MELISSA SMITH

• Utilized [Software] to document nursing assessments, treatments, medications and discharge instructions.
• Provided effective patient education, ensuring understanding of medical conditions and treatment protocols for better selfmanagement.
• Promoted a safe environment by consistently adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
• Collaborated with healthcare team members to assess, implement and evaluate nursing care plans.
• Strengthened relationships between patients, families, and healthcare providers through clear communication and active listening skills.
• Communicated effectively with patients and family members to convey important instructions and discuss treatments.
• Ensured accuracy in patient records by meticulously documenting assessments, interventions, and outcomes, ultimately contributing to better-informed decision making by healthcare providers.
• Examined and treated patients' injuries and pressure wounds to promote healing.
• Delivered treatments and direct nursing care according to physicians' orders in the PCU environment.
• Established compassionate environment by providing psychological, emotional and spiritual support to patients and families.
• Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop optimal care plans, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
• Maintained high standards of clinical excellence through regular participation in professional development opportunities and staying current with industry best practices.
• Administered medication such as insulin and monitored patients' responses to detect problems.
• Facilitated timely discharges through efficient coordination with case managers, social workers, and physicians.
• Advanced critical thinking skills for prompt identification of potential complications or deteriorating conditions, leading to timely interventions that prevented further health decline.
• Administered basic patient care and treatments by dressing wounds, treating bedsores, giving enemas and performing catheterizations.
• Modified patient health treatment plans by observing patient conditions and responses.
• Reduced medication errors through vigilant monitoring and proper documentation of administered treatments.
• Contributed to reduced hospital readmissions by conducting thorough assessments and appropriately addressing patients'' concerns during their stay.
• Measured and recorded patients' vital signs every hour.
• Collected and documented vital signs to maintain current records of patients' conditions.
• Improved patient care by providing compassionate and comprehensive nursing support on a busy hospital floor.

As a CANM, I had the responsibilities of supervising up to 10 RN's and 5 Patient Care Technicians on a nightly basis. At the same time, I had a team to myself to work as a Primary Floor Nurse, as well as completing tasks in an Assistant Nurse Manager Position.

• Ensured accurate documentation of vital signs, symptoms, and medical histories for informed decision-making by healthcare providers.
• Provided compassionate support to patients undergoing challenging treatments or experiencing emotional distress related to their condition.
• Comforted anxious patients before procedures and listened to concerns, offering support, and compassion.
• Followed comprehensive clinical protocols to safeguard patient safety.
• Assisted healthcare professionals in providing high-quality treatment to patients, ensuring a smooth workflow.
• Collaborated with clinical staff to implement quality improvement initiatives that enhanced overall clinic performance metrics.
• Collaborated with medical and administrative personnel to maintain patient-focused, engaging, and compassionate environment.
• Obtained and documented patient medical history, vital signs and current complaints at intake.
• Taught patients about medications, procedures, and care plan instructions.

I came back to the jail as RN charge nurse, then transitioned to my current position as the Nurse Educator.

• Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
• Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
• Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
• Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
• Improved patient outcomes by providing high-quality nursing care and implementing evidence-based practices.
• Educated patients on disease management and self-care techniques, promoting lifestyle changes for improved health.
• Managed care from admission to discharge.
• Mentored new nursing staff, contributing to a supportive work environment and improved retention rates.
• Assessed patient conditions promptly upon admission to determine appropriate interventions and prioritize care needs.
• Trained new nurses in proper techniques, care standards, operational procedures, and safety protocols.
• Provided direct patient care, stabilized patients, and determined next course of action.
• Monitored patient reactions to drugs and carefully documented findings.
• Participated in professional development opportunities regularly to stay current on best practices in the field of nursing.
• Implemented infection control measures within the unit, maintaining a safe environment for both patients and staff members.
• Utilized advanced clinical skills such as wound care management or IV therapy administration, leading to faster recovery times for patients treated under my supervision.
• Administered medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
• Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
• Followed all personal and health data procedures to effectively comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
• Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.

• I worked as Telephonic RN Educator, providing education to patients regarding specialty medications for various medical conditions, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Crohn’s Disease.

I worked as a floor RN on a busy Med-Surg/Oncology floor. At this time, it was also the height of the COVID pandemic, and we were the COVID floor, so I took care of COVID positive patients nightly, providing physical and emotional support to patients who were afraid of what may happen with the illness.

• Delivered treatments and direct nursing care according to physicians' orders in the hospital environment.
• Coped effectively with mental and emotional challenges of positions by remaining centered on patients' needs and delivering quality care.
• Eased anxiety among patients facing challenging diagnoses or treatments by offering emotional support and empathetic guidance throughout their healthcare journey.
• Supported smooth transitions of care by effectively collaborating with other nurses during shift handovers, ensuring seamless continuity of patient care.
• Helped patients feel comfortable by adjusting positions and engaging in casual conversation.
• Supported patients in completing activities of daily living such as dressing, grooming and shower assistance.
• Upheld regulatory compliance within the nursing practice through adherence to state mandates, facility policies, and established ethical guidelines.
• Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
• Promoted patient and family comfort during challenging recoveries to enhance healing and eliminate non-compliance problems.
• Offered exceptional care and support to individuals recovering from acute incidents and dealing with chronic conditions.
• Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
• Delivered high level of quality care to diverse populations while overseeing patient admission and triaging based on acuity and appropriate department admission.
• Observed and documented patient factors such as diets, physical activity levels, and behaviors to understand conditions and effectively modify treatment plans.
• Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
• Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
• Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
• Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.

I worked as a Charge Nurse at the Brevard County Jail. I took care of an average of 24 Infirmary patients on a nightly basis, as well as seeing and treating emergencies and walk in patients to the Medical department, as well as supervising 4-5 LPNs who work the Pods.

• I worked as a Charge Nurse at the Volusia County Jail. I assessed and treated all medical emergencies, as well as taking care of the Inmates housed in the Infirmary department.

• I started at the Central Florida Reception Center as the RN in Triage, assessing and treating all walk-in patients and emergencies. I then became the RN on the Palliative Care Unit, caring for Inmates with Terminal illness, as well as assessing and treating walk-in patients and emergencies from general housing.

• I completed the admissions on all new patient admissions, as well as Discharging for residents going home from Short Term Rehab.

• I worked as the Unit Manager on a mix of Long Term Care and Sub Acute residents. I assisted with caring for the residents, as well as managing the Unit.

• I worked as the Weekend RN for Triage, performing telephone assessments on patients with acute issues, as well as performed visits on Hospice patients.

I worked as a Travel RN at an Oncology Clinic as an RN Clinical Assistant. In this role, I had the responsibility of triaging patients, calling Insurance companies, and educating patients on a daily basis.

• I worked as an RN Travel Nurse on a Med-Tele floor, caring for an average of 5-6 patients daily, as well as completing Admissions and Discharges on patients I was caring for.

• I worked as a Travel Nurse, working on various floors, including Med-Surg, Med-Tele, MICU, and Oncology.

• I started out working on the Med-Surg Unit, caring for 6-7 patients a night, performing floor nurse duties and Admissions, before transferring to the Med-Tele Unit, caring for an Average of 5-6 patients a day. On the Med-Tele unit, I cared for patients who were admitted with chest pain, and are pre/post cardiac procedure such as pacemaker/ICD implantation and cardiac ablation. Towards the end of my career for this company, I transferred to the Home Health Care department, working as an RN caring for Home Health patients.

• I worked as an RN Nurse Reviewer, completing telephone assessment as a third party between doctor’s offices/hospitals and insurance companies, reviewing requests for advanced testing for patients, such as CT scans, Bone Scans, and Colonoscopies.

• I started out working as an LPN at the Brevard County Jail, working the Pods, performing medication pass on an average of 150-200 Inmates, as well as completing sick calls for minor health issues, as well as covering as Charge Nurse. Once I started the RN Transition Program, I took care of all the patients in the 10 cell Infirmary, and Supervising the Pod LPN’s.

• I worked as an LPN traveling to various LTC/Rehab centers throughout Brevard County and Orange County, Florida. I worked on both the Long Term Care and Subacute sides.

• Worked as an LPN floor nurse on a busy Sub-Acute Unit of the Rehab Center for a year, until having to take time off to have my son.

• I worked as an LPN traveling to various LTC/Rehab centers throughout Brevard County and Orange County, Florida. I worked on both the Long Term Care and Subacute sides.

• Worked as an LPN on a busy Sub-Acute floor, as well as worked as an MDS/Care Plan Coordinator, completing Care Plans in compliance with Medicare standards.

• My first job as an LPN, worked as a floor nurse on both the Sub- Acute and Long Term Care floors.