalities and therapeutic interventions.

• Outpatient orthopedics
• Managed high-volume caseload and organized daily schedules of assistants and patients.
• Utilized advanced manual therapy techniques to alleviate pain symptoms in a variety of patient populations.

• Selected for the opening team for this new facility
• Orthopedic, neurologic, spinal cord and brain injuries
• Evaluated assistive devices such as braces or prosthetics to provide recommendations for improved function and comfort.
• Mentored new physical therapists, fostering a supportive learning environment and sharing clinical expertise.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans for optimal patient outcomes.
• Led group therapy sessions for improved balance, flexibility, and strength in older adult populations.
• Optimized clinic efficiency by managing schedules, prioritizing cases based on urgency, and delegating tasks among staff members.
• Served as an advocate for patient needs within the healthcare system, working closely with insurance providers when necessary.
• Achieved significant improvements in patients' functional abilities, applying manual therapy techniques for musculoskeletal conditions.
• Improved patient satisfaction through compassionate care and effective communication of treatment plans and expectations.

• Orthopedic and neurological conditions in acute rehab
• Selected from peer group to provide clinical instruction and mentoring to a third-year PT student

• Orthopedic and neurological conditions in outpatient and acute settings
• Selected to teach back school for injured workers
• Clinical instructor to first-year PT student
• Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop tailored treatment plans.
• Analyzed patient progress data to adjust therapy plans for improved effectiveness.
• Developed strong relationships with patients, establishing trust and rapport to facilitate successful therapy outcomes.
• Worked in outpatient, acute care, and skilled nursing

• Acute, acute rehab and ICU patient care
• Developed training program for facility staff including patient transfer, gait and position training, equipment set-up and use
• Taught patients how to use braces, crutches, and prosthetic devices to reduce pain.
• Streamlined patient intake process, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of medical histories and treatment goals.
• Elevated patient care standards by actively participating in continuing education courses and implementing learned techniques into practice.
• Enhanced patient mobility and reduced recovery time by designing and implementing individualized treatment plans for post-surgical rehabilitation.
• Reduced incidence of workplace injuries in industrial clients by developing and delivering targeted ergonomic training programs.
• Facilitated patient recovery with customized therapeutic exercises tailored to individual needs and limitations.
• Fostered collaborative environment by leading interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and adjust treatments as necessary.
• Coordinated patient care with interdisciplinary team of medical professionals and specialists.
• Educated families and patients on proper body mechanics and self-care practices to improve long-term outcomes.
• Extended post-operative rehabilitation to improve surgical outcomes and recovery.