MELISSA GRAHAM
Missouri City,TX
Summary
Operations Administrator and Registered Nurse experienced in championing healthcare standards and managing a team of 75 in high-volume medical settings. Fostered interdisciplinary relationships among staff and physician stakeholders to ensure quality patient care while adhering to HIPAA guidelines. Delivered efficient assessments and maintained composure under pressure, contributing to collaborative healthcare practices.
Compassionate Registered Nurse recognized for productive and efficient task completion. Skilled in patient assessment, emergency care, and pain management. Possess strong communication skills, adaptability to high-stress environments, and ability to work effectively in team settings. Excel in providing exceptional patient care through empathy, patience, and active listening.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of post-secondary education
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse, Oncology/Transplant
UTMB Healthcare Systems
Galveston, Texas
06.2024 - 10.2026
- Coordinated Memorial Hermann Hospital daily administrative operations across clinical departments.
- Managed patient records and confidential documentation following hospital compliance standards.
- Administered medications and monitored patient responses in clinical care settings.
- Coordinated care plans with physicians, therapists, and nursing staff.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions.
- Evaluated patient symptoms and determined urgency of care needed. and prioritized care based on symptoms and acuity.
- Assessed patient conditions and documented findings in healthcare facility records.
- Prepared sterile equipment and maintained infection control procedures across units.
- Supervised bedside care and guided junior nurses during shift routines.
- Communicated patient updates and escalated concerns to care teams promptly.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Monitored vital signs, administered injections, and provided assistance with medical procedures.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Documented patient progress notes accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record system.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of the critical care team.
- Adhered to infection control procedures to facilitate safe, clean patient environment.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Documented patient status, including vital signs and recovery progress; vital signs, recovery progress, and medication side effects.
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Provided patient care and education to patients with chronic illnesses.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Updated charts throughout shifts with current, accurate information to maintain strict recordkeeping standards.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient care plans.
- Oversaw patient admission and discharge processes to coordinate related paperwork.
- Provided patient and family health education focusing on self-management, prevention and wellness.
- Counseled patients regarding medication side effects or lifestyle changes necessary for improved health outcomes.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Maintained personal and team compliance with medication administration standards and patient care best practices.
- Ensured compliance with standards of professional practice as well as state and federal regulations related to health care delivery services.
- Coordinated discharge planning activities including arranging follow up appointments or referrals for additional services.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Conducted intake assessments with patients and relatives to gather case history.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Performed triage assessments of walk-in patients in a clinic setting.
- Educated patients and families on health care needs, conditions, and options.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Interpreted and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patients' condition.
- Monitored diet, physical activity, behaviours, and other patient factors to assess conditions and adjust treatment plans.
- Utilized computerized Resource and Patient Management System (RPMS) and Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid the physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Referred patients to specialized health resources or community agencies to furnish additional assistance.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Collaborated with health groups to plan or implement programs designed to improve overall health of communities.
- Achieved departmental goals and objectives by instituting new processes and standards for in-patient care.
Operations Administrator, (TIRR Medical Center)
Memorial Hermann Hospital
Houston, TX
01.2013 - 04.2024
- Direct the operations of the renowned TIRR Rehabilitation Center in the Medical center, supporting 120 patients ranging from children, adults, senior care, and international patients.
- Managed a team of 75 employees, including healthcare workers, nursing teams, administrative staff, and security.
- Provide healthcare and rehabilitation services to a broad range of disabilities from complex conditions including brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple trauma, and amputation, to rehabilitation for conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, post-polio syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
- Conducted patient rounds with staff to assess unit functionality and enhance care delivery.
- Responded to all rapid response calls and Code Blue calls, facilitating the transfer of patients to higher levels of care.
- Assign beds for new patients and ensure the placement of each patient is appropriate and just-in-case education for staff and families' care.
- Reviewed cost controls, budgeting, and employee performance to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.
- Ensured all HIPAA and JACHO policies are followed.
Charge Nurse Backup Nurse Administrator
RN-NIMU/NEU
10.2019 - 01.2020
- Supervised up to 5 nurses and 15 patients as a Charge Nurse, delivering high-quality healthcare services. Cared for patients on a Neuro IMUI unit. Neuro status Q2 hours.
- Coordinated patient transfers and managed discharge planning to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of care.
- Managed and coordinated the transfer of patients out of the unit and discharge planning.
- Provided valuable contributions to team efforts.
- Chosen as the backup Nurse Administrator for demonstrating strong leadership and clinical skills.
Manager Radiation Therapy Gamma Knife
OTOL, Neurophysiology
06.2014 - 10.2019
- Managed daily nurse, radiation therapist, and Gamma Knife Neurophysiology staff and partnered with physicians on patient care and coordination.
- Monitored monthly spending and budgets, reported to Director on expenditures and anticipated needs.
- Oversaw annual education programs for staff
- Provided key contributions to projects
- Assisted in build-out of Radiation Therapy Center, assessed equipment and staffing needs, and met all project deadlines.
- Contributions:
Charge RN/Clinical Nurse Manager
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Charged RN on a 40-bed General Medicine/Oncology Unit, an innovation through the creation of 7m Zero's a unit-based quality improvement group that eliminated CLABSlS and CAUTIS since July 2015 by planning hospital-wide implementation.
- Educated and inspired staff to develop to their full potential.
- Provided support to patients and their families through patient rounding and callbacks.
- Collaborated with physicians and employees, developing excellent rapport with a hands-on management style.
- Managed budgeting for a 40-bed Oncology unit with collaboration of staff and unit charge nurses.
- Contributions:
- Encouraged an enjoyable work environment for staff and patients, currently rated "Tier 1" for highest employee engagement.
- Magnet committee Chairperson, Skin Care Champ.
- Empowered staff by developing a unit-based staffing council.
Patient Care Assistant II/Unit Clerk/Monitor Tech
St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
Houston, Texas
01.2004 - 01.2012
- Delivered compassionate and responsive patient care, fostering a supportive environment.
- Oversaw front desk operations for General Medicine Unit, ensuring smooth patient flow and efficient communication.
- Executed telemetry monitoring with precision, enhancing patient safety and timely response to critical changes.
- Provided significant contributions to team projects.
- Recipient of the Friends of Nursing Fellowship RN Program.
Education
Master of Science - Nurse Management
Western Governor University
Salt Lake City, UT 11.2013 - 11.2015
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT 06.2010 - 06.2012
Skills
- Clinical Operations
- Nursing Management
- Clinical Background
- Trauma
- Rehabilitation
- Neuro IMU unit
- PICC line certification
- Staff Development
- Regulatory Policies
- Healthcare Budgeting
- Care planning
- JCAHO and HIPAA compliance
- Process Improvements
- Patient advocacy
- Strategic Planning
- Hospital administration
- Safety & Quality Standards
- Performance Assessment
- Staffing Levels
- Transplant Care Coordination
- Staff Recruitment
- Critical thinking
- Nursing Policies
- Cost Controls
- EHR management
- Medication administration
- Patient triage
- Care planning
- Infection control
- Patient assessment
- Discharge planning
- Care coordination
- Quality improvement
- Clinical documentation
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Team leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
- Infection Control Techniques
- Culturally-sensitive care
- Patient monitoring
- Patient assessments
- HIPAA education
- Critical care
- Coordinating referrals
- Electronic health records management
- Vascular care
- G-tube care
- Case management
- Shared governance model
- Patient Education
- Patient care planning
- Patient Follow-up
- Vital signs monitoring
- Tracheostomy care
- Performing ekgs
- Intake and discharge
- Autonomous nursing practice
- Treatment Planning
- Medical assessment
- Team management
- Licensed RN
- Medical Billing
- Patient Data Analysis
- Insulin medication assistance
- Culturally sensitive care
- Medical consultation
- Patient discharge
- Critical Care Equipment
- Time Management
- Strong medical ethics
- Intravenous therapy
- Patient reaction monitoring
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Chronic Care Management
- Neurology
- Setting up referrals
- Wound Management
- Mobility assistance
- Complex Problem-solving
- Clinical judgment
- Laboratory Collaboration
- Hospice care
- Oncology nursing
- Patient care
Certification
- Medical Surgical Certified/RN-BC, ACLS, BLS, Port a Cath certified, Chemotherapy/Biotherapy Credentialed
- Chemotherapy Desensitization
Accomplishments
Tier 1: all years of Management, Certificate of Achievement 3 years in a row, Press Ganey Representative for Ambulatory Practice Council
Personal accomplishments
2 WANBI REWARDS: Giving to RN by patient for excellent care.
MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN HEALTHCARE 2026: given to a Registered Nurse by coworker and leadership once a year
Timeline
Registered Nurse, Oncology/Transplant
UTMB Healthcare Systems
06.2024 - 10.2026
Charge Nurse Backup Nurse Administrator
RN-NIMU/NEU
10.2019 - 01.2020
Manager Radiation Therapy Gamma Knife
OTOL, Neurophysiology
06.2014 - 10.2019
Master of Science - Nurse Management
Western Governor University
11.2013 - 11.2015
Operations Administrator, (TIRR Medical Center)
Memorial Hermann Hospital
01.2013 - 04.2024
Charge RN/Clinical Nurse Manager
01.2013 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
06.2010 - 06.2012
Patient Care Assistant II/Unit Clerk/Monitor Tech
St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital
01.2004 - 01.2012