Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Melissa Knight

El Reno,OK
Melissa Knight

Summary

Dedicated Critical Care Registered Nurse with 14 years of direct patient care experience. Adept at doctor communication and patient education with extensive knowledge of treatments and planning long-term for patients. Successful at advocating patient needs and quick diagnoses.

Adept ICU Nurse with a proven track record enhancing patient recovery through expert clinical judgment and ethical practice. Spearheaded quality improvement initiatives, reducing ICU readmissions significantly. Skilled in emergency interventions and fostering patient and family support, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving abilities and compassionate care

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Overview

19
years of professional experience

Work History

OU Health Edmond Medical Center

ICU Nurse
07.2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions, providing compassionate care and support to families.
  • Conducted ongoing monitoring of vital signs, lab results, and diagnostic tests to promptly identify changes in patient conditions.
  • Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
  • Developed and implemented patient care plans based on physicians' instructions and generally accepted nursing practices.
  • Floated to other units including Medical Surgical and Emergency Department
  • Assisted in implementing changes to better serve our patients, such as rooming Step Down patients in ICU rather than in MedSug. This improved patient outcomes, as well as nurse and physician satisfaction.

Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City

ICU Nurse
06.2021 - 05.2022

Job overview

  • Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions in all 3 Critical Care Units; Covid ICU, Medical Surgical, and Neuro. ICU

Integris Portland Avenue

ICU Nurse
08.2020 - 06.2021

Job overview

  • Administered inpatient care to ICU patients in COVID-19 unit
  • Adapted to new facility and national protocols
  • Provided skilled-care to improve continuity of care

Select Specialty Hospital

Rehabilitation Nurse
06.2020 - 08.2020

Job overview

  • Managed complex wound care cases, utilizing advanced dressing techniques to promote timely healing while preventing complications such as infection or skin breakdowns.
  • Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care techniques and providing adaptive equipment recommendations.
  • Supported patients'' emotional well-being, providing compassionate listening during difficult times in their healing journey.
  • Mentored new rehabilitation nurses, sharing expertise in evidence-based practices leading to successful integration within the team.

Saint John Medical Center

Registered Nurse, CVICU
03.2020 - 05.2020

Job overview

  • Assisted with invasive CVICU procedures, such as central line placements and pulmonary artery catheter insertions, ensuring aseptic technique and patient comfort throughout the process.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in titrating vasoactive medications according to physician orders while closely monitoring hemodynamic parameters for early detection of adverse effects or trends that may require intervention or escalation of care.
  • Assisted in life-saving procedures such as CPR, defibrillation, and advanced airway management during critical events.
  • Participated in daily rounds with physicians, contributing valuable insights into patient conditions based on continuous assessments.

INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Step Down PCCU

Registered Nurse, Step Down Unit
06.2017 - 04.2018

Job overview

  • Mentored and supervised junior nurses, fostering a supportive and professional work environment.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients in the step-down unit, easing anxieties during transitions of care from intensive care units or surgical wards.
  • Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
  • Reduced readmission rates for patients with chronic conditions through comprehensive discharge planning and thorough patient education.
  • Utilized advanced clinical skills to manage complex patients, including those requiring telemetry monitoring and ventilator support.

OU Medical Center Edmond

ICU Nurse
11.2015 - 03.2017

Job overview

  • Elevated standards of care delivery by consistently demonstrating professionalism, ethical decision-making, and effective communication skills with both colleagues and patients alike.
  • Mentored and trained new nurses, ensuring they were well-prepared to provide high-quality care in critical situations.
  • Improved patient satisfaction scores by consistently delivering high-quality, compassionate care to all patients.

Hillcrest Medical Center

Burn ICU RN
07.2015 - 10.2015

Job overview

  • Enhanced patient recovery by implementing evidence-based burn care practices and closely monitoring progress.
  • Collaborated with surgical teams during skin grafting procedures to provide seamless perioperative support for patients requiring reconstructive surgeries after burn injuries.
  • Contributed to interdisciplinary research projects aimed at improving patient outcomes in the Burn ICU setting through evidence-based practice improvements

Deaconess Hospital

ICU Nurse
01.2015 - 07.2015

Job overview

  • Responded efficiently to medical emergencies within the hospital setting, providing life-saving interventions as needed.
  • Assisted physicians with invasive procedures such as central line insertions or bronchoscopies while maintaining strict sterile technique.
  • Provided emotional support to patients and families during critical illness or end-of-life situations.
  • Reduced ICU readmissions through thorough patient assessments, timely interventions, and effective discharge education.

Ascension Saint John Medical Center

Registered Nurse, AICU, CVICU, NTSICU
08.2014 - 01.2015

Job overview

  • Conducted neurological assessments at regular intervals, detecting subtle changes in clinical status that could signal worsening conditions or potential complications.
  • Reduced risk of infection by maintaining strict adherence to aseptic techniques during invasive procedures.
  • Participated in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing nursing practice and improving patient outcomes within the CVICU setting.

OSU Medical Center

ICU Nurse
08.2013 - 08.2014

Job overview

  • Reduced recovery time for surgical ICU patients by providing comprehensive post-operative care, including pain management and wound care.
  • Contributed to a decrease in hospital-acquired infections by maintaining strict sterile techniques during invasive procedures and dressing changes.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions from the ICU to lower acuity units by ensuring effective communication among healthcare providers during handoffs.

Eastar Health System

ICU Nurse
03.2013 - 08.2013

Job overview

  • Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
  • Developed and implemented patient care plans based on physicians' instructions and generally accepted nursing practices.
  • Facilitated smooth patient transfers between units by collaborating with other healthcare professionals, ensuring continuity of care throughout the hospital stay.
  • Coordinated timely responses to rapid response calls within the hospital facility leading to quicker intervention strategies for deteriorating patients.
  • Maintained strict adherence to infection control protocols, reducing hospital-acquired infections in the ICU setting.

Saint Anthony's Hospital

ICU Nurse
10.2010 - 03.2013

Job overview

  • Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions, providing compassionate care and support to families.
  • Continuously expanded clinical knowledge base through participation in educational workshops, seminars, and conferences related to critical care nursing.
  • Assessed and documented changes in patient's condition and prepared patient for transfer to higher level of care.
  • Helped stream line transition from paper charting to computerized EMR

Valir Rehabilitation Hospital

Rehabilitation Nurse
05.2010 - 07.2010

Job overview

  • Managed complex wound care cases, utilizing advanced dressing techniques to promote timely healing while preventing complications such as infection or skin breakdowns.
  • Promoted patient independence by teaching self-care techniques and providing adaptive equipment recommendations.
  • Implemented fall prevention strategies within the facility resulting in decreased falls among high-risk patients.
  • Championed patient advocacy, ensuring patients received appropriate services and were treated with dignity and respect.

Walmart

Customer Service Representative
08.2005 - 04.2008

Job overview

  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently processing return requests and maintaining accurate records.
  • Collaborated with warehouse team to accurately identify and restock returned products in a timely manner.
  • Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
  • Handled customer inquiries and suggestions courteously and professionally.
  • Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
  • Answered constant flow of customer calls with minimal wait times.

Education

Redlands Community College El Reno, OK

Associate of Science from Nursing
05.2010

University Overview

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OK

Bachelor of Science from Health Care Administration
05.2008

University Overview

Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OK

Bachelor of Arts from Spanish Language And Literature
05.2008

University Overview

El Reno High School El Reno, OK

High School Diploma
05.2003

University Overview

  • 6 Time A Honor Roll
  • Ranked in Top 10% of class
  • Key Club
  • Math and Science Club
  • Honor Society Member
  • Band Drum Major


Skills

  • Clinical judgment
  • End of life care
  • Intravenous therapy
  • Ethical Practice
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Resource Utilization
  • Quality Improvement
  • Blood Transfusion Administration
  • Cardiac monitors
  • Emergency Interventions
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • Endotracheal Intubations
  • Fluid Intake and Output Monitoring
  • Problem-Solving
  • Native Speaker and Translator

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

ICU Nurse
OU Health Edmond Medical Center
07.2022 - Current
ICU Nurse
Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City
06.2021 - 05.2022
ICU Nurse
Integris Portland Avenue
08.2020 - 06.2021
Rehabilitation Nurse
Select Specialty Hospital
06.2020 - 08.2020
Registered Nurse, CVICU
Saint John Medical Center
03.2020 - 05.2020
Registered Nurse, Step Down Unit
INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center, Step Down PCCU
06.2017 - 04.2018
ICU Nurse
OU Medical Center Edmond
11.2015 - 03.2017
Burn ICU RN
Hillcrest Medical Center
07.2015 - 10.2015
ICU Nurse
Deaconess Hospital
01.2015 - 07.2015
Registered Nurse, AICU, CVICU, NTSICU
Ascension Saint John Medical Center
08.2014 - 01.2015
ICU Nurse
OSU Medical Center
08.2013 - 08.2014
ICU Nurse
Eastar Health System
03.2013 - 08.2013
ICU Nurse
Saint Anthony's Hospital
10.2010 - 03.2013
Rehabilitation Nurse
Valir Rehabilitation Hospital
05.2010 - 07.2010
Customer Service Representative
Walmart
08.2005 - 04.2008
Redlands Community College
Associate of Science from Nursing
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science from Health Care Administration
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Arts from Spanish Language And Literature
El Reno High School
High School Diploma
Melissa Knight