Melissa Helton-Eskew
Bath,IL
Summary
Nurse Navigator demonstrates critical thinking, initiative and expertise in multiple medical specialties to assist patients in achieving optimum health, reduced hospitalization and increased quality of life. Leverages comprehensive knowledge of general nursing theory to function autonomously in patient care, resource management and other areas of professional practice. Drives clinical, quality and cost effective outcomes for patient population by identifying best practices and targeting performance improvement efforts.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Navigator
Springfield Clinic
Springfield, IL
09.2021 - Current
- Provided comprehensive care coordination and support to patients throughout their healthcare journey
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients, ensuring continuity of care
- Assessed patient needs and facilitated access to appropriate medical services, resources, and community support programs
- Educated patients and their families about treatment options, procedures, medications, and potential side effects
- Managed a caseload of XX patients, coordinating appointments, tests, consultations, and referrals
- Developed and maintained relationships with local healthcare providers, clinics, and hospitals for referral purposes
- Serves as a liaison between physicians/specialists/hospitals and patients to ensure seamless care transitions
- Facilitated communication between healthcare providers involved in the patient's care plan for seamless coordination
- Collaborated with insurance providers to obtain pre-authorization for necessary treatments or procedures
- Provided emotional support to patients facing complex medical conditions or challenging diagnoses
- Utilized electronic health records (EHR) systems to document patient interactions accurately and maintain up-to-date records
- Monitored patient progress and outcomes through regular follow-ups to ensure adherence to treatment plans
Registered Nurse
Advanced Healthcare Services LLC
Springfield, IL
07.2020 - 08.2021
- Performs nursing assessments and develops, implements, and evaluates plans of care in conjunction with the physician, patient and caregivers per agency policy and procedure
- Plans and implements patient health teaching and health counseling of the disease process(es), self-care techniques and prevention and involves the patient's significant others in accomplishing health goals while promoting patient / family independence
- Coordinates services and scheduling with the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) and Clinical Team Coordinator (CTC) to include recommendations for added home health care services for patients to within 24 hours of Start of Care (SOC)
- Participates in health promotion and disease prevention activities
- Expresses verbal and written communication in a clear, positive, and cooperative manner
- Working knowledge of computer systems
Student Nurse/Clinical Rotations
Methodist Hospital Unity Point Health
Peoria, IL
01.2016 - 12.2019
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Participated in hands-on clinical training under the supervision of experienced nursing professionals to refine practical skills.
- Monitored patient vital signs, reporting any changes to experienced nursing staff.
- Administered medications and treatments as prescribed, ensuring patient safety and wellbeing.
Registered Medical Assistant
Springfield Clinic
Springfield, IL
04.2008 - 01.2015
- Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
- Performs nursing assessments and develops, implements, and evaluates plans of care in conjunction with the physician, patient and caregivers per policy and procedure
- Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
- Authorize drug refills and provide prescription information to pharmacies.
- Clean and sterilize instruments and dispose of contaminated supplies.
- Prepare and administer medications as directed by a physician.
- Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
- Administer Allergy Sub Q injections
- Help physicians examine and treat patients, handing them instruments or materials or performing such tasks as giving injections or removing sutures.
- Collect blood, tissue, or other laboratory specimens, log the specimens, and prepare them for testing.
- Contact medical facilities or departments to schedule patients for tests or admission.
- Operate x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG), or other equipment to administer routine diagnostic tests.
- Change dressings on wounds.
- Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
- Schedule appointments for patients.
- Inventory and order medical, lab, or office supplies or equipment.
Registered Medical Assistant/ Ophthalmic Assistant
Springfield Clinic
Springfield, IL
11.2003 - 04.2008
- Administer topical ophthalmic or oral medications.
- Assess abnormalities of color vision, such as amblyopia.
- Assess refractive condition of eyes, using retinoscope.
- Aid physicians in performing ophthalmic procedures, including surgery.
- Collect ophthalmic measurements or other diagnostic information, using ultrasound equipment, such as A-scan ultrasound biometry or B-scan ultrasonography equipment.
- Conduct tests, such as the Amsler Grid test, to measure central visual field used in the early diagnosis of macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diseases of the eye.
- Conduct tonometry or tomography tests to measure intraocular pressure.
- Conduct visual field tests to measure field of vision.
- Measure corneal curvature with keratometry or ophthalmometers to aid in the diagnosis of conditions, such as astigmatism.
- Measure visual acuity, including near, distance, pinhole, or dynamic visual acuity, using proper tests.
- Perform fluorescein angiography of the eye.
- Perform slit lamp bio microscopy procedures to diagnose disorders of the eye, such as retinitis, presbyopia, cataracts, or retinal detachment.
- Photograph patients' eye areas, using clinical photography techniques, to document retinal or corneal defects.
- Call patients to inquire about their post-operative status or recovery.
- Clean or sterilize ophthalmic or surgical instruments.
- Take and document patients' medical histories.
- Operate ophthalmic equipment, such as autorefractors, phoropters, tomography, or retinoscopes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Methodist College
Peoria, IL12.2019
Medical Assistant - Medical Assistant
Midwest Technical Institute
Springfield, IL10.2003
Skills
- Phlebotomy
- Triage
- MEDICAL TEAM COLLABORATION
- PROFICIENT WITH MICROSOFT APPLICATIONS: OUTLOOK, WORD, EXCEL, AND POWERPOINT
- Home health
- Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
- Clinical, communication and organizational skills
- Patient education
- Clinical assessment
- Care coordination
Certification
- RN License
- BLS Certification
- CPR Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- February 2020 to September 2026
- State of Illinois
- Registered Professional Nurse License # 041.491500
- Current and in good standing
Timeline
Nurse Navigator
Springfield Clinic
09.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse
Advanced Healthcare Services LLC
07.2020 - 08.2021
Student Nurse/Clinical Rotations
Methodist Hospital Unity Point Health
01.2016 - 12.2019
Registered Medical Assistant
Springfield Clinic
04.2008 - 01.2015
Registered Medical Assistant/ Ophthalmic Assistant
Springfield Clinic
11.2003 - 04.2008
Medical Assistant - Medical Assistant
Midwest Technical Institute
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Methodist College