Hi, I’m
Melissa Knight
ICU NURSE
El Reno,OK
Summary
Dedicated critical care registered nurse with over 15 years of ICU experience across multiple specialties including cardiovascular, neuro, burn, and step-down care. I thrive in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making and compassionate patient advocacy are essential. My goal is always to provide safe, high-quality care while supporting both patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments Throughout my career, I’ve led quality improvement initiatives, mentored new nurses, and contributed to reducing readmission rates and improving patient outcomes. I’m passionate about advancing evidence-based practices and supporting my team to provide the best care possible
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Integris Portland Avenue
ICU Nurse
06.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Acted as mentor to new nurses, improving overall unit competency and patient care standards.
- Improved patient satisfaction, providing compassionate care and clear communication about treatment plans.
- Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
- Advocated for patients' needs and preferences with healthcare team, ensuring patient-centered care.
- Administered life-saving treatments to critically ill patients, significantly improving patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for optimal patient recovery.
- Enhanced patient care with critical thinking and swift decision-making during emergencies.
- Managed critical care patients with complex medical conditions, providing compassionate care and support to families.
OU Health Edmond Medical Center
ICU Nurse
07.2022 - 08.2024
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
Associate of Science from Nursing
05.2010
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Science from Health Care Administration
05.2008
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Bachelor of Arts from Spanish Language And Literature
05.2008
El Reno High School
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
Integris Portland Avenue
06.2024 - Current
ICU Nurse
OU Health Edmond Medical Center
07.2022 - 08.2024
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
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