Melissa Miller
Western State Hospital
Swoope,VA
30
Years of experience
Compassionate Registered Nurse with 30 years of experience in Psychiatric and Mental Health care. Worked with dual diagnoses, acute and chronic mental illness, co-morbidities, end of life care, and geriatric care. Management and mentoring of staff on the medical unit in a Psychiatric hospital.
Work History
Registered Nurse II
29 Years 10 Months- Led crisis intervention sessions, ensuring patient safety and support.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
- Built trust with patients from various cultural backgrounds through culturally competent care practices tailored to individual needs.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or selfharm.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Demonstrated adaptability by providing coverage in various psychiatric units as needed, maintaining high standards of care across diverse patient populations.
- Collaborated proactively with psychiatrists to adjust treatment plans based on observed changes in symptoms or behavior patterns among patients.
- Advocated for and strived to protect health, safety, and rights of patient.
- Promoted a therapeutic environment by establishing rapport, maintaining boundaries, and fostering open communication with patients and families.
- Explained useful coping methods to relieve depression and anxiety.
- Performed patient assessments to monitor expected response to medications and altering treatment plans.
- Provided direct quality care to patients by monitoring, recording and evaluating psychiatric conditions.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing issues such as coping skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention.
- Served as a resource for nursing staff, providing guidance in the application of evidence-based practices in the psychiatric setting.
- Conducted therapy for mentally ill patients in group and individual settings to assist patients in achieving normalcy.
- Mentored nursing students during clinical rotations at the psychiatric facility, sharing knowledge and expertise while promoting their professional growth.
- Contributed to improved team morale by demonstrating a positive attitude, supporting colleagues during challenging situations, and celebrating shared successes.
- Monitored vital signs, nutritional intake and signs and symptoms of complications to report deviations to supervisor.
- Reduced hospital readmission rates through thorough discharge planning and patient education on medication management and self-care strategies.
- Conducted comprehensive psychological assessments to evaluate patient needs.
- Educated patients and families on mental health conditions and coping strategies.
- Mentored junior nursing staff on best practices in psychiatric care.
- Administered medication and monitored patient responses to treatment plans.
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Skills
Seclusion & restraint
Maintaining privacy
Documentation and charting
Long-term care
Collecting vitals
Performing ekgs
Professional bedside manner
Seizure management
Care planning
EMR systems
Patient monitoring
Taking vitals
Insulin medication assistance
Diabetes and nutrition education
Intake and discharge
Health screening
HIPAA education
Patient education and counseling
Patient management
Diabetes management
Feeding assistance
Complex Problem-solving
Hospice and palliative care
Procedure preparations
Compassion and empathy
Medical assessment
Mental health nursing
Patient evaluation
Infection control measures
ADL assistance
EMR / EHR
Patient assessments
Seclusion & restraint
Chronic disease management
Emotional awareness
Medication and IV administration
Personal care needs
Preventive health
Emergency procedures
Medication administration
Intravenous therapy
Vaccine administration
Geriatric nursing
Wound care
Removing sutures
Strong clinical judgment
Chart updating
Direct patient care
Emotional intelligence
Evaluations
De-escalation techniques for aggressive patients
Psychiatric diagnoses
management
and treatment
Care and treatment for both acute and chronic mental illnesses
Dual diagnoses and substance abuse disorders
Infection control and isolation protocols
Hoyer lifts
Feeding tubes
Medication and IV administration
Direct patient care
Patient assessments
Documentation and charting
Strong clinical judgment
Patient education and counseling
Clinical judgment
Patient and family advocacy
Wound care
Compassion and empathy
Patient monitoring
Professional bedside manner
Physical assessments
Patient care planning
Family education
Licensed RN
Patient discharge
Lab result interpretation
EMR systems
Performing ekgs
Complex Problem-solving
Proper catheter insertion/removal
Intake and discharge
Emergency response
Maintaining privacy
Relationship building
Vaccine administration
Chart updating
Diabetes management
Insulin medication assistance
EMR / EHR
High level of autonomy
Procedure preparations
Chronic disease management
Medical assessment
ADL assistance
Patient counseling
Staff supervision
Personal care needs
Treatment Planning
Emotional awareness
HIPAA education
Emotional intelligence
Health screening
Palliative care
Long-term care
Geriatric nursing
Mobility assistance
Removing sutures
Preventive health
Seizure management
At-risk patient care
Medical evaluation
Supply restocking
Timeline
Registered Nurse II
Western State Hospital
07.1996 - 05.2026Read More
Blue Ridge Community College
Associate of Science from Nursing
Read More