Melissa Lama
Ponchatoula,LA
Summary
Accomplished Nurse Practitioner with a proven track record at Allen's Family Practice, adept in geriatric treatment and patient education. Spearheaded initiatives improving patient care quality, demonstrating exceptional leadership and clinical expertise. Skilled in diagnosing and managing acute conditions, with a commitment to advancing preventive care practices.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nurse Practitioner
Allen's Family Practice
08.2011 - Current
- Prescribed appropriate pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities to support health and comfort of patients.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Performed comprehensive physical examinations and documented patient histories to gather information and identify health issues.
- Provided medical services and care to approximately 85 patients per week with chronic and acute conditions.
- Coordinated with physicians, specialists, and other medical staff to develop treatment plans for chronic conditions.
- Discussed care plans with patients and explained test results and proper use of medications.
- Performed minor surgical procedures, handling suturing and wound care.
- Documented in and updated changes on patient conditions in EMR system.
Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse
North Oaks Medical Center
03.2007 - 07.2011
- Assessed patients to determine individual needs and develop care plans in coordination with multidisciplinary healthcare professionals.
- Wound, ostomy, and continence resource and clinician for 350 bed acute care hospital system with extensive knowledge related to prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.
- Educator for patients, nursing staff, physicians and students on wound, ostomy and continence care.
- Instructor for yearly nursing competency lab.
- Administrative responsibilities including creation of new policies and procedures, policy review and revision, assisting with budgeting, and assisting with product and equipment selection for facility.
Medical Surgical Charge Nurse
North Oaks Medical Center
10.2003 - 07.2005
- Charge and primary care nurse for 63 bed med/surg unit.
- Experience as staff nurse on post-op surgical, telemetry, medical units.
- Monitored patient vital signs to perform thorough condition assessments.
- Administered medications and treatment to patients and monitored responses while working with healthcare teams to adjust care plans.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Assisted physicians during rounds by providing accurate patient updates and facilitating informed decision-making about treatment plans.
- Maintained Joint Commission compliance within the Medical-Surgical department by adhering to established policies, procedures, and documentation requirements.
- Mentored new nurses in the Medical-Surgical unit to enhance clinical skills, foster professional growth, and promote teamwork within the department.
Home Health Nursing Supervisor
Concerned Care Home Health Agency
04.2003 - 10.2003
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues, and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
- Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
- Organized and scheduled patient load for nursing staff.
- Coordinated care between patient, nursing staff, and physicians.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LACertification/Diploma - Wound, Ostomy, Continence
Emory University
Atlanta, GAMaster of Science - Nursing
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond, LA05.2011
Skills
- Geriatric Treatment
- Women's Health Exams
- Minor Surgery Procedures
- Diabetes and Nutrition Treatments
- Preventive Care
- Acute Care Expertise
- Examination, Diagnosis and Treatment
- Precepting
- Patient Education
- Prescriptive and Distributing Authority
- Lab Result Evaluation
- HIPAA Guidelines
Certification
- CWOCN Training - 2007
- AANP Certified - 2011 - Present
Timeline
Nurse Practitioner
Allen's Family Practice
08.2011 - Current
Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse
North Oaks Medical Center
03.2007 - 07.2011
Medical Surgical Charge Nurse
North Oaks Medical Center
10.2003 - 07.2005
Home Health Nursing Supervisor
Concerned Care Home Health Agency
04.2003 - 10.2003
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Southeastern Louisiana University
Certification/Diploma - Wound, Ostomy, Continence
Emory University
Master of Science - Nursing
Southeastern Louisiana University
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