Melissa Hughes
Centralia
Summary
Compassionate Registered Nurse with experience providing high-quality perioperative care in orthopaedic surgery settings. Skilled in preoperative assessments, pre-admission testing, operating room procedure, PACU recovery, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Dedicated to delivering safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care while ensuring positive surgical outcomes. Recognized for strong communication, attention to detail, the ability to thrive in fast-paced clinical environments and willingness to learn all positions of the ambulatory surgery center.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates
01.2026 - Current
- Provide comprehensive nursing care for patients throughout the perioperative process.
- Complete preoperative assessments and patient education to prepare patients for surgery.
- Perform pre-admission testing and pre-surgical screenings to ensure patient readiness.
- Served as a circulating nurse, coordinating surgical cases, maintaining patient safety, ensuring accurate documentation, and advocating for patients throughout the surgical experience.
- Maintained strict sterile technique and aseptic practices to reduce infection risk and promote optimal surgical outcomes.
- Monitor patients in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), assessing recovery and responding to changes in condition.
- Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary team members to promote safe, efficient patient care.
Registered Nurse
Washington Orthopaedic Center
05.2025 - 12.2025
- Delivered preoperative and postoperative nursing care for orthopaedic surgical patients.
- Monitored patients recovering from anesthesia in the PACU.
- Conducted preoperative assessments, patient education, and pre-screening evaluations.
- Partnered with physicians and surgical staff to provide high-quality patient care.
Nursing Student
Providence St. Peter Hospital Operating Room
- 120 hours preceptorship
Certified Nursing Assistant
Pope's Place
01.2021 - 07.2022
- Assisted residents with activities of daily living while promoting dignity, comfort, and independence.
- Obtained and documented vital signs and reported changes in condition.
- Supported nursing staff with patient care, mobility assistance, infection prevention, and safety measures.
- Built trusting relationships with residents and families through compassionate communication.
Education
Associate in Applied Science - Associate Degree in Nurse (ADN)
Centralia College
Centralia, WA06-2024
Skills
- Perioperative Nursing
- Circulating Nurse
- Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
- Preoperative Assessments
- Pre-Admission Testing & Screening
- Preoperative Clinic
- Patient Assessment
- Patient Education
- IV Therapy & Medication Administration
- X ray (c arm)
- Infection Prevention
- Team Collaboration
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Washington State License #RN61592870
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Olympia Orthopaedic Associates
01.2026 - Current
Registered Nurse
Washington Orthopaedic Center
05.2025 - 12.2025
Certified Nursing Assistant
Pope's Place
01.2021 - 07.2022
Nursing Student
Providence St. Peter Hospital Operating Room
Associate in Applied Science - Associate Degree in Nurse (ADN)
Centralia College