Melissa O'Connell
Fairfield, CA,CA
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with long term experience as an LVN in prison setting and Psychiatric nursing. Strong work ethic. Exceptional interpersonal skills. Ability to work interdisciplinary with nursing, custody and patient.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Peace Officer
CDCR-California Medical Facility, State of CA
Vacaville, CA
02.2020 - Current
- Prevention tactics and emergent interventions to prevent self harm and suicidal behaviors including immediate life saving measures waiting for medical response and through out the incidents.
- Provide direct supervision of patients in housing units, during recreational activities, and while they are out of their cells.
- Escort patients offsite for court appearances or medical appointments as necessary.
- Trained and experienced in emergency response for suicidal patients. Coordinating care care between nursing staff and custody staff during emergencies and and non emergencies.
- Maintaining a safe environment for staff and inmates using harm prevention strategies including monitoring, deescalation and using only the amount of force necessary.
- Escorting nurses on medication carts
Medical Technical Assistant (MTA)
State of CA, CDCR+DMH, DHS,PIP
Vacaville, CA
05.2008 - 02.2019
- As an MTA at CMF I worked as a hybrid Licensed Vocational Nurse and Peace Officer while under, CDCR, DMH (Department Mental Health), DSH (Department State Hospitals) and PIP (Psychiatric Inpatient Program) as the entity over same areas changed there.
- Prevention tactics and emergent interventions to self harm and suicidal behaviors.
- First responder giving urgent/ emergent care including life saving measures.
- Using my LVN licensure, I passed medication cart, gave regular and emergency injections, monitored for medication compliance. Monitored and documented side effects , reported to supervisors for followup care. Coordinated staff efforts together for care. Monitored 1:1 continual observation, slightly reduced safety checks, to standard 15 min safety checks. I assisted to applying 5 point restraints as ordered. Tracked input and output. Ensured correct ordered diet. Documented weekly Summaries in the chart and any abnormal things as needed. Held groups. Alarm emergency response, Ensured patient had correct Dr. ordered clothing and issue. Encourage meets with their clinicians. Met with clinicians to regularly share important info and goals.
- As the peace officer side, I used wrist cuffs when required, attended Treatment Teams to deescalate and use common language to help patients understand what is being said or asked by the clinicians. Radioed for assistance when emergency response was needed
State LVN
CDCR at CMF
Vacaville, CA
01.2007 - 05.2008
- Passed Medication on carts, held Fluzeon Injection clinics, long acting psychiatric injections. Diabetic blood sugar checks and after care as needed such as insulin or glucose tabs. Documentation.
- Worked in the Physical Therapy Clinic working with Drs. and Physical therapists,Occupational therapists. I administered Whirlpool with after care topicals and wraps/dressings as ordered.
LVN
Napa Vally Nephrology and Internal Medicine
Napa, CA
06.2005 - 01.2006
- While working under Drs. Paukert and Bursten in the clinic I took telephone triage calls, assessment. took questions from patients directly to the N.Ps and DRs. when required for quick intervention.
- Performed routine clinical duties such as taking vital signs, collecting specimens, and providing wound care. Reported any abnormal findings
- Served as a liaison between the clinic staff and physicians and insurance companies when necessary to resolve billing issues or obtain authorizations for services provided to the patient's plan of care.
- After received blood draw certification they sent me for I was able to draw blood and establish IV access for providers before they gave iron infusions.
- Give Aranesp injections as ordered.
- Took calls from QVH and other dialysis places with lab values, after taking info to the providers, returned telephone orders for Dialysis.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - License Vocational Nursing
Vernon College, Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls, TX08-2004
Skills
- Emergency Response experienced and trained
- Medication Administration
- Direct Patient Care in Prison setting
- Psychotropic medication knowledge
- Medication dispensing
- Mental health support
- Patient Observation
- Patient Charting
- Developing professional rapport
- Responsible and Dependable, have been working at the same location, CMF since 2008
Certification
- LVN License first issued in California 3/11/2005. Licensee expires 5/31/2026-current
- CPR and First Aid certified last on 2/29/2024-current
References
- RN Alyssa Reyes (707) 561-1732, email Alyssa.Reyes@cdcr.ca.gov
- CDCR Personnel Services (916)322-2469, employment verification,.
Noteable
- Covid vaccinated and boosted
Timeline
Correctional Peace Officer
CDCR-California Medical Facility, State of CA
02.2020 - Current
Medical Technical Assistant (MTA)
State of CA, CDCR+DMH, DHS,PIP
05.2008 - 02.2019
State LVN
CDCR at CMF
01.2007 - 05.2008
LVN
Napa Vally Nephrology and Internal Medicine
06.2005 - 01.2006
Some College (No Degree) - License Vocational Nursing
Vernon College, Wichita Falls