Melissa S. Smith
Beebe,AR
Summary
Dedicated nursing leader with 27 years of experience at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, including continuous NICU experience since 1999 and specialized CVICU experience (2002–2006). Proven ability to lead 80+ direct reports, elevate team performance, and drive high-acuity pediatric operations. Experienced in payroll oversight and unit budget stewardship, ensuring responsible financial management. Recent clinical experience as a Neuro/Med-Surg RN at St. Vincent’s Hospital expands versatility across patient populations. Dedicated to patient rounding, discharge rounding, and improving overall patient satisfaction. Known for a deep dedication and compassion for Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s mission to make children better today and healthier tomorrow. Pursuing a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and active member of the American Academy of Nursing.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Neuro/Med-Surg RN
St. Vincent's Hospital
North Little Rock, AR
01.2024 - Current
- Provide direct care to adult neurological and medical-surgical patients including stroke and seizure care.
- Coordinate assessments, medication administration, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Strengthen adult-care competencies complementing extensive pediatric experience.
- Skillfully managed challenging patient situations using de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, and therapeutic communication skills.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based nursing interventions and individualized care plans.
Patient Care Manager, NICU
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Little Rock, AR
01.2009 - Current
- Lead daily operations of a Level IV NICU, supervising 80+ direct reports.
- Maintain payroll accuracy and provide stewardship of the unit's daily operating budget.
- Maintained stability by covering a six week NICU Director leave and a 12-month Patient Care Manager vacancy.
- Dedicated to patient rounding, discharge rounding, and driving improvements in overall patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated on an organization-wide Infection Prevention outbreak response work group, supporting rapid mitigation strategies and safety alignment.
- Participated in the recruitment and onboarding of our largest new graduate nursing group, strengthening staffing stability and long-term workforce development.
- Dedicated to the growth and career development of my direct reports as evidenced by the percent of staff who obtain their National Certification, and their advancement on the career ladder.
NICU RN
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Little Rock, AR
01.1999 - Current
- Delivered care to critically ill neonates requiring ventilatory support and complex medication management.
- Served as shift resource and preceptor for new nurses.
- Team Leader, mentor
CVICU RN
Arkansas Children's Hospital
Little Rock, AR
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Provided critical care for post-operative congenital heart patients requiring ECMO, ventilators, and vasoactive infusions.
- Collaborated with cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, and critical-care teams.
- Precepted new staff and supported unit competency development.
Patient Service Representative, Emergency Room
Baptist Health Medical Center
Little Rock, AR
01.1992 - 01.1998
- Supported high-volume emergency department operations.
- Coordinated patient flow, registration, and communication with clinical teams.
- Support patients and their families during stressful and traumatic events
- Conflict resolution and problem solving
- Exception communication skills
Education
Master of Healthcare Administration -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT03-2027
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2011
Associate Degree in Nursing -
Baptist Health University
Little Rock, AR01-1998
Skills
- High-Acuity Operations & Workflow Leadership
- Strategic Staffing & Workforce Planning
- Quality & Performance Improvement
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Coaching, Mentorship & Staff Development
- Patient- & Family-Centered Care
- Financial Stewardship: Payroll & Unit Budget Management
- Process Optimization & Standardization
- Medication and IV administration
- Direct patient care
- Documentation and charting
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient and family advocacy
Affiliations
- Active Member, American Academy of Nursing
- NICU PICC Team
- Magnet Champion
Certification
RNC-NIC – Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing
Timeline
Neuro/Med-Surg RN
St. Vincent's Hospital
01.2024 - Current
Patient Care Manager, NICU
Arkansas Children's Hospital
01.2009 - Current
CVICU RN
Arkansas Children's Hospital
01.2002 - 01.2006
NICU RN
Arkansas Children's Hospital
01.1999 - Current
Patient Service Representative, Emergency Room
Baptist Health Medical Center
01.1992 - 01.1998
Master of Healthcare Administration -
Western Governors University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Western Governors University
Associate Degree in Nursing -
Baptist Health University
Core Leadership Competencies
- High-Acuity Operations & Workflow Leadership
- Strategic Staffing & Workforce Planning
- Quality & Performance Improvement
- Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Coaching, Mentorship & Staff Development
- Patient- & Family-Centered Care
- Financial Stewardship: Payroll & Unit Budget Management
- Process Optimization & Standardization
Community Service
- Team Leader, Run for Our Sons Marathon – Raised over $5,000 for muscular dystrophy research.
- Supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities through Coke tab collection efforts.
- Contributor to the Humane Society through blanket donation initiatives.
- Active in community outreach and service within Metro Arkansas.